About this tour
Always wanted to try scuba but never had the chance? Mactan's gentle, easy-access house reefs make it one of the best places in the Philippines to take your very first breaths underwater. On this Discover Scuba experience, a PADI-certified instructor walks you through the basics on the surface, teaches you how to use the gear and equalize, then guides you down on a shallow, controlled dive.
You will glide over coral gardens and meet Mactan's reef residents, clownfish, wrasse, and colorful soft corals, while your instructor stays right beside you the whole time. No certification, no prior experience, and even non-swimmers can usually join, since you are accompanied at all times and stay within recreational depths.
Most operators run from a PADI dive center or resort on the Mactan coast, with all equipment, instruction, and often hotel transfers and refreshments included. It is a brilliant introduction that many travelers use as a stepping stone to a full Open Water course later in their trip. Bring a swimsuit and a towel; the rest is provided.
Highlights
- ✓First-time scuba dive with a PADI instructor at your side
- ✓No certification or experience needed
- ✓Explore Mactan's coral gardens and reef fish
- ✓All dive equipment and instruction provided
- ✓A perfect stepping stone toward Open Water certification
What's included
- ✓PADI instructor and small-group or private guiding
- ✓Full scuba equipment rental
- ✓Pre-dive briefing and training
- ✓One guided introductory dive
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to know how to swim?
Basic comfort in water helps, but Discover Scuba is designed for beginners and even nervous swimmers, since the instructor stays with you and you remain in shallow water.
How deep will I go?
Introductory dives stay within shallow recreational limits, typically up to about 12 meters, under direct supervision.
Can I count this toward a course?
Yes. Many centers credit a Discover Scuba experience toward a full PADI Open Water Diver certification if you continue with them.
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