Turtle Divers

Turtle Divers is situated in the centre of El Nido on Serena Street, just a short walk from the floating pier and the jetty. The shop is positioned only ten metres from the beach, making it a convenient base for your diving trips.

This PADI affiliated centre is owned and operated by Filipinos, providing a local perspective on the waters of the Bacuit Archipelago. The operation is designed to suit different preferences, offering daily departures for either morning or afternoon dive sessions.

The team operates in English, ensuring clear communication for international divers. The centre maintains a friendly, local atmosphere while following PADI standards for all training and guided excursions.

For those looking to progress their skills, the centre provides instruction ranging from initial certifications to professional level training. They also offer Scuba Review refresher courses for divers looking to get back into the water.

The centre offers a full range of PADI courses for all experience levels. Beginners can start with Discover Scuba Diving or work towards their PADI Open Water Diver certification.

For those looking to advance, the PADI Advanced Open Water course is available, alongside professional training for those pursuing the Divemaster course. They also provide Scuba Review refresher courses to ensure your skills are sharp before heading out to the reef.

The centre utilises a variety of vessels depending on the size of your group. Smaller groups typically head out on fast motorboats to reach the sites efficiently.

For larger groups, local outrigger boats are used, allowing you to experience the traditional way of navigating the archipelago. For sunrise dives, snacks, coffee, and biscuits are provided on board to start your day.

Turtle Divers provides full equipment hire using reputable brands including Aqualung, Apeks, and Mares. If you prefer to use your own kit, a discount is available for divers bringing their own equipment.

To ensure a smooth start to your trip, it is recommended to come by the centre to fit your equipment the evening before your scheduled dive.

The reefs are home to a vast array of marine life, with over 850 species of fish recorded in the area. You can expect to see various species of grouper, yellow snappers, jacks, and parrotfish patrolling the coral. Large tridacna clams are also a common feature of the reef landscape.

Pelagic life is a highlight of the region. Depending on your timing, you may encounter whale sharks, eagle rays, or manta rays. Other frequent visitors include rays and various types of turtles.

For those interested in macro life, the area offers plenty of interest with nudibranchs, trumpetfish, and various species of lobster. You will also find moray eels and giant pufferfish amongst the reef structures and crevices.

The diving in the Bacuit Archipelago is primarily reef-based, with sites accessible to all levels. The local boat operations allow for both morning and afternoon sessions to suit your schedule.