The big draw here is a clear route from first breath underwater to a PADI Open Water certification in a few days. You don’t need prior scuba experience, but you do need to be comfortable swimming and floating before you start.
I like two practical details: the course includes PADI eLearning and a full equipment set, so you are not piecing together lessons and rentals, and instruction is offered in several languages. The four open-water sessions give you time to practise skills beyond the pool-like setting of confined water.
The trade-off is that Alona Beach is a busy working base, not a promise of postcard scenery. One account describes little to see in the water directly off the beach and frequent movement of divers to and from the sea, so book for the training, not for a tranquil beach day.
- Three learning stages: Online knowledge work, confined-water practice, then four open-water sessions.
- A first underwater breath: The course is designed for beginners with no previous scuba experience.
- A full set of gear is included: Equipment, weights, belt, and tanks are part of the package.
- Several teaching languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, German, French, and Dutch are listed.
- Certification to 18 metres: Successful completion earns PADI Open Water certification for scuba use worldwide, with the stated depth limit.
- Marine park charges are extra: Budget separately for national or marine park fees.
- Starting at Alona Beach
- How the three course stages work
- The first time breathing underwater
- Instruction, languages, and the group atmosphere
- What the certification gives you
- What the price includes, and what it doesn’t
- A good fit for a learning-first visit
- Before you book at Alona Beach
- Should you book this course?
- FAQ
- Where does the course meet?
- Do I need previous scuba experience?
- What swimming ability do I need?
- What is the minimum age?
- How is the course structured?
- What language can the instructor use?
- What equipment is included?
- Are certification fees included?
- Are marine park fees included in the price?
- What depth does the certification cover?
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Starting at Alona Beach
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9 / 9Center – Starting at Alona Beach’ />
Alona Beach is the meeting point for this course, in Panglao, Bohol. It places you at the centre of the local scuba scene, which is convenient for training logistics but can also mean plenty of activity around the shoreline.
Keep your expectations clear. This is a skills course, not a sightseeing cruise or a guided snorkelling outing. The main reward is learning how to use scuba equipment safely and gaining the confidence to go underwater with the skills you have practised.
The beach itself may not provide much underwater scenery right at the shore. If pretty seascapes are your main priority, consider a separate snorkelling or island-hopping trip. Here, the lasting value is the qualification and the experience of learning, rather than a guaranteed showcase of marine life.
How the three course stages work
A good fit for a learning-first visit
Book it if you want to earn PADI Open Water certification, can meet the swimming and health requirements, and are willing to spend a few days on structured training. The included eLearning and full equipment set make it a practical package for a beginner, while the four open-water sessions give you a meaningful step beyond a brief first try.
Skip it if your priority is a quiet beach experience or a guaranteed scenic underwater outing. Alona Beach is the meeting point, and the course is built around instruction, not sightseeing. For the right purpose, this is a solid way to start scuba; for a pretty-water day, choose another Panglao activity.
Aquatic Awakening: Open Water Course in Bohol with PADI 5* Center
FAQ
Where does the course meet?
The meeting point is Alona Beach in Panglao, Philippines.
Do I need previous scuba experience?
No. The course is designed for beginners, and prior scuba experience is not required.
What swimming ability do I need?
You must be able to swim 200 metres unaided and without stopping, and float for 10 minutes.
What is the minimum age?
Participants must be at least 10 years old.
How is the course structured?
It has three stages: Knowledge Development, Confined Water Dives, and four Open Water Dives.
What language can the instructor use?
The listed languages are English, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, German, French, and Dutch.
What equipment is included?
A full scuba equipment set, weights, a weight belt, and tanks are included.
Are certification fees included?
Yes. PADI eLearning, including certification fees, is included.
Are marine park fees included in the price?
No. National park fees and marine park fees are not included.
What depth does the certification cover?
The PADI Open Water certification is described as allowing scuba use worldwide down to 18 metres.
