Choosing where to take your PADI Open Water Course in El Nido can be a daunting prospect. If this is your first time traveling to this region, you can either take the risk of choosing the dive center on your own – or let us do the job. As local experts and seasoned divers ourselves, we know exactly what you need and where to take you. We only work with the most experienced and safety conscious dive center in El Nido. Small group sizes ensure that you receive the highest possible level of attention and personalized service. Our partner dive center will focus on your needs during your PADI Open Water Course in El Nido. We will never put you on a ‘dive cattle boat’ because you are not a packaged product. Your safety and needs matter to us. So, why not choose our carefully crafted learn to dive all-inclusive package for that extra peace of mind?
The great thing about taking your PADI Open Water Course in El Nido is that the region has shallow reefs, colorful coral gardens, and good visibility – making it a great place to learn to dive whatever your age.
Best Time to Dive in El Nido
El Nido has two seasons, the dry season from November to May and the wet season from June to October. The warmest water (around 28-30 °C) is usually from March to October. However, you don’t want to take your PADI Open Water Course in El Nido during the rainy season especially the month of August. During this time, the boat trips get canceled frequently due to sea and weather conditions. If you want to avoid the crowd, you can dive in El Nido between November to December and May.
Itinerary at a Glance
Note: Our dive packages are offered to inspire you and can be tailored to suit your needs and requirements.
During the PADI Open Water Course, you will learn all about the basic theory and master the skills needed to be safe and comfortable underwater. The course has 3 parts:
- Theory/Knowledge Development
- Confined Water Dives
- Open Water Dives
And to save you precious holiday time, you may choose the PADI eLearning (online) so you get the theory out of the way when you get to El Nido. The PADI eLearning is just an online digital version of the PADI Open Water Diver Manual. Once you book your PADI Open Water Course in El Nido, we will give you a unique PADI access code so you may start learning the theory from the comfort of your home.
Part of the learn to dive package is a 4-night stay (or depending on your preferred length of stay) at Cuna or Lagùn Hotel. Our partner hotels are in town so you can easily reach the PADI dive center by foot. Please talk to our Palawan itinerary specialist if you prefer a different accommodation.
Day 1: Welcome to El Nido
Our representative will pick you up at the bus terminal or airport to take you to your hotel. We will meet you at your hotel to brief you about the activities on your itinerary. Then we will take you to the dive center so you may fit your equipment, fill out the required paperwork, and meet your PADI instructor.
Note: Please send us your correct international flight details
Rest of evening at leisure.
Day 2-3: PADI Open Water Course in El Nido
We will pick you up at your hotel at 7:15 am to take you to the dive center. The dive course involves a mix of theory and open water diving. After the boat trip, you will come back to the town at around 1:00 PM. Depending on how well you studied the PADI eLearning, you may finish the theory and take the exam on the 2nd day. Otherwise, you may need to go back to the dive center in the afternoon to watch the video course and continue the theory.
Day 4: Free Day or Suggested Activity
You should have passed the PADI Open Water Course at this point. And to make the most out of your holiday, you may continue diving by taking our El Nido Sunrise Dive Package. You may also choose to visit El Nido’s top attractions by taking our island-hopping tour.
In the evening, we can take you on a Food + Pub Crawl (optional).
Day 5: Goodbye El Nido
Free time suggestion: Explore the busy town and market.
We will pick you up at your hotel to take you to the airport, pier or bus terminal (depending on your next destination).
Note: Please send us your correct flight details
Inclusions
- PADI Open Water Course
- 4-Tank dives or 2 dive days
- Full dive gear
- Speedboat
- PADI Instructor
- Underwater photos
- Snacks, hot soup, coffee and water during the dive
- 4-Night stay at Cuna or Lagùn Hotel (based on double occupancy)
- Complimentary breakfast
- Airport transfers
- Free wifi is included in the stay
- Taxes, service charge, and government permits
- Personalized service and 24/7 client support
- Food + Pub Crawl on your last night in El Nido (optional)
Not Included
- Gratuities for the dive crew
- Travel insurance
- The cost of food and drinks (during the Food + Pub Crawl)
Reminders
Please read our Terms & Conditions before booking our learn to dive in El Nido Package. Please note that the Coast Guard might cancel boat trips due to sea conditions or bad weather for your safety. In this case, an alternative tour or activity would be suggested.
Make sure to bring your own towels, change of clothes and swim attire.
Maintain a 3-meter distance from the reef. Please help preserve the beauty of El Nido’s marine life by not touching or stepping on the corals while diving. There may be dangerous organisms that thrive on the coral reef.
Palawan Alternative promotes environmental awareness in the community and you can do your part by not contributing to the waste that harms marine life. Help us preserve the natural wonders of El Nido for the future generation by refraining from littering, using reusable bottles or containers and segregating wastes (biodegradable and non-biodegradable).
