Nelson's Dive Center

Located at Panagsama Beach in Moalboal, Nelson's Dive Center is a cornerstone of the local diving community. Having been established in 1979, the centre has spent decades navigating the waters of Cebu, providing a stable and experienced foundation for both local and visiting divers.

The centre is positioned perfectly to access the diverse ecosystems of the area, ranging from deep walls to interesting wreck sites. With its own house reef available, you can easily transition from the shore to the underwater world, making it a practical choice for those staying on-site.

With over 45 years of experience in the Philippines, the team at Nelson's Dive Center brings a wealth of local knowledge to every outing. Their long history in Moalboal means they understand the nuances of the local currents and the best times to encounter specific pelagics.

The centre offers accommodation, allowing you to remain close to the dive sites and the boat departures. All communication and instruction are provided in English, ensuring clear technical briefings and safety protocols for all divers.

Nelson's Dive Center provides a range of training programmes for divers at all stages of their journey. Their curriculum covers everything from introductory courses to advanced certifications.

Whether you are looking to begin your journey or are seeking to advance your skills through professional-level training, the centre is equipped to handle a variety of educational requirements.

The centre provides various rental options for those not travelling with their own kit, including fins, masks, and wetsuits. They also offer full kit hire for divers who prefer to use locally maintained equipment.

For those staying at the centre, the proximity to the water and the availability of on-site accommodation simplifies the logistics of your diving trip, allowing you to focus on your dives rather than transport.

The waters around Moalboal are rich with large marine life. You may encounter whale sharks, barracuda, and various species of sharks, including small sharks and white-tip reef sharks. These pelagics are a significant draw for divers exploring the deeper sections of the reef.

The reef is heavily decorated with soft corals, providing a vibrant backdrop for the resident fish. You will regularly see Napoleon wrasse, lionfish, and various species of goby inhabiting the structures.

For macro enthusiasts, the area is a treasure trove. Keep a close eye on the reef for nudibranchs, pygmy seahorses, and various species of ghost pipefish. The presence of octopus and blue-ringed octopus adds to the diversity of the smaller creatures found in the crevices.

Other notable inhabitants include jellyfish, frogfish, and mandarin fish, which can be found amongst the corals and reef flats. The variety of life, from the tiny nudibranch to the large whale shark, makes the local ecosystem exceptionally diverse.