The two most practical bases are Panagsama Beach and White Beach (Basdaku).
Panagsama concentrates the majority of dive shops and boat departures, making it ideal if you want multiple dives per day
and easy shore access to the sardine run. White Beach offers a wide sandy shoreline and calmer swimming, better for mixed groups or families who want a beach day
while you dive. Expect 10–15 minutes by tricycle between the two.

Panagsama Beach wins for efficiency. Many resorts have on‑site dive centers, gear rinse areas,
and early‑morning boat launches. You can walk from your room to the shop, minimize transfer time, and slot in extra dives—
especially useful for photographers or anyone taking courses.

Options range from backpacker guesthouses to boutique and full‑service dive resorts. As a rough guide:

• Budget: Simple rooms or dorms with fan/AC, shared facilities possible.
• Mid‑range: Air‑conditioned rooms, on‑site dive shop, pool or seaview common.
• Higher‑end: Larger rooms, oceanfront settings, wellness amenities, curated dive packages.

For frequent diving, prioritize location, shop reputation, and gear logistics over room extras.

Travel time is typically 3 to 4 hours by private transfer or bus, depending on traffic and weather.
Private vans are faster and more flexible; public buses are cheaper but add waiting time. If you plan an afternoon or night dive on arrival day, buffer generously.

Diving is possible year‑round, with generally calmer seas and clearer water during the dry months (roughly November–May).
The rainy season can still deliver excellent dives, though afternoon squalls are more common. Photographers often favor March–May for wide‑angle clarity.

Absolutely. White Beach offers swimmable sand, and both areas have snorkeling, turtle encounters, and sunset dining.
Day trips to waterfalls and scenic viewpoints are popular. Choose a resort with a pool or beachfront lounge so non‑divers stay comfy while you’re on the boat.

Packages (room + set number of dives) are convenient and often cheaper than piecing together individual dives,
especially if you plan three or more diving days. Compare inclusions like gear rental, marine fees, breakfast,
and boat rides. Confirm the per‑dive add‑on price if you want flexibility.

Most established centers offer Discover Scuba, Open Water, Advanced, specialty courses (e.g., Nitrox, Peak Performance Buoyancy),
and refresher programs. Technical courses exist at select outfits. If you’re learning, staying within walking distance of the classroom and gear area simplifies your schedule.

Both. Panagsama has direct access to a house reef with frequent turtle and sardine run sightings just off the shoreline.
Boat dives reach Pescador Island and deeper walls quickly. Shore entries are tide‑dependent and may have rocky steps—booties are a smart addition to your kit.

Keep a respectful distance and avoid herding the school. Do not touch, chase, or block the sardines’ movement.
Maintain neutral buoyancy to protect the reef, stow dangling gear, and be mindful of snorkelers above and divers below. Flash discipline matters for photography—avoid blinding marine life.

Yes. Established shops maintain a full rental lineup (BCD, regs, wetsuits, computers). Inspect fittings on arrival,
and ask about service intervals if you’re particular. Photographers should bring their preferred masks, strobes, and O‑rings;
spares for specialty items can be limited.

Most centers run two morning dives and an optional afternoon or night dive. Boats to Pescador Island often leave early for calm water.
If you’re staying farther from the pier, plan transport the night before. Many shops post next‑day site plans after the last dive briefing.

Look for consistent safety protocols (briefings, buddy checks, oxygen on board), maintained equipment, small group ratios,
and positive reviews regarding marine protection and staff attentiveness. Proximity to your room, rinse/storage areas,
and on‑site compressors all improve the experience.

Hydrate well, limit alcohol before dives, and use reef‑safe sunscreen. Carry personal medications and note the nearest clinic.
Dive within your training, watch currents, and ensure your insurance covers scuba and evacuation.
If seas get rough, defer dives rather than push limits on tight itineraries.

Yes. Many sites have gentle profiles and accessible training areas, with calm mornings ideal for skill reviews.
Inform your instructor of any long break from diving; a refresher plus guided dives can rebuild confidence quickly.

Connectivity varies by property. Panagsama generally offers stronger cafe and resort Wi‑Fi, while White Beach can be quieter but less robust.
Bring a local SIM as backup, and verify router coverage if you must take calls between dives.

Many shops take cards, but surcharges and outages happen. Carry sufficient cash for marine fees, tricycles, tips, and small eateries.
ATMs exist in town yet may be limited—withdraw in Cebu City if you have a cash‑heavy plan (e.g., group paying boat charters).

For peak season and long weekends, secure rooms and dive slots a few weeks in advance, more if traveling as a group or seeking oceanfront rooms.
Confirm cancellation terms, boat capacities, and course schedules—popular instructors fill up quickly.

Essentials include a well‑fitting mask, booties, reef‑safe sunscreen, rash guard or 3mm suit, microfiber towel, dry bag,
motion‑sickness tablets if needed, and a compact first‑aid kit. Photographers: bring spare batteries, desiccants, and a reliable charger.

Respect marine sanctuaries: no fishing, no touching or taking coral, shells, or wildlife. Drone use may be restricted near resorts or protected zones—ask your host before flying.
Keep noise and lights low around nesting or roosting sites at dusk.

Dive operators may alter sites or cancel for safety. Build flexibility into your itinerary with alternative activities:
macro photography on sheltered reefs, snorkeling, skill workshops, or a rest day. Good travel insurance helps if plans shift.

Yes. The dive community is friendly, and group boats make meeting buddies easy. Choose well‑reviewed accommodations with good lighting and 24/7 access,
share your dive plan with staff, and arrange verified transfers—standard common‑sense travel practices apply.

Pick operators that support reef monitoring, use mooring buoys, and limit group size. Refill water bottles, conserve power and AC,
and avoid single‑use plastics. Your buoyancy, finning technique, and gear streamlining are the biggest wins for coral protection.

Coordinate with your dive center to avoid decompression conflicts—keep significant altitude or intense trekking for non‑dive windows.
Many resorts can arrange transport to waterfalls, viewpoints, or sunset cruises on afternoons without diving.

Day 1: Check dive on house reef + afternoon Pescador. Day 2: Two morning boat dives + sunset sardine run snorkel.
Day 3: Pescador wide‑angle early + relaxed macro hunt. Slot a night dive if conditions and energy allow.