Dive centre · Ticao Island · Philippines
4.5116 Google reviewsTicao Island Dive Camp & Resort
Experience world-class encounters with whale sharks and manta rays from a beachfront base on Ticao Island.
What sets this centre apart
- Year-round manta ray sightings at Manta Bowl Shoal
- Whale shark encounters available from November to June
- Thresher shark sightings between July and October
- PADI training from Open Water to Divemaster level
- Nitrox available for all diving excursions
- Full equipment hire including BCDs and regulators
- Beachfront cabana accommodation available
- Proximity to diverse sites including wrecks and caves

Ticao Island Dive Camp & Resort about the centre
Ticao Island Dive Camp & Resort is situated on the shores of Ticao Island in the Philippines, positioned as a dedicated hub for divers seeking significant pelagic encounters. The centre is primarily known for its proximity to some of the region's most famous marine life, specifically whale sharks and manta rays.
The resort provides an integrated experience, combining dive operations with beachfront accommodation. Whether you are looking for a focused dive trip or a longer stay involving island tours and local fishing excursions, the camp is set up to serve as a base for exploring the Ticao archipelago.
The club and its team
As a PADI affiliated centre, the camp provides a structured environment for both recreational divers and those looking to progress through the professional ranks. The training programmes are comprehensive, covering the full spectrum from initial certifications to Divemaster level.
The centre also offers EFR training, ensuring that safety and rescue skills are integrated into the diving experience. The staff is geared towards supporting a variety of diver needs, from those on their first Discover Scuba Diving experience to seasoned divers looking for Nitrox.
Accommodation at the resort is designed to suit different preferences, ranging from beachfront cabanas with twin or queen bedding to more basic fan-cooled rooms. This allows for a flexible stay depending on whether you prefer direct sea access or a more economical setup.
The centre at a glance
- Affiliation
- PADI
- Website available in
- English
- Equipment rental
- complet
- Nitrox
- Yes
- Night diving
- Yes
- Access and transfers
- The centre can be reached by air via Legazpi Daraga (DRP) or Masbate (MBT) airports, followed by private transfers (van + boat) or public transport (van + ferry/RORO). Private transfers from Legazpi cost PHP16,000 per journey (1 van + 1 boat) for a maximum of 8 people. Transfer options via Bulan, Pilar, Donsol or Masbate are also available.
- Accommodation
- The centre offers accommodation in beachfront cabanas (Beachfront Cabana – Twin/Queen) or fan rooms (De Luxe Fan Room – Twin/Queen, Economy Fan Room – Twin).
- Phone
- +63 917 558 2293
- Address
- JP65+6F3, National Road, San Jacinto, 5417 Masbate, Philippines
- Official website
- ticao-island-resort.com ↗
Courses on offer
The centre offers a complete range of PADI courses for all experience levels. Beginners can start with Discover Scuba Diving or work through the Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver certifications.
For those looking to advance their skills, the Rescue Diver course and the PADI Divemaster programme are both available. The centre also provides the PADI Nitrox course to allow divers to utilise enriched air on their adventures.
Equipment and gases
The centre provides full equipment hire for those not travelling with their own kit, including BCDs, regulators, masks, fins, and wetsuits. For those participating in specific dive packages, certain items such as reef hooks are also available.
Nitrox is available on-site for divers looking to extend their bottom times or manage nitrogen loading more effectively. The facility is well-equipped to handle the logistical needs of a working dive camp, ensuring that kit is ready for the day's sorties.
Dive sites with Ticao Island Dive Camp & Resort
Manta Bowl Shoal is a collection of seven different dive sites located just 15-20 minutes from the resort. It is a premier location for seeing manta rays year-round, and offers seasonal opportunities to encounter whale sharks from November to June and thresher sharks from July to October.
North Ticao sites, encompassing the San Miguel and Udoc islets, consist of 17 different dive locations. These sites are characterised by beautiful coral coverage and are a primary destination for divers interested in macro-creatures.
South Ticao is a more remote area requiring a 1.5 to 2-hour boat journey, which may involve additional boat fees. This zone includes a simple wreck, a marine sanctuary, and Snake Island, a cave system home to sea snakes.
The reefs close to the resort are ideal for shorter trips, located only 5 to 15 minutes away. These sites are particularly well-suited for night dives or for divers wanting to practice buoyancy and control in a more relaxed setting.
And some of the dive sites the centre runs.
Marine life around Ticao Island
The waters around Ticao are famous for large pelagics. Depending on when you visit, you may encounter whale sharks between November and June, or thresher sharks between July and October. Manta rays are present year-round, and divers can also find reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, and tiger sharks in the area.
The reef structures are vibrant, featuring extensive coral gardens and a high density of reef fish. These habitats support a wide variety of marine life that thrives within the local marine sanctuaries.
For macro enthusiasts, the North Ticao sites offer significant opportunities to observe smaller organisms. The area is known for a rich variety of macro-creatures that inhabit the coral and reef flats.
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