Scuba Diving in El Nido: Discover Dives for Beginners

Two dives in the water, one day to start your scuba journey

Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) in El Nido is a beginner program where you learn confined water skills with a certified professional, then make two or three open water dives among hundreds of coral and marine species. No prior certification or experience is required. You meet the crew at 5 PM the day before for orientation and paperwork, then return the next morning to train and dive. A divemaster supervises no more than four certified divers, or two students per instructor, and lunch is provided.

The experience

The program runs about seven hours and splits across two days. You arrive the evening before at 5 PM for orientation and the paperwork that gets you ready. This meeting is mandatory and the location will be shared in advance. The next morning you return at 7:30 AM to begin the real work. First comes the confined water training under the direct supervision of a professional instructor, where you learn the skills you need in a controlled setting. Once you're confident, you board the boat and head out to the dive sites where El Nido's coral reefs and marine life wait.

During the dives themselves, the staff keeps their focus entirely on you. The ratio is strict: no more than four certified divers per divemaster, or two students per instructor, which means you get the attention that makes the difference between feeling rushed and feeling safe. You'll make either two or three open water dives depending on which option you choose at checkout. Lunch is served during the day, and all diving equipment (wetsuit, tank, regulator, fins) is provided.

You need to be reasonably physically fit, and participants must be at least 10 years old. No diving experience or certification is required. The whole point is to start from zero in a safe environment run by certified professionals. Public transportation options are available near the meeting point if you need them.

What’s included

• Confined water training with a certified instructor.
• two or three open water dives at El Nido reef sites.
• all diving equipment including wetsuit, tank, regulator and fins.
• lunch during the day.
• service of the divemaster and crew.
• orientation and paperwork the evening before.

Options for this experience

2 options

2 x DivesGuide in English · 08:00Includes lunch

3 x divesGuide in English · 08:00Includes lunch

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (10 to 90 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 3.17

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Philippines Divers

Is this one for you?Choose the two-dive option if you want a gentler introduction to the underwater world, or the three-dive option if you're ready to spend more time in the water and build confidence faster. Either way, the small group size and one-on-one instruction mean you're never rushed through the learning.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What's the difference between the 2-dive and 3-dive options?

You choose at checkout whether you want two or three open water dives. Both options include the same confined water training, lunch and equipment, so the extra dive is the only difference in what you do underwater.

Do I need any diving experience or certification to join?

No prior experience or certification is required. Discover Scuba Diving is designed for complete beginners, and you'll learn everything you need from the certified instructors before you enter the water.

Why do I have to meet the crew the day before?

The orientation meeting at 5 PM handles all your paperwork and gets you familiar with the crew and the plan for the next morning, so the actual diving day can start smoothly at 7:30 AM.

How many people will be in my group underwater?

The divemaster keeps groups small: no more than four certified divers per divemaster, or two students per instructor, so you get focused attention throughout both dives.

What's included in the price?

The program includes all your diving equipment, the confined water training, two or three open water dives depending on your option, lunch, and the full service of the divemaster and crew.

What happens if I'm not physically fit enough?

You need to be reasonably physically fit to participate. If you have concerns about your cardiovascular health or any medical condition, check with the operator before booking.