Once you have learned to dive, other divers will ask you where you did your course. Why? Because it matters! Now, where there is water, you can pretty much dive. But in some places, the diving is better than average, often for various reasons. But Dauin is better for very specific reasons. It has a great mixture of healthy reef diving and weird funky macro diving. Macro diving, defines the little critters, the smaller fish, the crawlers in the sand, and the hiding stuff on the corals. These little crittes are often ridiculously pretty, but also quite hard to spot. Around Dauin, the sand on the reef banks is black, and a mecca for these little gems. So be prepared to go treasure hunting (spotting) for weird little animals, it is so cool once you figure out what to look for! But, besides macro diving, critter diving, muck diving (call it what you like) the diving around Dauin is really easy and pretty. The reefs are in good condition and you will get to see most of the colourful fish that you would see in a perfect Aquarium! Starting from the beach, your course will be easy, fun and slowly progressing. The bay is calm, the water clear and the instructor is highly professional. A perfect way to start your underwater adventure!
On a more general note... The diving is suitable for all levels of divers, but especially highly recommendable for the geeky diver seeking rare macro sightings! The beginner, seeking easy diving and pretty reefs will love the turtles and the pretty patches of reef, but be aware! The area is very much about diving on the black volcanic sand, looking for the strange life that can be found in this kind of habitat. It is like a treasure hunt, where weird tiny marine life is the pretty gems. If you haven't tried muck diving, THIS is the place to start! And, if you also want to experience the full on coral reef and some bigger marine life, you can always get on a boat and head out to the world famous Apo Island and Sumilon island. (We have to say it again the corals out there are pretty damn fine!). If you want relaxed beach diving with rare and odd marine life, you should dive the coast of Dauin. If you want it all, dive both Dauin Coast and Apo Island and enjoy the wickedness of the Philippine waters.
Location_
Above water Dauin is a local town just South of Dumaguete City. Dumaguete City is placed in the middle of The Visayas and is the perfect travel hub to other famous dive destinations. Siquijor, Bohol, Moalboal, Malapascua or Sipalay is less than a days travel from Dumaguete, which makes it a perfect stop on your way around the Philippines…
The diversity of the coast is truly magnificent, and the underwater scenery is as pure as it gets. With the islands cultural attractions on land, the gentle people, dramatic landscape and amazing diving opportunities, it is a combination that is spot on.
Introduction to course
The PADI Open Water Diver
course is the most popular diving certificate worldwide. After
completing this 3-4 day course you are certified to dive to 18m
independently with a buddy. The course consists of five modules of
learning. You study via self-study workbook and complete a knowledge
review. This process is assisted by videos accompanying each chapter
to reinforce what you have learned. The instructor reviews
everything with you to ensure that everything are confidently
understood. The practical learning consists of pool sessions and
four open water dives. Dive one and two are conducted at a depth of
max 12m and dive three and four are conducted at max 18m. The
final stage of the PADI Open Water course is an exam, which is a
multiple choice exam covering all that you have learnt. Remember
that the course is performance based and not time based. The course
generally takes 3 to 4 days, with the theoretical, the pool and
the open water part successfully passed.
DIVE PACKAGE:Itinerary - 5 days and 4 night
The
PADI Open Water Course is performance based. That means you have to
understand and pass the theory and perform the in-water skills correctly
and with ease. Therefore, the itinerary can vary slightly from course
to course. The course will take 3 to 4 days depending on the students
enrolled. To give you an idea of what to expect, see the itinerary
below:
Day 1 Upon arrival, have a walk
around the area and get checked in. From there, you will be shown to
your room and the dive center. Once you’ve settled, you will return to
the dive center to fill in all the necessary paperwork, watch the first
videos and discuss the course schedule for the coming days.
Day 2 Theory and confined water sessions
Day 3 Theory and confined or open water sessions
Day 4 Exam and open water dives
Day 5 Relax & check out. Or go fun diving!
Please allow a minimum of 24 hours, after your last dive, before flying.
(some countries will allow you to fly after 18 hours on land).
