
Scuba Diving on a Budget: Tips &
Tricks
Scuba diving is an incredible way to experience the ocean, but many divers worry about the costs associated with the sport. The good news? Scuba diving on a budget is completely possible with the right strategies. From choosing budget-friendly dive locations to renting gear and finding great deals, you don’t have to sacrifice your passion just to save money.
This guide provides practical tips for affordable diving, focusing on destinations like Coron to El Nido, home to some of the best diving Philippines has to offer.
Table of Contents
1. Choose Affordable Dive Destinations
Not all dive spots cost the same—some locations are naturally more budget-friendly due to lower accommodation, food, and dive package prices.
Why Coron to El Nido is a Budget-Friendly Option
- Affordable Accommodations: Both Coron and El Nido offer budget hostels, homestays, and guesthouses near dive centers.
- Cheap Local Transportation: Ferries and shared vans between Coron and El Nido are more affordable than flying between islands.
- Diverse Dive Sites: From WWII wrecks in Coron to coral gardens in El Nido, you get a variety of diving experiences without traveling far.
📍 Other Affordable Dive Destinations in the Philippines
- Dauin & Apo Island (for macro diving and sea turtles)
- Moalboal (famous for the sardine run)
- Puerto Galera (budget-friendly diving near Manila)
2. Look for Budget-Friendly PADI Dive Centers
How to Find Affordable Dive Shops
- Compare prices online: Some dive shops offer better deals during off-peak seasons.
- Check package deals: Some centers include equipment rental in the dive package price.
- Read reviews: Budget-friendly should not mean low quality—make sure the shop follows safety protocols.
📍 Recommended Budget Dive Shops in Coron & El Nido
- Coron: Look for shops offering wreck diving packages with multi-dive discounts.
- El Nido: Some dive centers offer discounts when booking multiple days in advance.
3. Take Advantage of Group Discounts
Diving is more fun (and cheaper!) with friends. Many dive centers provide group discounts when you:
- Book a certification course together (Open Water, Advanced Open Water, etc.).
- Plan a group diving trip with at least 4-6 people.
- Sign up for PADI Group Bookings, which may include free dives or discounted courses.
💡 Tip: If you’re a solo traveler, check Facebook groups or dive forums to connect with other divers and join a group booking.
4. Travel & Dive During Off-Peak Seasons
The best time for budget diving in the Philippines is the off-peak season (June to October) when prices drop.
Benefits of Off-Peak Diving
✔️ Lower accommodation and flight prices.
✔️ Fewer crowds at popular dive sites.
✔️ Dive centers may offer discounts to attract customers.
📍 When to Dive in Coron & El Nido on a Budget
- Best budget months: June – October
- High season (more expensive): November – May
💡 Tip: Check for last-minute deals if you have flexible travel dates.
5. Choose Budget-Friendly Certification Programs
Getting certified can be expensive, but there are ways to reduce costs:
How to Save on PADI Certifications
- Look for bundled course discounts (e.g., Open Water + Advanced Open Water package).
- Take advantage of online learning (PADI eLearning courses are often cheaper than in-person theory classes).
- Find dive centers with student discounts.
📍 Best Budget Specialty Courses
- PADI Enriched Air (Nitrox) Diver: Increases bottom time while reducing air consumption.
- Peak Performance Buoyancy: Improves air efficiency, saving money on tank rentals.
6. Rent Gear or Buy Second-Hand Equipment
Why Renting is a Smart Option
If you don’t dive frequently, renting gear is much cheaper than buying and maintaining your own.
💡 Cost Comparison (Philippines)
- Full gear rental per day: $10–$25
- Buying a full set: $800–$2,000
📍 Where to Buy Second-Hand Dive Gear
- Facebook Marketplace & eBay: Good for used wetsuits, fins, and masks.
- Dive shop clearance sales: Some dive shops sell last-season rental gear at a discount.
💡 Tip: If investing in your own gear, start with essentials like a mask, snorkel, and fins before moving on to bigger items like a BCD or regulator.
7. Watch for Special Promotions & Discounts
PADI and many dive centers offer seasonal promotions and membership benefits that can save you money.
How to Find Discounts
✔️ Follow PADI and dive shop social media pages for flash sales.
✔️ Subscribe to newsletters for exclusive member deals.
✔️ Check out PADI Travel for last-minute diving packages.
📍 Budget Tip: Some PADI dive centers offer free dives for volunteers participating in reef cleanups or citizen science projects.
FAQs
Can I go scuba diving on a budget?
Yes! By choosing budget-friendly destinations, renting gear, and booking off-peak, you can enjoy diving without breaking the bank.
When is the cheapest time to dive in the Philippines?
The best budget-friendly months are June to October when tourism slows down and prices drop.
Is renting dive gear better than buying?
If you don’t dive often, renting gear is the best way to save money. If you dive regularly, start by purchasing essentials like a mask and fins.
How can I get PADI-certified for less?
Look for discounted course bundles, online learning options, and group bookings to reduce certification costs.
What are the cheapest places to dive in the Philippines?
Budget-friendly dive spots include Coron, El Nido, Dauin, Moalboal, and Puerto Galera.
Conclusion
Scuba diving on a budget is completely possible with smart planning and the right strategies. Whether you’re exploring the wrecks of Coron to El Nido or diving in the best diving Philippines locations, there are plenty of ways to save money without sacrificing your diving experience.
By choosing affordable dive destinations, renting gear, traveling off-season, and looking for group discounts, you can enjoy world-class diving without overspending. Start planning your next budget-friendly dive trip today and keep exploring the incredible underwater world!