Thinking about trying scuba diving for the first time? Boracay offers an excellent opportunity with this highly-rated Discover Scuba Diving experience. Led by skilled instructors like Master Peter Tay, this tour promises a safe, fun introduction to the underwater world—plus the chance to capture your moment beneath the waves.
What we love about this experience is how accessible it is for newcomers, the quality of the underwater photographs and videos, and the personal attention from guides who truly know their stuff. The only potential hiccup? It’s a 2.5-hour activity, so if you’re short on time, plan accordingly. Ideal for anyone curious about diving but unsure about committing long-term—this is perfect for first-timers, adventure seekers, or anyone wanting to see Boracay’s marine life without a big upfront investment.
Key Points
- Beginner-Friendly: Designed for those new to diving, with thorough guidance and safety emphasis.
- Professional Instructors: Led by experienced guides like Master Peter Tay, who make novices feel confident.
- Underwater Photos & Videos: All participants receive professional visual memories of their dives.
- Accessible Price: $65 per person for a comprehensive introduction, including gear, training, and a boat dive.
- Duration & Flexibility: About 2.5 hours, convenient for fitting into a busy Boracay itinerary.
- Excellent Reviews: Consistently high ratings and multiple glowing comments about guides and overall experience.
What to Expect from the Tour
This Discover Scuba experience is structured to maximize your comfort and enjoyment, especially if you’re a first-timer. It begins with a quick but thorough theory session explaining scuba basics and safety procedures, tailored to ensure even complete beginners understand what to expect underwater. Don’t worry—there’s no need to be a swimmer or have previous experience.
Next comes confined water training in a pool-like setting, where you’ll practice your skills—such as breathing calmly, equalizing pressure, and using your mask and fins—under the watchful eye of your instructor. Reviewers like “Sir Peter” are praised for their patience and clear instructions, making the training feel approachable. One reviewer appreciated how Sir Peter reassured her, even for someone with a fear of the water: “He guided us from the very beginning—from the briefing and also underwater.”
After mastering basic skills, you’ll head out on an open water boat dive. This is where Boracay reveals its underwater beauty, with vibrant marine life, colorful fish, and captivating coral formations. The trip is typically scheduled to start at 9:00 am from Astoria Boracay Boat Station 1, with the activity wrapping up back at the start point.
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Underwater Photography & Videography
One of the standout features is the inclusion of professional underwater photos and videos, taken by an experienced photographer. Reviewers consistently mention how these images serve as cherished souvenirs, capturing their initial awe of marine life and their first breath underwater. These visual keepsakes enhance the overall value of the experience, especially for those who want memories without having to fuss over camera gear.
Group Size & Personal Attention
The tour is a private activity, meaning only your group participates, which translates to more personalized guidance and fewer distractions. The instructor’s attentive approach is a recurring theme in reviews—“He was so patient and reassuring,” one said. This focus on safety and comfort helps ease first-time divers into the experience, making it less intimidating.
The Itinerary in Detail
Morning Meet and Greet
The tour kicks off promptly at 9:00 am at Astoria Boracay Boat Station 1. This central location is convenient for most travelers, and the activity is close to public transportation. Expect a quick check-in, where you’ll confirm your booking and get fitted with all necessary gear—mask, fins, wetsuit, and tank.
Theory and Confined Water Practice
The instructor delivers a brief overview of diving fundamentals, emphasizing safety procedures and equipment usage. This segment usually lasts around 30-45 minutes and is designed to build confidence. Reviewers emphasize how helpful and patient the guides are here—one noted, “He explained everything clearly, making me feel ready for the open water.”
The confined water training occurs in shallow, controlled conditions, where you’ll practice essential skills like breathing through your regulator, clearing your mask, and controlling buoyancy. Many reviewers mention how this practical prep helps reduce anxiety; one said, “I felt more confident after just a few minutes of practice.”
Open Water Dive
Following skills mastery, you’ll take a short boat ride to your dive site. The open water session typically lasts around 30 minutes, during which you’ll explore Boracay’s underwater scenery. The marine life is diverse, with many reviewers mentioning colorful fish, coral formations, and the chance to see small marine creatures up close.
Throughout the dive, your instructor remains attentive, ensuring safety and helping you enjoy every moment. The underwater photos serve as a constant reminder of how stunning the environment is—one reviewer exclaimed, “It was nothing short of sensational! I was transported to a whole new world of wonder.”
Return and Reflection
The tour concludes back at the starting point, usually around 11:30 am, giving you plenty of time afterward to explore Boracay or relax on the beach. Reviewers often leave feeling exhilarated and grateful, with many saying they’d recommend the experience to friends or want to pursue diving further.
Why This Tour Offers Great Value
At $65 per person, this package includes everything needed for a memorable first dive—theory lessons, gear, confined water practice, open water dive, and underwater photos. Considering the professional guidance, safety focus, and quality of images, many find it offers excellent value.
Plus, the reviews highlight the dedication of instructor Master Peter Tay, who is praised for his clarity, patience, and thoroughness. Several mention how he made first-time divers feel confident and safe, which is arguably the most critical component of a beginner’s diving experience.
The inclusion of professional underwater photography is a bonus—some reviews describe their photos as “mind-blowing,” capturing moments they’ll treasure forever. For many travelers, these images are worth more than the price of the tour, providing a lasting memory of their debut in the underwater realm.
Who Should Consider This Experience?
This experience is ideal for anyone curious about scuba diving, especially those who haven’t tried it before. It’s suitable for adults and older kids (minimum age 10) in good physical health. If you’re a little nervous about water or unsure about swimming, you’ll appreciate the patient guidance, which many reviewers cited as reassuring.
It’s also perfect for travelers seeking a short but impactful adventure during their Boracay trip. Since the tour is private, groups can personalize their experience and ask questions freely.
People with a sense of adventure, an interest in marine life, or those wanting a visual keepsake of their trip will find this experience highly rewarding. If you’re considering further diving pursuits, this could be the perfect first step.
Practical Tips for Booking and Enjoying
- Book well in advance, as the experience is popular, generally booked about 55 days ahead.
- Arrive early at Astoria Boracay Boat Station 1 for a smooth start.
- Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, and a sense of adventure.
- Prepare for a moderate physical activity—good health and confidence in water are recommended.
- Reviewers suggest that the underwater photos are a highlight, so relax and enjoy the moment.
The Sum Up
If you’re looking for an authentic, beginner-friendly introduction to scuba diving in Boracay, this tour ticks all the boxes. The combination of expert guidance, safety focus, and underwater photography makes it a fantastic value for first-timers. It’s especially well-suited for those who want to get a taste of the underwater world without a long-term commitment or advanced skills.
The consistently high reviews and personal stories of confidence and awe suggest this experience truly delivers on its promise. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or family, it’s a memorable way to see Boracay from a whole new perspective.
For travelers eager to dip their toes—or fins—into the world of scuba, this tour offers a safe, fun, and picture-perfect start.
FAQs
Is this experience suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, this tour is designed for first-timers. It includes a thorough briefing, confined water practice, and close instructor supervision, making it accessible for those with no prior experience.
What is included in the price?
The $65 fee covers the PADI Discover Scuba Diving eLearning, confined water training, open water dive, use of all scuba gear, boat transportation, and underwater photography and videography.
Do I need to know how to swim?
While swimming skills are helpful, the program caters to beginners—including those who might be nervous or unsure about water—thanks to patient instruction and safety measures.
Where do the tours start and end?
Meet at Astoria Boracay Boat Station 1 at 9:00 am. The activity ends back at the same location, giving you flexibility to continue exploring Boracay afterward.
How long does the entire experience last?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including briefing, confined water practice, and the open water dive.
What if the weather isn’t good?
The experience is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
If you’re eager to try scuba diving in Boracay, this experience with Master Peter Tay offers a well-rounded, safe, and visually memorable introduction that’s hard to beat in value and quality.