Why Bohol is the Perfect Place for PADI Advanced Open Water Training
Bohol is one of the best dive destinations in the Philippines, known for its rich marine biodiversity, stunning underwater landscapes, and a variety of dive sites suitable for all levels of divers. For those looking to take their diving skills to the next level, Bohol is an exceptional place to complete the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course. With its mix of deep dives, drift dives, night dives, and underwater navigation challenges, Bohol provides the perfect environment for divers to refine their skills while exploring some of the most breathtaking underwater scenery in the region.
If you’re considering earning your PADI Advanced Open Water certification, here’s why Bohol is the perfect place to do it.
1. A Variety of Dive Sites for Every Training Dive
The PADI Advanced Open Water course consists of five adventure dives, including a mandatory Deep Dive and Underwater Navigation Dive, plus three elective dives based on your interests. Bohol offers the ideal setting to complete these dives, with a wide range of underwater environments suited for training and exploration.
- Deep Diving at Balicasag Island – The course requires you to complete a deep dive (up to 30 meters/100 feet), and Balicasag Island is the perfect location for this. With its dramatic walls and stunning drop-offs, it allows divers to experience the depths while observing marine life such as turtles, schooling jacks, and barracudas.
- Underwater Navigation at House Reefs – Navigation skills are critical for every diver, and Bohol’s calm house reefs provide the perfect training grounds. With clear visibility and defined topography, divers can practice compass navigation and natural navigation techniques.
- Drift Diving at Pamilacan Island – Drift diving is a popular elective choice for Advanced Open Water students, and Pamilacan Island offers a fantastic opportunity to learn how to manage currents while enjoying the sight of reef sharks, rays, and schools of pelagic fish.
- Night Diving at Alona Beach Reefs – The waters around Panglao offer exciting night diving opportunities. Students completing the Night Dive can experience the transformation of the reef after dark, spotting nocturnal creatures like octopuses, cuttlefish, and hunting moray eels.
- Peak Performance Buoyancy in Panglao’s Coral Gardens – One of the most useful skills any diver can develop is buoyancy control. Panglao’s coral gardens offer a controlled yet stunning environment where divers can practice fine-tuning their buoyancy for effortless movement underwater.
With such a diverse range of dive sites, Bohol provides an excellent setting to practice advanced diving techniques in real-world conditions.
2. Warm, Clear Waters and Excellent Conditions Year-Round
One of the key reasons why Bohol is an ideal location for Advanced Open Water training is its consistent and favorable diving conditions. The island enjoys warm tropical waters, averaging between 26°C to 30°C (79°F to 86°F) year-round. Visibility is also excellent, often exceeding 20 meters (65 feet), allowing students to focus on their skills without worrying about poor conditions.
The relatively calm waters in many of Bohol’s dive sites make it easier to conduct training dives while still offering natural challenges like gentle currents and depth changes to refine advanced skills.
3. Incredible Marine Biodiversity to Enhance Your Experience
Bohol is located within the Coral Triangle, one of the most biodiverse marine regions in the world. This means that every dive, whether a deep dive, drift dive, or night dive, comes with the chance to encounter fascinating marine life.
- Turtles – Green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles are common, especially in Balicasag.
- Schooling Fish – Large schools of jacks, barracudas, and fusiliers make deep dives visually spectacular.
- Macro Life – Frogfish, nudibranchs, and pygmy seahorses are commonly spotted in shallower areas.
- Sharks and Rays – Occasional sightings of blacktip reef sharks and eagle rays add excitement to drift dives.
Not only does this biodiversity make training dives more enjoyable, but it also provides the opportunity for underwater photography and marine life identification during your course.
4. A Supportive Dive Community and Professional Instruction
Completing your PADI Advanced Open Water course in Bohol means you’ll be training with experienced instructors who are dedicated to helping you build confidence and refine your skills. At Sierra Madre Divers, we offer a supportive learning environment, ensuring that each dive is both educational and fun.
Our instructors tailor the course to suit your needs, whether you’re looking to develop better buoyancy, improve your navigation skills, or experience new types of diving. We take pride in:
- Small group sizes for personalized attention
- Comprehensive pre-dive briefings and post-dive feedback
- A relaxed and encouraging atmosphere to boost your confidence underwater
Learning in a professional yet welcoming setting makes all the difference, and Bohol’s dive centers provide the perfect balance between high-quality training and an enjoyable experience.
5. The Perfect Destination for a Dive-and-Stay Experience
Beyond just the diving, Bohol is an amazing travel destination. Many divers choose to complete their PADI Advanced Open Water training while enjoying a full vacation experience.
- Comfortable Accommodations: Bohol offers everything from budget-friendly beach bungalows to luxurious dive resorts, making it easy to find a place to stay near your dive center.
- Stunning Landscapes: After your training dives, explore Bohol’s famous Chocolate Hills, visit the Tarsier Sanctuary, or take a scenic cruise down the Loboc River.
- Relaxation and Island Vibes: Enjoy laid-back island living, stunning sunsets, and delicious Filipino cuisine after a day of diving.
Bohol provides the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, making it an unbeatable place to train and explore both above and below the water.
Take the Next Step in Your Diving Journey in Bohol
If you’re ready to take your diving to the next level, there’s no better place than Bohol to complete your PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course. With world-class dive sites, exceptional biodiversity, ideal diving conditions, and a welcoming dive community, Bohol offers everything you need for an unforgettable training experience.
At Sierra Madre Divers, we’re here to help you build confidence, refine your skills, and enjoy every moment of your course. Whether you’re looking to master deep diving, experience drift diving, or improve your underwater navigation, we’ll guide you through every step in a safe, professional, and enjoyable setting.
Ready to begin your Advanced Open Water journey? Contact us today to book your course and start your next adventure in Bohol’s spectacular waters!
