Tabanka Divers El Nido
Tabanka Divers El Nido
Tabanka Divers El Nido
5
7:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 12:00 PM
2:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 12:00 PM
2:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 12:00 PM
2:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
2:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 12:00 PM
2:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 12:00 PM
2:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 12:00 PM
2:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Full view
About
Simply Good Vibes - that's Tabanka Divers, since 2012 based in El Nido, Palawan. As a PADI 5 Star Dive Centre under german management we teach all Levels of Scuba Diving Courses, go for daily Fun Diving trips and offer beachfront rooms at the best sunset-spot of El Nido. Start your Open Water Diver Course online at home with eLearning and finish the practical part in El Nido with us. You will explore the best Scuba Dive Sites already while your training. Safety, Quality and Personal Service are our highest priority. As a Scubapro Centre under german management with a Bauer Pure Air Filling Station you will use only high-end dive equipment. Don't forget to check out our loft-style beachfront rooms. Find us at El Nido's most laid-back Lugadia Beach (CorongCorong), only 5 minutes from town with a priceless sunset-view.
El Nido, Philippines
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Tabanka Divers El Nido
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
332 reviews
Excellent
320
Very good
11
Average
1
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Emily J
Mississauga, Canada15 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
I am so grateful I did my advanced padi course with Tabanka Divers. All staff are down to earth, kind and patient and we visited incredible sites. I am a beginner diver and my instructor Thomas, from France, could not have made me more comfortable. I overcame a lot of fears and he was extremely patient and knowledgeable and happy to re-explain and teach me whatever I asked. His passion for diving and teaching really made my experience better than imaginable. My partner who had his advanced PADI was able to join for the course and just do fun dives, he also had a fantastic experience. We both agreed we went to some of the nicest sites we have ever seen and were surrounded by incredible fish and coral. We originally booked through Tabanka because after some research it was the cheapest scuba place in El Nido we could find, we didn’t know it would also be such a memorable experience. Very grateful to Thomas and Tabanka divers!
Written January 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lidija
24 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
We spent 3 fantastic days and 9 dives with the Tabanka crew. The owner Oliver and admin-boss-lady Joy were incredibly helpful and flexible with everything organisational. The boat crew was extremely friendly and warm, doing everything they could to make us feel great during our fun dives. Our divemasters Eugene and 'Kung-fu Panda' Errol know every centimetre of the El Nido underwater world and both showed us many fantastic spots, while making sure that we were safe and enjoying the dives.
The diving centre is right at the Corong Corong beach and offers their own affordable (and cosy!) accommodation as well as killer sunsets.
We'd definitely recommend Tabanka to anyone interested in diving in the El Nido region and hope to come back ourselves too.
The diving centre is right at the Corong Corong beach and offers their own affordable (and cosy!) accommodation as well as killer sunsets.
We'd definitely recommend Tabanka to anyone interested in diving in the El Nido region and hope to come back ourselves too.
Written April 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bianca I
6 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
Me and my friend tried scuba diving for the first time and im not gonna lie it was something really scary for us but in the end the experience that we had was just speechless! Amazing, and not just because of the dive but especially because of the Tabanka team. They made us feel safe the whole time, they were also relaxed and very well trained, very professional, the instructions explained very clearly and most important every single one of them had such a great vibe, funny and kind with a lot of energy! They also provided a really tasty launch, freshly cook in the boat. I strongly recommend! They re freaking awesome!!
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Slawa
Munich, Germany3 contributions
Jan 2024 • Solo
Walk-in to book three fun dives with Open Water certificate. Joy in the shop explained the procedure, took the deposit of 2000PHP (5400 in total, including everything) and let me fill out the necessary paperwork.
Met at 8am, chose the right size of the equipment and made the way to the boat together. Our diving group would be consisting of DM Eugene and three open water divers. Before each dive site (#1 Nat Nat, #2 South Miniloc, #3 Twin Rocks) Eugene would introduce the area, go over the site and the dive, before making our way into the water. During the dive he would check up on us on a regular basis and continuously point out fishes and sea animals. An altogether great guide, which you would be lucky end up having.
Average visibility of 10 to 15m; four turtles; a shoal of barracudas; and plenty of actual underwater time.
Would recommend Tabanka Divers for an overall great, organized experience with good equipment and an even greater crew!
Met at 8am, chose the right size of the equipment and made the way to the boat together. Our diving group would be consisting of DM Eugene and three open water divers. Before each dive site (#1 Nat Nat, #2 South Miniloc, #3 Twin Rocks) Eugene would introduce the area, go over the site and the dive, before making our way into the water. During the dive he would check up on us on a regular basis and continuously point out fishes and sea animals. An altogether great guide, which you would be lucky end up having.
Average visibility of 10 to 15m; four turtles; a shoal of barracudas; and plenty of actual underwater time.
Would recommend Tabanka Divers for an overall great, organized experience with good equipment and an even greater crew!
Written January 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christine
Berlin, Germany300 contributions
Jan 2024 • Friends
Had the best experience with Tabanka Divers. We walked in to book for the nect day. Joy explained everything well and I transfered the deposit by Wise.
In the morning we met at the dive shop and chose our gear. Everything looked well maintained. I have problems with equalisation. So I booked a private guide. My friends went in a group.
My guide Mark was the best. Before every dive site he gave me a headsup on what to expect. Since I didn‘t dive for 3 years we started with a refresher. He patiently stayed with me while I took my time with equalisation and descending. I felt very safe and in good hands.
We did 3 dives and saw pretty corals, many turtles and other small fish. I enjoyed that.
After the second dive we got lunch which was tasty. Apart from that we got cookies, tea, coffee and water.
It was a great day of diving. I can recommend going with a private guide if you feel an ious or didn‘t dive in a long time.
In the morning we met at the dive shop and chose our gear. Everything looked well maintained. I have problems with equalisation. So I booked a private guide. My friends went in a group.
My guide Mark was the best. Before every dive site he gave me a headsup on what to expect. Since I didn‘t dive for 3 years we started with a refresher. He patiently stayed with me while I took my time with equalisation and descending. I felt very safe and in good hands.
We did 3 dives and saw pretty corals, many turtles and other small fish. I enjoyed that.
After the second dive we got lunch which was tasty. Apart from that we got cookies, tea, coffee and water.
It was a great day of diving. I can recommend going with a private guide if you feel an ious or didn‘t dive in a long time.
Written January 21, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Casper
Cebu Island, Philippines14 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
I was looking for a dive center around El Nido where my girlfriend would be able to get her open water course done. After finding Tabanka I contacted them and the communication through email with Oliver was perfect.
The day before my girlfriend started her course we went to the dive center to introduce ourselves and do the required paperworks. We were welcomed by Joy and she helped us with our equipment and showed the schedule for the next two days. She was highly professional and made us feel very comfortable. I asked if I could join the course as fun-dives to watch and make pictures/videos and this was no problem.
Mark was an excellent instructor. He has almost 40 years of diving experience! You are in good hands when you will do your course with him.
The course itself was however a bit rushed since they do the open water courses in just two days. We would have preferred to spread it out over some more days, but Oliver explained that it's not possible due to logistics with the boat trips. On the other hand Tabanka does their open water courses in a 2:1 student/instructor ratio. Which I can, especially if this is your first time diving, really recommend to look for in a dive center.
All in all we are extremely happy with our experience with Tabanka. Mark, Joy, Oliver and all the boat crew, thank you so so much! 🙏
The day before my girlfriend started her course we went to the dive center to introduce ourselves and do the required paperworks. We were welcomed by Joy and she helped us with our equipment and showed the schedule for the next two days. She was highly professional and made us feel very comfortable. I asked if I could join the course as fun-dives to watch and make pictures/videos and this was no problem.
Mark was an excellent instructor. He has almost 40 years of diving experience! You are in good hands when you will do your course with him.
The course itself was however a bit rushed since they do the open water courses in just two days. We would have preferred to spread it out over some more days, but Oliver explained that it's not possible due to logistics with the boat trips. On the other hand Tabanka does their open water courses in a 2:1 student/instructor ratio. Which I can, especially if this is your first time diving, really recommend to look for in a dive center.
All in all we are extremely happy with our experience with Tabanka. Mark, Joy, Oliver and all the boat crew, thank you so so much! 🙏
Written July 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anna P
1 contribution
Mar 2023 • Couples
Amazing diving school, highly recommend to everyone. I did an open water course, great contact before the course. After the first day of the course I got sick and it was no problem to postpone the next lessons for a few days. Even though it was my first experience with diving and I was a bit scared at first, I felt very comfortable and safe with my teacher underwater, he explained everything several times and in a very accessible way, after 2 days of learning I feel prepared for further adventure with diving. I hope that someday I will return to the Philippines and dive with Tabanka Divers. Thanks again for a great adventure.
Written February 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HeyHo Anna, you did a great job and overcome all your fears - a whole new world has opened up. There is so much more to learn and explore - continue your training and enjoy a lot of more dives here in Southeast Asia !!!
Your team Tabanka Divers
Written April 29, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
M1611
Germany171 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
I enjoyed diving with Tabanka divers for 3 days and we had a lot of fun and beautiful dive sites together.
All staff of Tabanka divers is super friendly and professional. I never felt insecure or not supported. Great boat and dive crew.
Also at the operation office you find a lot of help, either Oliver or Joy are there for you.
When I come back to El Nido, I’d dive with Tabanka Divers again…. For sure.
All staff of Tabanka divers is super friendly and professional. I never felt insecure or not supported. Great boat and dive crew.
Also at the operation office you find a lot of help, either Oliver or Joy are there for you.
When I come back to El Nido, I’d dive with Tabanka Divers again…. For sure.
Written March 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your detailed feedback - I will pass the compliments to our hard working crew !!!
See you again in El Nido
Oliver & Team
Written April 29, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Heidis_Travels
Turku, Finland130 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
We were diving with Eugen and Tabanka Diver staff for two days. We really enjoyed the small groups and cozy yet professional atmosphere.
The weather and visibility conditions might not have been optimal on our dives but nevertheless diving was easy; no currents, not too much rush on the divesites and we got to see some really nice creatures such as ghost pipefishes, leaf pipefishes, cuttle fishes and their eggs, turtles, electric clam etc. Nicely spotted by Eugen 👍
The weather and visibility conditions might not have been optimal on our dives but nevertheless diving was easy; no currents, not too much rush on the divesites and we got to see some really nice creatures such as ghost pipefishes, leaf pipefishes, cuttle fishes and their eggs, turtles, electric clam etc. Nicely spotted by Eugen 👍
Written January 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tim L
2 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Did my PADI open water certification with Thomas, he was the best instructor ever, knowledgeable and has a passion for teaching scuba. My friend and I had such a great time we decided to do the advanced open water with them as well. Extremely friendly staff and I felt safe during my time on the boat as well as in the water with these exceptional individuals. Thank you for the great experience! Will definitely return in the future
Written February 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello!
Do you have tours available for 12/30, 12/31/2018? Weather permitting?
Thank you!
John
Written December 29, 2018
Hi,
Would you have a speedboat for our group of 10 adults and 3 kids aged 5, 7, 9?
Could we combine tour or big or small lagoon with an intro dive?
Date of travel Dec 28-Jan 1.
Thanks!
Written January 31, 2020
Hello!
Do you have tours available for 12/30, 12/31/2018? Weather permitting?
Thank you!
John
Written December 29, 2018
Hi John, thx for ur msg. 30/12 we are fully booked, 31/12 only 2 more slots available. Please stop by personally for details and deposit. Team Tabanka
Written December 29, 2018
Hey! Did anyone stay in there accommodation whilst diving? It's called Og's pension, can't seem to find out much about it online. What were the rooms like? Do you have any photos? Thinking of booking a double fan room; if anyone has stayed in one of those rooms it would be great to hear their experience! Also is there a swimming pool there that guests can use?
Written November 25, 2016
Update 2018: Tabanka Divers have moved to Lugadia Beach, Corongcorong and offer now brand new Beachfront rooms with swimmingpool.
Written February 1, 2018
Hey! Did anyone stay in there accommodation whilst diving? It's called Og's pension, can't seem to find out much about it online. What were the rooms like? Do you have any photos? Thinking of booking a double fan room; if anyone has stayed in one of those rooms it would be great to hear their experience! Also is there a swimming pool there that guests can use?
Written November 25, 2016
Hello, thanks for your request. if you contact us via our contact form with your dates of travel on tabanka-diverscom I can send you pictures and a proposal. we have no pool, but the ocean is only 5m aways from our Seaview terrace. best, team Tabanka Divers
Written November 25, 2016
Hello,
Did you do open water immediately followed by advance open water coursse?
How much did it cost you?
Written January 8, 2016
Update 2018: open water course is only 21000p (3 days), advance open water course is 18000p (2 days, 6 dives).
Written March 22, 2018
Hi :)
How do you get from the puerto princesa airport to the hostel? How long does it take?
Thank you in advance
BR, Susanne
Written November 23, 2015
hey susanne, maybe you already found out...all information about how to get here you can find on our website under 'good to know'. best from el nido
Written December 8, 2015
I'm looking for a dive operation in El Nido who can assure me I'll get some extra care. I'm over 60 and not as fit as I'd like. I struggle with currents, and seem to use up air quickly. I need a divemaster who is patient enough to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. any recommendations? I'm in El Nido from March 18 2015. Thanks.
Written February 22, 2015
Hi Phil, thanks for your message. We do have several nice dive sites without currents and we usually do boat dives...so a pick up is possible at any time. We would be happy to assist you with a personal DM. We use 12 liter alu tanks with 200bar...sharing is caring ;-) Please make sure that you are generally fit for diving - if you have any concerns do a check up with your doc at home before arriving in El Nido. Than we will take it slow and enjoy... regards, Tabanka Team
Written February 22, 2015
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