Piratas Alona Dive Center

Piratas Alona Dive Center has been operating for over 10 years, providing a base for divers looking to explore the waters of Bohol. The centre is situated in a prime location directly on Alona Beach, Panglao, making it easy to transition from the shore to the boat.

Founded by a small international team, the centre focuses on a human-centred approach to diving. Whether you are looking to complete your first bubbles or you are an experienced diver seeking specific marine life, the team provides a professional and welcoming environment.

The centre is run by a dedicated team including two Spanish brothers, Alberto and José, and Tata from the Philippines. This international mix ensures a professional atmosphere with a focus on ocean respect and personalised instruction.

Instruction is tailored to the individual, catering to everyone from those starting with Discover Scuba Diving to more advanced divers. The team is experienced in managing both local reef explorations and trips to more distant sites like Pamilacan Island.

The centre offers training for beginners through the Discover Scuba Diving programme. They provide personalised courses designed to suit your specific pace and level of experience.

Full equipment hire is available on-site for those not travelling with their own kit. You can rent complete sets, including regulators and BCDs, or select individual items such as masks, fins, and wetsuits.

For those interested in night diving, torches are available for hire to ensure you can navigate the reef after dark.

The reefs around Panglao are vibrant, characterized by extensive hard corals and soft corals. You will regularly encounter turtles, including Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) and Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), navigating the reef structures.

Large pelagics are a highlight of the region, with Manta ray (Mobula alfredi) being a sought-after sight. You may also encounter various species of Ray (Batoidea), such as the Spotted eagle ray (Aetobatus narinari), and schools of Jack (Carangidae) or Barracuda (Sphyraena) patrolling the blue.

The local fish populations are diverse, featuring Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), Grouper (Epinephelinae), various Wrasse (Labridae), and colourful Butterflyfish (Chaetodon). You will also see plenty of Anthias (Anthias), Fusilier (Caesio), and Surgeonfish (Acanthuridae) amongst the coral heads.

For macro enthusiasts, the area is rich with smaller life. Keep an eye out for colourful nudibranchs, including Chromodoris willani, as well as Frogfish (Antennariidae), Ghost pipefish (Solenostomidae), and various species of shrimp (Caridea). Scorpionfish and various species of pipefish are also frequently found tucked into the reef architecture.

Diving at Pamilacan Island often involves moderate currents, making it a preferred site for drift diving. Most other local sites offer a range of conditions suitable for various experience levels.