Jayvee Fernandez draws on his personal experiences to give would-be divers a great chance to get into this unique sport. No need to go abroad, either--not when some of the best diving in the world can be found off our shores. The Philippines is considered to be one of the best places in the world to go SCUBA diving, bar none. This is due mainly to two reasons: the country is divided into more than 7,000 islands, with reefs that boast of unique marine flora and fauna. Secondly, it is also because the archipelago is located dead center in what is called the Coral Triangle, one of the major centers of biodiversity around the world.
Filipinos are lucky because they are presented with a unique opportunity to experience SCUBA diving right in their backyard. However, many do have some reservations about diving, and may ask the following questions:
1. CAN I DIVE EVEN IF I DON'T KNOW HOW TO SWIM?
Swimming skills are necessary only for divers who wish to pursue a rescue or dive master course. But for the rest of the recreational diver population, knowing how to swim is not a necessity.
2. CAN I AFFORD IT?
Because of technological advancements in equipment and the increase in number of suppliers, diving has become more accessible to people with varying pay grades. If you just want to get acquainted with diving (perhaps to see if it's something you'll enjoy as a future hobby) you can always take an introduction dive session, which will set you back around P2,000. The prices may vary per resort and instructor, but that's the average you'll spend for a course introduction.
3. WILL THE SHARKS EAT ME?
Luckily, the Philippines is situated in warm tropical waters, and there are no seals or penguins native to the shores of the islands. Thus, the sharks in the Philippines are composed mainly of the reef--white tips, black tips, nurse sharks and gray reef sharks among others.
Read the full article on TravelBook.ph
(Photo by Wowie Wong courtesy of TravelBook.ph)
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