Where better to take our first ever diving lesson than in the heart of the Philippines. Here’s our intro to diving in Moalboal and all you need to know.
How To Get To Moalboal
The easiest and most common way to reach Moalboal is via Cebu City.
From the South Bus Terminal, there are public Ceres buses going to Moalboal hourly.
The prices range from 120 Pesos to 150 Pesos depending on whether they offer air-conditioning. They do stop along the way, so the journey takes around 3-4 hours depending on traffic.
If you’re looking for a more convenient and quicker drive you can take a private taxi or use the Grab app. It will cost you quite a bit more at around 2500-3000 Pesos.
It’s also possible to get to Moalboal from Dumaguete by catching the ferry over to Santander and riding a bus up from the South of Cebu.
For those short on time, or that prefer everything to be organised for them, there are some awesome tours on Get Your Guide available to book in advance.
When Is The Best Season For Diving In Moalboal?
Diving in Moalboal is good pretty much all year round. Although November to April, are known to be the high seasons.
The visibility isn’t effected much by the weather, with it ranging between 10m at it’s worst, to 30m+ on good days throughout the year.
The best option is to call or email ahead to whoever your planning to book accommodation or dive with.
Where To Book Your Diving In Moalboal & Prices
We went out diving with the guys at Blue Orchid Dive Resort, however there are so many great options in and around Moalboal.
The majority of diving operators have western instructors, who are not only super friendly, but make you feel completely at home in the water!
We’ve listed a few of Blue Orchids options below, however there are also day tours that cater for beginner divers and other activities such as Deep-Sea Diving at Moalboal and Pescador Island.
Blue Orchid Prices:
DSD (Discover Scuba Diving) – 3,400 Pesos
Scuba Refresher – 1,400 Pesos
PADI Open Water Course – 21,470 Pesos
What To Expect When Diving In Moalboal
Moalboal is one of the Philippines top tourist spots, and people who experience diving in Moalboal often describe the coral reef as some of the healthiest in the world.
So, when we were offered the opportunity to check out Blue Orchid Dive Resort and complete our DSD (Discover Scuba Diving), we jumped at it.
Being complete novices to diving and having no idea what to expect, the guys at Blue Orchid couldn’t have been more helpful at putting us at ease.
A mixture of Western born instructors gave us a basic review of the scuba diving theory. Following this we jumped into the pool to practice the most important scuba skills and take our first breaths from a regulator.
Once we were comfortable with the equipment and had successfully completed all the required exercises, our instructors took us out for our first dive in the ocean. It was absolutely insane!
Honestly, diving in Moalboal is one of those things that we never really thought about until arriving in the Philippines. Everybody talked about it so we figured we had to give it a go.
It completely opened our eyes to a whole other world. Literally swimming and breathing under water is an experience you have to live-out first hand.
We saw everything from turtles to seahorses on their house reef and out in the ocean!
Where To Stay In Moalboal
Luxury – Blue Orchid Dive Resort
The Blue Orchid Resort offers a peaceful and relaxing stay, about 8 km from Moalboal town.
It features an outdoor pool, several water sports activities and free WiFi access.
Opening out to sea views, rooms are breezy and feature private terraces. All rooms have air conditioning and a private bathroom with a mosquito net.
The Blue Orchid Resort is a 20-minute boat ride from the popular dive site of Pescador Island. It’s a great option for those that are passionate about diving.
Alternatively, guests can also explore the surrounding region on a scooter, or relax with a massage. Adventure activities such as kayaking can also be arranged.
Mid-Budget – Pescadores Seaview Suites
Offering an outdoor pool and sun terrace, Pescadores Seaview Suites is set directly in Moalboal.
Free WiFi is available throughout the property. The air-conditioned rooms come with a dry rack and a fan.
Certain rooms also feature views of the sea, pool or garden. Ensuite bathrooms come with shower facilities and free toiletries.
There is a mini-market on-site as well as a 24 hour front desk.
Guests can play table tennis, billiard, and board games at the resort and can also enjoy meals at the on-site restaurant.
Budget – Archery-Asia Nipa Huts & Camping
Archery-Asia Nipa Huts & Camping offers WiFi access, barbecues, campfire facilities and seating areas.
Free private parking is available on site. Bungalows come with a private entrance, a fan and a mosquito net. A mattress, bed linen, towels and a free bottle of water are also provided.
The communal bathroom comes with a toilet and a cold shower.
You can play 3D archery, darts or badminton at the property, and the area surrounding the accommodation is popular for hiking.
For more places to stay in Moalboal, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.
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