El Nido: Manta Ray Diving Experience in Sibaltan

If you’re heading to Palawan and craving a peaceful escape from the usual tourist crowds, the Manta Ray Diving Experience in Sibaltan might just be what you’re looking for. This guided excursion offers certified divers a chance to explore pristine waters, encounter majestic manta rays, and marvel at untouched coral reefs. While the experience promises spectacular marine sights, it’s important to note that the chance of seeing manta rays isn’t guaranteed — as one traveler bluntly put it, “You will Not see May mantas.” Still, many find the journey worthwhile for the sheer beauty of the underwater world and the serenity of the location.

What we really like about this tour is how it combines adventure with tranquility—a rare find in the busy world of tourism. Plus, the emphasis on undisturbed reefs and small group sizes makes it feel intimate and personal. On the downside, this adventure requires transportation arrangements and is aimed at certified divers, so it’s not suitable for complete beginners or non-divers. Still, if you’re a certified diver craving a quiet, eco-friendly day on the water, this tour could be a highlight of your Palawan trip.

This experience is best suited for certified divers seeking a peaceful, authentic marine environment. If your goal is to see manta rays in their natural habitat and you appreciate small-group, nature-focused outings, you’ll likely be very pleased.

Key Points

• Outstanding Marine Encounters: Close-up views of manta rays at the Manta Cleaning Station.
• Pristine Reefs: Untouched coral reefs teeming with colorful marine life.
• Serene Setting: Far from tourist hubs, offering quiet, crystal-clear waters.
• All-Inclusive Package: Equipment, boat, snacks, towels, and experienced guides included.
• Flexible Booking & Cancellation: Reserve now, pay later, with full refund options.
• Limited Group Size: Small groups ensure personalized attention and a less crowded experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Location and Transportation

Mobula Divers Sibaltan is just about an hour from El Nido, making it a manageable escape from the bustling town center. The tour provider offers transportation options starting from 500 PHP for two people, which is a reasonable price considering the convenience. Whether you prefer a private transfer or shared transport, they can help coordinate your journey, ensuring you arrive relaxed and ready for the day ahead.

What You Can Expect

The tour begins at the Mobula Divers Diving Center, where you’ll meet your guides and gear up. The first leg involves a 30-minute speedboat ride across calm, clear waters, setting a tone of anticipation. The boat ride itself is often highlighted as a peaceful part of the day—no noisy engines or crowded boats—just smooth, scenic travel.

Stop 1: Binulbulan Island

Your first dive is at Binulbulan Island, where you’ll spend approximately 50 minutes exploring the underwater scenery. Here, the focus is on the Manta Cleaning Station, a special spot where manta rays often come to be groomed by smaller fish. While sightings of manta rays aren’t guaranteed — as one reviewer bluntly said, “You will Not see May mantas” — many visitors report seeing these gentle giants in action. The area’s crystal-clear water and healthy coral reef create ideal conditions for spotting a variety of marine creatures.

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Stop 2: The Coral Reef

After a brief rest and some snacks, you’ll head out again for a second dive, this time into an untouched coral reef alive with coral formations and colorful fish. The clarity of the water and the vibrant marine life make this a highlight for underwater photographers and nature lovers alike. Many reviewers comment on how stunning and peaceful the underwater vistas are, emphasizing the quality of the coral and the diversity of species present.

The Lunch Break

A one-hour brunch provides not only fuel for the second dive but also a chance to relax and enjoy the scenery. Many travelers appreciate this break, noting that it’s a good opportunity to chat with guides and fellow divers about what they’ve seen so far.

Final Dive and Return

The tour concludes with a second 50-minute dive, again exploring pristine waters that are free from the noise and chaos of larger tourist boats. The return to Mobula Divers is via speedboat, and many guests report feeling refreshed and invigorated—whether or not they saw a manta ray.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The package covers two dives, full diving equipment, boat rental, snacks and drinks, towels, and the expertise of a professional dive master — all essential for a safe and enjoyable experience. However, transportation from El Nido or Puerto Princesa is not included, so you’ll need to organize that separately. This might seem like a minor inconvenience, but it also means the company avoids the added cost and complexity of shuttling large groups, maintaining the small-group, intimate atmosphere.

The Value

At $122 per person, the price is reasonable considering the full-day nature of the activity and the inclusive gear and guides. For certified divers eager to explore a less crowded, more natural underwater environment, this offering provides good value. It’s also flexible — you can reserve without paying upfront, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is ideal for certified divers who want to escape the crowds and appreciate a more authentic, peaceful dive experience. If you’re fascinated by manta rays and coral reefs and are comfortable in open water, you’ll find this a rewarding trip. It’s also perfect for those who prefer small groups, personalized attention, and a serene environment for their underwater adventures.

Who Might Not Find It Suitable?

• Complete beginners or non-divers — as the tour requires certification.
• Travelers with limited mobility or back problems, due to boat rides and diving activity.
• Those expecting guaranteed manta ray sightings — the experience is more about the environment and the possibility of seeing these creatures.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For those looking to combine adventure with tranquility, this experience offers a wonderful glimpse into Palawan’s marine treasures. The quality of reefs and the chance — not guarantee — of manta sightings make it a unique option for those who value authenticity and small-group intimacy.

While the possibility of not seeing manta rays might deter some, many find that the peaceful waters and vibrant reefs more than compensate. It’s an excellent choice if you want a low-pressure, high-beauty, eco-focused activity that showcases Palawan’s less touristy side.

FAQs

Do I need to be a certified diver to join this tour? Yes, this experience is for certified divers. If you’re not certified, you might find other options like Discover Scuba Diving with Mantas in Sibaltan.

What if I haven’t dived in over a year? You will need a refresh session with an instructor, which costs an additional 500 PHP.

How long is the entire tour? The activity lasts about 6 hours, including transportation, diving, and breaks.

Are snacks and drinks included? Yes, snacks and drinks are part of the package, along with towels and equipment.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is transportation from El Nido included? No, but transportation options are available at additional cost, starting from 500 PHP.

How many people are in a group? The tour is limited to 10 participants, ensuring a more personal experience.

Is the tour suitable for families? It’s mainly for certified divers, so it’s best for adults or older teens comfortable in open water.

In summary, the El Nido: Manta Ray Diving Experience in Sibaltan combines secluded, beautiful waters with the chance to see manta rays and vibrant reefs. It’s a solid choice for divers craving a peaceful, authentic adventure and those willing to organize their own transportation. Expect stunning underwater vistas, a laid-back atmosphere, and the thrill of possibly catching a glimpse of one of the ocean’s most graceful creatures. Just keep in mind that nature doesn’t guarantee sightings, but the journey will surely be memorable.

You can check availability for your dates here: