JNP Diving Centre

JNP Diving Centre is situated on the shores of Panglao Island in the Visayas region, positioned near the Modala Beach Resort. Its location provides a convenient base for divers looking to explore the waters around Bohol and the surrounding islands.

The centre is well-positioned for those arriving via Panglao International Airport, which is just a 15-minute drive away. For those travelling from Cebu, the journey involves a ferry crossing to Bohol followed by a short land transfer to the Panglao area.

The centre operates with a focus on diverse marine activities, ranging from technical scuba diving to snorkeling and sunset cruises. Their services are designed to cater to those looking for structured diving or local island hopping excursions.

Instruction and guidance are provided in English, ensuring clear communication for international divers. The team manages a variety of water-based activities, including local tours and boat trips for visitors staying in the nearby hotels and guest houses.

The centre offers a range of diving services, including guided exploration dives for those looking to visit local reefs. They provide the necessary framework for divers to explore the underwater world of Panglao and its neighbouring islands.

The centre maintains a dedicated fleet of six boats, named Joy, Peace, Faith, Love, Right, and Trust. These vessels facilitate the daily dive trips and island hopping excursions throughout the region.

These boats are used to reach key locations such as Balicasag Island, allowing divers to access some of the most significant marine environments in the Philippines.

On-site facilities include a shop for the sale and rental of diving equipment and various water sports accessories. This allows you to secure necessary kit before heading out on a boat.

Beyond standard scuba gear, the centre provides equipment for snorkeling and other local marine excursions.

The marine life in this region is diverse, with many large pelagics passing through the area. You may encounter Whale shark (Rhincodon typus) and various species of rays, including the Spotted eagle ray (Aetobatus narinari) and Manta ray (Mobula alfredi). Schools of fish such as Jack (Carangidae), Barracuda (Sphyraena), and Tuna (Thunnus) are common, alongside Fusilier (Caesio) and various reef fish.

The reef structures are built upon a foundation of hard corals and soft corals, often featuring Gorgonian (Gorgonacea) fans. You will frequently see various species of turtles, including the Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) and the Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), navigating the reef flat.

For those interested in macro life, the area supports a wide array of smaller organisms. Look for colourful nudibranchs, including Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani), as well as Ghost pipefish (Solenostomidae), Pygmy seahorse (Hippocampus bargibanti), and various species of shrimp (Caridea). Other notable finds include Frogfish (Antennariidae), scorpionfish, and various species of wrasse (Labridae).

The diving in this region is characterised by the tropical waters of the Visayas. Divers should plan their trips around local weather patterns to make the most of the boat excursions and island hopping tours.