Submariner Diving Center

Submariner Diving Center has been a fixture of the El Nido diving scene since 2005. Situated in the centre of town, it provides a reliable base for exploring the Bacuit Archipelago and the wider Palawan region. Whether you are looking for your first breath underwater or advancing through technical training, the centre is built to handle a wide spectrum of experience levels.

The centre is a PADI 5 Star IDC and TecRec resort, meaning it is equipped to handle both recreational and technical diving requirements. This dual focus allows for a seamless transition between standard reef exploration and more advanced decompression diving or wreck penetration training.

The instruction team consists of PADI certified instructors and divemasters with a collective experience of over 50 years. Safety is managed through strict ratios, with training groups limited to two students per instructor, which is more stringent than the standard PADI requirement of four.

Beyond basic training, the centre is equipped to teach specialised skills, including PADI Underwater Navigator, PADI Drift Diver, and PADI Search and Recovery Diver. For those looking to professionalise, the centre serves as an IDC facility, offering the full pathway through to PADI Divemaster.

The course catalogue is extensive, catering to every stage of a diver's development. Beginners can start with the PADI Open Water Diver or the PADI Referral Open Water programme, while children aged 8 and up can begin their journey with the Bubble Maker course.

For experienced divers, the centre offers advanced training including PADI Advanced Open Water Diver, PADI Deep Diver, and the PADI Rescue Diver course. Technical training is a core strength, with PADI Tec 40, Tec 45, and Tec 50 courses available through their TecRec status, alongside PADI Enriched Air Diver certifications.

The fleet consists of four vessels, including three traditional Banka boats, which are the largest of their kind in the region. These boats are well-equipped for full-day excursions, featuring an on-board kitchen, toilets, a dedicated space for storage, and stations for tea and coffee. Lunch is provided on board during trips.

For quicker transits or specific dive profiles, the centre also operates a 10-metre speedboat. All boats are outfitted with necessary navigation tools and safety equipment to ensure reliable passage between the various islands and reefs.

The centre provides full equipment hire for divers, covering everything from regulators to wetsuits. All kit is meticulously maintained and regularly updated to ensure reliability in the field.

Nitrox is available for divers looking to extend their bottom time on recreational dives. For those staying on-site, the Beach House offers accommodation with private rooms and dormitories, some of which overlook the bay.

The reefs are teeming with a wide variety of tropical fish, including parrotfish, surgeonfish, angelfish, and various species of grouper. You will regularly see fusiliers, yellowtail snapper, and clownfish darting through the coral structures. Large schools of mackerel, tuna, and carangue are also common sights in the open water.

For those interested in larger animals, blacktip reef sharks, green sea turtles, and hawksbill turtles are frequently encountered. Blue-spotted stingrays and various sea snakes inhabit the sandy patches and reef edges. During certain seasons, whale sharks may also be present in the area.

Macro enthusiasts will find plenty to observe, from colourful nudibranchs to various crabs and eels. The smaller inhabitants, including many different types of macro creatures, provide endless interest for those with a keen eye.

The best time to dive in this region is from November to May, when the waters are typically calm and clear. During this period, visibility is excellent, often ranging between 10 and 30 metres.

Between June and October, the area can experience occasional rain and rougher sea conditions. Divers should plan their trips accordingly to account for the seasonal changes in the swell and sea state.