Atlas Divers Malapascua, Atlas Divers Philippines, Inc.

Located in Daanbantayan on Malapascua Island, Atlas Divers is a cornerstone of the local diving community. The centre has established itself as a leading training hub, holding the title of the number one SSI training centre in the Philippines for three consecutive years.

This is a destination defined by its unique biological significance, offering divers the chance to witness pelagic thresher sharks in their natural habitat. Whether you are coming to complete your first certification or to pursue a professional internship, the centre provides a structured and safety-oriented environment.

As an SSI Diamond Center, Atlas Divers operates with a high level of professional accreditation. They offer training through both SSI and PADI pathways, catering to a global community of divers. The team is dedicated to marine conservation, integrating environmental protection and reef restoration into their core activities.

The centre provides a range of educational programmes, from basic skills to advanced ecology specialties like Shark Ecology and Coral Identification. For those looking to turn diving into a career, they offer the SSI Divemaster course and a Blue Action Diving internship that lasts a minimum of two weeks.

The course catalogue is extensive, covering every level of diver proficiency. Beginners can start with Try Scuba Diving or progress through the SSI Open Water or PADI Open Water courses. Advanced divers can further their skills with SSI or PADI Advanced Open Water, Deep Diver, or Enriched Air Nitrox certifications.

Specialised training is a significant part of the curriculum, including Shark Ecology, Navigation, and Perfect Buoyancy. The centre also offers professional tracks such as the SSI Divemaster programme and the Blue Action Diving internship. For those needing a refresher, Scuba Skills Update sessions are available.

The centre maintains a high standard of kit, utilising reputable brands such as ScubaPro, Apex, and Aqualung. Full rental sets are available, including regulators, BCDs, weights, masks, fins, and 3mm wetsuits, though you will need to provide your own dive computer.

Nitrox is available on-site for divers looking to extend their bottom time. For those wanting to capture their underwater experiences, GoPro and DJI cameras can be hired for your dives. The centre also provides essential amenities for boat trips, including water, snacks, coffee, tea, and lunch, with vegetarian and vegan options available.

The area is world-renowned for its pelagics. You will regularly encounter pelagic thresher sharks, tiger sharks, grey reef sharks, and whitetip reef sharks. Larger species such as manta rays and devil rays also frequent these waters.

For macro photographers and keen observers, the reefs offer incredible diversity. You can find pygmy seahorses, octopuses, cuttlefish, nudibranchs, and frogfish tucked away in the reef structure. Electric clams and various species of sea cucumbers also inhabit the seabed.

The reef itself is a vibrant habitat, supporting a variety of life from small crustaceans to larger reef inhabitants. The presence of diverse coral and healthy reef ecosystems provides the necessary foundation for the abundance of marine life found here.

Diving schedules are organised around the local marine activity, with early departures for Kimud and Monad Shoal to catch the pelagics. Night diving is also a standard part of the local offering, particularly at sites like Lighthouse Reef.

Divers should be aware that the area is subject to local maritime restrictions and weather conditions. The centre strongly recommends that all divers hold comprehensive travel and medical insurance to account for any changes in sea conditions or coast guard requirements.