FAQs

At Bahura Dive, we strive to provide our guests with all the information they need to make the most of their diving experience in Siquijor Island. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions we receive. If you want find the answers you need, feel free to get in touch any time and we will be more than happy to help.

Where is Siquijor?

The magical healing island of Siquijor is located in Region 7 in the stunning Central Visayas islands of the Philippines. We are in the center of marine biodiversity in the world famous ‘Coral Triangle’. The most biodiverse collection of coral reef systems in the world.

How do I get there?

By Air:

International flights land in Manila or Cebu city. Take a domestic flight from Manila to Dumaguete, Cebu or Bohol, then fly to Siquijor with Royal Air.

By Sea:

Various ferry companies run from Manila, Dumaguete, Cebu, Tagbilaran (Bohol) and Mindanao to come to Siquijor Island. Our island ports are Lazi, Siquijor, and Larena. Ask us for the latest ferry schedule. We can also book ferry tickets for you.

By Bus:

Ceres bus company can get you to the major ferry ports to then board a ferry as a foot passenger to Siquijor. There is now a bus and ferry service from Cebu to Siquijor.

What is the baggage allowance?

The ferries don’t tend to have a baggage allowance and often cater for motor bikes and cars. If you’re flying to Siquijor, check the airline website for their specific baggage allowances.

How long does it take to get there?

Travel time will depend on flight, ferry and bus schedules.

From Manila: 1.5hr flight to Dumaguete + 1hr ferry to Siquijor or 20min flight from Dumaguete.

From Cebu: 4hr ferry stopping in Tagbiliaran (Bohol).

When is the best time to visit?

Being in the tropics, this area has a dry season and a wet season. However the sun shines almost every day all year round. The dry season runs from February to June and wet season has the most rainy days in July/August. However it will usually rain for a few hours and the sun will come back out again.

The busiest months are December-May because of the more settled weather. So if you prefer it a little cooler and quieter we recommend visiting between June and October.

The best diving conditions are usually Jan-May but it’s generally good conditions for easy diving all year round. The good thing about being on an island is that there are always sheltered dive sites no matter which way the wind is blowing.

How long should I stay?

We recommend a minimum of 2 weeks to make sure you are able to enjoy everything Siquijor has to offer. Check our recommendations for things to do.

Is there accommodation on site?

Yes, we are based in a beautiful beachside resort called Lazi Beach Club. More details here.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept cash, PayPal, online bank transfer and transfer apps such as Wise. With Wise you can pay in your own currency from your local bank and get the best exchange rates with minimal fees.

What facilities are in the dive center?

Our new dive center is full equipped to make life easier. Check out our facilities and see for yourself.

What facilities are in the resort?

With a selection of beachfront rooms, swimming pool, restaurant, bar and island tour services, you’ll find all you need at Lazi Beach Club Resort. Learn more.

What sort of electrical power do you have?

We have the standard 2 pin 220volt power outlets in many convenient places around the building. We also sell adapters in our shop. In the unlikely event of a temporary power cut we have a back up generator.

Do you cater for non divers?

Of course. We offer a wide range of activities and island day trips for non-divers. Even if you don’t dive, we can still help you expand your knowledge and skills with shore based courses. Or enjoy some snorkelling on our house reef or from the boat. Our day trips are also a great way to spend the day and make the most of your holiday.

What should I bring?

If you are joining us at the dive shop for the day, you only need to bring your valuables, evidence of certification (if you’re a certified diver) and a swim suit. We have everything else covered such as towels, reef friendly sunscreen, food, refreshments and diving/snorkelling kit.

What is the visibility like?

The average visibility of dive sites on Siquijor ranges from around 15m to 30m+. Some days if there is heavy rainfall, stormy weather or plankton bloom, this may cause a slight reduction in visibility. On a really bad day it could be around 5-10m but these are rare. The majority of the time we have fantastic clear blue tropical visibility that makes the diving here so enjoyable.

What is the water temperature like?

In this tropical climate, we get a year round average water temperature of 29ºC with lows of 25ºC and highs of 30ºC. Some of us dive in just rash guard and shorts, some in a 3mm wet-suit. Either way it’s lovely and warm!

How many dives can I do per day?

With a 5 dive a day schedule plus late night dives and sunrise dives on request, you can easily choose a schedule that suits you.

Can I have a private dive guide?

Of course, our professional and friendly dive guides are happy to guide you for P500 per dive. Just let us know as soon as you can and we will accommodate you.

How many divers will be in my group/on my course?

This can vary however we try not to have more than 4 students per course and no more than 6 divers per fun dive group.

Can my children (learn to) dive?

They certainly can! From 8 years old, children can try diving. We have children’s dive kit a small 10ltr SCUBA tanks to accommodate them. Whether they want to try diving for the first time, take part in a course or fun dive with parents, we are happy to cater for the next generation of divers.

Is Nitrox available?

Yes. We are able to offer Nitrox at your desired percentage no problem. Small surcharge applies. Not certified? You can complete the PADI Enriched Air Nitrox Diver course in a day so you can enjoy the extended bottom time that makes enriched air so popular.

I don’t have any of my own equipment- do you have any for hire?

We do! We have a wide variety of brand new diving and snorkelling equipment for hire to suit your needs.

Is night diving available?

Definitely. We love night diving here. The reef comes to life at night and enables you to see fascinating nocturnal critters you don’t see during the day. Just let us know the day before if you would like to schedule a night dive, leaving at 1800. Never tried it? Ask one of our instructors about the PADI Night Adventure Dive and PADI Night Diver Specialty course.

Do you do shore dives or boat dives?

Both. With an impressive variety of dive sites and day trips, enjoy a wide selection of diving from either of our dive boats ‘Bahura Dive’ or ‘Maui Blue’. Our house reef hosts some amazing examples of the incredible marine life found on this area of the Philippines. Simply hop in and follow your dive guide.

What kind of food is available?

Snacks and refreshments such a fresh fruit and local baked goods are available onboard our boats and at the dive shop in between dives. Day trips include lunch which usually consists of delicious native and western dishes with great vegetarian and vegan options. Please let us know ahead of time if you have dietary requirements and we’ll make sure you’re happy and well fed.

Are you an eco-friendly dive center?

We strive to do our best to reduce our impact on the environment. We have strict no single use plastics policy, a wide selection of eco-friendly products in our shop, free drinking water stations in the dive center and onboard our boats. Also we refrain from using harsh cleaning chemicals in the building and onboard the boats. We remind divers how to be as ocean-friendly as possible during every dive briefing, and we stick to our no touch, take or damage policy. We stick to the Green Fins guidelines to make a safe environment for our guests and the wildlife.

What kind of standard should I expect?

Our goal is to offer the best diving facilities on the island. We provide the level of service, safety, and professionalism we would expect from a PADI Dive Resort with a fun and friendly vibe. We are always open to feedback and suggestions to further improve our service for our guests.

What if I need medical attention while I’m there?

Safety is paramount to us and we do everything we can to prevent the need for medical care. Our staff are trained in first aid and of course our Emergency First Response Instructors are on hand. If you need further medical attention we will take you to the local health care center 5mins away, or the Siquijor Provincial Hospital just 30mins drive away.

What vaccinations do I need to come to the Philippines?

The World Health Organizations recommends the following vaccines for traveling to the Philippines, however it is always best to consult your doctor; hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, MMR (measles, mumps and rubella), DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.

Is there WiFi?

Yes we offer free wifi to all of our guests. Just ask at reception for the password.

I lost my certification card, can I still dive?

If we can see evidence of your certification by seeing an e-card or PADI dive check online then yes you can! However if you think this may be an issue for some reason, please contact your training organization or organize a replacement card or e-card. Don’t let his ruin your diving plans. We will only accept valid diving certifications. We are happy to update your training through PADI courses.

I don’t want to bring my log book with me on holiday, can I still dive?

Yes but we would still like to see evidence of your last dive if possible. Whether this is a photo of your log book pages, or a log on your dive computer, that’s fine with us. If it’s been 6 months or more since your last dive, we highly recommend the PADI ReActivate course to help you tune up your skills and feel happy and competent in the water again. This is very common for vacation divers who only dive once or twice a year.

What if I don’t manage to complete the course for some reason?

Don’t worry it won’t be a waste of time, we will give you a referral form with details of what you did complete. You can take this to the next dive center you visit and your next instructor will complete the course with you. You may have to repeat some or all elements of the course depending on how much time has passed in between.

I’m not a confident swimmer, can I still dive?

If you don’t feel confident in the water, please get some practice before you arrive or put some time aside on you holiday to practice before you start your course. It is vital you feel happy in the water otherwise you won’t enjoy the course as much and training will be more difficult for you. We are happy to help you out with floating and swimming skills when you’re here but please ensure you can swim.

I am suffering from a cold but I feel ok, can I still dive?

It is not recommended that you dive with a cold. Even in the pool. Your air spaces in your body- mainly your ears, sinuses and lungs, will experience changing pressure underwater, it is important you are not congested so you can effectively ‘equalize’ your air spaces. Problems with ear pain is common with divers who dive with a cold. Try avoiding sleeping in air con and help clear your airways with a eucalyptus steam inhalation (i.e. a teaspoon of Vicks or tiger balm dissolved in a mug of hot water and breathe in the steam…minty). Please see your doctor if you’re not sure.

I am taking prescription medication, can I still dive?

If you answer YES to any of the questions on the PADI medical form, you need to see a doctor first. If after the consultation the doctor sees you fit to dive, they can sign an approval medical form and you can bring it with you to show us before you start diving.

We hope these answers provide some insight into diving in Siquijor. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the Bahura Dive team. We are always happy to help.

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