Blue Ribbon Dive Resort has moved it’s business from Puerto Galera to Anilao in 2018, seeking better diving opportunities. Anilao is often debated to be the top dive destination for muck diving, with a vast number of critters most sought out by underwater photographers. Anilao, and the neighbouring Tingloy island also has world class Coral reef diving, with some exceptional sites close to the resort and a little further away. The Verde Island passage brings clear waters to Tingloy, and its famous Sombrero island, offering some amazing coral dives with some exceptional visibility. Blue Ribbon Dive Resort has been totally renovated in 2018, including the addition of a training pool, new bar and restaurant, and a lounge area overlooking the ocean. A fully fitted camera room has been designed by one of the owners, to meet every underwater photographer’s needs. Blue Ribbon Dive Resort offers PADI Freediving courses, the only resort in Anilao to do so. We are proud of our high standards
This the second time myself and my girlfriend have stayed and dived with Blue Ribbon and the experiences keep getting better. Diving alone the staff are amazing, incredibly helpful and whom I now see as friends. Anilao diving needs no introduction, world class muck diving, great walls and coral reefs.
Try a black water or bonfire dive while you are visiting, you won’t regret it. All in all, the Blue Ribbon Dive Centre is highly professional and I would recommend to all levels of divers from open water to pro.
Highlights: Small diving groups, experienced guides, safe boats and dedicated crew, amazing food and drinks, lovely and personable staff, huge rooms, pool by the beach, hammocks and chill areas, camera and light rentals, private transfers.
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
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I spend one week at Blue Ribbon Dive Resort with my hubby. We were looking for a cozy place where we could dive and relax but we got a lot more than we could have ever imagined. The minute we arrived to Blue Ribbon we realized we’d made the right choice. The welcome was very warm. You can see it right away that these people want to take good care of you. The whole staff is friendly and extremely professional. We did two morning dives a day, except on the last day when we also did a night dive. The gear was in mint condition. The diving instructors take their job’s seriously but with a smile on their face. They made sure that we got to dive in a different place everytime. We always felt safe, both during the boat rides and also during the dives. The staff were always there to help when we had to get the gear on or off. The dive sites were all different from each other. We saw sharks, turtles, sting rays, sea snakes but also a ton of nudi branchers. We ate at Blue Ribbon every day and appreciate the effort they have made with the food menu. You have a lot to choose from and it was all delish. The dishes we enjoyed the most were the lovely, huge and fresh salads and local dish, bicol express. All in all we couldn’t be happier with the whole experience. On the last day I felt super emotional as I felt that these people I just met had become my friends and I had to leave them. When I return to Philippines Blue Ribbon Dive Resort is the place where I'll be, no question about it.
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Date of stay: March 2020
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We had a very pleasant stay at the Blue Ribbon Dive Resort. We had a sea view room, very clean, even if the room is not new, it is consistent with the photos and comfortable. The instantaneous water heater was new: completely functional. The restaurant was very good (local, Asian and international cuisine) for a fair price. A drinking water dispenser in a can was available. The resort staff were helpful and polite. When we booked (direct contact by email), everything went very well, the discussion was easy, as was the organization, even up to our transfer from the airport) On the diving side, the premises are a little old but functional (more than sufficient for us). A dry room dedicated to cameras with compressed air to dry equipment is a real plus. The guides were very friendly, they showed us lots of things. We have never formed a group of more than 4 divers. In general, there were 6 to 8 clients on the boat for 2 dive masters. The only small downside would be the management of the dive curve, with square dives at 20 m, for heavy air consumers like me, making it difficult to achieve an hour of diving. We did not test the equipment rental because we came equipped. The divemasters were very friendly and very attentive to our desires. Night diving in the port of Anilao is a must do! Thank you to the whole team for this successful stay.
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Date of stay: March 2024Trip type: Traveled as a couple
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quite basic accommodation for this price. Room with no hot water during some of the days, which is extremely unsatisfying especially after diving. After complaining they always called someone to repair it. Food is ok, but I really missed some more options after a while, like a steak or grilled fish. Also, they somehow never had orange juice available for breakfast despite me asking every day ("Maybe tomorrow."). Same for tea on the dive boat, despite asking a couple of times for it, they only served coffee between the morning dives. There are some dogs and cats running around, which is ok for me , but not a big fan, if the dogs are so smelly and sit next to you while eating. For the dive prices, I guess they are average, but they have a misleading rule: a dive with guide for 1 person only is 1800P. If it is 2 or more persons it is 1600P, what makes sense to me, because of cost for dive guide, boat, etc. I was always diving with a bigger group -never alone, but when paying they explained to me since I TRAVEL alone I have to pay the higher price. Not very logical to me.
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Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Traveled solo
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Response from Jonathan Venn, Owner at Blue Ribbon Dive Resort
Responded Apr 4, 2023
Hey Florian, Sorry you weren't totally satisfied with your stay, but I'd like to clarify that we have been working on a lot of the issues you described. Orange Juice is now a thing, apparently the old brand couldn't be found so they stopped buying it, we now have it back.... Also, we used to have Steak, Ribs and more other things in our old restaurant in Puerto, but didn't have the freezer space here as we're quite small compared to our last resort. We now have bought a new freezer, and have Steak, Ribs, Grilled Salmon and some other things coming to the menu, which at the moment is in the printers. After even I followed up about the tea issue, found out the reason was a lack of thermos for hot water....which are cheap and shouldn't have been an issue. We have more now, to cover multiple boats. The price discount thing we only put in place in the pandemic, as we were so desperate for business, and sending one diver out alone was unprofitable, we used it to incite Manila folks down to us as they were our only business. We have now removed this, and now just offer a 10% discount if you dive for multiple dives. I can see why this annoyed you, but it was only put up during troubled times. We were just getting back on our feet after the pandemic, so things weren't running perfectly. If you ever come back I'd be happy to give you a free night or two to compensate you for the issues you stated. Things are running a lot smoother now. Jon
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Blue Ribbon Dive Resort is a perfect place to take a breather during this pandemic. Just Wow! Beautiful sunset, live corals and colourful fishes just a few steps from the shore. Jonathan was so kind to manage a short notice dive. My first timer daughter learned some good skills and was instantly hooked. Thank you! You’re the best! No kidding. We sure will be back for more OW+Advance course & will tug along a few young divers. And oh the staff are very friendly, helpful and kind. Very safe and relaxed atmosphere! And of course, The Breakfast! Jon, you made the right decision, because you knew that you are right at the doorstep of the Center of the Center of Marine Shorefish Biodiversity and as the Center of the Center of the Marine Biodiversity of the World. Hope soon it will be a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I also learned Blue Ribbon Dive Resort is very much on hand in helping the community around the area esp. the victims of the recent typhoons. So come and dive for a cause!
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Date of stay: November 2020Trip type: Traveled with family
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I stayed 3 nights at 'Blue Ribbon Dive Resort' in Mabini to get some diving done in Anilao. The room I stayed in was quite basic but I never came thinking it was a 5 Star Luxury resort. What is it is a super friendly resort run by divers for divers... So basically you are coming here for quality diving with experienced guides and this resort delivers that in spades. It is run by a British guy (Jon) who is friendly, fair and fun with a team around him who are superb. All the staff at Blue Ribbon were excellent. Attentive and friendly both at the resort and on the dive boat (Bangka). My room was comfortable (great bed and great Air-Con) and clean, my only comment being that the bathroom could do with a bit of an upgrade. The food at the resort is first class. I ate from the local Filipino menu every day and all my meals were delicious, good portion size and affordable. If you want a burger, pizza, etc this is all available to. There is also a well stocked bar with a beautiful sea view, particularly so at sunset. As for the diving, this was superb and reasonably priced at 1800php per dive. In the 2 days I dived I did 4 dives each day and spent a total of 8 Hours 50 Minutes underwater. We dived a different site each dive and the resort guides, (Jeff and Dang), were both superb, as was Ogie their Dive Master. I had some of my own kit and rented some resort kit and everything I had was in good order and everything felt safe and organised... Relaxed diving. The amount of marine life and unique Anilao 'critters' were amazing and I will definitely be returning to Blue Ribbon March/April 2024. Keep it up Jon - Just what a diver (well this diver) wants from a resort. Superb.
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Date of stay: April 2023
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Trip type: Traveled solo
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I'm so lucky to find this dive resort amidst the pandemic. Staff and even the owner Jon were friendly and accommodating to their guests. Rooms are spacious and clean. Food serving is very generous (this includes their free breakfast). I also had my DSD with them and Jon was patient with me all throughout the process. It's a perfect place for divers and people who just want to relax near the sea. Of course I will not forget that they have 4 dogs who are really sweet and will greet you first thing in the morning. I'll definitely go back in this place and stay longer next time.
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Date of stay: September 2020Trip type: Traveled with friends
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Response from Jonathan Venn, Owner at Blue Ribbon Dive Resort
Responded Sep 15, 2020
Thanks, Kaye, It's comments like this that makes me glad we didn't decide to go out of business when the Pandemic started and we fought through it. Glad to get back to what we love to do!
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Ok I'll start with the negative first. No hot water on most days very frustrating after a few dives when you are chilled. Wanted my room cleaned one time and they never came, annoying. 1st night I went down for dinner someone at the table next to me was getting a pedicure in the restaurant with toenail clipping flying around! Gross thankfully none landed in my food. The restaurant is small and they allow smoking it smells and you cannot get away from it, not fare to non smokers. Cats and dogs all over but they are well behaved. Beer can be colder. Place can use some upgrades paint cleaning and fix the crumbling steps. If you like to sunbath not the place for you no chairs by the pool or on the rocky beach.
Good stuff Food was good and the portions were very big and a lot of variety on the menu, and Donna the server is so sweet! The dive crew are awesome from the boat captain to his helper. Jeff the divemaster is awesome he watches out for everyone and if you don't have enough weight to get down he is right there with extra weight! They go to a variety of spots for muck and reef dives. Shout out to Jeff nd Dan for being some of the best spotters anywhere!
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Date of stay: December 2023
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Trip type: Traveled solo
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.
Response from Jonathan Venn, Owner at Blue Ribbon Dive Resort
Responded Jan 14, 2024
Heya Jon here Sorry about the water problem. We've ended up getting a professional plumber and actually a new maintenance man as it was a problem that kept on not being fixed. We have water pressure and hot water sorted now, sorry it wasn't like that during your stay. I heard about the room not being cleaned, they should have checked that the tag was on the door and i guessed they missed it that day, I have spoken to them to make sure it doesn't happen again. Pedicure in the restaurant...thats a new one to me, that isn't a regular occurrence and definitely isn't the place for it. We do have a smoking area that most people see and use, some people don't and ask for an ashtray and I try to make the staff only give it out if noone else is around or minds, yet, the Filipino hospitality sometimes it is hard for them to say no. The restaurant is totally open air so this is why I allow it, yet again, I've reminded staff to only allow it if there is only one guest in the restaurant. Maybe i should be more strict and not allow it at all. We've kinda made the place extremely animal and pet friendly as they all moved in at the start of the pandemic and most guests seem to like our fury friends, and we kept it that way. My poodle joins me on every dive I do and the guests love the company on the boat. Glad you liked the food and the diving, and sure next time you visit you will be a lot happier with the things you mentioned. Thank you for your stay and hope to see you again. Jon Owner
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This may be one of the finest dive resorts in Mabini/Anilao, especially well-suited for macro photographers wishing to ply their skills or add to them. A great place to spend the day diving, enjoy a good dinner and maybe a drink at the restaurant/bar, then crash your tired body into bed to get up and do it again!
Owner and master photographer Jon is particularly welcoming and accommodating.
What Blue Ribbon is not, is a luxury resort. Your room is small with sparse furniture and few amenities. The grounds could use some cleanup and landscaping, the pool is basic – nice for introductory dive lessons but not the place for lounging around.
Not necessarily the place for my wife and I, but if you’re really wanting a great dive experience at a reasonable price, this may be the place for you.
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Date of stay: March 2023
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Room Tip:Â Rooms are small, sea view with balcony at least gives you some area to stretch out.
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.
Just back from a wonderful week staying and diivng at Blue Ribbon Dive Resort. This is my third trip with Blue Ribbon and there will definately be a fourth trip in the future. The owner, Jon, is a great host and will ensure that you are having a great stay. On multiple occasions he has helped me with my dive cameras that have gone a muck. He is also a very good instructor as I have gotten my PADI Master Scuba Diver certification through Jon. The dive guides have been excellent and know the reef and dive sites very well. I am a fan of the macro world, and the dives here at Anilao do not dissappoint. The dive guides were pointing out nuddies that were the size of a grain of sand, that I never knew existed, and I now have the pictures to prove it. The food at the resort is also very good, home-made cooking. If you have never dIved Anilao in the Philippines and want to see what macro diving is all about, I suggest you check it out. If you are looking for a great dive resort, look no further than Blue Ribbon. You too will be a fan. Dean, from the USA
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Date of stay: March 2024
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Trip type: Traveled solo
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.
Scotts Valley CA510 contributions368 helpful votes
The beach is rocky all along the coast (at least the rocks are clean in front of the resort !). If you want to get some walking in, you can go up to the road; it was not too busy, but be alert for all manner of motor vehicles ! The pool, as mentioned, is small and for diving, but you can sit around it if you like; there is also a nice table/chairs for relaxing near the pool. I believe the higher class rooms do have refrigerators, but you can either confirm with Jon directly or check the website for more information. Although it is a dive resort, I was comfortable as a non-diver - while the divers were out, I sat at the alfresco dining area (staff was kind enough to ensure I had power!) and I walked over an hour every day on the road.
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