Seaquest Dive Center

Seaquest Dive Center is the most established diving operation in Panglao, Bohol, having operated in the region since 1990. With roots dating back to 1981 in Moalboal, Cebu, the centre brings decades of local knowledge and operational experience to every dive.

Located directly on Alona Beach, the centre is ideally positioned for divers looking to explore the reefs of Panglao and the surrounding islands. Whether you are visiting for a single day of exploration or a multi-centre holiday including their Moalboal location, the operation is designed around professional standards and efficiency.

The team is comprised of international instructors and highly experienced local divemasters, some of whom have been with the centre for 28 years. This combination ensures that you benefit from global training standards alongside deep, local expertise of the specific currents and site nuances in the Bohol Sea.

As a PADI 5 Star IDC Resort, the centre is a hub for professional development, capable of conducting courses from Open Water Diver through to Instructor Development Courses. The staff is multilingual, with English, Spanish, and Dutch spoken on-site to assist international divers.

The centre offers the complete spectrum of PADI training. Beginners can start with Bubblemaker or Junior Open Water Diver programs, progressing through Open Water Diver, Adventure Diver, and Advanced Open Water Diver.

Specialty training is extensive, covering PADI Deep Diver, Night Diver, Wreck Diver, and Peak Performance Buoyancy. For those interested in technical or professional paths, the centre provides courses for Divemaster, IDC Staff Instructor, and Master Instructor, alongside MSDT Specialty Instructor courses. Other specialties include Diver Propulsion Vehicle, Underwater Photographer, Fish Identification, and Underwater Navigator.

The centre operates a fleet of six boats to service its daily schedules. For local dives around the Alona Beach reef, two new speedboats are used to ensure quick transit times to the sites.

For longer excursions to islands like Balicasag or Pamilacan, the centre utilises two comfortable local bangka outrigger boats. These vessels are well-suited for day trips and island hopping across the region.

Onshore, the centre is equipped with a Bauer V15 compressor to ensure a clean and reliable air supply. For those looking to extend their bottom time, Nitrox is available for certified divers.

Full rental kit is provided, featuring equipment from Scubapro, Cressi, and Aqualung. The cylinder selection includes 10 and 12-litre aluminium cylinders, as well as 15-litre steel cylinders fitted with both INT and DIN valves. For those needing extra assistance, dive computers and underwater cameras are also available for hire.

The reefs around Panglao are rich in hard corals and soft corals, providing a complex habitat for a vast array of reef fish. You will regularly encounter various species of snapper, grouper (Epinephelus), and colourful butterflyfish (Chaetodon), alongside schools of fusilier and jack (Carangidae).

For macro enthusiasts, the area is a significant draw. The sandy slopes and reef crevices host a variety of nudibranchs, ghost pipefish (Solenostomidae), and various species of frogfish (Antennarius). Keep a close eye on the rubble and seagrass for scorpionfish, decorated crabs, and even the elusive wonderpus.

Larger pelagics and interesting residents can also be found, including great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda), various species of moray eel (Muraenidae), and turtles. While not a guarantee, whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) are occasionally seen in the area.

Diving in the area can involve varying conditions depending on the site. Some locations, such as BBC, can experience moderate currents which are ideal for drift diving. Most sites offer visibility ranging from 8 to 30 metres.