Puerto Galero

[hi_diver]

hi, not meaning to insult or demean any operators... But 30-$ an extra dive is a lot! The operator where I did my DM cours this past february, the Dive dojo which certainly isn't know as the cheapest on the beach, charges 25$ US a dive!!!! And for every 6 dives you do, you get a 7th free. For rental gear it's 3$ extra, including a computer! And that includes free internet, free cofee (they have the best cofee in Sabang!), small personalised groups (it's a small shop) and free drinks after the diving day is over. So sorry, 30$ a dive extra is a lot in my oppinion... Unless they include lots of extras for that amount.... Which they probably don't...

As you can see, a small shop can offer more for less than the quote you got and I'm pretty sure (others can confirm) that many of the bigger resorts (Asia divers, Atlantis, etc..) don't even charge that much for extra dives...

My take on the choice of the dive shop is more of: Do you want bigger, completely organised services (Atlantis and Asia have very nice dive resorts) with bigger groups, or smaller more customly tailored service for specialized dive shops (places like the Divedojo will take you where and when you want to dive, as long as it is within your abilities and it's safe)? Personally, I really enjoyed NOT staying in an all inclusive resort this time around. It got me to see different parts of Sabang, and be a bit more in contact with the culture and people there. Not that there is anything wrong with all inclusives!

Anyways, It's more food for thought...

CODMAN,
Thanks for all your advice. Does dive DOJO have a website or how do I get in touch with them. How about the place Deep Blue Sea Inn? Does DOJO do small groups or is it going to be planty of people on a boat? I prefer to dive with small groups may be 5-6 people. Where did you stay? I would like a AC room on the beach somewhere between $35 and 50 a night. Can I stay in the Deep blue sea Inn and dive with DOJO or the custom is it all or nothing. You have been a great help.

 

[hi_diver]

I would want to know why Action Divers is quoting you $30 per extra dive, when they advertise $25 per dive on their website. The cheapest rate at Deep Blue Sea is $35 per night during the off-season. (10 dives X $25) + ($35 X 5) = $425 dollars. They're not giving you any discount even though you are staying for an extended period and multiple dives and they're trying to increase the price for the extra dives.

They look like a nice place and people who have dived with them speak highly of them. I'd try negotiating a little more

Thanks Bill. I went to their website and checked out the prices. I was wrong when I said it was $30 a dive for extra dives it is actually $25. Since this is my first time to PI I am getting advice on how best to go about doing things in PI.

 

[Iain Thysse]

You shouldn't pay more than US$60 for a one way trip in a private taxi from the airport to Batangas pier...if you then want a private boat it will cost you another US$60, but it will cost you 170 peso (about 40 peso to the dollar) to catch the ferry. As for DiveVIP...they don't exist exactly. You will more than likley dive out of MaresDiveIt which is attached to Divers Cafe. They are situated right on the beach, so you no longer have to change and wash in that small passage. They do not own their own boat, but that is not a problem per say as boats are easily available. I am not sure about accomodation that they have quoted you on, but Divers Cafe have 2 large rooms. You will have to ask them were they are booking the rooms. The dives should be in the region of 1200 peso per dive and they should let you dive as many as you like. Atlantis is by far the best resort on the beach in my opinion, but there are less expensive options. You should shop around. If you would like more details let me know and I will forward you what I have. I owned and ran a bar and dive shop there for a while, and live there when I am not away for work, so I do have a fair idea. Hope this helps

 

[CODMAN]

CODMAN,
Thanks for all your advice. Does dive DOJO have a website or how do I get in touch with them. How about the place Deep Blue Sea Inn? Does DOJO do small groups or is it going to be planty of people on a boat? I prefer to dive with small groups may be 5-6 people. Where did you stay? I would like a AC room on the beach somewhere between $35 and 50 a night. Can I stay in the Deep blue sea Inn and dive with DOJO or the custom is it all or nothing. You have been a great help.

hi, yes they do have a website, but it's very basic (DIVE DOJO). They've been building this dive operation up from scratch over the last year and a half, so the website isn't their top priority... The place is brand new with top knotch dive gear, Nitrox and trimix facilities. Not to mention the giant screen TV on which you watch course videos, or "LOBO" in the evenings while having beer and pizza... The website has the prices... and let me save you some time... Those are the prices! They are not the "haggling" type of people/shop. They are not the cheapest, but in my oppinion you get your moneys worth in quality service... The custom dive boat is well designed for diving and can hold a maximum of about 10 people. So small groups are assured. And yes, they will take you diving even if you are the only one!

The best way is to get in touch with Ethei Robrigado by e.mail or phone (one of the partners there); he runs the place. E.mail will do for the basics, but if you want more details, phone is better (Ethei isn't all that e.mail enclined). They can arrange as much or as little about your trip as you want; you just have to ask. They can arrange accomodations for you if you want, or you can do it yourself. For 50$ a night, you can have pretty much any room in Sabang! The most expensive are Mermaids (very nice and close to the shop, but right downtown Sabang so noisy) or La Laguna Beach Club which is a 15 minute walk along the beach (but very nice and quiet). Ask Ethei about any pricing he might be able to get through the dive shop. I'm sure he can find you something within your price range. And if you don't have a place immediately, I would suggest booking a room at Mermaids for the first 2 nights (I think it's around 55$ a night) and have a look around shopping for rooms during your surface intervals. Then settle in to wherever suits you... As for Deep blue sea... You'd have to ask them about prices just for a room. Most places will let you stay without diving with them...

I should try to upload some of my pics here so you can have a look at the place. It's a really cool and laid back atmosphere!

Hope this helps!

 

[CODMAN]

I threw a few pics of the dojo in my galery. If you have any questions, just ask...

 

[Babydamulag]

As previously posted...

Cheap dives....a thing of the past....as fuel prices climb you will carry the burden (MR. Customer). I just got my fuel bill for April....<gasp>.....it's a liquid for Pete's sake....not gold....LIQUID GOLD is more like it. All operators will feel this pinch. Expect to see rates go to $28/dive....at least.

 

[shugar]

As previously posted...

Cheap dives....a thing of the past....as fuel prices climb you will carry the burden (MR. Customer). I just got my fuel bill for April....<gasp>.....it's a liquid for Pete's sake....not gold....LIQUID GOLD is more like it. All operators will feel this pinch. Expect to see rates go to $28/dive....at least.

regular ray of sunshine aren't you babyd

Jag

 

[CODMAN]

As previously posted...

Cheap dives....a thing of the past....as fuel prices climb you will carry the burden (MR. Customer). I just got my fuel bill for April....<gasp>.....it's a liquid for Pete's sake....not gold....LIQUID GOLD is more like it. All operators will feel this pinch. Expect to see rates go to $28/dive....at least.

I'm sure you are correct about this Baby D! I think operators should start offering a special paddle rate. You paddle the boat to the dive site, and they take the 3$ off to keep the rate at 25$



Hey, but thems the breaks!!! If the prices go up, we'll have to follow! Or dive less...

 

[gaudencio]

Mr hi diver,
If you are looking at a cheaper and good dive guide who knows the reefs and know the good subject for Photography. You can try the Sea rider , just beside Action divers. The Boss there is my friend. His name is Mark. I think he will charge you around P 800.00 or less if you dive more days with him. There are also rooms available just beside his diveshop. The rooms will be around P 1600- 2000. good for 2 per nite. You can always haggle with them. Tell mark thats it's jimmy who recommended you.

 

[Diver Dennis]

You shouldn't pay more than US$60 for a one way trip in a private taxi from the airport to Batangas pier...if you then want a private boat it will cost you another US$60, but it will cost you 170 peso (about 40 peso to the dollar) to catch the ferry. As for DiveVIP...they don't exist exactly. You will more than likley dive out of MaresDiveIt which is attached to Divers Cafe. They are situated right on the beach, so you no longer have to change and wash in that small passage. They do not own their own boat, but that is not a problem per say as boats are easily available. I am not sure about accomodation that they have quoted you on, but Divers Cafe have 2 large rooms. You will have to ask them were they are booking the rooms. The dives should be in the region of 1200 peso per dive and they should let you dive as many as you like. Atlantis is by far the best resort on the beach in my opinion, but there are less expensive options. You should shop around. If you would like more details let me know and I will forward you what I have. I owned and ran a bar and dive shop there for a while, and live there when I am not away for work, so I do have a fair idea. Hope this helps

Yes, Iain does know. He is well known in Sabang and we miss him... well maybe not...

Take care over there Iain.