Last Updated on June 26, 2025 by Roxanne Tamayo

Where is the best place to do an Open Water Diver Course Cebu? If you’re dreaming of exploring the underwater world and earning your PADI Open Water Diver certification in paradise, Cebu, Philippines, is one of the best places to do it! With crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and professional dive shops, Cebu offers unforgettable diving experiences for beginners. But where exactly is the best place in Cebu to take your Open Water Diver course?

Here’s a breakdown of the top dive destinations in Cebu, plus what makes each one special for diving beginners.

Where to learn scuba diving in Cebu?

1. Malapascua Island – Best for Diving with Thresher Sharks

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Why choose Malapascua?

If you want to combine your Malapascua Diving Open Water course with the chance to see thresher sharks, Malapascua is the place to be. While thresher dives are typically suited for advanced divers, beginners appreciate the laid-back island atmosphere and nearby beginner-friendly sites, such as Lighthouse and Coral Garden.

• World-renowned dive spot
• Quiet island setting perfect for focused training
• Quality PADI centers like Evolution Diving and Thresher Shark Divers

I chose Malapascua Island for my Cebu dive certification because of the thresher sharks.

Surprise! I really don’t know how to start writing this experience, but this was so unexpected. Who would have thought that a generous reader would encourage me to enroll in the PADI Open Water Diver Course? It started when the reader asked about my Discover Scuba Diving experience and Cebu. The reader asked me where could be the best place to dive in Cebu. Although my first experience was on Mactan Island, my two other best options are Moalboal and Malapascua Island.

Related Article: PADI Discover Scuba Diving at Pura Vida Sea Explorers Dauin

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What to see on Malapascua Island for Diving?

One of the best reasons to dive on Malapascua Island is to see the thresher sharks. I’ve been to Malapascua Island a lot of times as well just spending time on the beach and snorkeling, but seeing the thresher sharks sighting is best experienced on the island. Other sharks can be seen, such as whitetip sharks and hammerhead sharks. You can only see the thresher sharks if you’re a certified diver.

Related Article: How to Travel to Malapascua Island?

2. Moalboal – Best Overall for Beginners

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Why choose Moalboal?

Moalboal, located on the southwestern coast of Cebu Island in the Philippines, is renowned for its vibrant marine biodiversity, including the famous sardine run, sea turtles, and colorful coral reefs. For diving enthusiasts, Moalboal offers a range of reputable dive centers catering to both beginners and experienced divers. Here are some of the top diving schools in Moalboal

• Top-rated dive schools (e.g., Cebu Dive Centre, Savedra Dive Center)
• Chill beach town vibe with great food and affordable accommodations
• Great visibility and calm currents for new divers

What to see in Moalboal for Diving?

Since I’ve been to Moalboal a lot of times for snorkeling, the things you can see are:

• Sardine run at Panagsama Beach
• Sea turtles on Panagsama Beach
• Marine Sanctuary on Pescador Island
• You’re lucky if you happen to see the dolphins on Pescador Island while on the boat
• Whale shark watching in Oslob since it’s near Moalboal

I’ve seen all the things above without diving.

Related Article: How to Enjoy Cebu South on a Budget?

3. Lapu-Lapu / Mactan – Most Convenient for Short Stays

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Why choose Lapu-Lapu?

Just 30 minutes from Cebu City or the airport, Mactan Island is perfect if you’re tight on time. Several 5-star dive resorts and schools offer Open Water courses with top-notch facilities.

• Close to the airport (no long transfers needed)
• Great for luxury dive resorts and weekend certification trips
• Options for both SSI and PADI certifications

4. Other Notable Mentions

• Pescador Island (near Moalboal) – Fantastic wall dives and marine life.
• Oslob – Known for whale shark experiences, but not ideal for Open Water courses due to tourism crowding.
• Camotes Islands – Off-the-beaten-path charm with growing dive scene.

What to Look For in a Dive School

• PADI or SSI certification
• Experienced instructors and small class sizes
• Good reviews and safety record
• Gear quality and included materials
• Price transparency (check if e-learning and gear are included)

How much is Open Water Diving in Cebu?

Do any dive shops offer PADI courses starting at PHP 18,000–22,000, including gear rental, instruction, and certification?

Where is the best place to get PADI Open Water Diver Course Cebu?

It’s time to ask advice from friends who are into scuba diving and I listened to each of their opinions. Either Moalboal and Malapascua Island is both great for diving. There’s a lot of beautiful diving spots in the Philippines but I’ll focus in Cebu. Since I mentioned the thresher sharks, it’s Malapascua island then. So, next is where to find the best dive instructor on Malapascua Island?

Taking the PADI Open Water Diver Course at Thresher Shark Divers Malapascua

I arrived on July 21, 2016, back to the paradise of Malapascua Island. Got enrolled on the same day, thanks to the generous reader. 😉 Started the class the next day and spent five days on the island without worrying work. I just had to wake up in the morning to attend the 8:30AM lecture with the dive instructor and diving lesson after. I was just reading the materials, answering the knowledge review and watching videos. The course is good for 4-5 days, some will take it for three days. But I never liked the idea of stressing myself so I spent my diving course for four days. To know more about PADI Open Water Diver Course, check out Thresher Shark Divers.

I learned a lot of things from setting up your gear, more hand signals to communicate and more techniques at first I was afraid of. The dive instructor lets me float for 10 minutes and do skinny diving. Wait for my next blog post about my diving experience, photos with new friends I was with and more underwater photos with the thresher sharks. 🙂

Related Article: Scuba Diving with the Thresher Sharks – a Deep Adventure

Final Thoughts

So, where’s the best place to do your Open Water Diver course in Cebu? Moalboal takes the crown for beginners — thanks to its accessibility, vibrant marine life, and excellent dive schools. However, if you’re seeking a more adventurous or remote experience, Malapascua or Mactan might better fit your preferences.

No matter where you choose, Cebu’s underwater world is ready to welcome you to the diving life. 🌊🤿

Planning your Cebu dive trip? Let us help you find the best dive centers, accommodation, and travel tips — leave a comment below or check out our Cebu Dive Travel Guide!

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