La Tortue Dive Center

Located in Dauin, Negros Oriental, La Tortue Diving Center has been operating since February 2020. The centre is positioned perfectly for those looking to explore the diverse marine ecosystems of the Philippines, from the intricate macro life of the Dauin muck sites to the expansive coral gardens of Apo Island.

The centre operates as both a dive shop and a resort, providing a base for divers to stay in beachfront bamboo rooms or cottages. Its location offers easy access via the nearby port or airport, with convenient connections to Siquijor, Bohol, and Cebu, as well as bus links to Moalboal.

Founded by Marielle and Nicolas, the centre maintains a young, professional team with a focus on personalised service and a family atmosphere. The instruction and guiding are conducted in both French and English, making it a convenient choice for francophone divers or international travellers.

As an SSI and FFESSM affiliated centre, they provide structured training and guided explorations. The team's approach is centred on a deep appreciation for nature, particularly for those interested in the specific requirements of macro photography and turtle observation.

La Tortue offers a comprehensive curriculum through SSI and FFESSM certifications. Beginners can start with Try SCUBA or work through the Open Water Diver course.

For those looking to progress, the centre provides Advanced Open Water, Deep Diver, and Nitrox courses. This allows divers to build the skills necessary for the more varied conditions found at sites like Cogon or the deeper sections of the reef.

The centre provides a full range of equipment for hire, ensuring you can arrive with just your personal essentials. This includes everything from regulators and BCDs to fins and masks.

Nitrox is available on-site for divers looking to extend their bottom times. The facility is designed to be a complete base, with on-site accommodation and a restaurant serving local and international dishes to recharge between dives.

The area is a haven for sea turtle (Cheloniidae) enthusiasts, with Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) and Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) frequently encountered across the reefs. Large schools of fish define the underwater landscape, including fusiliers, jacks (Carangidae), and various species of snapper (Lutjanus).

For those interested in larger predators, the currents often bring in Great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda), tuna, and bigeye trevally (Caranx). You may also spot reef sharks (Carcharhinus) and various rays (Batoidea) patrolling the deeper sections of the walls.

The macro life is exceptional, making this a primary destination for photographers. The sandy and muck areas host a wealth of Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani), Frogfish (Antennarius), and various species of octopus, including the mimic octopus and wonderpus octopus. Look closely for Seahorse (Hippocampus kuda), ghost pipefish (Solenostomidae), and various species of shrimp (Caridea) and crabs (Brachyura).

The reef structure itself is built upon a rich foundation of hard corals, soft corals (Alcyonacea), and massive gorgonian sea fans (Gorgoniidae), providing a complex habitat for anemones and sponges (Porifera).

Diving conditions vary significantly depending on the site. While sites like Katipanan and Kan-uran offer calm, low-current environments, others like Coconut Point and Cogon are subject to strong, multi-directional currents that require more experienced diver handling.

For those planning trips to Apo Island, the best window for diving is typically between November and May.