Best beginner diving in Philippines ( Considering Moalboal?)

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kevin_tor

Registered
Messages
8
Reaction score
14
Location
Somewhere in North America
# of dives
None - Not Certified
Just got my PADI Certification in Canada. Open water was at a lake that is not more that 30 feet deep, very low visibility and cold water. Was not the best way to learn.

Have booked tickets for 2 weeks in Philippines (Manila). Considering the embarrassment of riches the country offers from a diving perspective , i am just a bit lost on which location to go to for diving.

I am more interested in fishes than wrecks.

My research is pointing to Moalboal for a few reasons
1> Diving with Sharks
2> Sardine runs
3> Snorkeling from Shore
4> Sandy beaches
5> Canyoneering and few other outdoor activities on my rest day before flight

Planning to spend a week at Moalboal. Is that a good plan,

Are there any better locations i should be going to in Philippines.
 
Moalboal ticks most of those boxes except the sharks. You can occasionally see threshers jumping out of the water from the comfort of the bar at Cebu Dive Centre, but you'd have to be lucky. They're not regularly encountered like they are in Malapascua though I found the diving generally a better standard in Moalboal. Certainly more fish life.
 
1> I am planning to dive with Cebu Dive Centre. Are they a good outfit to dive with. I will probably have my own gear , except BCD (depending on luggage) , so the question is more from quality of dive masters

2> I might take a trip to Oslob to see the whale sharks since it is only 1 hr away.
 
1> I am planning to dive with Cebu Dive Centre. Are they a good outfit to dive with. I will probably have my own gear , except BCD (depending on luggage) , so the question is more from quality of dive masters
Yeah, they're a good outfit. I also took my own kit but theirs looked alright. Make sure you book earlier enough as they tend to be fully booked most days.
 
Puerto Galera offers better diving than Moalboal and there is no need for a domestic flight.
In Moalboal I dive with Nelson, the first dive operator there. Stay next door at Eve's Kiosk. The rooms have no view but fine for me. BTW, there is no such thing as sandy beach there!!!!! However, you can move to other diving areas eg. Dumaguete/Apo Island which PG could not unless it is Anilao.


When is the trip?
 
Thanks for the response guys.

I reach manila Nov 4th and return back Nov 17th. Will probably fly straight to Cebu onwards to Moalboal on the same day. Will spend my first week in Moalboal and surrounding areas hence the inland flight is not a big deal. Last week i will be back in Angeles City/Manila so might make the trip to PG if i enjoy my diving at Moalboal.

Another question , Is Bohol worth a visit if i go to Moalboal?
 
What is the attraction at Angeles? I can think of only one reason!!!
Subic Bay is only an hr or two away but you are NOT interested in wrecks.

Is Bohol worth a visit? Above or below water or both?
Nov is too early to appreciate the meaning of Chocolate Hill(the grass hasn't turned brown). Tarsier Monkey is cute.
Diving in Panglao island has became really touristy over last 10yrs.
 
Hi Kevin :) Welcome to the amazing world of diving, how exciting :)
Philippines would indeed be a great choice. I'd be happy to help you with your booking. Please feel free to contact me on Facebook: Jevgenia Vannari, skype: jenny.vannari, email: jenny@divingspecials.com or via WhatsApp/Viber/Telegram +372 55 30417 <3

Big ocean hugs!
 
https://www.shearwater.com/products/teric/

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