Discover Scuba Diving in Puerto Princesa: What to Expect on Your First Dive
Always wanted to breathe underwater but not sure you are ready for a full course? Discover Scuba Diving is a short, supervised first dive with a professional instructor. You learn a few basic skills, then explore the reef, all in a single day. Puerto Princesa, with its warm, calm water, is a gentle place to try it.
Here is what to expect, step by step, and answers to the questions first-time divers ask most.
What is Discover Scuba Diving?
Discover Scuba Diving is PADI's try-dive programme. It is not a certification. Instead, it lets you experience real scuba diving under the direct supervision of an instructor, so you can find out whether you love it before committing to a course.
There is no theory exam and you do not need any experience. You just need to be reasonably fit, comfortable in the water and at least 10 years old.
How deep will I go?
Your first dive can go to a maximum of 12 metres, and your instructor will usually keep things shallower, depending on how comfortable you feel. Many of the most colourful parts of a reef are in shallow water, where the light is brightest, so you do not need to go deep to see a lot.
What happens on the day?
1. Briefing and paperwork
You fill in a short medical questionnaire and liability form. Your instructor explains how the equipment works, how to breathe, how to equalise your ears and the hand signals you will use underwater.
About the medical form: if you answer yes to any question, you will need a doctor's sign-off before diving. Check the questionnaire before your holiday, so you can see your own doctor at home if needed.
2. Skills in shallow water
Before the real dive, you practise a few simple skills in calm, shallow water. You learn how to clear water from your mask, how to find and replace your regulator (the mouthpiece you breathe from) and how to stay relaxed. Take your time. There is no rush.
3. Your first open water dive
Then it is time for the reef. Your instructor stays right beside you for the whole dive, helping with your buoyancy and pointing out marine life. Expect colourful corals, reef fish and, if you are lucky, a cuttlefish or turtle.
4. Back on the boat
Most people surface with a big smile. You can log your dive and talk through what you saw. If you want to keep going, ask about a second dive with your instructor the same day.
Is it safe?
Discover Scuba Diving follows PADI's standards, with a low ratio of students to instructors and a maximum depth of 12 metres. Your instructor is trained to manage beginners, and you will only go as far as you are comfortable. The biggest things you can do to stay safe are to listen to the briefing, never hold your breath and tell your instructor straight away if anything feels wrong.
What if I can't swim well?
You should be comfortable in the water, but you do not need to be a strong swimmer for a try dive. If you are nervous, tell us when you book. We will take extra time in shallow water before heading out.
Will my ears hurt?
As you descend, water pressure pushes on your eardrums. You equalise by gently pinching your nose and blowing, or swallowing, every metre or so. Your instructor will show you how. Go down slowly and you should feel no pain. If something does not feel right, signal, rise a little and try again.
Can it count towards a full course?
Yes. If you enjoy it and continue with the PADI Open Water Diver course, your instructor may be able to credit some of what you did on your first dive, depending on how soon you continue. Ask us when you book. Our guide to getting PADI certified in Puerto Princesa explains the full course.
What should I bring?
- Swimwear and a towel.
- Reef-safe sunscreen.
- A hat and something warm for the boat ride.
- Any medication you use, and your completed medical form.
Scuba equipment is normally included. The course page lists exactly what is.
Can I fly after a try dive?
Wait at least 12 hours after a single dive before flying, and at least 18 hours after several dives. Plan your try dive early in your stay rather than on the day you leave.
Book your first dive
Discover Scuba Diving is the easiest way to see what is under the surface around Puerto Princesa. See the Discover Scuba Diving page for details, or contact us with your dates. You can also see our introductory dive.
Cover photo: crinoid on a Philippine reef, NOAA, public domain.
