It is the question we hear most, and it is a good one. Breathing underwater sounds strange if you have never done it. The honest answer is that scuba diving is very safe for beginners when you dive with a trained instructor, follow simple rules and start in calm, shallow water. That is exactly how a Try Scuba Diving experience is designed.
Here is what to expect, so you can show up feeling relaxed and ready.
Why Try Scuba Is Built for First-Timers
Try Scuba Diving is not a certification course. It is a short, supervised introduction for people who simply want to see what diving feels like. You do not need any experience, and you do not need to be a strong swimmer, although you should be comfortable in the water.
At FEEL DEEP, your Try Scuba starts at ₱2,500 and includes:
- A pool session to learn the basics
- A certified SSI instructor with you the whole time
- All gear and tanks
- Entrance fees
- 1 shore dive in the ocean
- Free underwater photos
Step by Step: What Happens on the Day
1. A short briefing. Your instructor explains how the equipment works, how to breathe through the regulator and the few hand signals you need, like "OK", "up" and "problem".
2. The pool session. Before you see the ocean, you practise in calm, clear water where you can stand up anytime. You will learn to breathe slowly, clear water from your mask and recover your regulator if it slips out. Most people find they get comfortable within minutes.
3. The shore dive. Once you are confident, you walk in from the beach and descend slowly with your instructor beside you. You stay shallow and close, and your instructor handles your buoyancy and keeps an eye on your air.
4. Photos and smiles. We take underwater photos for free, so you can show your friends the fish you met.
What Makes Diving Safe
Trained instructors. SSI instructors are trained to teach beginners, spot problems early and keep the group small and close.
Shallow, calm water. First dives stay at easy depths, and your instructor chooses the site based on the conditions on the day.
Well-maintained gear. Regulators, tanks and BCDs are checked before every dive.
Simple rules. The most important one: breathe normally and never hold your breath. Your instructor will remind you, and it quickly becomes natural.
Common Worries, Honestly Answered
"What if I panic?" It is normal to feel nervous. You can stop, signal your instructor and go back up anytime. Nobody will rush you.
"My ears hurt when I swim deep." That is pressure, and it is easy to manage. You will learn to equalise by gently pinching your nose and blowing, just like on a plane.
"I'm not a strong swimmer." You do not need to be. The gear keeps you floating at the surface, and your instructor stays close.
"Am I too old or too young?" Many ages can try diving. We ask everyone to fill in a short medical questionnaire, and if you have heart, lung or ear conditions, or you are pregnant, check with a doctor before diving.
A Few Tips Before You Come
- Get a good night's sleep and skip alcohol the night before.
- Eat a light meal a couple of hours before diving.
- Bring swimwear, a towel and reef-friendly sunscreen.
- Do not fly within 24 hours after diving. Plan your Try Scuba early in your trip.
What Comes After Your First Dive
Many guests leave their first dive asking, "When can I do that again?" If that is you, the SSI Open Water Diver course is the next step. It takes 2 days, costs ₱18,000 and gives you a certification you can use to dive around the world.
Try Scuba in Mactan with FEEL DEEP
We have been introducing first-timers to the ocean since 2007, and safety comes first on every dive. Our base is The Mactan Newtown Beach, and we also operate at Savoy, Belmont, Palm Beach Resort and The Beach Park-HADSAN.
Ready to take your first breath underwater? Book your Try Scuba Diving experience today. Call +63 917 152 6479 or WhatsApp +63 917 152 6479.
