Amazing SSI Open Water Certification Experience - When I decided to come to Cebu for a long weekend, I wanted to get my Open Water Certification. I did a LOT of research and after some communication with Scotty’s, I knew that’s where I wanted to be trained. From the start, Peter was amazing comparing the different courses. I was dead set on PADI, but ultimately chose SSI for my certification. There is hardly any difference, but that one felt right. I was immediately given access to the eLearning via SSI website and/or app. I was able to complete the entire coursework before arriving and it was a huge help. The facilities are great and very open. They provide equipment to cover all shapes/sizes/experience levels. I am a big guy 6’4” and about 250lbs. The only thing I needed to bring was exposure protection (shorty wetsuit or rash guard). My actual diving instructor was Alvin, and I could not give anyone a higher recommendation. His friendly attitude, vast knowledge and patient teaching style is second to none. I was fortunate to be in a 1on1 training, and that was hugely helpful. The program progressed as fast/slow as I needed. Everything was tailored to me. The pool training was at the main pool, which had enough space to accomplish the required skills before testing them in the open water. The open water dives were AMAZING. Shangri-la has a couple of spots to do your open water dives, including a sanctuary that is beautiful. I was extremely lucky in that there was a dive boat going out just before I was scheduled to complete my 3rd training dive. I got to tag along and complete some skills while thoroughly enjoying a steep cliff and swimming with a large group of sardines. That was easily the highlight. Overall the communication, facilities, staff, and training are second to none. I am so glad I chose Scotty’s and if/when I come back to Cebu, I know where I will be diving!!

Highly Recommended! 5 stars! - Just wanted to drop in and say thanks to everyone at Scotty's Dive Center in Cebu. Got certified to dive at the beginning of this year, and my instructor Jordan was just wonderful. Being a first-time diver, I was a little apprehensive but he was encouraging and helpful every step of the way. I felt super calm after our first session and even enjoyed a bunch of laughs. We trained in the pool and then had two dives out in the open water, which was so beautiful. Everyone at the shop was very helpful and friendly too! If you're looking for a place to learn SCUBA, Scotty's is a great place to go. You are in great hands over there, and learning diving has changed my life! This is an experience I won't soon forget. Big thanks to my instructor Jordan for being just the best (Somebody give that man a raise! The best! <3) as well as to Peter and Sarah and everyone I met on my trip. Cheers! See you all soon! 5/5 Annicka Dolonius

Strongly recommended! - Just completed my PADI scuba diving Open Water Certification with Peter & Noah! Noah’s expertise and patience are what all new divers need for their 1st dive. And the Shangri-La Marine Sanctuary is just a amazing underwater world to get you hook on scuba diving! Also, much appreciation to Scotty’s Action team for the fun water sports. Our kids love the hamlet diving & banana boats! Strongly recommend to spend a stress-free vacation with your love ones in Shangri-La Mactan and Scotty’s action!

Highly recommend!! - IN SHORT, instructors and staffs are professional and helpful, dive shop is clean and well maintained, incredibly mesmerizing experience within Shangri-La sanctuary and around the area, overall experience SUPERB! These are confirmed by all the great reviews you can find here. BUT if you’ve never dived before and you are thinking if you should pick Scotty’s as your guide to a whole new world under the sea, you may be interested to keep reading. Before the course, I spent days wondering how amazing the world under the water can be. On the other hand, I was nervous - what if I bump into jellyfishes, snakes or whatever that may not be so friendly? What if I could not breathe under the water? We were lucky we chose Scotty’s Mactan. With Scotty’s Mactan, I booked PADI Open Water Diver course for myself and SSI Nitrox Enriched Air course together with my friend. Scotty’s is located 3 mins walk from Shangri-La main pool. On my first day, I was welcomed with a big smile by instructor Peter who taught me in Day 1, including classroom session (probably the coolest outdoor classroom one can ever imagine) and pool session at Shangri-La’s main pool. Peter is extremely professional and knowledgeable. He explained complex concepts in a very clear manner, and it was easy to follow. When I was struggling in the pool, Peter repeated the tasks until I truly mastered the required skills. I completed the rest of the e-learning modules in Ocean Club Lounge of Shangri-La which is equally awesome! I was with another instructor Noah in Day 2 and 3, where I went through two pool sessions and four open water dives. All tasks were clearly explained by Noah and he made sure I could carry out all the tasks. The most challenging part was my first open water dive, as diving in open water is a totally different experience compared to the previous pool sessions. Under the water it is breathtaking and intimidating at the same time. In the beginning, I could feel my heart beating fast and my ears hurting as I descend into the water. It was an unforgettable moment when I realized I could breathe at ease, I could see the cute fishes swimming around me, and I could control my buoyancy through breathing. Noah was very patient while I was trying to overcome my fear. He calmed me down and adjusted his teaching speed according to my learning pace. He was encouraging when I hesitated to dive backwards (backroll entry) and he was reassuring when I panicked in my first two dives. Despite how nervous I was, I know I was in good hands. In Day 4, we were taught by Louie, David and Noah for the SSI Enriched Air course. They went beyond by showing us the details and the concepts behind what we need to learn. They made this course effortless and fun for us! I could not have completed the course without Noah, Peter, David, Louie, and all the great people I met in Scotty's including Christophe, Alex, Bernie etc. Especially to Noah and Peter, I am very grateful to have you as my diving instructors. Thank you for making my first diving course fantastic! It’s not about getting PADI, SSI or NAUI, they are all reputable programs. It is the instructors that determine your experience throughout the course and how much you can get out of it. This trip was so wonderful that my friend and I both find it hard to say goodbye to the team. We would not hesitate to recommend Scotty’s Mactan to anyone who want to learn how to dive!

Safe educational supportive and fun - from first booking contact to departure - Spend 3 days with Jerry getting the basics right. Connected well immediately especially when we both new the sign for 6&7 in old Chinese and didn’t need 7 fingers to communicate air levels. Very much focused on my safety and comfort while adapting exercises and throwing drills in to fit the student level. Learned heaps and he set me well up for the upcoming specialty training. Booking, answering questions, adapting the schedule to my liking and progress. Back office were amazing and always with a big smile and clear answers.

SSI Open Water - My friend and I booked the SSI Open Water course, keeping in mind we have never dived before this. On our first day we had one instructor between the both of us, however by the end of the day the dive centre told us they are getting another instructor to help out so that we wouldn't have to wait for each other since we are short on time. Loved the initiative they took and adjusted accordingly. Anyways, it was rather scary getting into the unknown but my instructor Chris was very experience. There were times whereby I got very anxious and had trouble completing certain skills in the ocean due to the anxiety but I was always very reassured with Chris around. She was very patient and encouraging, I cannot be more thankful that my first few dives were with her. She also went above and beyond to help me get my Open Water. The knowledge that she has passed on to me in addition to the mental support she has given was priceless. I would definitely recommend her for anyone taking their course at Scotty Lapu Lapu. Overall, the staffs at Scotty's Dive Center is amazing, each and every one of them is very friendly and nice!

Open Water - I really enjoyed my learning experience with Lisa! She was always making sure I had fun while learning too