Montara Diving

Montara Diving is situated on the island of Panglao, Bohol, a premier destination for tropical reef diving in the Philippines. The centre is positioned to provide access to the area's diverse marine ecosystems, ranging from shallow reef flats to more complex underwater landscapes.

Whether you are looking to complete your first certification or are an experienced diver seeking guided explorations, the centre focuses on professional instruction and safe underwater experiences. The local waters are known for their clarity and the abundance of tropical marine life that defines the Bohol region.

The centre is affiliated with PADI and is run by a team of certified instructors. They provide personalised guidance for all levels, ensuring that both beginners and more advanced divers receive appropriate supervision.

Instruction is conducted in English, making it straightforward for international divers to follow coursework and safety briefings. The team is experienced in handling a variety of diver needs, from those undertaking their first breath underwater to those working towards higher certification levels.

The centre offers a comprehensive suite of PADI courses designed to take you from your first encounter with the ocean to advanced rescue skills. Beginners can start with the Open Water Diver course, while those looking to expand their capabilities can progress to the Advanced Open Water Course.

For divers looking to further their safety training and leadership skills, the Rescue Diver course is also available on-site.

For divers travelling without their own gear, Montara Diving provides a full range of equipment for hire. This includes essential kit such as regulators, BCDs, and wetsuits, allowing you to focus on the diving itself.

Shore-based facilities are organised to support your diving schedule, providing the necessary kit for both daytime reef explorations and scheduled night dives.

The reefs around Panglao are characterised by a healthy presence of hard corals, soft corals, and Gorgonian. These structures provide the essential habitat for a vast array of reef fish, including various species of Wrasse (Labridae), Butterflyfish (Chaetodon), and Anthias (Anthias).

You will frequently encounter larger pelagics and reef residents such as Groupers (Epinephelinae), Jacks (Carangidae), and Barracuda (Sphyraena). Schools of Fusilier (Caesio) and various tropical fish move through the water column, while Surgeonfish (Acanthuridae) and rabbitfish graze on the reef.

Sea turtles are a regular sight in these waters, with both Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) and Hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) appearing on the reefs. You may also spot Rays (Batoidea), including the Spotted eagle ray (Aetobatus narinari), and occasionally Manta rays (Mobula alfredi).

For those with an eye for macro life, the area offers significant interest. Look closely for colourful nudibranchs, Ghost pipefish (Solenostomidae), and various species of shrimp (Caridea). Scorpionfish, Frogfish (Antennariidae), and even the elusive Pygmy seahorse (Hippocampus bargibanti) can be found amongst the corals and crevices.