Scuba Diving in Dumaguete
The Philippines are a well-known destination for underwater photography and scuba-diving. Some of its most popular sites are located in Dumaguete City. Scuba Diving in Dumaguete is certainly the activity that placed the city on the tourism map for international travelers. Most of the hotels, dive centers, and dive sites in this area are situated 15 kilometers south in the small town of Dauin. It also serves as the starting point for many of the water activities in Dumaguete such as island hopping and day trips to the beautiful and picturesque islands of Sumilon, Apo, and Siquijor.
Dumaguete serves as the gateway to the many wonders of Negros Oriental. Scuba Diving in Dauin is popular to both locals and tourists. With easy boat and shore entry, divers can easily access the beauty of the underwater world. A few kilometer south, Scuba Diving in Zamboanguita is also known for their hidden treasures and aquatic life. And a few kilometers more, one can go Scuba Diving in Siaton. This part is truly a hidden treasure that only few tourists get to enjoy. So, make sure to contact your resort in advance if you are planning to go to any of these areas.
Dive Shops in Dumaguete
Dive shops in Dumaguete offer up to four dives each day as well as night dives and Mandarin fish dives. All of the dive spots are designated as protected marine sanctuaries where no boats and fishing activities are allowed.The dive shops in Dumaguete usually collect their diver either at a meeting point in the city, or pick them up from their hotel and bring them back at the end of a fun-filled day of scuba diving. This is the perfect option for visitors who want to spice up their Dumaguete visit with a few dives. Underwater addicts usually prefer to stay in one of the Dive Resorts in Dauin where they can talk “bubbles” 24/7
Most beach resorts in Dauin have their own scuba dive operation and dive-boats. Some of them also offer a pick-up service for people who stay at other places.
Dive Sites in Dauin – Dumaguete
Dive sites in Dumaguete are an excellent backdrop for underwater photography as you can find here rare sea creatures and beautiful natural and man-made coral reefs. The sites can be reached either by boat dives or shore dives. The shallow reefs, especially those in the coast lines of Negros Oriental, offer a great opportunity for beginners to make their first breaths under water in a “Discover Scuba Diving” program or to enroll on an open water diver course.
To enter the sanctuaries, divers need to get off their boats and swim towards the dive sites a few meter. They also need to do the same to get back to their boats. Many dive-sites are also accessible via shore entry.
Dive guides may adopt new dive plans depending on the sea current which is affected by the particular time of the year, the current tide, or moon phase. Dive guides in Dumaguete are well-experienced and trained on how to cope with this situation and will lead you to a safer part of the dive site. The dive boat will then follow the divers to the particular area which is designated by the guide and will collect the divers accordingly and ensure their safety.
Sanctuary Fees in Dumaguete
Marine-park fees are charged per dive by the dive site’s local community. Some operators include these fees in their packages while others do not, resulting in variations in pricing. Packages that are initially offered at lower prices may eventually end up being more expensive as you need to shoulder additional fees such as those for the boat, dive guides, and marine-park entrance. You may be better off with an operator that offers a package which includes all these fees.
Island Hopping in the Visayas
You can also enjoy the volcanic islands of Malapascua and Bohol, which are home to a wide array of wildlife, together with your diving activities. Several dive shops in Dumaguete offer island hopping in their itinerary together with diving activities in Dauin. The dive sites in this area are within 15 minutes of travel by speedboat and they can also be reached via shore dives.