French Touch Diving

French Touch Diving has been operating on Panglao Island, Bohol, since 2018. Situated along the Panglao Island Circumferential Road, the centre serves as a base for divers looking to explore the diverse marine ecosystems of the Philippines, from shallow reef flats to deep offshore walls.

The centre is specifically geared towards providing a personalised experience, focusing on small groups and a human-scale approach. Whether you are looking to complete your first certification or are an experienced diver seeking specific specialties, the location offers immediate access to some of the most biodiverse waters in the region.

The team is composed of experienced, professional instructors who provide guidance in both French and English. This multilingual capability ensures clear communication during briefings and underwater training, which is essential for both safety and the quality of instruction.

Operating with a focus on safety and personalised teaching, the instructors manage small groups to ensure every diver receives the attention required. The atmosphere is designed to be professional yet convivial, maintaining the high standards expected by PADI, SSI, and FFESSM members.

A comprehensive range of training is available through PADI, SSI, and FFESSM affiliations. Beginners can start with Try Scuba SSI or the Scuba Diver PADI and SSI courses, progressing through to Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water certifications.

For those looking to specialise, the centre offers numerous SSI specialties, including Nitrox, Deep Diver, Night Diver, and Navigation. More advanced divers can pursue the Divemaster, Assistant Instructor, or Instructor levels, as well as FFESSM Niveau 1, 2, and 3 certifications.

The centre maintains a fleet of recently serviced and well-maintained diving equipment. Divers can hire a full range of kit, including regulators, BCDs, and fins, as well as masks and wetsuits.

Nitrox is available for use, allowing for extended bottom times on many of the local sites. The facility is set up to support both recreational exploration and formal training courses.

The reefs around Panglao are teeming with life, including large schools of tropical fish, various species of sea turtles, and healthy coral gardens. You will frequently encounter dolphins and manta rays in the surrounding waters.

Macro enthusiasts will find plenty to observe, including various nudibranchs and other rare creatures that make the area a favourite for underwater photographers. The biodiversity extends from small reef dwellers to larger pelagics.

Seasonal sightings can include whale sharks and manta rays, depending on the time of year. In certain areas, you may also encounter hammerhead sharks, whitetip sharks, and silky sharks.

Diving in this region is possible year-round, with water temperatures typically ranging between 27°C and 30°C. The area offers a variety of environments, from shallow reef flats to significant drop-offs.

Some offshore sites, such as Tubbataha, can experience fairly strong currents, requiring a higher level of experience. Divers planning to visit these more remote locations should hold an Advanced certification or a Niveau 2 with at least 50 logged dives.