Buying Dive Gear in Philippines

[mmtndiver]

Can any local divers recommend dive shops to purchase equipment in the Philippines. Also how are the prices compared to here in the states on comparable items.

Thanks,
Mmtndiver

 

[DevonDiver]

Prices for branded/imported items are considerably more than the USA - as they reflect (excessive) Philippines import duties and costing in an noncompetitive local market. However, some companies do make/sell 'local copies' of certain items which are more reasonably priced.

For the Makati area:

Nautilus on Arnaiz, in Makati, are an OMS stockist - and have a great selection of the 'little stuff' (boltsnaps, cave line, etc). A veritable Aladin's cave of useful nik-naks. Their website isn't up to much in regards to listing the wide variety of stuff they actually sell. Solomon (the owner) is a charm and really helpful.

Aquamundo, nr Mile Long, in Makati, make their own stuff - a cheap option if you need a BP&W, regulator, wetsuit etc. Quality is good, staff are friendly and knowledgeable.

Aquaventure Whitetip, stocks DiveRite, Apeks, Suunto etc. Average prices for the area, but very helpful staff. They are probably the biggest importer/distributor of scuba products in the Philippines.

ScubaWorld stocks Aqualung, Pelican, TUSA and Suunto, amongst other stuff. Friendly and good for general scuba kit.

Dive Central, Mile Long, in Makati, sells a range of stuff, including DSS. Pretty expensive. On previous visits, I found their 'on-duty' staff didn't have much scuba or product knowledge though.

Adventure Bound sells Halcyon. Expensive, but specialist. They are GUE focused.
Adventure Bound distributes the Halcyon Equipment

Adventure Bound (Adventure Bound)
Unit LG 2 Alfaro Place
146 L.P. Leviste St. Salcedo Village
Makati City 1227
Tel. No. 840-5523
look for Alex Floro
Or get in touch with Martin Lorenzo (GUE instructor) 09209107137

 

[kwhkg]

theres also Mares Philiipines (50% off sale last week of March)and Asia Divers both in Makati and Divers Point in San Juan. I know Asia Divers has a full price list in their website and I think WhiteTip also. Aquamundo has a website but its confusing to navigate and find prices. Divers Point also has website with prices and some promo items , hope that helps

 

[DevonDiver]

One thing that's pretty constant (except Aquaventure Whitetip) is that the websites for these companies rarely list even a fraction of what they stock and most don't quote prices.

 

[mmtndiver]

Thanks for all the info. Devon appreciate your time lots of good info there for everybody that needs some gear when visiting Manila area. I'm going to be in Subic for a few days in April and thinking about doing a few dives when I'm in the area. Maybe we can meet and have a few beers.

Thank you

 

[assab]

Hi po, we have a selection of diving knives available at good prices.

Please check Knives | UY TIT for our products and other items as well.

Thank you. Sir/ma'am my mobile number is 09178602543 or at our contacts page (phone call po for prices).

best rgds, mike

 

[Tortuga68]

Probably going to be better off buying in the US as far as price & selection goes IMO, if you want brand name gear

 

[DevonDiver]

Probably going to be better off buying in the US as far as price & selection goes IMO, if you want brand name gear

That's definitely the way to do it... if you can get around Philippines import tax and shipping. If you've got a trip to the US lined-up, then certainly cheaper there. Otherwise, network and know people who DO make trips

 

[Tortuga68]

I understood the OP is from & currently in the US and planning to visit the PI

I've bought gear in the Philippines when I needed to, but generally it's cheaper to buy it from the US, even when shipping to China is considered... also more options for buying used gear. For local purchase in the US a lot of places are offering free ground shipping on certain items/dollar values

 

[Pao]

Is adventure bound still around? I got my eclipse from them way back '07.