Bicol Scuba Diving School

Bicol Scuba Diving School is situated in Donsol, Sorsogon, a region of the Philippines known for its rich marine biodiversity. Based at the Vitton Beach Resort, the centre serves as a gateway to some of the most interesting underwater environments in the area, ranging from intricate coral structures to open water encounters with large pelagics.

The school operates with a focus on discovery and environmental protection, aiming to connect divers with the local ecosystem. Whether you are looking to complete your first certification or are working towards professional levels, the centre provides the structured environment needed to progress safely in these waters.

The team at Bicol Scuba Diving School is composed of professional instructors who prioritise personalised training. They are known for their patience, ensuring that students of all levels feel supported during their training sessions or guided explorations.

The school offers a full spectrum of educational programmes, catering to everyone from those taking their first breaths underwater to professional candidates. The instruction is designed to be thorough, covering everything from basic skills to the advanced management required for professional diving roles.

The school offers a complete curriculum of courses for all stages of a diver's development. Beginners can start with Discover Scuba Diving or work through the Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver certifications.

For those looking to advance their skills or career, the centre provides Rescue Diver and Emergency First Response (EFR) training. Professional candidates can undertake the Divemaster course, with the school providing the necessary guidance and support for this level of certification.

The centre provides a complete range of equipment for hire, allowing you to travel light. You can rent a full kit, including regulators, BCDs, and fins, or select specific items such as masks and wetsuits if you prefer to use your own.

For those needing assistance with logistics, the centre can organise airport transfers and local transport, including car and motorbike rentals, to help you reach the dive site and your accommodation easily.

The waters around Donsol are home to a diverse array of marine life. On the reef walls and coral structures, you will find a wealth of colourful nudibranchs, trumpetfish, and frogfish. These sites are particularly rewarding for those who enjoy observing the smaller, more intricate details of the reef.

For those seeking larger encounters, the area offers significant pelagic opportunities. Depending on the season, you may encounter manta rays, reef sharks, thresher sharks, and whale sharks. These large species are often seen during excursions to the Mantabowl Shoal and Ticao.

The reef itself is a living landscape, providing a home for a variety of fish and invertebrates that thrive in the healthy coral environments of the region.

Conditions can vary depending on the specific site you are visiting. At Mantabowl Shoal, divers should be prepared for moderate to strong currents, which can affect the choice of dive sites within the atoll.

Planning your trip around the seasonal presence of larger species, such as whale sharks and manta rays, will ensure the best possible chance of these pelagic encounters.