Philippine Fun Divers, Inc

Philippine Fun Divers has been a fixture of the Panglao diving scene since 2008, operating from the vibrant Alona Beach on the south coast of Bohol. As a PADI 5 Star Dive Resort, the centre has built a reputation for organised, reliable operations that cater to both the recreational diver and the professional student.

The centre is ideally positioned for those looking to explore the best of the region, with easy access to the marine parks of Balicasag and the diverse reefs of Pamilacan. Whether you are looking for a relaxed reef slope or a challenging wall dive, the logistics are handled with a focus on efficiency and diver comfort.

The team is composed of expert instructors and qualified Divemasters who work together to ensure a high standard of safety and service. They are experienced in handling a wide range of divers, from those taking their first breaths underwater to professionals working through the IDC.

Communication is straightforward, with the team providing instruction and guidance in English, German, Japanese, and Tagalog. This multilingual approach helps ensure that safety briefings and technical training are clearly understood by a global clientele.

The training programme is comprehensive, covering the entire PADI spectrum. You can start with Discover Scuba Diving or the Bubblemaker and Seal Team programmes for younger divers, before progressing through Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver.

For more experienced divers, the centre offers a wide array of specialty courses including Nitrox, Deep Diver, Wreck, Underwater Navigation, and Drift Diver. Professional training is also available, covering Rescue Diver, Divemaster, and the Instructor Development Course (IDC).

The centre operates a versatile fleet of four boats, including traditional outrigger banca boats and faster speedboats. These vessels are equipped with various motorisations, ranging from 75hp outboards to 220hp inboard marine engines, allowing the team to reach sites like Balicasag and Pamilacan with ease.

On board, you will find essential amenities including water, snacks such as fruit, cookies, and biscuits, as well as hot water, coffee, and tea. Safety is a priority, with emergency signalling devices, portable radios, life jackets, and safety deco equipment all maintained on the vessels.

For those opting to hire kit, the centre maintains a full range of high-quality equipment from reputable brands including Mares, Aqua Lung, Scubapro, and Apeks. You can find everything from regulators to wetsuits, ensuring you are well-equipped for the local conditions.

The centre provides aluminium cylinders in 10L, 12L, and 15L volumes, fitted with both INT and DIN valves to suit your personal regulator preference. Nitrox is available on-site for divers looking to extend their bottom times.

The marine life around Panglao is diverse and vibrant. You will regularly encounter green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) patrolling the reefs. Large schools of Jack (Carangidae), Great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda), and various fusiliers (Caesio) create constant movement across the water column.

On the reef slopes, look for Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), various groupers (Epinephelus), and surgeonfish (Acanthuridae). The landscape is beautifully decorated with hard corals, soft corals, and sea fans (Gorgoniidae), providing a complex habitat for reef fish like butterflyfish (Chaetodon) and rabbitfish.

For macro enthusiasts, the area offers plenty of interest, including colourful nudibranchs (Chromodoris willani), frogfish (Antennarius), and various species of shrimp (Caridea). You may also spot ghost pipefish (Solenostomidae), scorpionfish, and even the elusive pygmy seahorse (Hippocampus bargibanti) amongst the coral structures.

Diving in this region is primarily conducted via boat, with departures scheduled for early morning and night dives. The choice of vessel, from traditional bancas to speedboats, allows the team to navigate the local waters effectively.

When planning your trip to Balicasag Island, be aware that access is managed through an advanced reservation system to protect the marine park. This system limits the number of divers allowed at the site each day.