Get certified with a PADI Open Water course off Mactan Island — two days of confined‑water training and four open dives in warm Cebu seas. Learn practical dive skills, local reef etiquette, and what to pack before you go.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You lift through a band of warm Pacific and the world narrows to blue: the surface glittering, a reef edge humming beneath. The training begins from Scotty's at Shangri‑La Mactan, where instructors brief you on gear and signals before you ease into shallow, sheltered water for confined‑skill practice.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 days
Fitness Level
Should be comfortable swimming and treading water; basic aerobic fitness and no serious heart or spinal conditions.
Wildlife
History
Mactan is historically known for the 1521 Battle of Mactan and has long been an active maritime community of boatbuilders and fishers.
Conservation
Operators emphasize no‑touch policies and reef‑safe products; avoid standing on reefs and follow buoyancy training to protect corals.
Reserve your spot on the Open Water Course (PADI) today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring a well‑fitting mask
A personal mask saves time and reduces fogging; rental masks are available but may not fit as well.
Hydrate and rest between sessions
Training involves long days and surface time; drink water and avoid alcohol to reduce fatigue and dehydration.
Use reef‑safe sunscreen
Chemical sunscreens harm corals—choose mineral sunscreen and apply well before entering the water.
Stretch and warm up
Simple shoulder and neck mobility before pool and open‑water sessions reduces cramping risk and improves comfort.
Personal mask and snorkel
Better fit and comfort for skills and surface swims.
Swimwear and rash guard
Sun protection and quick drying between sessions.
summer
Reef‑safe sunscreen
Protects skin and local coral ecosystems.
all
Light logbook and waterproof pen
Record skills, dive profiles, and instructor notes for future reference.