Mariposa Diving@Pandan Island

Mariposa Diving is situated on Pandan Island in Sablayan, acting as the main jumping-off point for those heading to the Apo Reef. This marine park is one of the largest reef systems on the planet, offering vast underwater landscapes that are best accessed through organised safaris.

The centre is integrated with the Pandan Island Dive Resort, an eco-responsible establishment built from natural materials. The entire site operates on solar energy, providing a quiet, nature-focused environment for your stay between dives.

Operating since 1991, the centre brings over three decades of experience to the Sablayan area. As an SSI-affiliated centre, they provide a structured environment for both recreational divers and those pursuing professional career paths.

Instruction is available in English and Dutch. The team manages everything from beginner Try Scuba programmes to advanced professional training, ensuring a consistent standard of safety and dive planning.

The training programme covers the full spectrum of SSI certifications. Beginners can start with Try Scuba, Scuba Diver, or Open Water Diver courses, progressing through Advanced Open Water Diver and Deep Diver.

For those looking to specialise, the centre offers courses in Nitrox, Navigation, Night Diving, and Boat Diver. More advanced students can pursue Rescue Diver, Divemaster, Assistant Instructor, and Open Water Instructor levels, as well as the Science of Diving.

The M/B Karla is a 21-metre vessel used for excursions and safaris. For day trips, the boat carries up to 8 passengers, while overnight stays are limited to 5 passengers to ensure a more intimate experience on the water.

On Apo Reef safaris, the boat provides breakfast and food on board. Nitrox is available for use during these trips, allowing for extended bottom times on the reef walls.

The centre offers full equipment hire for divers travelling without their own kit. This includes all the essentials required for reef and wall diving.

Nitrox is available on-site, and the centre is equipped with oxygen for safety purposes. The resort itself is solar-powered, maintaining an eco-friendly footprint throughout your stay.

The local reefs are home to a diverse array of marine life, including sea turtles, rays, and various reef fish. You will frequently encounter schools of fusiliers, surgeonfish, and triggerfish moving across the reef flat.

On the deeper walls and around Apo Reef, larger pelagics are a highlight. Look out for barracuda, napoleon wrasse, and various shark species, including grey sharks and white tip sharks. Eagle rays and carangues are also known to patrol these waters.

Macro life and smaller residents include various species of shrimp, moray eels, and sand eels. The reef structure also provides habitats for many species of eels and crustaceans.

During certain periods, hammerhead sharks and manta rays have been recorded in the area. Occasional sightings of whale sharks also occur, though these are not guaranteed.

The best time to visit is during the dry season from December to June. During this period, the conditions are generally most favourable for diving.

Between July and October, the region enters the rainy and typhoon season, which can impact accessibility and conditions. At Apo Reef, currents can be unpredictable, so divers should be prepared for varying water movement.