Philippines  Luzon Palawan El Nido Diving & Marine Information
El Nido Island, Palawan - Islands of Luzon, Philippines
Diving & Marine Information
VISIBILITY
3m - 10m January to February
10m- 30m March to May
10m- 15m June to December
WATER CURRENT
The current in El Nido varies from very slight to moderate depending on tidal
fluctuations. Generally very manageable, divers can swim back to the boat without
difficulty.
WATER TEMPERATURE
December to March 24°C - 26°C
April to November 26°C - 29°C
BOATS USED
The standard banca or outrigger boats can accommodate up to 10 divers. Dive
groups are usually formed with 6 guests to a boat. The wooden bancas are powered by marinized diesel engines.
DIVING REQUIREMENTS
Experienced divers must present their C- card and logbook before diving.
DIVING OPERATIONS
The Resorts offer packages with two dives a day. Divers acclimatize in front of the
Resort or in a suitable confined area A divemaster handles up to a maximum of six (6) divers at one time. Additional safety divemasters are assigned to bigger groups and novice divers. The divemaster controls all dives. Third dives are optional and can be arranged at additional cost. Cave and night diving are not allowed. All dives are No-decompression dives.
Diving boats normally anchor at the dive site. Coffee and water are served on board.
The best time of the year for diving at El Nido is during the tropical summer months
of March till May, as surface conditions are good during this time.
El Nido has 21 principal dive sites which offer different types of diving, namely: rock
formation, slope reef, flat reef, submerged reef, drop - off and tunnel dive. Here you
will witness the rich and colorful underwater world that awaits you at El Nido.
The El Nido area is a Marine Reserve. Collecting corals, shells and the like, as well as spear fishing, are not permitted.
EQUIPMENT RENTAL
Equipment rental is on a first come first served basis. Please return the equipment
promptly after use to accommodate others who may want to avail of them. BCDs and regulators are available at the Resort.
EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT
Both Resorts have emergency equipment like oxygen resuscitators and has trained
diving emergency personnel.
DIVING COURSES
El Nido is a perfect venue for your diving lessons. The Resorts offer three dive
courses: Open water course for beginners; Advanced diving course; and the Rescue
Diving/ Medic first aid course. Each course takes at least five to six days to
complete. Upon graduation you will be issued a temporary diver's licence. Your
C-card will be sent to you after one month. If you wish to take a dive course, please
inform the Reservations staff when making your booking. You will be required to
present a medical certificate for diving eligibility and two 2" x 2" photographs.
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