The beautiful city of Dumaguete is the capital of the province of Negros Oriental. With distinctive cultural experiences and a pleasant climate, Dumaguete attracts tourists from around the world, with some even making it a retirement place, hence the nickname “The City of Gentle People”. Tourist spots are within a short drive from the city center. After returning from a nice dive in Apo Island, stroll along Rizal Boulevard and watch the sea reflect the light from the lampposts. There are also bars and restaurants nearby offering Visayan and international fare. You can also witness different cultural celebrations such as Sandurot Festival and Buglasan Festival.
Dumaguete is considered by Forbes as one of the best places in the world to retire - it’s a home away from home for many travelers out there. To experience the beauty of this city, read on for the best dive resorts near Dumaguete, Philippines.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to diving spots, equipment, and diver education. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 13, 2024.
1. Mike's Dauin Dive Resort; Dauin (from USD 79)
Great value for money with comfortable rooms and reasonable priced food.
Full-service diving, well-equipped dive shop, spacious boat, and a relaxing pool area.
Beautiful beachfront location with easy access to snorkeling and Apo Island trips.
Excellent restaurant with a variety of dishes, exceptional fruit shakes, and good portion breakfast.
Mike’s Dauin Dive Resort brings you a step closer to the magnificent marine ecosystem of Dauin which is about 18.8 km (11.68 mi) from Dumaguete. This resort is PADI-registered and offers top-notch diving courses, whether you may be a beginner or a pro. From here, Apo Island is a boat ride away. The island is famous for its lush coral gardens, pygmy sea horses, and turtles. The resort provides snorkeling equipment. Diving fees also already include marine park fees, taxes, and service charges.
After ticking off your dive bucket list, you can relax in the outdoor pool. The resort has a selection of en suite rooms and a two-bedroom villa with a kitchen, terrace, and balcony.
Mike's Dauin Dive Resort
Address: District III, Dauin, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental
16.87 km (10.5 mi) from Pulangbato Falls
2. Atlantis Dive Resort Dumaguete; Lipayo (from USD 221)
Reasonable pricing for quality dive-centric experience with slightly higher budget
Excellent in-house dive center, lush garden, nice swimming pool, attentive staff
Clean, quiet, well-maintained, ideal for diving and day trips
Homemade, varied menu, excellent breakfast, pleasant restaurant atmosphere
Kickstart your diving education and take the first steps toward certification at Atlantis Dive Resort Dumaguete. You won’t need to bring equipment to this beachfront resort because aside from providing one-on-one and specialty courses, this resort also has a dive shop. Recreational divers will find all the equipment they need to see frogfish in their natural habitat.
The 44 guest rooms of Atlantis Dive Resort Dumaguete are air-conditioned and stocked with toiletries. In the morning, you will be energized with a glass of fresh fruit juice and a generous breakfast.
Atlantis Dive Resort Dumaguete
Address: Lipayo, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental
16.11 km (10.1 mi) from Pulangbato Falls
3. Pura Vida Beach & Dive Resort; Dauin (from USD 119)
Slightly pricey dining options, but overall good value for amenities and service.
Beautiful garden, two swimming pools, dive center, spa, and playground. Well-maintained rooms and comfortable beds.
Quiet and tranquil beachfront location, suitable for relaxation. Close to the beach and snorkeling spots.
Delicious Brazilian beef, diverse breakfast options, themed breakfasts, and good cocktails. Some dining options are a bit expensive, but with sufficient variety.
Pura Vida Beach & Dive Resort offers lovely coastal dives in Dauin and Apo Island. A diving package includes a boat ride, weights, tanks, and a guide. This beachfront establishment is the location of the Sea Explorers PADI 5 Dive Center which specializes in diving and island hopping. Booking a stay in this resort gives you access to experienced guides and certified divers.
The resort has a gym, bar, and spa to keep you occupied between dives. Meanwhile, the air-conditioned accommodations are designed with your comfort in mind. You can choose from an array of rooms or bungalows named after a local marine animal.
Pura Vida Beach & Dive Resort
Address: Washington Street, District 3 Poblacion, Negros Oriental, Dumaguete City
16.73 km (10.4 mi) from Pulangbato Falls
4. AivyMaes Divers Resort; Dauin (from USD 21)
Divers who are particular about their accommodations will surely find a suitable selection at AivyMaes Divers Resort. Book a beach dormitory if you are on a budget. But, if you can, splurge on a deluxe room with a bathroom, small fridge, and TV. Guests of this resort may use a shared kitchen. Coffee, tea, and drinking water are also available for free.
Diving rates depend on the kind of adventure you are after. Is it a coastal dive or a fun dive in a house reef? Are you keen on diving at night? The diving rates include equipment and sanctuary fees. However, if you brought diving gear, you can earn a 10% discount!
AivyMaes Divers Resort
Address: J. Basa Street lot 186
16.84 km (10.5 mi) from Pulangbato Falls
5. Wellbeach Dive Resort; Zamboanguita (from USD 61)
Reasonable pricing for the quality and amenities offered.
Excellent diving facilities, clean swimming pool, and great security measures.
Located right on a quiet beach with stunning views of Apo Island, and near Malatapay port for convenient travel.
Delicious and well-prepared food, including a nice breakfast, with a peaceful dining atmosphere.
Wellbeach Dive Resort is located in Zamboanguita which is about 38.1 km (23.67 mi) from Dumaguete. This resort brings guests to the best diving sites in Zamboanguita as well as in Sumilon and Oslob in the neighboring province of Cebu. Wellbeach Dive Resort has sturdy and custom-built boats and seasoned captains to help you out. You can also book a diving package which includes transportation, food, and accommodation.
After a mesmerizing day underwater, unwind on the balcony of your air-conditioned room. From there, you can look out to Apo Island and take in the gorgeous views. Guests here are also welcome to enjoy the soothing waters of the outdoor pool which has a shallow area for the kids to play in safely.
Wellbeach Dive Resort
Address: Maluay, Zamboanguita, Negros Oriental
20.46 km (12.8 mi) from Pulangbato Falls
6. Mahi Mahi Dive Resort; Zamboanguita (from USD 76)
Reasonably priced food with big portions. Diving trips to Apo Island available.
Clean and spacious rooms, good pool, and helpful staff. Cozy ambiance and LGBTQ friendly.
Great for isolation and Apo Island visits. Tricky access road but beautiful view of Apo Island.
Delicious and freshly prepared food. Good quality and attention to detail in food service.
This modish 4-star dive resort in Zamboanguita boasts an outdoor swimming pool and modern rooms with WiFi service. Rooms are well-lit, decorated with care, and feature a private bathroom with towels and toiletries.
Mahi Mahi Dive Resort promises a memorable diving vacation. You can start the day by getting into a traditional boat that carries a maximum of 15 people. Towels are provided on the boat along with complimentary tea, coffee, and snacks. You can take diving courses using rented equipment so you can pack light.
Mahi Mahi Dive Resort
Address: Maluay
21.47 km (13.4 mi) from Pulangbato Falls
7. Thalatta Resort; Zamboanguita (from USD 79)
Reasonable pricing for rooms and amenities, with affordable scooter rentals
Immaculate property with spacious rooms, hot tub, pool, and well-kept gardens
Great location for diving and Apo Island excursions, with access to a small beach
High-quality restaurant with chef specials, fresh sashimi, adobo chicken, and delicious ham and cheese sandwiches
Thalatta Resort in Zamboanguita is a charming establishment where the staff welcomes guests in Filipino, English, Italian, and French. Guests have their pick of 16 rooms, all of which promise modern comforts.
This resort has a private beach steps from the outdoor pool. The boats moored on the shore are ready to take you out for deep-sea fishing and diving. First-time divers will have a field day among colorful tropical reef fishes and turtles of Apo Island. Diving packages are on offer for as many as 30 dives. The rate for one dive includes weights, an oxygen tank, and a dive guide.
Thalatta Resort
Address: Maluay, Zamboanguita Negros Oriental
21.82 km (13.6 mi) from Pulangbato Falls
8. Atmosphere Resorts & Spa; Dauin (from USD 365)
Atmosphere Resorts & Spa is known for its exceptional diving offerings to small dive groups. There is no surcharge for guests who want to go to Apo Island. With four divers per guide and up to five dives each day, you and your company will have the time of your life. Some of the rarest underwater creatures on a scuba diver’s list are photographed in the waters near Atmosphere Resorts & Spa. Kids are also welcome to try snorkeling!
You can go on a night dive and learn from the marine biologist on board. Hot chocolate also awaits after a night dive.
Atmosphere Resorts & Spa
Address: Maayong Tubig
18.48 km (11.5 mi) from Pulangbato Falls
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
accommodations are spacious clean cool and decorated beautifullyHost:
everyone really friendly and politeresort staff are helpful and friendlythe staff were lovely and we really enjoyed our stay herelower staffs needs to be more jovial and engagingRead more reviewsLocation:
i wish the family rooms are closer to family pools
9. Salaya Beach Houses; Dauin (from USD 208)
Make a reservation at Salaya Beach Houses in Dauin and look forward to an underwater adventure of a lifetime. This resort offers guests access to 15 dive sites. Sign up for scuba diving courses and look forward to spotting mototi octopus and ambon scorpionfish. Upon returning from an excursion, you may avail yourself of massage therapy and aromatherapy services in the resort’s spa.
At Salaya Beach Houses, you may join a workshop on underwater photography. If you don’t have an underwater camera, now is the best time to purchase one for the trip.
Salaya Beach Houses
Address: Lipayo
16.23 km (10.1 mi) from Pulangbato Falls
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
but the massage at the spa was great and there's fast wifi and a nice pool for loungingthe apartments were spacious and with good interiorsRead more reviewsCleanliness:
the property was very nice clean scenic and comfortable
10. Liquid Dive Resort; Dauin (from USD 69)
This boutique resort in a secluded location in Dauin takes its environmental responsibility seriously. Choose Liquid Dive Resort and support its environmental initiatives on land and water. The accommodations here are tranquil retreats where you can cozy up after a day in the sun.
Take a boat ride from the beach to the famous Apo Island for a memorable first dive. There are about 40 diving sites to explore. The resort also offers full gear rentals, but you are welcome to bring your own. When you pay dive fees, transport, weights, tank, and services of a guide are included.
Liquid Dive Resort
Address: KM 12.5, Bulak, Negros Oriental
15.8 km (9.9 mi) from Pulangbato Falls
Discover the mesmerizing atmosphere of Dumaguete
The laid-back city of Dumaguete is a favored hub for amateur and professional divers. The opportunities for diving in and around Dumaguete are some of the best in the Philippine archipelago. The warm hospitality and outstanding facilities of these resorts will compel you to return again and again to Dumaguete’s underwater hotspots.
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