Diving

We show you some of the best dive sites in the Philippines

A small yet well equipped SSI dive center for beginners and experienced divers

Scuba Diving is the main attraction on Pandan Island / Philippines. The dive sites around the island vary from shallow coral gardens to deep drop-offs on the north side, ideal for all levels. Our fully equipped SSI dive center offers dive courses of all level from Try Scuba Diving to Master Diver.

Apart from diving around Pandan Island / Philippines, we are no doubt the experts when it comes to organize dive trips to Apo Reef.

Apo Reef can be reached with the big outrigger boats “M/B Karla” or “M/B Rainbow’s End” within ninety minutes. This forty square kilometer big atoll offers uncountable dive sites and a good chance to see sharks and other pelagics.

Another specialty are the four to five days safaris to Busuanga (Coron) to dive the Japanese wrecks from WWII.

For special offers on temporary dive insurance programs please check the website of www.diveassure.com

Please read our guidelines regarding diving

Diveshop

Mariposa Diving was established on Pandan Island in 1992 under Swiss/Czech/Pilippino management. This small, but well equipped dive shop offers PADI courses of all levels in three languages (English, French, Tagalog). There are 16 complete sets of equipment available for hire (Seaquest-BCD’s, US-divers and Sherwood regulators) and over 70 tanks. Nitrox dives and courses are available.

Mariposa Diving offers not only dives around Pandan Island, but also has established itself as the leading dive operator organizing dive safaris to Apo Reef, the biggest atoll in the Philippines. We most probably log more dives on Apo Reef then all other diveshops in the area together, so if you are planning to dive Apo Reef, make sure you dive with the experts.

Divesites around Pandan Island

All divesites around Pandan Island are within short distance from the beach or accessible by our custom built dive-catamaran.

Below is a description of the main dive sites around Pandan Island and what you can expect to see:

House Reef Depths 2 – 18m. Ideal for beginners, courses or a warm-up dive. No current ever. Still, a wide variety of coral fish can be seen. Nearby ‘Lion fish den’ consists of a group of corals & rocks, hideout of numerous lion fish, cleaner-shrimp & surgeon fish. Sometimes leaf and ghost-pipe fish.	QR-Code for SSI Divelog
Coral Garden East Depths 5 – 25m. Easy but beautiful dive. In a lively garden of mainly hard corals with patches of sand inbetween all kinds of marine life can be observed: surgeon fish, trigger fish, coral trouts, schools of fusiliers, stingrays, moray & sand eels, and some of our 10 resident sea-turtles.	QR-Code for SSI Divelog
Coral Garden West Depths 5 – 30m. An area totally covered by hard and soft corals. all kinds of marine life can be observed: surgeon fish, trigger fish, coral trouts, shools of fusiliers, unicorn fish, cuttle fish. In the deeper parts of the dive, large gorgonians and Neptune cups are abundant. Bumphead parrot-fish most often here.	QR-Code for SSI Divelog
Neptune’s Land Depths between 18 – 30 m. This dive is a flat plateau connecting Napoleon Wall and the Coral Garden east. As the name indicates Neptune cups to a considerable size can be found. Also turtles seem to favor this place.	QR-Code for SSI Divelog
Corner Depths between 5 – 30 m. This dive site on the SW-side of the island consists of a steep slope with occasional big rocks and canyons that offer shelter to a wide array of reef fishes and attract predators such as mackerels and trevallys. There is a variation of different corals and big sea fans up to 2 meters diameter to be found.	QR-Code for SSI Divelog
North Wall A sheer drop from about 7- 35 m makes that place an interesting dive site. Although not as many fish as in other parts of the island can be seen, the overhanging corals create a very special atmosphere. Pelagic fish such as tuna and mackerel are frequent
Gorgonian Drift Depths 10 – 35 m. Following the North Wall westwards the the wall becomes less steep and the stronger currents favour the growth of fan corals (Gorgoninans). Away from the wall shcools of snappers and fusiliers can be seen as wall as tunas or mackerels.
Mystic Grounds Depths 20 – 35 m. This site extends to the S-SE of Pandan, between here and Sablayan. Owns the name to the often limited visibility. Many soft corals, gorgonians, elephant ears, sponges.
Pandan South Depths 5 – 30 m. This site is great for macro.

Deep dives for experienced divers, best enjoyed with Nitrox

Anchor Depths between 25 – 42 m. On a underwater hill at a depth of 32 m, completely overgrown by corals, a huge anchor has come to rest at least 50 years ago. Snappers, barracudas and pelagic fish can be seen. At the bottom of the hill is a tree-like sea nettle, all white.	QR-Code for SSI Divelog
North Wall A sheer drop from about 7- 35 m makes that place an interesting dive site. Although not as many fish as in other parts of the island can be seen, the overhanging corals create a very special atmosphere. Pelagic fish such as tuna and mackerel are frequent.	QR-Code for SSI Divelog
Barracuda Deep Depths from 30- 40 m. Probably the most advanced dive around the island. A wall at 30 m depth facing the South China Sea is the place to see big schools of trevallys, fusiliers, surgeon fish, spanish mackerels and unicorn fish. Eagle rays and napoleons are often seen as well as barracudas up to a size of 1,5 m. The whole wall is overgrown with hard and soft corals and the gorgonians reach a considerable size.	QR-Code for SSI Divelog

Courses

Mariposa Divers Pandan offers the whole range of SSI courses from Try Scuba dives until Dive Master as well as specialties like Nitrox (EaNX) and Wreck Diver.

We provide you with a high level education, customized schedules and a personal and relaxed environment to help you to get the most out of your dive course. The SSI digital Training System sets the standard in diver education, with comprehensive, first-rate videos, illustrations, and photos that connect your training to real-world dive experiences. They make learning engaging, interactive, and fun – all in one package, without hidden costs or extra fees. Sign up now for free access to the basic student Materials!

All our courses are held in either English or French, course material is available in more than 30 languages.

An overview over the courses offered:

Try Scuba | Beginner Level | 1/2 day

The SSI Try Scuba program is your introduction to the underwater world. This entry-level program gives you the opportunity to experience the underwater world, in a confined water setting. You will earn the SSI Try Scuba recognition rating.

Minimum Age:	8
Certification Prerequisites:	None
Academic Sessions:	Try Scuba Pool
Pool/Confined Water Sessions:	1
Open Water Dives:	0
Maximum Training Depth:	5 meters / 15 feet
Suggested Duration:	None
Please refer to the SSI website for more detailed information

Scuba Diver | Beginner Level | 2 days

This program is for students who do not have the time to complete the Open Water Diver program, and provides you with the training and experience required to dive in open water environments under the supervision of a dive professional. You will earn the SSI Scuba Diver certification, which can be upgraded to the SSI Open Water Diver certification with additional training.

Minimum Age:	10
Certification Prerequisites:	None
Academic Sessions:	Online Program
Pool/Confined Water Sessions:	3
Open Water Dives:	2
Maximum Training Depth:	12 meters / 40 feet
Suggested Duration:	10 – 16 hours
Please refer to the SSI website for more detailed information

Open Water Diver | Beginner Level | 3 days

This globally-recognized certification program is the best way to begin your life-long adventure as a certified scuba diver. Personalized training is combined with in-water practice sessions to ensure you have the skills and experience required to become truly comfortable underwater. You will earn the SSI Open Water Diver certification.

Minimum Age:	10
Certification Prerequisites:	None
Academic Sessions:	Online Program
Pool/Confined Water Sessions:	6
Open Water Dives:	4
Maximum Training Depth:	18 meters / 60 feet (age 15+)
Suggested Duration:	16 – 32 hours
Please refer to the SSI Website for more detailed information

Specialty Diver | Advanced Level | 1 day

SSI Specialty Diver is your first step toward becoming an SSI Master Diver, and can begin as soon as you complete your Open Water Diver training. By completing any two SSI Specialty programs that interest you, and logging 12 open water dives, you will automatically receive the SSI Specialty Diver recognition rating along with your SSI Specialty program certifications.

Minimum Age:	10
Certification Prerequisites:	Prerequisite for this program is the SSI Open Water Diver certification or its equivalent. See individual program descriptions for further information.
Academic Sessions:	Varies
Pool/Confined Water Sessions:	Varies
Open Water Dives:	12
Maximum Training Depth:	Varies
Suggested Duration:	Varies
Please refer to the SSI Website for more detailed information

Advanced Adventurer | Specialty course | 2 days

This program allows you to experience five different open water dives from five SSI Specialty programs without requiring you to complete the entire Specialty. If you are unsure of your next step, this is the perfect way to advance your dive skills and experience, and to identify which Specialty programs interest you. You will earn the SSI Advanced Adventurer certification after completing this program.
Completing this Program is equivalent to PADI Advanced diver course.

Minimum Age:	10; 12 if Deep Diving dive is included
Certification Prerequisites:	Open Water Diver Note: Max depth is 30m /98 ft if Deep Diving dive is included.
Academic Sessions:	Online learning
Pool/Confined Water Sessions:	Not more than 5
Open Water Dives:	Not more than 5
Maximum Training Depth:	Varies
Suggested Duration:	6 – 10 hours

Please refer to the SSI website for more detailed information

Advanced Open Water Diver | Advanced Level | 3-4 days

SSI Advanced Open Water Diver is the next recognition rating on the path to becoming an SSI Master Diver, and includes four SSI Specialty program Digital Kits. After completing the four SSI Specialty programs that interest you, as well as 24 logged dives, you will automatically receive the SSI Advanced Open Water Diver recognition rating, along with your SSI Specialty program certifications.

Minimum Age:	10
Certification Prerequisites:	See individual prerequisites.
Academic Sessions:	Varies
Pool/Confined Water Sessions:	Varies
Open Water Dives:	24
Maximum Training Depth:	Varies
Suggested Duration:	Varies
Please refer to the SSI Website for more detailed information

Deep Diver | Specialty course| 2 days

Many exciting dive sites are located in deeper water. Without proper training, this kind of diving puts you at risk. The SSI Deep Diving Specialty will give you the ability to safely and comfortably plan and conduct dives beyond 18 meters, and is a prerequisite for some advanced training. You will earn the SSI Deep Diving Specialty certification. after completing this program

Minimum Age:	15
Certification Prerequisites:	Prerequisite for this program is the SSI Open Water Diver certification or its equivalent. Further prerequisites vary depending on the programs included.
Academic Sessions:	1
Pool/Confined Water Sessions:	Optional
Open Water Dives:	3
Maximum Training Depth:	40 meters
Suggested Duration:	2 days
Please refer to the SSI Website for more detailed information

Enriched Air Nitrox | Specialty course | 1 day

The SSI Enriched Air Nitrox program will teach you how to safely plan and dive with enriched air mixtures of up to 40% oxygen. Diving with enriched air can increase your no-decompression limits, increase your safety, and reduce the required length of your surface intervals when compared to air. You will earn the SSI Enriched Air Nitrox 32% or 40% certification after completing this program.

Minimum Age:	10
Certification Prerequisites:	Open Water Diver if in-water training is included
Academic Sessions:	Online learning
Pool/Confined Water Sessions:	Optional
Open Water Dives:	Optional
Maximum Training Depth:	Optional
Suggested Duration:	6 – 10 hours
Specialized Equipment:	Knowledge Program
Please refer to the SSI Website for more detailed information

Perfect Buoyancy | Specialty course | 3 days

Do you want to increase your buoyancy control, minimize your breathing gas consumption, or move effortlessly above the ocean floor? The SSI Perfect Buoyancy program teaches you the skills and techniques needed to maximize your dive experience, increase your comfort in the water, and get the most from your equipment. You will earn the SSI Perfect Buoyancy Specialty certification..

Minimum Age:	10
Certification Prerequisites:	Open Water Diver
Academic Sessions:	Online Learning
Pool/Confined Water Sessions:	1+
Open Water Dives:	Optional
Maximum Training Depth:	Optional
Suggested Duration:	6 – 10 hours

Please refer to the SSI website for more detailed information

Diver Stress & Rescue | Specialty course | 3 days

Stress is a major cause of diving accidents and negatively impacts rescue situations. This program teaches you the skills and knowledge required to recognize and deal with stress, prevent accidents and properly deal with emergency situations encountered by divers. You will earn the SSI Diver Stress and Rescue Specialty certification after completing this program.

Minimum Age:	12
Certification Prerequisites:	Open Water Diver Students must have proof of current training within two (2) years of First Aid and CPR
Academic Sessions:	2
Pool/Confined Water Sessions:	2 (+1 Optional)
Open Water Dives:	3
Maximum Training Depth:	30 meters / 100 feet
Suggested Duration:	10 – 15 hours
Please refer to the SSI website for more detailed information

Dive Guide | Professional Level | 3 weeks

This program gives you the skills and experience required to safely lead groups of certified divers, and is the first step towards an exciting career as an SSI Dive Professional without requiring you to complete an instructor program. Professional Dive Guides can work for SSI Dive Centers, guiding dives in a variety of environments and conditions. You will earn the SSI Dive Guide certification after completing this program.

Minimum Age:	15 / 18 if active status
Certification Prerequisites:	Advanced Adventurer, Diver Stress & Rescue certification, 40 logged Dives, certification or equivalent experience: Navigation, Night & Limited Visibility, Deep Diving.
Academic Sessions:	Varies
Pool/Confined Water Sessions:	Varies
Open Water Dives:	10 or at least 50 total
Maximum Training Depth:	40 meters / 130 feet
Suggested Duration:	35 – 45 hours

Please refer to the website for more detailed information

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Diving Guidelines

All certified divers are responsible for their own safety and dive profiles (including guided dives), following dive tables and/or computers. Safety stops are mandatory (5m, 3mins) on ALL DIVES.

Divers who have not been diving for 12 months are required to do a refresher course with an instructor or divemaster.

All divers are required to use a full set of SCUBA GEAR, including an alternative air source. Divers on Non-limit Diving packages or dive safaris please ask dive staff for dive computer rental.

Reserve starts at 50 BAR (750 psi), time for your ascent!! However, we do like you to make the most of your dive; provided you are not alone, you can still enjoy the coral gardens no deeper then 6m. Do surface with at least 30 BAR (450psi) tank pressure !!!

Always remain close to your buddy, even on guided dives. If you loose your buddy during the dive inform your diveguide as soon as possible.

We recommend: do a weight-check at the end of your 1st dive so you can enjoy the following ones with as little weight as necessary ;-))

Pandan Island Diving

We offer 2 guided dives daily at 9:30 and 14:30. Please inform the dive staff at least 1hour before your planned dive. Night dives need to be planned until noon and are at 18:00 with guide, or later, without. On request, advanced divers (buddy groups) with more than 50 logged dives each and who dove with us already, may go on beach dives independently. Please consult our dive masters.

Apo Reef and Busuanga Diving

Divers are recommended to do a fundive around Pandan island before they join a trip to dive Apo Reef or the Busuanga Wrecks. This gives us a chance to assess the divers’ skills, make sure they have well fitting equipment and are properly weighted (more then 50% of the divers carry too much lead !). The purpose is to avoid dangerous situations (uncontrolled descents/ascents or group separations) in case difficult situations like waves or currents arise out on the reef, which can spoil the day for you and the whole group.

HAVE FUN AND SAFE DIVING
MARIPOSA DIVE TEAM