Reef Turtle Dive Center

Reef Turtle Dive Center serves as a gateway to the most well-preserved dive sites on the island of Siquijor. Situated in the central Visayas region of the Philippines, the centre is positioned to access the island's crystalline waters and untouched coral ecosystems.

Whether you are a complete beginner taking your first breaths underwater through a Discover Scuba Diving programme or an experienced diver looking to advance your skills, the centre provides a structured environment for exploration. The focus remains on the local reef systems and the unique marine biodiversity that defines this part of the archipelago.

The centre operates as a PADI affiliated dive centre, employing professional instructors to lead both training courses and guided excursions. Instruction is available in English, Spanish, and French, making it accessible for a variety of international divers.

For those looking to progress through the PADI progression, the team covers everything from entry-level certifications to professional development. The staff is trained to manage various levels of experience, ensuring safety and technical precision during every dive.

A full spectrum of PADI courses is available on-site, catering to every stage of a diver's development. Beginners can start with Discover Scuba Diving or the Open Water Diver course, while those looking to refresh their skills can opt for a Refresh Course.

Advanced divers can pursue the ADVANCED course, or move into professional and safety-focused training such as the Rescue Diver and EFR programmes. The centre also provides the pathway to professional status through the Divemaster course.

The centre provides a complete range of rental equipment for divers, meaning you can arrive with just your personal items. This includes essential kit such as regulators, BCDs, and wetsuits.

On shore, the facility is set up to support your diving day with refreshments including coffee, tea, and snacks. The centre also facilitates night dives, with the necessary lighting kit available for hire.

The reefs around Siquijor are known for their healthy coral ecosystems and resident sea turtles. You will frequently encounter these turtles navigating the reef structures throughout your dives.

For those with an eye for macro life, the area is rich with small-scale inhabitants. You can find various species of Octopus (Octopoda), Cuttlefish (Sepiidae), and Squid (Sepioteuthis sepioidea) amongst the reef crevices. The seabed also hosts a variety of crustaceans, including crabs (Brachyura), hermit crabs, and mantis shrimp, alongside various species of Lobster (Homaridae).

The smaller details of the reef include Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani), Seahorse (Hippocampus), and Pygmy seahorse (Hippocampus bargibanti). Scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae) and Frogfish (Antennariidae) often blend into the reef structure, providing excellent opportunities for observant divers. You may also spot cleaner shrimp (Lysmata) and various species of sea snake (Hydrophiinae) during your explorations.

In the water column, larger pelagic life and reef fish are common. You can observe Manta ray (Mobula alfredi), Eagle ray (Aetobatus), and various Jacks (Carangidae). The area is also home to reef sharks, including Whitetip reef shark (Triaenodon obesus), Bamboo shark (Chiloscyllium), and other species of Blacktip reef sharks and Catsharks. Gorgonian (Gorgonacea) fans and various reef fish add colour and texture to the underwater landscape.