Why Dive in the Philippines?
An archipelago of over 7,000 islands sitting in the Coral Triangle — the region with the highest marine biodiversity on Earth. Tropical waters at 26–30°C, excellent dry-season visibility, and dive sites for every level: from shallow coral gardens to deep shark encounters. Course and dive costs are significantly lower than in Europe, making diving courses in the Philippines a smart choice for beginners and experienced divers alike.
Top Diving Regions in the Philippines
Cebu & Malapascua
Cebu Island offers convenient access from the international airport. Malapascua, about 4 hours from Cebu, is home to thresher sharks at Kimud Shoal — one of the most iconic dives in the Philippines.
Bohol & Panglao
Bohol is famous for macro diving, seahorses, and dolphins. Panglao offers colorful coral reefs and shallow sites ideal for beginners.
Palawan & Coron
Western islands with historic shipwrecks, turquoise lagoons, and pristine reefs. Best for experienced divers seeking adventure.
Tubbataha & Sulu
Protected marine reserves in the southern Philippines with extraordinary biodiversity. Limited seasonal access — experienced divers only.
Why Malapascua Is the Ultimate Destination for Diving Courses in the Philippines
Among all dive destinations in the Philippines, Malapascua stands out for a rare combination: the famous thresher shark site at Kimud Shoal, an intimate dive community, and professional dive centers with small groups. Deep Blue Center, operating since 2010, offers full SDI courses — from Discover Scuba to Open Water and Advanced — with real dives at Kimud Shoal as part of the experience.
- Thresher sharks at Kimud Shoal — a unique dawn dive found in only a handful of places worldwide
- Small groups — no overcrowded boats, personal attention for every diver
- Professional SDI courses — online study, pool sessions, and open-water dives
- All gear included — divemaster, sanctuary fees, and free hotel pickup
- Easy access from Cebu — taxi, bus, and daily ferry to the island
SDI Dive Courses in Malapascua
Choosing a diving course in the Philippines? At Deep Blue Center you'll find complete SDI certification programs with instruction in English or Hebrew:
Discover Scuba Dive
A one-day experience with a personal instructor — ideal for trying diving before committing to a full course.
View CoursesSDI Open Water Course
3–4 days of professional training certifying you as a licensed diver worldwide. Includes online study, pool, and Kimud Shoal dives.
Enroll in Open WaterUltimate Course Bundle
Open Water + Advanced Adventure at a discounted price — seamless progression and significant savings vs. separate courses.
Explore the BundleTop Dive Sites in Malapascua
Beyond courses, Malapascua offers diverse dive sites for every level — from thresher sharks to macro photography and night dives:
Kimud Shoal
World-famous thresher shark cleaning station — an unforgettable dawn dive.
Dive Kimud ShoalGato Island
Marine reserve with walls, swim-throughs, and a thrilling shark cave — for advanced divers.
Dive Gato IslandTrip Planning — Diving Courses in the Philippines
When Is the Best Time to Dive?
The Philippines is diveable almost year-round. Dry season (November–May) offers calm seas and excellent visibility — ideal for courses and Kimud Shoal dives. Rainy season (June–October) is still suitable, with many sunny days and calm mornings.
How to Get to Malapascua?
Fly to Cebu (Mactan), taxi to the North Bus Terminal, bus or van to Maya Port, then a 30-minute boat ride to the island. On the island, motorcycle taxis bring you directly to the dive center at Lighthouse Bay.
What to Bring?
Valid passport, travel insurance with dive coverage, swimwear, sunscreen, and an underwater camera if you have one. All dive gear is included in Deep Blue courses and packages.
Ready for Your Diving Course in the Philippines?
Book your SDI course in Malapascua — thresher shark diving, small groups, and a professional team.