Mactan Discover Scuba Diving for Beginners

Always wanted to try scuba but never had the chance? Mactan's gentle, easy-access house reefs make it one of the best places in the Philippines to take your very first breaths underwater. On this Discover Scuba experience, a PADI-certified instructor walks you through the basics on the surface, teaches you how to use the gear and equalize, then guides you down on a shallow, controlled dive.

You will glide over coral gardens and meet Mactan's reef residents, clownfish, wrasse, and colorful soft corals, while your instructor stays right beside you the whole time. No certification, no prior experience, and even non-swimmers can usually join, since you are accompanied at all times and stay within recreational depths.

Most operators run from a PADI dive center or resort on the Mactan coast, with all equipment, instruction, and often hotel transfers and refreshments included. It is a brilliant introduction that many travelers use as a stepping stone to a full Open Water course later in their trip. Bring a swimsuit and a towel; the rest is provided.