Another Great Option for Diving in Puerto Galera Philippines

[hdtran]

Thanks for the great report! Scandi Divers had been on my horizon as we were emerging from the pandemic, and I'm in the process of booking a trip there for May 2025.

Couple of questions:
Do they provide drinking water in the rooms, or are we supposed to buy a bunch of bottled water? If we want hot water to make tea or something, are there kettles or coffee makers in the rooms?

I'll stay overnight at Scandi Divers on my last diving day and leave for Manila in the morning. How long does it take for my gear to dry so I can pack it without creating biological experiments? (In other words, should I skip afternoon or night dive on my last diving day? I don't think I'm worried about 24 hr no-fly, as I'm likely to stay overnight in Manila before flying back to the US).

Thanks again for the report!

 

[chillyinCanada]

How much was a dive package? I can't find any info in that regard on their website.

 

[JonnieB]

Thanks for the great report! Scandi Divers had been on my horizon as we were emerging from the pandemic, and I'm in the process of booking a trip there for May 2025.

Couple of questions:
Do they provide drinking water in the rooms, or are we supposed to buy a bunch of bottled water? If we want hot water to make tea or something, are there kettles or coffee makers in the rooms?

I'll stay overnight at Scandi Divers on my last diving day and leave for Manila in the morning. How long does it take for my gear to dry so I can pack it without creating biological experiments? (In other words, should I skip afternoon or night dive on my last diving day? I don't think I'm worried about 24 hr no-fly, as I'm likely to stay overnight in Manila before flying back to the US).

Thanks again for the report!

On a sunny day, my gear dries in 3-4 hours...but I dive a rashguard and shorts with a back plate and wing. If you dive a 5 or 7 mm full suit, allow 24-36 hours.

 

[Centrals]

I'll stay overnight at Scandi Divers on my last diving day and leave for Manila in the morning. How long does it take for my gear to dry so I can pack it without creating biological experiments? (In other words, should I skip afternoon or night dive on my last diving day? I don't think I'm worried about 24 hr no-fly, as I'm likely to stay overnight in Manila before flying back to the US).

You are overthinking it!
The AC in your room should be able to dry all your gear except the inside of the bladder/booties overnight.
Your additional night in Manila is your insurance.

A 6L bottle of drinking water is about P100.00(US$2.00).

 

[hdtran]

How much was a dive package? I can't find any info in that regard on their website.

On their website, under "scuba diving->padi courses and diving rates", scroll to near the bottom. $35 per dive, 10% off package of 10 dives or more; $7 per tank for nitrox; additional fees & minimum number for night dives, etc. For room rates, in the "amenities->room & suites."

I filled out the Scandi Divers contact form and got a response with a package offer with room, board, and diving with a discount for 10 days/11 nights. I also contacted a travel agent in the US (Roatan Charter), with whom I've worked in the past, who has done packages with Scandi Divers in the past for dive clubs. I've let both the Scandi reservation manager and Debbie from Roatan Charter know that I'm in contact with both, so no surprises. I'll confirm and book once I get final prices.

Presuming I can get organized, after I go and return, I'll certainly post a trip report!

 

[hdtran]

You are overthinking it!
The AC in your room should be able to dry all your gear except the inside of the bladder/booties overnight.
Your additional night in Manila is your insurance.

A 6L bottle of drinking water is about P100.00(US$2.00).

Centrals, thanks for the information! I didn't realize 6 L of water was that inexpensive (might be a bit more with inflation ;-). I would like drinking water for drinking (obviously!) but also brushing my teeth etc. Even with brushing my teeth & using the water flosser, 6 L will last several days...

Yes, fins, regulator, camera housing & "hard" items will dry very quickly. I appreciate the advice on the booties, swimwear, the exterior of my BC, and my wetsuit (I intend to wear a 1 mm). I'm not concerned about the bladder inside the BC--it won't absorb water like fabric, and I can drain most of it out. JonnieB: Thank you for your reply, that was also helpful!

 

[chillyinCanada]

Centrals, thanks for the information! I didn't realize 6 L of water was that inexpensive (might be a bit more with inflation ;-). I would like drinking water for drinking (obviously!) but also brushing my teeth etc. Even with brushing my teeth & using the water flosser, 6 L will last several days...

Yes, fins, regulator, camera housing & "hard" items will dry very quickly. I appreciate the advice on the booties, swimwear, the exterior of my BC, and my wetsuit (I intend to wear a 1 mm). I'm not concerned about the bladder inside the BC--it won't absorb water like fabric, and I can drain most of it out. JonnieB: Thank you for your reply, that was also helpful!

I put newspaper or papertowel in my booties

 

[hdtran]

Answers about water, gear from my booking agent & Scandi Divers:

Tap water is not drinkable. We provide drinking water around the resort.​

A free water dispenser with hot and cold water available​

They have our gear rinsing area in our diveshop where divers can clean their stuff after dive or before their departure.​

Also have the area where they can hang their gears and let them dry.​

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I'm putting down a deposit & booking flights. Again, thanks to the original poster (Divin' Dave in Canada), the other responders here, and other SB members who've posted reviews of Scandi Divers (Kimela and others). I may start (or continue) posts with questions about getting in and out of Manila (the pinned post at the top of this forum).

 

[Centrals]

@hdtran
Apply for e travel on line 3 days before your schedule arrival. You can apply for it on the spot but takes time.
If you are going to take the public ferry from Batangas to Balatero then you need to ask Scandi divers to send you the booking confirmation with the QR code.