Mactan Scuba Dive Center

Located in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Mactan Scuba Dive Center has been a fixture of the local diving community since 2004. Operating primarily from the shores of Vano Beach, the centre provides a gateway to the diverse marine environments of the Philippines.

Whether you prefer the simplicity of a shore dive or the reach of a boat excursion, the centre caters to all levels of experience. You can explore the immediate house reefs or head out to the islands of Olango and Nalusuan to find more varied topography.

The centre is an SSI Diamond Dive Center, representing a high level of affiliation within the agency. This status is backed by a team of professional instructors and Dive Masters who bring decades of combined experience to every dive.

Their approach focuses on safety and professional service, ensuring that both novice divers on their first experience and seasoned professionals are well-supported. The team is experienced in guiding divers through various environments, from shallow reefs to deeper wall dives.

The centre provides a comprehensive training programme through SSI, covering every stage of a diver's progression. Beginners can start with Discovery Scuba Dives to get a feel for the underwater environment.

For those looking to formalise their skills, the centre runs full Open Water courses. Professional candidates can also pursue advanced training, including the Professional SCUBA Instructor qualification.

For those looking to explore beyond the local shoreline, the centre organises boat trips to several key sites around the Cebu coast. These excursions cover the waters surrounding Mactan, Cordova, Sulpa, Olango, Hilutungan, and Nalusuan.

On these trips, you can expect to complete two or three dives. The centre provides snacks, drinks, and lunch on board to keep you fuelled throughout the day, and the cost of boat fees and marine fees is included in the service.

Mactan Scuba Dive Center offers full equipment hire for divers who do not wish to carry their own kit. This includes all the necessary components for a complete dive setup.

For shore-based dives at Vaño and Palm Beach, the service includes your guide, equipment rental, beach fees, and drinks.

The marine life in this region is diverse and active. You will regularly encounter large schools of jacks and various species of turtles. The reefs are also home to various shrimp and many different types of nudibranchs.

For those interested in macro life, the area is excellent for spotting smaller inhabitants. Look closely amongst the reef structures to find various species of shrimp and a wide array of nudibranchs.

The larger animals, such as the turtles and the passing schools of jacks, provide constant movement and interest throughout your dives.

The centre offers both shore dives and boat-based excursions. Shore diving is concentrated around the house reefs of Vaño and Palm Beach, while boat trips allow you to reach the more distant island sites.