El Nido: Discover Scuba Diving with Manta Rays in Sibaltan

If you’re dreaming of a first-time underwater adventure in Palawan without the need for certification, the Discover Scuba Diving experience at Mobula Divers Sibaltan could be just what you’re looking for. This tour promises more than just a shallow swim; it offers a chance to see manta rays in their natural habitat, in a peaceful setting far from the crowds.

What we love about this experience is how it combines professional guidance with authentic marine encounters. You’ll enjoy crystal-clear waters, lush coral reefs, and the thrill of sharing the water with gentle manta rays. Plus, it’s a well-organized, small-group outing that keeps things intimate and relaxed. That said, if you’re pressed for time or prefer a more extensive diving adventure, this might feel a bit brief.

This tour is ideal for those who want a safe, guided introduction to scuba in a calm, scenic environment. Ideal for first-timers, non-certifiers, or travelers who want to avoid the busy tourist spots, it offers a peaceful way to connect with Palawan’s marine life. Just keep in mind it’s not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or non-swimmers.

Good To Know

• No certification needed: Perfect for first-time divers wanting to see manta rays.
• Small group sizes: Limited to 10 participants for personalized attention.
• Professional instructors: Guides like Lea and Jeff ensure safety and fun.
• Uncrowded environment: Experience Palawan’s waters away from tourist-heavy spots.
• Rich marine life: Encounter manta rays, vibrant coral reefs, and other aquatic creatures.
• Flexible booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance, with pay-later options.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Location & Setting

Located about an hour from El Nido, Sibaltan offers a tranquil alternative to the busy islands. The Mobula Divers Diving Center is the starting point, situated along the North Road, which makes it accessible yet away from the hustle. The waters here are known for their exceptional clarity and peaceful vibe, making it an ideal environment for beginners.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour kicks off at Mobula Divers with a quick briefing and equipment fitting, where your guides—fluent in English, Spanish, and Tagalog—prepare you for the water. After a 30-minute speedboat ride, you’ll arrive at the designated dive site, the Manta Cleaning Station.

Your first dive is a skills session at a shallow depth (up to 6 meters), where your instructor, such as Jeff, will ensure you’re comfortable before going deeper. This part is essential for building confidence, especially if it’s your first time underwater. As one enthusiastic reviewer noted, Jeff’s patience and thorough training made the experience memorable, even for complete beginners.

Following your training, you’ll enjoy your first open water dive (up to 12 meters). The highlight? Spotting manta rays gliding effortlessly past you, an experience described as “unreal” by previous participants. The guides keep a close eye on marine life, ensuring you don’t miss these gentle giants. After this, there’s a relaxing brunch, giving you time to soak in the scenery and share stories.

The second dive closely follows the first, allowing you to further explore the vibrant coral reefs and marine environment. The 50-minute duration for each dive provides ample time for observation and enjoyment without feeling rushed.

What Makes This Tour Special?

Uncrowded and serene: Unlike popular dive spots in El Nido, Sibaltan is relatively untouched, offering crystal-clear waters and fewer boats. This peaceful setting is something many reviewers appreciated, describing it as “like diving in your own private paradise.”

Marine encounters: Many have been lucky enough to witness manta rays—some gliding just inches past—thanks to the expertise of guides like Lea, who are highly organized and welcoming, ensuring smooth operations from start to finish. One reviewer mentioned, “We witnessed some epic manta rays gliding right past us—unreal!”

Professional guidance: The guides’ knowledge and reassuring presence make all the difference, especially for those new to scuba. As one guest put it, “Jeff made sure I was confident and ready, and thanks to his guidance, I enjoyed a full 12-meter dive.”

Safety & equipment: Full gear, boat rental, and towels are included, so you’re all set. The activity is designed to be accessible, even for non-swimmers, though it’s not suitable for children under 10 or pregnant women.

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The Practical Details

Duration & Timing

The tour lasts about 6 hours, including transportation, boat rides, dives, and brunch. Starting times vary—it’s best to check availability—but generally, early morning departures are common, maximizing the daylight and marine activity.

Transportation & Accessibility

While the tour doesn’t include transportation from El Nido, it’s about an hour’s drive along the North Road. The provider is happy to assist with arranging pickups if needed, ensuring a smooth start to your adventure.

Cost & Value

At $131 per person, this experience offers good value for a guided, all-inclusive marine adventure that doesn’t require certification. Considering the guided instruction, full equipment, boat transfers, and the chance to see manta rays up close, it’s a worthwhile splurge for first-timers or travelers looking for a unique, tranquil underwater experience.

Group Size & Language

Limited to 10 participants, the small group size helps maintain a relaxed atmosphere and personalized attention. Guides speak English, Spanish, and Tagalog, making it accessible for a diverse range of travelers.

Authentic Experiences & Real Reviews

Reviewers highlight the professionalism of guides like Lea and Jeff, who are praised for their organization, patience, and enthusiasm. One guest shared, “Thanks to Jeff, we enjoyed a full 12-meter dive that blew my mind,” emphasizing how the guides make sure everyone feels confident and safe.

Participants also appreciated the absence of crowds, noting that Sibaltan’s waters offer a peaceful alternative to busier dive spots. An important bonus is the chance to encounter manta rays—several reviews mention witnessing these majestic creatures ‘gliding’ past, often described as ‘unreal’ or ‘epic.’

Many reviewers also talk about the overall smooth organization, from equipment fitting to the boat ride, which makes the whole process stress-free. The included brunch after the first dive was another highlight, providing a relaxed atmosphere to discuss your underwater adventures.

What Could Be Better?

Some travelers might wish for longer or more dives, but given the 6-hour duration, this experience strikes a good balance for beginners. Also, as transportation from El Nido isn’t included, you’ll need to arrange your own transfer.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is perfect for first-time divers or non-certifiers who want to discover the underwater world without the commitment of certification. If you’re looking for a peaceful, guided experience with the chance to see manta rays, this is a top choice. It’s especially suitable for travelers who appreciate small groups, professional guides, and a tranquil environment.

However, those traveling with children under 10, pregnant women, or non-swimmers should consider other options, as this activity involves underwater exposure at depths of up to 12 meters.

FAQs

Do I need to be certified to join?
No, this is a Discover Scuba experience designed for beginners with no prior certification needed. Guides will provide all the necessary instruction.

How deep will I go?
The skills dive is up to 6 meters, and the open water dive is up to 12 meters, giving you a safe and manageable underwater experience.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and a sense of adventure. Towels are provided, but you may want to bring a waterproof camera if you have one.

Is transportation from El Nido included?
No, but the tour provider can help arrange transfers. The starting point is about an hour’s drive from El Nido via North Road.

What’s the group size?
Limited to 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

Can non-swimmers join?
This activity is not suitable for non-swimmers or pregnant women. It’s designed for those comfortable in water at shallow depths.

How flexible is the booking?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund and reserve now with the option to pay later, offering peace of mind with your plans.

What’s the best time to do this tour?
Availability varies, but early in the day is usually preferred for better visibility and calmer waters.

Final Thoughts

The El Nido Discover Scuba Diving with Manta Rays tour combines professional guidance, stunning marine encounters, and a peaceful setting—making it a compelling choice for beginners. The chance to spot manta rays in their natural habitat, combined with the tranquility of Sibaltan’s waters, offers a genuinely memorable experience.

While it’s a shorter adventure, the small group setting and excellent guides ensure you get the most out of every moment underwater. If your goal is to get a taste of scuba diving in a relaxed, authentic environment—without the crowds—this tour is hard to beat.

For travelers seeking their first taste of the underwater world, or those wanting a peaceful marine experience close to El Nido, this activity delivers on excitement and authenticity. Just be prepared for an early start and arrange your transportation—your underwater adventure awaits.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby