El Nido: Discover Scuba Diving with Manta Rays in Sibaltan

If you’re dreaming of a first underwater adventure or seeking a tranquil escape away from the crowds, the Discover Scuba Diving experience in Sibaltan might just be your perfect match. Located just an hour from El Nido, this tour offers a chance to see manta rays in their natural habitat, all without needing any prior diving certification. Whether you’re a complete novice or considering a future in diving, this trip promises a memorable day filled with breathtaking views and marine encounters that will stay with you long after you surface.

What we particularly like about this experience is the sense of peaceful seclusion it offers—far from busy tourist spots—and the exceptional guidance from professional instructors. The chance to spot manta rays up close, coupled with the crystal-clear waters and unspoiled environment, makes it an experience worth considering. Of course, the main consideration is the location—it’s a bit of a drive (about an hour from El Nido), so it requires some planning, especially if you’re tight on time. This tour best suits first-time divers, adventurers seeking tranquility, and those curious about marine life but hesitant to commit to full certification.

Key Points

• No certification needed: Perfect for beginners wanting a taste of the underwater world.
• Stunning marine life: Chance to see manta rays in their natural environment.
• Serene environment: Far from crowded tourist spots, offering peaceful waters and excellent visibility.
• Professional guidance: Instructors are experienced and reassuring, making the experience safe and enjoyable.
• Convenient location: About an hour from El Nido, accessible with some planning.
• Value for money: Includes all gear, two dives, snacks, and guidance, making it a comprehensive experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Location: Sibaltan’s Quiet Charm

Few places near El Nido combine tranquility and marine beauty like Sibaltan. Tucked away from the bustling tourist scene, this small village offers crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. The Mobula Divers Diving Center is your starting point—small, friendly, and well-organized, it sets the tone for a relaxed yet professional experience. The location’s appeal is not just its remoteness but also its stunning underwater visibility, which makes spotting manta rays and marine life easier and more rewarding.

The Itinerary: A Well-Structured Day

Your day begins at the dive center, where the friendly staff will ensure you’re comfortable and prepared. After a brief safety and skills review, you’ll take a 30-minute speedboat ride across calm waters to the dive site. The boat ride itself is likely to be pleasant, offering a chance to soak in the scenery and perhaps catch a glimpse of the marine life passing by.

The core activity involves two dives—the first up to 6 meters to get comfortable with the gear and environment, and the second down to 12 meters—the typical depth where manta rays are seen. Each dive lasts about 50 minutes, giving you plenty of time to observe the marine world and enjoy the underwater spectacle. The guides are praised for their patience and professionalism, which is critical for newcomers. As one reviewer noted, “Jeff, the mentor, made sure I was confident and ready,” highlighting the importance of expert supervision.

After the dives, you’ll enjoy a one-hour brunch, an essential break that allows you to process the experience and refuel before the second dive. Returning to the dive center, the boat ride back takes another 30 minutes, wrapping up the day in a calm, relaxed manner.

What’s Included, and What’s Not

The tour offers full diving equipment, guided dives, boat rental, snacks, drinks, and towels—everything you need for a comfortable day. The price of $131 per person reflects good value considering the all-inclusive nature of the package, especially given the chance to see manta rays, which is often a rare highlight for many visitors.

However, transportation from El Nido to Sibaltan isn’t included, so you’ll need to arrange that separately. This is an important consideration, especially if you’re on a tight schedule. The tour’s flexibility to reserve and pay later makes planning easier, but confirm your transport arrangements beforehand to avoid surprises.

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Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is best suited for beginners and non-certified divers eager to experience the underwater world without the long-term commitment of certification. It’s also ideal for adventurers seeking tranquility, who want a peaceful environment to explore marine life up close. If you’re traveling with family or friends who aren’t certified but want to share in the experience, this is a fantastic way to do so.

What the Reviews Tell Us

The positive reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and the stunning marine views. One traveler called it a “great first experience,” praising the “top-notch instructor” and the reassurance provided. Another shared a heartfelt story of their first ever scuba trip, mentioning that the trainer made them feel confident and safe, and they saw manta rays gliding past—“unreal,” as they put it. These accounts emphasize that professionalism and safety are priorities here, making it a trustworthy choice for first-timers.

Practical Considerations

While the experience is largely accessible, keep in mind:

• It’s not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or non-swimmers—these restrictions are typical for safe diving experiences.
• Bring swimwear and sunscreen to protect yourself during the surface time.
• Touched marine life is discouraged—respect for the environment is emphasized.
• The tour lasts about 6 hours, so plan your day accordingly, especially regarding transportation.

Final Thoughts: Is This Experience Right for You?

If you’re looking for a relaxed, guided introduction to the underwater world, especially the chance to see manta rays in their natural habitat, this tour delivers. Its small group size and professional guides promise a safe and personalized experience. It’s particularly well-suited for newcomers to diving who want a memorable, low-pressure adventure with a good chance of witnessing impressive marine creatures.

For travelers who value authentic environments and quality guidance, this tour offers a genuine glimpse of Palawan’s marine beauty. Although it requires some logistical planning regarding transportation, the overall value and the chance to see manta rays make it a compelling option.

FAQ

Do I need to have scuba certification to join?
No, this is a Discover Scuba Diving experience, designed for beginners with no certification required.

How deep will I be diving?
You will have one skills dive at up to 6 meters and another open water dive up to 12 meters—depths suitable for beginners.

Is this experience suitable for children?
No, it’s not recommended for children under 10 years old, given safety considerations.

Will I see manta rays?
There’s a good chance to see manta rays in their natural habitat, especially at the Manta Cleaning Station, as noted by previous participants.

Are meals provided?
Yes, a brunch is included after the first dive, and snacks and drinks are available throughout the day.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and any personal items you might need for a day on the water.

Is transportation from El Nido included?
No, you need to arrange your own transportation to Sibaltan, which is about an hour from El Nido.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English, Spanish, and Tagalog, accommodating diverse travelers.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

To sum it up, this tour offers a well-rounded, beginner-friendly chance to encounter Palawan’s marine life in a peaceful setting. With professional guides, all necessary equipment, and the thrill of spotting manta rays, it stands out as a thoughtful choice for those wanting to add a unique, authentic memory to their El Nido trip. Perfect for first-timers, nature lovers, and those craving a quieter alternative to the more crowded tourist spots, your underwater adventure awaits.

You can check availability for your dates here: