Sunset Cove Beach & Dive Resort

Located on the island of Alad, just a 10-minute boat ride from Romblon town, Sunset Cove Beach & Dive Resort is a dedicated destination for macro enthusiasts and underwater photographers. The resort is situated directly on the beach, offering easy access to the water alongside a swimming pool and landscaped gardens.

Since 2019, the centre has established itself as a premier location for those seeking rare marine life and high-quality instruction. The resort provides a social, welcoming atmosphere where divers can share experiences and technical knowledge after a day on the water.

The centre is led by owners Ronny and Charolyn Oliwka, who have been operating dive centres in the Philippines since 2007. Charolyn is an instructor with over 15 years of teaching experience, while Ronny is an SDI/TDI instructor covering both recreational and technical diving.

Safety and attention to detail are central to the operation, with a strict ratio of one guide for every two divers. This ensures that whether you are exploring a reef flat or working on a complex macro shot, you have the professional support required.

As an SDI/TDI 5-Star centre, the training programme ranges from the Open Water Scuba Diver course to advanced technical certifications. The curriculum includes Advanced Adventure Diver, Rescue Diver, and Divemaster Internship programmes.

For divers looking to specialise, the centre offers courses in Sidemount (including Advanced Nitrox, Deco Procedures, and Extended Range), Deep Diver, and Advanced Buoyancy Control. They also provide Computer Nitrox Diver training and Equipment Specialist courses.

Dives are conducted using local banca boats, which accommodate a maximum of 6 guests per trip. These boats provide access to the surrounding reefs and deeper sites, with tea, coffee, and water provided on board during the excursions.

The centre is an authorised Aqualung and Apeks partner, providing high-quality kit for hire including BCDs, regulators, dive computers, and torches. For those focusing on photography, there is a dedicated rinsing station for camera equipment and a specialised 'Camera Hub'.

On-site gas blending is handled by Bauer PE300 Nitrox and Coltri TPS compressors. Nitrox is available in 12-litre cylinders, with 32% and 36% options provided to extend your bottom time.

The local waters are a haven for macro photographers. You can find a diverse array of nudibranchs, including the Melibe colemani, Melibe digitata, and the Tiger butterfly seaslug. Other interesting finds include the Ghost pipefish (robust ghost pipefish) and various species of scorpionfish, such as the hairy frogfish.

Small crustaceans and specialised species like the flamboyant cuttlefish, Ambon scorpionfish, and sashimi shrimp are frequently encountered. For those searching for even smaller subjects, the Seahorse Hotel is a reliable spot for pygmy seahorses.

The larger marine life includes sea turtles and eagle rays patrolling the reefs. You may also spot various tropical fish and diverse coral formations, including gorgonians, across the different dive sites.

The area offers a variety of environments, from shallow reef flats and coral gardens to deep walls and canyons. Night diving is a regular part of the programme, with options for both guided shore entries and boat-based blackwater dives.