Dive Sibaltan

Located on the tranquil northeastern coast of Palawan, Dive Sibaltan offers a gateway to some of the most unspoilt marine environments in the Philippines. The centre is situated in Sibaltan, a peaceful village roughly 45 minutes from El Nido, providing a much quieter alternative to the more heavily trafficked diving hubs in the region.

Since its founding in 2017, the centre has focused on eco-conscious diving, prioritising the protection of the local ecosystems. By operating out of this quieter corner of the archipelago, you can enjoy vibrant coral reefs and significant marine life encounters without the crowds often found in more central locations.

The team at Dive Sibaltan is composed largely of local community members who operate with a family-like atmosphere. This local expertise ensures that the diving is personalised and deeply connected to the surrounding environment.

Safety and support are central to their operation, with a guided ratio of four divers per guide. This allows for a more attentive experience, whether you are completing your first certification or working towards your Divemaster.

As a PADI affiliated centre, Dive Sibaltan offers a comprehensive range of training. Beginners can start with Discover Scuba Diving or the Bubblemaker programme, progressing through to Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver.

For those looking to specialise or advance their careers, the centre provides PADI courses including Rescue Diver, EFR, and Divemaster. They also offer various specialty training such as Peak Performance Buoyancy, Deep Diver, Underwater Navigation, Drift Diver, Fish Identification, and Underwater Photography, as well as Search and Recovery training.

The centre operates a 30ft fiberglass speedboat equipped with a 115 hp Yamaha outboard engine. The vessel has a capacity for 8 divers and is used for half-day trips to the surrounding reefs and the Linapacan Archipelago.

On board, you will find snacks, coffee, and drinking water to keep you hydrated between dives.

The centre provides full equipment hire, with a focus on reliable brands including Aqualung and Apeks. All kit is maintained in-house by dedicated technicians to ensure it is in good working order for every dive.

For those staying on-site, the facility includes a cozy cafe and seaside rooms with private balconies and bathrooms. While the village has basic shops and an ATM, the centre provides Starlink internet access 24/7 via a solar-powered system.

The waters around Sibaltan are home to significant pelagics. You can encounter manta rays at dedicated cleaning stations and blacktip reef sharks patrolling the area. These larger species are often seen alongside various rays and a wide array of colourful reef fish.

On the reef flats and surrounding structures, the biodiversity is high, featuring a variety of vibrant coral reefs that support a dense population of marine life. You may also spot monitor lizards and geckos around the coastal village area.

Macro life and smaller inhabitants include a variety of reef fish that inhabit the coral structures, contributing to the overall health and colour of the ecosystem.

Dive site selection is always determined by the current weather and sea conditions to ensure diver safety. The centre operates two daily schedules, with departures in the morning and afternoon.

Divers should note that all dives are conducted as non-decompression dives with a mandatory safety stop. It is recommended to take a Refresher course if you have not dived in over a year, and this is required if it has been more than two years.