Camotes Dive Centre

Located on Tulang Dako in Esperanza, Camotes Dive Centre serves as the primary gateway to the marine biodiversity of the Camotes Islands. The centre is positioned directly opposite the island of Tulang Diot, providing immediate access to some of the region's most vibrant coral gardens.

Reaching the centre involves a two-hour ferry journey from Cebu, followed by a short drive or walk from the Camotes centre. Once you arrive, you are set to explore a network of more than 21 dive sites that remain largely untouched by mass tourism.

The centre operates as a PADI Dive Centre, employing a team of certified PADI Divemasters with years of local experience. They cater to a wide range of abilities, from children aged eight and up through the Bubblemaker programme to advanced professionals.

Instruction covers the full spectrum of PADI certifications, including entry-level courses, specialty training, and professional development. The team is experienced in managing both recreational divers and those working towards their Divemaster qualification.

The centre provides a comprehensive range of PADI training. Beginners can start with Discover Scuba Diving or the Bubblemaker programme for younger divers, eventually progressing through the Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver courses.

For those looking to specialise or advance their skills, the centre offers the PADI Nitrox course, Emergency First Response, and Rescue Diver training. Professional divers can also undertake the Divemaster course on-site.

The primary vessel is the Princesa Jasmine, a 16-metre traditional wooden Bangka. This boat is equipped with bamboo stabilisers (katig) and features twin engines to ensure reliable transit and safety during your trips.

The Princesa Jasmine has a capacity of 10 passengers. For those looking to extend their time on the water, the boat is used for night dives and can also be hired for half-day trips for dolphin watching.

Nitrox is available on-site for divers looking to optimise their profiles. While the centre offers various services, they provide free drinking water for all divers on board.

For those travelling from further afield, the centre can organise land transfers using a spacious van to get you from the ferry terminals to the dive site.

The reefs are defined by a rich tapestry of hard coral (Scleractinia) and soft coral (Alcyonacea), alongside delicate sea whips, barrel sponges, and various sea fans (Gorgoniidae). You will find these structures populated by colourful Anthias (Anthias), Butterflyfish (Chaetodon), and Parrotfish (Calotomus).

Large pelagics and schooling fish are a regular sight. Divers often encounter schools of jacks (Carangidae), trevallies, and big mouth mackerels, as well as Great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) and Dogtooth tuna (Gymnosarda unicolor). You may also see Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), Batfish (Platax), and various species of shark (Selachimorpha), including Reef shark (Carcharhinus).

In the shallows and around the reef structures, look for Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) and Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata). Other common residents include Lionfish (Pterois volitans), Trumpetfish (Aulostomidae), and Clownfish (Amphiprion).

For macro enthusiasts, the area offers plenty to explore. You can find Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani), Octopus (Octopus vulgaris), Scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae), and various species of shrimp (Caridea), crabs (Brachyura), and ribbon eels.

The centre manages dives across a variety of environments, including reef flats, walls, and drift dives. Specific seasonal conditions for currents and swell are managed by the Divemasters on a dive-by-dive basis.