Divestory

Located at Panagsama Beach in Moalboal, Divestory is a versatile dive centre serving the Cebu region. It provides a gateway to some of the most famous underwater phenomena in the Philippines, most notably the massive sardine runs that define this coastline.

Whether you are looking to complete your first Open Water Diver certification or are a technical diver seeking TDI Trimix training, the centre is equipped to handle a broad spectrum of expertise. The location allows for easy access to both shallow reef flats and deeper, more challenging wall dives.

The centre operates with a focus on small groups, maintaining a ratio of two divers per guide to ensure close supervision and safety. This approach is particularly beneficial for those working through certification programmes or navigating more complex sites.

Divestory is affiliated with PADI, SSI, SDI, and TDI, allowing for a wide range of recognised certifications. The team is capable of supporting international visitors, with staff providing assistance in English, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and Russian.

Training at Divestory covers the entire spectrum of diving disciplines. For recreational divers, the centre offers PADI and SSI courses from Open Water Diver through to Advanced Open Water Diver and Rescue Diver, as well as Divemaster training.

For those moving into technical diving, the centre provides a comprehensive TDI curriculum. This includes TDI Intro to Tech, Advanced Nitrox, Decompression Procedures, Extended Range, and various Trimix courses up to Trimix 75m. They also offer specialised training in Sidemount, DPV, and even Freediving.

The centre offers a complete range of equipment for hire, including regulators, wetsuits, and fins. For those looking to test high-end kit before committing to a purchase, premium equipment is available for rental.

On-site facilities include equipment rinsing areas and storage. For night dives, torches are available, and the centre provides specialized items such as corrective masks and towel hire. Nitrox is available for divers looking to extend their no-decompression limits.

The waters around Moalboal are defined by massive seasonal movements and resident reef life. You will regularly encounter large schools of sardines, tuna, and mackerel, often accompanied by predators like Great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda). Sea turtles and various reef fish, such as parrotfish and snapper, are common sights across the different reef structures.

The walls and drop-offs are home to a diverse array of larger species. Keep an eye out for scorpionfish, lionfish, and various species of grouper, as well as rays and occasional sharks. In deeper areas, you may encounter batfish (Platax) and larger pelagics.

For macro enthusiasts, the area is a treasure trove of smaller life. The sandy bottoms and reef crevices host nudibranchs, shrimp (Caridea), and boxer shrimp. You can also find ghost pipefish (Solenostomidae), sea anemones, and various species of crabs (Brachyura) tucked into the coral.

The reef architecture itself is stunning, featuring a mix of hard corals and soft corals. In deeper sections, large gorgonians and sponges provide a complex habitat for species like seahorses, pipefish, and various types of gobies.

Conditions in Moalboal vary significantly depending on the specific site. The Pescador North and Sunken Island sites are known for strong currents and swell, making them suitable only for experienced, advanced divers.

In contrast, sites like Pescador South and the Tongo Sanctuary offer much calmer environments, with minimal currents, making them ideal for a wider range of experience levels. Some sites are naturally protected from heavy waves, providing reliable diving even when sea conditions are slightly unsettled.