Recreation & Hobbies Looking for a Dive School

Looking for a good scuba diving school to get entry level certification (preferrably PADI) for 3 people being my kids and self around mid January 2024.

Thanks in advance for any recommendations both positive and negative.

 

I am not a diver and cannot give any recommendations from first hand.

What I know is that there are plenty of diving schools in Dauin and Zamboanguita area. One of it is

https://www.facebook.com/dumaguetedivers?mibextid=ZbWKwL

that got plenty good critics on Facebook.

You could go to Dauin, and then to Dauin Dive Cafe, 200m from the church. It's a nice place to have a coffee or cold one. Many divers hanging out there and certainly can hrlp you.

Another idea that might work out is going to Dream Diving Resort in Malatapay.
Really a lovely place and you will find plenty of divers. The place is facing Apo island and worth to see. Pretty good restaurant, nice breakfast and you are sitting right on the beach.

Just go to one or both of this places, enjoy yours with a nice meal and a cold one, and make up your mind.

 

My son (age 12) and two classmates got certified at Apo Scuba Diving., Dauin

Mobile number: +63 977 143 8548

Telephone number: (035)523-7210

E-mail address: aposcuba@yahoo.com

 

Here is an instructor at Critter Republic in Dauin.
https://www.facebook.com/micarr

The owner has a YouTube channel about some of his dives and starting the Critter Republic.

https://www.youtube.com/@CritterHunter

 

Hi Pat,

Completed our certification yesterday and can say we had the very best experience I can imagine. They were absolutely wonderful. Our instructor was Joseph Vicoy and he was exceptional in his language, patience and teaching ability. The owner of the business was a constant and incredibly supportive. The whole experience whilst exhausting was incredibly positive.

I am 64 and they pampered me, compared to my kids with help from carrying weights and tanks to pulling off fins. If any one of you older members have wanted to do the course but felt you were passed it, I can highly recommend Apo Scuba and in particular Joseph Vicoy as the instructor and as the add says, Just Do It!

Thanks Pat, great advice and help once again

 

Justin has been throwing some shade at PADI in some of his posts maybe to promote he is an SSI instructor and brand advocate but PADI has the more extensive schools, brand, and resources that hundreds of thousands of divers trust.

 

My dive card is from SSI and other than a few confused looks, it's never failed me. lol

 

That sounds like an amazing family plan! I don't have any personal experience with scuba diving schools, but I've heard that PADI-certified ones are great for beginners. It might be a good idea to check out reviews or ask for recommendations from people who have been there.