Sablayan Divers

Located in Sablayan, Philippines, this dive centre serves as a gateway to some of the most significant marine environments in the archipelago. The primary focus is on expeditions to Apo Reef, a massive reef system situated in the middle of the Mindoro Strait, and the offshore pinnacle of Discovery Bank.

For those looking to disconnect, the centre organises trips to Apo Reef that include camping on the island. This allows you to experience the reef's remote beauty away from the mainland, providing a unique opportunity to dive in a truly isolated marine park setting.

The team brings more than 20 years of diving industry experience to the Sablayan area. They operate with a philosophy of maintaining high professional standards while fostering a warm, informal atmosphere for their guests.

As an affiliate of SDI and TDI, the centre is well-equipped to handle a wide range of diver requirements. They specialise in both recreational training and more advanced diving, ensuring that whether you are a novice or a seasoned professional, the instruction is precise and tailored to your level.

The centre provides a comprehensive range of SDI and TDI courses. For those starting their journey, they offer Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver certifications.

For divers looking to progress their careers or technical skills, the curriculum includes Divemaster training, Nitrox, and Deep Diving specialities.

The centre is one of the few operators in the Sablayan area to offer Nitrox training and enriched air refills on-site. This is a significant advantage for divers looking to extend their bottom times on the deeper walls and pinnacles of the region.

While the centre can recommend local hotels and guesthouses for your stay in Sablayan, the Apo Reef expeditions involve camping on the island itself. Please note that freshwater is limited on the island and electricity is only available between 18:00 and 21:00, making it a true digital detox experience.

The marine life at Apo Reef and Discovery Bank is dominated by large pelagics and diverse reef species. You can expect to see various sharks, including whitetip reef sharks, as well as hammerhead sharks during specific seasons. Large schools of tuna, jacks, and barracudas are common, alongside eagle rays and manta rays.

The reef itself is a vibrant ecosystem featuring humphead parrotfish, Napoleon wrasse, and various species of fusiliers and snapper. Green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles are also regularly seen throughout the area.

The underwater scenery is built upon a foundation of nearly 200 coral species, providing a complex habitat for the diverse fish populations that inhabit the reef flats and walls.

The best time to visit is between October and May, with the peak period occurring from December to March. During these months, the water temperatures are slightly cooler, which often leads to increased pelagic activity.

Divers should be prepared for challenging conditions at certain sites; both Apo Reef and Discovery Bank can experience strong currents. It is generally advised to avoid diving in the region from June to September due to the rainy season.