Valm Divers Alona Beach

Situated in the heart of Alona Beach on Panglao Island, Valm Divers provides a professional base for exploring the rich marine biodiversity of Bohol. The centre is ideally positioned for those looking to access the local reef flats or for those planning boat excursions to the region's most famous protected sanctuaries.

Whether you are looking for a quick shore entry at the Alona House Reef or a multi-day expedition, the centre caters to a wide range of diving styles. Their location makes it easy to transition from local training to the more advanced drift dives and wall dives found throughout the archipelago.

As an SSI IDC Center, Valm Divers is equipped to handle the full spectrum of diver development. They offer a structured progression from initial student levels through to the professional ranks of Divemaster and Instructor Training Courses.

Quality of instruction is maintained through a strict diver-to-guide ratio, with a maximum of four divers per guide. This ensures personalised attention during training or guided excursions. The team operates primarily in English, making it straightforward for international divers to communicate during briefings and courses.

The centre also maintains a strong commitment to the local environment, participating in marine conservation efforts such as beach clean-ups and equipment donations to support the local ecosystem.

The training programme is comprehensive, covering all SSI certification levels. Beginners can start with Discover Scuba Diving or work through the Open Water Diver and Scuba Diver courses. For those looking to advance, the centre offers the SSI Advanced Adventurer, Advanced Open Water Diver, and specialised modules such as Deep Diving, Navigation, and Wreck Diving.

Professional divers can utilise the centre's IDC status to pursue Divemaster or Instructor Training Courses. There is also a strong emphasis on skill refinement and specialised knowledge, with courses available in Perfect Buoyancy, Marine Ecology, Fish Identification, and Night and Limited Visibility diving. Specialty training such as Diver Stress and Rescue, Search and Recovery, and the Science of Diving is also provided.

For those looking to head further afield, the centre utilises a variety of vessels including traditional bangkas and motor speedboats. These are used for daily excursions to nearby sites like Balicasag Island.

For a more immersive experience, the M/Y Dolphin liveaboard offers multi-day trips. On these voyages, full meals are provided on board, and cylinders and weights are included as part of the expedition. These liveaboard trips provide access to remote reefs that are difficult to reach on day trips.

The centre provides a full range of high-quality rental kit that is meticulously maintained. You can find everything required for a complete setup, ensuring that even if you are travelling light, you have access to reliable equipment.

Nitrox is available for divers looking to extend their bottom time. The centre also maintains oxygen safety protocols on-site to ensure a high standard of safety for all divers.

The local waters are teeming with life, from large pelagics to intricate reef residents. You will frequently encounter Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) and Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys_erbricata) near the reefs. Large schools of Jack (Carangidae) and various species of tuna and mackerel are common, and depending on the season, you may see Whale shark (Rhincodon typus) or Manta ray (Mobula alfredi) passing through the area.

The reef structure itself is a vibrant landscape of hard corals and soft corals, decorated with Sea fan (Gorgoniidae). You can observe many species of reef fish, including various Wrasse (Labridae), Butterflyfish (Chaetodon), and Surgeonfish (Acanthuridae), alongside colorful Anthias (Anthias) and Fusilier (Caesio).

For macro enthusiasts, the area offers incredible variety. Look closely for colourful nudibranchs (Chromodoris willani), various species of shrimp (Caridea), and the elusive Ghost pipefish (Solenostomidae). You may also find Frogfish (Antennarius), scorpionfish, and various species of moray eel (Muraenidae) tucked into the reef crevices.

Diving in this region is possible year-round, with water temperatures typically ranging between 27 and 32°C. While many sites offer easy, low-current conditions, divers should be prepared for stronger currents at specific locations like Pamilacan Island.

Local sites like the Alona House Reef are generally characterized by low currents, making them suitable for a wide range of experience levels. However, when visiting offshore islands or walls, checking the daily conditions is essential for managing drift.