FAQ
Bohol is pretty awesome. Any questions?
Insurance
IMPORTANT! Stuff in the Philippines may not always run to schedule and you may find your plans delayed. Also you might fall over after drinking and hurt yourself (happens more than you will believe). Who knows?
So, as the friendly local islanders, we strongly recommend that you purchase personal dive and travel insurance. DiveAssure is a very good full-coverage insurance for all students and certified divers. We can package this with your dive course or trip so you only have to pay once for everything. They provide 24/7 emergency and non-emergency medical hotlines with direct contact to Duke Dive Medicine physicians. Also covers you for all travel injuries, delays and most things in between. 1 week coverage starts from 119Usd and annual coverage from 199Usd. Please contact us for full details.
Getting here and around
How do I get to Panglao?
The most convenient way of getting to Bohol is to fly via Manila on Cebu Pacific, Air Asia or Philippine Airlines to Panglao (TAG) airport. From Panglao (TAG) airport there is a bus to the surrounding areas for Php50 a ticket. Most of the time your resort will organize a pick-up from the airport for you.
You can also take a ferry to Tagbilaran pier from Cebu for about Php500 a ticket one-way. There’s stacks of ferries from Cebu and the schedule changes often, so send us a message if you need the latest information. From Tagbilaran city you can take a tricycle to Alona Beach for about Php350, or hire a car for about Php500.
How do I get to Blue Revival?
We offer free pick-up and drop-off services for all our diving guests from various locations in Tawala, Bolod and Libaong. If you are staying somewhere very far away, we would be happy to assist with organizing paid transfers via tricycle or car.
If you are the adventurous type and want to come on your own, we are opposite Marina Point Bay Resort in Tawala. However, for us to provide the best possible service for you, please book your diving in advance if possible!
How about renting a motorbike?
We recommend that only experienced motorbike riders rent motorbikes as your primary source of transport during your trip. The roads in Panglao and Bohol are not always paved and can be very slippery when wet. There is also a lot of traffic around Alona Beach and in Tagbilaran City, which can be daunting if you are not used to the chaos! If you are planning to ride a motorbike to the Chocolate Hills, make sure you stop often for petrol and wear reef-safe sunscreen on your hands and back of neck!
If you feel confident and do want to rent a motorbike, the general rate is about Php500 a day, negotiable depending on the total number of days. Please DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE. Be careful on the roads and drive slowly as children and animals are often crossing. If you plan to rent a motorbike, please get insurance.
Diving stuff
Is Nitrox available?
Yes, EANx tanks are available at 350Php each, but only if you are Nitrox Diver certified. If not, get certified! We have awesome deals for Enriched Air (Nitrox) Diver courses.
What is the water temperature and visibility?
It ranges from 26-30°C depending on the time of year and the current movement. Generally it is coldest from December-February and warmest from June-August. Visibility is generally 10-20m and can be affected by movement of plankton which brings turbid waters but the possibility of whale sharks!
What is the minimum to start a class or go fun diving?
ONE! We love doing one-on-one courses. However, certain courses are best done with a friend for practicing skills, such as Rescue or Sidemount. For fun dives, certain dive locations such a Balicasag, Pamilacan and Napaling have a minimum of four divers. Local dives are all fine with one diver.
What is the maximum group size?
Our maximum ratio for courses and fun dives are 2 guests to 1 PADI professional. Private service is available on request.
Can I dive on my own without a guide?
Only if you are a certified Self Reliant Diver or equivalent and complete a primary assessment check dive beforehand.
I have a companion who is a snorkeler, can they come along when I dive?
Of course! Snorkel equipment and life vest rental is 350Php. A dedicated snorkel guide can be available on request. If going to Balicasag, snorkelers on dive boats will have to pay the diver marine park fee as well as the snorkeling guide fee for the snorkel guides from the island (we are not allowed to provide our own for that dive spot).
Family life and food
Is the island suitable for my dietary requirements?
There are actually quite a few vegan/vegetarian or gluten-free places to eat in Panglao and Bohol. Many places will have at least one vegan/vegetarian or gluten-free option. We have multiple vegan/vegetarian and gluten-free options for our packed lunches. As a commitment to conservation, we do not allow any seafood in the dive centre.
Can I leave my kid(s) at the dive centre while I go diving?
We actually get asked this quite often! We are a family-focused dive centre and have children of our own, so your kids are very welcome to stay at the dive centre while you are diving. However, they have to be a minimum of 3 years old and not have too many opinions about having their nappies changed by strangers :D We can organize a dedicated childminder who can look after your kids in a confined area, please contact us in advance to talk about this in detail. However, please do note that we have a un-fenced pool on our grounds should your kids somehow escape our supervision.
Can I leave my husband at the dive centre while I go diving?
Yes, we have beer and DVDs and a swimming pool. However, he is not allowed to drink beer in the pool!