Decided to start a new YouTube channel for my resort in Anilao, would love some feedback!

[Jonathan Venn]

Hey everyone,


I started Blue Ribbon Dive Resort back in 2010 — after spending nearly a decade in Puerto Galera before moving over to Anilao.


I originally came to Anilao for the muck and macro, since I was really into underwater videography at the time. But over the years I got way too deep into tech diving and exploration . That shift meant I stopped posting to my YouTube channel around the pandemic — I ended up investing more into my instructor training and tech gear than camera gear.


Recently though, I got some inspiration from the guys at Critter Republic in Dauin and decided to restart the channel. This time I’m focusing more on the stories behind the resort and the lifestyle here, rather than just hunting for rare critters.


So far, I’ve uploaded three videos —
one about our resident Hairy Frogfish, one on our coastal clean-up dive, and one where we race Suex scooters just for fun.

It’s early days and I’m learning something new with every video, but I’m really enjoying the process. The goal isn’t just to promote the resort (though of course that helps!) — I genuinely want to share what it’s like running a dive resort in Anilao and the stories that come with it.


Next up, I’m about to start my Instructor Trainer course with SDI/TDI, and I plan to do a little vlog series called “The Road to Instructor Trainer.” Expect some Rocky-style montages and maybe a “Push It to the Limit” soundtrack, haha.


Anyway, if you’ve got a few minutes, please check out the channel — and I’d love any feedback or ideas you might have for future videos:
Blue Ribbon Dive Resort


Thanks for reading and hope you enjoy the channel!
— Jon

 

[chillyinCanada]

Thank you for these. Very enjoyable.
I got a kick out of how excited the dog was to get back to shore. Perhaps he wanted a walk

 

[Jonathan Venn]

Thank you for these. Very enjoyable.
I got a kick out of how excited the dog was to get back to shore. Perhaps he wanted a walk

Oh you don't know the half of it. That is Einstein, one of our guests corgi. Normally on the boat I always have my poodle, but they fight if on the boat. The dog drama is real! lol Today I had a dry day and had to retrieve my poodle from the boat, cos he was ready to go diving, lol.

 

[BoltSnap]

Thank you for sharing, Jon.

Can you tell me more about your resort, please? I'd like to know more about what makes you different from the other resorts in Anilao and why one would choose you over the rest (from an underwater photographer's point of view). I am familiar with the other big-name resort there, but I'd like to know more about other options. I also know about Scandi Divers.

Do you offer an all-inclusive type of plan? Tell me more, please.

 

[Jonathan Venn]

Heya,


A lot of the resorts in Anilao aren’t what I’d really call true dive resorts. Many don’t have any on-site dive staff at all. Most of the smaller ones simply rent random boats and freelance guides, and their setup is basically just a tank-filling station with some rental gear.


I’m pretty sure there are a few locals who go around helping regular hotels “convert” into so-called dive resorts by advising them what gear to buy, etc.


The problem this creates—especially for solo travelers—is that there’s no fixed “price per dive.” If you’re alone and they have to rent you a private boat and guide, you end up paying for everything yourself. For example:

• ₱5,000 for the boat
• ₱2,000 for the guide (for two dives)
• ₱500–₱1,000 for tank rental (not sure if they charge for the guide’s tanks too)
• ₱250 for the dive pass

That means a solo diver could easily pay around ₱8,000 for two dives, excluding rental gear. Of course, it gets cheaper if you’re in a group, which is why Manila divers who come down together can split the cost.


At Blue Ribbon Dive Resort, we simply charge ₱1,800 per dive—same as most places around the world—and we always go out, even with just one diver.


We have three on-site instructors: two of them were top macro spotters here for nearly a decade, and I’m a Tech Instructor myself. We also have a long-time divemaster who’s worked with some of the top photographers in the Philippines and really knows how to assist with lighting setups.


We have our own boat, always fully equipped with oxygen on board (plenty of it, haha), and we also carry extra deco tanks for tech dives.


Our camera room is fully equipped with blowers and workspaces for your gear, and our food is awesome—a mix of freshly made international and local dishes.


You mentioned Scandi—they’re actually in Puerto Galera. I’m good friends with Dave (the owner) and Kris (the manager). Feel free to ask them about me if you like!


Anyway, I know I’ve rambled on a bit—this thread wasn’t really meant to turn into a resort pitch, but hey, you did ask.

 

[d^2b]

If you search, you can find one or two threads about Blue Ribbon on SB. That helped convince me to book a visit there over Christmas 2025.

 

[BoltSnap]

If you search, you can find one or two threads about Blue Ribbon on SB. That helped convince me to book a visit there over Christmas 2025.

I'll do that, thank you. I'll also wait for your trip report

 

[d^2b]

I'll do that, thank you. I'll also wait for your trip report

Thanks for ensuring @Jonathan Venn is really nice to us

 

[Centrals]

There is at least one budget friendly dive resort in Anilao ie Anilao Scuba Dive Center(ASDC).
Diving rate is P1,800.00 which covers everything from equipment, guide, boat + whatever charges set by the municipality. No hidden charge whatsoever. I was diving and staying there couple of months ago and is planning a return next Apr.

 

[BoltSnap]

Thanks for ensuring @Jonathan Venn is really nice to us

I am sure that he will, but if he doesn't, make sure that you let us know