First a disclaimer, I don’t scuba dive nor have I ever used S.I.D.
Scuba diving is one of the more popular attractions on Samal Island and with it’s nice beaches, beautiful water and marine life, why not. There is a company that teaches scuba diving right on IGaCoS. Samal Island Divers offers a set of courses from beginner to advanced, and even instructor level. They are headed by Oliver B. Ramos, who is the only PADI staff in Davao City.
S.I.D. seems to have a connection with Punta Del Sol, one of the more popular resorts on Samal Island. I believe that’s where the instruction is held, though it’s not entirely clear from their website. Punta Del Sol is located in Catagman, Penaplata District, Island Garden City of Samal. They offer a variety of rooms starting at P500.
If you are visiting for awhile and have interest in taking some courses, check out S.I.D. They have contact information on their site. Let me know what you think. (Update the website for Samal Island Divers no longer works, try contacting Punta Del Sol)
Apr 21, 2009 @ 19:04:23
Been there 2 days ago… Me and my buddies went scuba diving… It is our introductory dive. The place is so nice. And so is the staff… Special mention to Mr. Oliver Ramos who is the dive instructor there. He is so nice and very accommodating. Making our first dive more relaxing and enjoyable…
Apr 21, 2009 @ 19:57:01
Hi Krissybee – thanks for the feedback on the school and Mr. Ramos. It’s good to know that they are a good outfit. Sounds like you might be going back again.
Scuba Diving Weekend at Punta del Sol Beach Resort | Davao's Blog
Sep 05, 2009 @ 08:25:52
[...] seldom taken for granted what nature can offer us, Punta Del Sol’s Scuba Diving is one way of immersing yourself with nature and rekindle how wonderful nature is and what valuable [...]
Sep 18, 2010 @ 19:31:12
Anyone know if there is any good shore diving on samal island
Sep 19, 2010 @ 08:40:51
I don’t know one kind of diving from another but I know there is a lot of diving around Punta del Sol. You might search a bit as there are some references on here.
Sep 19, 2010 @ 09:21:58
Thanks Randy, but I’m looking for a specific answer to my question and not a “I don’t know” answer..
Oct 02, 2010 @ 01:16:20
I would recommend big ligid island (small ligid is one next to it) also known as Beunavista Island.You can view the islands on google earth and search their website if you want to know more about the private resort. Both islands are owned by the Ayala family.The big ligid is more accessable by locals who knows the people who are “tenant” on the island,I happen to know someone who knows someone who owns the boat I rented for a day.I went snorkling there and the corals are still unspoiled,just be careful as there are lots of sea urchins all over even in the shallow part of the beach.Bring lots of food and drinks as there is no store on the island.
Ps: Ask your boat driver to go around the island for the white sand beach.I did not know about this until I viewed it on google earth…lol!!
Oct 02, 2010 @ 15:43:34
Thanks, Ms Caroline. I hope that is helpful to Gary and others.
Also thanks for the URI to Marex, as I didn’t have that. I will check them out during our visit.
Jun 17, 2012 @ 20:13:32
Only small liguid is owned by the ayalas
Oct 03, 2010 @ 01:11:58
I hope that my avatar is more befitting of me now.
Oct 03, 2010 @ 14:06:58
Very nice.
Oct 03, 2010 @ 14:29:44
thank you all for your comments but thats not what I wanted to know. I want to know if there is good shore diving from Samal Island, not any of the smaller cays around Samal Island. Thanks any way. I’m looking for comments from experienced divers with atleast 200 dives or more.
thanks again , Gary
Jun 17, 2012 @ 20:24:04
Garry i can help you. Shore diving can be done in many spots. Nice night dives also. Everybody dives in the same 5 spits while the island has over a hundred spots. Everything is here, if you know where to find it. Problem is that all is far by car, bad roads going to the other side. You can find contact details (in his url).
May 23, 2012 @ 05:49:11
looks like a fun place to go and learn!
May 23, 2012 @ 15:57:13
I’m not sure the school is still around but there are a lot of other people doing dives and helping. I hope to put some information up about an online friends business, if I can get him to write a bit about it.