Cebu features a vibrant marine ecosystem. The province’s Moalboal and Malapascua were recognized in 2020 as among the top diving spots in the world. The former is the best place to see schools of sardines, while the latter is where you can swim with sharks. Moreover, the province has other diving spots that you can explore. Mactan and the area surrounding it feature diving attractions. Hilutungan Island, about 30 minutes from Mactan, features diving spots for beginners and experts. Newbies can explore the shallower waters, while expert divers can go deeper to see other kinds of fish and sea turtles. Another must-see is Marigondon Cave—an underground cavern that awaits expert divers. Aside from the province’s rich marine life, there are also a lot of dive resorts you can book to explore underwater attractions. For options, check out this list of the top dive resorts in Cebu, Philippines.
1. Magic Island Dive Resort, Moalboal (from USD 109)
This dive resort is in Moalboal, one of the known dive spots in Cebu. You can get the opportunity to see marine life, including dolphins and majestic whale sharks.
Each diver will have their own post and crate at the dive center. You can customize your dive package here to fit your itinerary. The usual schedule, however, sees the instructors taking guests for a dive at 8:30am and then returning to the resort at 6pm. Night dives can also be arranged. However, you can rent dive equipment here.
Magic Island Dive Resort
Address: Tongo, Basdiot, Moalboal, Cebu, Philippines, 6032
14.88 km (9.3 mi) from Kawasan Falls
2. Granada Beach Resort - Adults Only, Boljoon (from USD 69)
This resort has a resident PADI dive instructor who can guide you in exploring the reefs in the area. If you’re a beginner, don’t worry, because you can avail yourself of diving lessons to earn your certification. Refresher courses are also available if you need to revisit your skills and knowledge about diving.
This resort is just 20 minutes from where you can meet whale sharks. This adventure sees guests leaving the place at 5am with a guide to introduce you to the gentle giants of the sea.
Granada Beach Resort - Adults Only
Address: Natalio Bacalso Avenue, South National Highway, Cebu
24.91 km (15.5 mi) from Kawasan Falls
3. Hippocampus Beach Resort, Daanbantayan (from USD 39)
Diving trips here are organized by the in-house dive shop, Devocean Divers. Its personnel is ready and willing to prepare all the equipment you need to explore the underwater depths around Malapascua Island. Groups are usually around four people for guests’ safety.
Seeing thresher sharks in Monad Shoal is one of the underwater adventures you can take on here. However, you need to gain sufficient experience and advanced certification to undertake this trip.
Do make sure to contact the dive shop to inquire about rates and lessons. Classes can be taught in English, French, German, and Dutch.
Hippocampus Beach Resort
Address: Bounty Beach, Barangay Logon, Daanbantayan, Cebu
187.99 km (116.9 mi) from Kawasan Falls
4. Les Maisons D'Itac, Ronda (from USD 117)
Les Maisons d'Itac is a fishing village 15 minutes from Moalboal, where there are scuba diving trips. This property is a quiet area, allowing you to get sufficient rest before and after your dive.
Various activities also await you in this property beyond diving. Other water adventures you can experience here are snorkeling, canoeing, whale watching, and fishing. You can try archery, horseback riding, and hiking if you want land-based activities. Plus, you can get a massage at the on-site spa.
Les Maisons D'Itac
Address: Patricks Road, Barangay Santa Cruz, Ronda, Cebu
24.67 km (15.4 mi) from Kawasan Falls
5. Emoha Dive Resort, Santander (from USD 112)
The dive shop here offers lessons and equipment to guests. Its boat can accommodate four divers with a guide and boat crew. Diving tours can take you to the southern tip of the Tanön Strait, where you can see hard corals populated by various types of fish.
You will get the opportunity to see different types of corals, anemones, sponges, various schools of fish, and even sea turtles. Note, though, that the current here can get pretty strong.
Emoha Dive Resort
Address: KM 138 National Road, Canlumacad Santander 6026, Cebu Philippines
42.57 km (26.5 mi) from Kawasan Falls
6. The Blue Orchid Resort, Moalboal (from USD 88)
This resort serves as a good jump-off point if you want to explore the dive spots of Moalboal and even Pescador Island. Its dive center offers equipment rental, lessons, and diving guides. Daytime and night dives are feasible here.
The dive resort also offers packages for groups of two or three, with rates differing depending on the number of days and dives you will avail of. These packages include marine park fees, refreshments, and the use of equipment, including weights and tanks. Special rates are offered to loyal guests.
The Blue Orchid Resort
Address: White Beach, Barangay Saavedra, Cebu
21.19 km (13.2 mi) from Kawasan Falls
7. Quo Vadis Dive Resort, Moalboal (from USD 71)
This dive resort can take guests to over 25 dive sites, with guides able to offer up to five dives per day. A maximum of four people are assigned per guide here. The tour will be based on the experience and certification level of the guests. You can inquire with the establishment if you want to inquire about the rates and packages.
The dive center prides itself in having some of the largest dive boats in Moalboal, with toilet facilities on board. Additionally, divers will have complimentary snacks and refreshments.
Quo Vadis Dive Resort
Address: Panagsama Beach, Moalboal, Cebu, Philippines, 6032
15.87 km (9.9 mi) from Kawasan Falls
8. Dolphin House Resort Moalboal, Moalboal (from USD 160)
This option is worth considering for travelers who want to experience diving but are a little anxious to take the plunge. The diving school guides you throughout the process, from teaching basic concepts and skills in the pool to bringing you to the reef for the first time once you’ve gained confidence. This area does not often see strong currents, which is another point in favor of this area for beginner divers.
Guests can also choose from various diving spots less than 20 minutes from the resort.
Dolphin House Resort Moalboal
Address: White Beach, Baranagay Saavedra, Cebu
20.38 km (12.7 mi) from Kawasan Falls
9. Kasai Village Dive Resort, Moalboal
This diving resort welcomes guests of all skill levels, including those with mobility conditions. Its philosophy is to allow guests to enjoy diving freedom while ensuring their safety. Experienced divers can dive independently with their buddy teams and without a time limit, subject to the approval of the dive operator manager. Of course, entry-level lessons are also offered here for beginner divers.
Guests who want to learn freediving can take lessons here as well. Night diving, including blackwater diving, can be arranged here. This option takes pride in specializing in underwater photography, cave explorations, scooter diving, normoxic and hypoxic tec diving, and rebreather diving.
Kasai Village Dive Resort
Address: Tuble
17.17 km (10.7 mi) from Kawasan Falls
10. Malapascua Exotic Island Dive Resort, Daanbantayan (from USD 70)
Check out this dive resort if your target is to explore the waters of Gato Island. An hour from the resort, the waters around the isle are known for housing beautiful, bright-colored corals where various fish and sea horses live. Moreover, thrill seekers will love that it’s likely for them to spot white-tip reef sharks and banded sea snakes in these waters.
Diving expeditions can also be arranged at Monad Shoal and Kemod Shoal, where you are likely to spot thresher sharks.
Malapascua Exotic Island Dive Resort
Address: Bounty Beach Malapascua Island,Logon
187.92 km (116.8 mi) from Kawasan Falls
Explore Cebu's hidden depths
Cebu is a province that offers plenty of attractions on, off, and under its waters. Make sure to look for a dive site that matches your skills level and what you want to see so you can choose the resort that puts you close to it. So, check out this list of the top dive resorts in Cebu, Philippines, for a fun stay!
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