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How To Prepare For Your First Scuba Diving Experience In Anilao

For ocean lovers and adventurers, Anilao is the perfect place for a quick weekend trip. With more than 50 dive sites and some of the best diving in Luzon, it’s one of the premier diving destinations in the Philippines. This charming town in Mabini, Batangas is renowned for muck diving, although the variety in its marine life makes it easy to fall in love with it. From vibrant corals to turtles and reef sharks, there is plenty to marvel at in Anilao’s underwater landscape—and it’s just a few hours away from Manila!

Beginners benefit from the calm and shallow waters, but before diving off the deep end, make sure you’re well-prepared for a fun and safe underwater experience. Here are some of the things to do before embarking on your much-awaited scuba diving adventure in Anilao.

 

 

Determine The Right Scuba Diving Experience For You

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First off, figure out what you want to do. Most beginners start with the Discover Scuba Diving Experience or the Open Water Diver course. The former is a quick one- to two-hour introduction to the colorful world beneath the ocean’s surface, while the latter is a full course for scuba diving certification consisting of pool dives and ocean dives.

And if you’re not ready to take on scuba diving just yet, snorkeling in Anilao can be just as rewarding.

 

 

Find A Reputable Diving Center

Safety is always a priority and one way to ensure a safe and comfortable experience underwater is choosing the right diving school to dive with. This is especially crucial for beginners as they need a lot of guidance, instruction, and care in the water. So, when you’re planning a dive trip in Anilao, make sure it’s with the right diving center with certified instructors, well-maintained equipment, and the proper dive affiliations. Research ahead of time and read reviews online, or ask friends for recommendations.

 

 

Limit Your Gear

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Truly, it can be tempting to start shopping for the best dive equipment for your upcoming trip. But as a beginner, there’s really not a lot of gear to purchase when you’re just starting out. Rental gear is typically included in most diving courses, so there’s no need to be in a rush to buy your own. Plus, it can take a bit of experience to find out what types of equipment you prefer and the gear you’re comfortable with.

Besides, if you’re still learning the ropes in scuba diving, it’s best to limit the distractions. Since you’ve got enough to learn and keep track of in the beginning, it’s best to hold off on toting your underwater camera or other complicated gadgets until you’re more experienced.

 

 

Pack All The Essentials

Even if you’re renting scuba gear, there are a few must-bring items that every diver must pack for themselves such as sunblock, a dry bag, and a simple first-aid kit. A water bottle that you can refill at the resort is also essential as divers often need constant rehydration. If you’re prone to seasickness, motion sickness medication your dive may help.

 

 

Take Note Of Travel Protocols In The New Normal

As of June 16 to June 30, 2021, Batangas is under regular GCQ. Tourists from areas under GCQ and MECQ may visit the Anilao diving sites by securing the following requirements:

  • Negative RT-PCR test result
  • Proof of reservation
  • Valid ID
  • Medical clearance

As always, it’s best to confirm the travel requirements from your diving center or resort. Face masks and face shields are required in most common areas, including resorts, restaurants, and even public transportation.

 

Not quite ready for scuba diving? Explore the breathtaking underwater treasures in Batangas with the Anilao Snorkeling Tour from Manila. If you’re more about beach bumming than scuba diving, spend a day touring some of the best beaches in Batangas. Book a private beach day tour of Batangas here.

 

 

Visit KKday for more travel deals and tips.

 

 

*Featured photo via Lexter Yap on Shutterstock

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