El Mar Diving Center
Maharlika Drive, San Pedro, Laguna, PHL
About the Center
El Mar Diving Center, located in San Pedro, PHL, is a PADI and SSI certified dive center. It offers a comprehensive range of courses, from Discover Scuba Diving to the Instructor Development Course, covering specialties like Enriched Air Nitrox, Freediving, and Technical Diving. The center also emphasizes its Boat Diving program, providing opportunities to explore the underwater world from a vessel.
The facilities at El Mar Diving Center include a dive shop for equipment purchases, full equipment rental services, and air fill stations, including Nitrox. Divers can relax and socialize at the center's bar, fostering a welcoming environment for the diving community. The center is dedicated to providing a safe and memorable experience for divers of all levels.
With a commitment to education and underwater adventure, El Mar Diving Center facilitates training for new divers and professional development for experienced ones. Its offering of Freediving and Technical Diving courses highlights its capacity to cater to a diverse clientele with varied diving interests.
Available Courses
10 cursosOpen Water Diver
The Open Water SCUBA Diver Certification at El Mar Diving Center is your foundational step into the vast underwater world. This comprehensive program is designed to build your confidence and skills progressively, ensuring you become a safe and competent diver. You'll begin with digital academic materials, allowing you to learn the theoretical aspects of diving at your own pace. Following this, you will transition to practical pool training sessions held in their on-site heated pool, where experienced instructors will guide you through mastering essential skills and safe diving procedures. El Mar Diving Center emphasizes hands-on learning throughout the Open Water SCUBA Diver Certification. The course culminates in certification dives, where you will apply your newly acquired abilities in a real diving environment. The center provides the complete diving system for these crucial sessions, including tanks, weights, and buoyancy control devices, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the learning experience. This structured approach ensures a solid understanding and practical application of diving techniques. To enroll in the Open Water SCUBA Diver Certification, participants must meet certain prerequisites. A minimum age of 18 years is required (or 10 for Junior SCUBA Diver). Candidates should be comfortable in the water, possess the ability to swim 200 yards, and float for 10 minutes. A completed medical statement is also mandatory. Additionally, students will need to create a DiveSSI profile and have a smartphone with the DiveSSI app for accessing course materials. It is important to complete the academic portion before the first class night. El Mar offers flexible scheduling options for the Open Water course, including accelerated programs and two-week sessions, to accommodate various student needs. For those seeking an enhanced experience, there is an option to upgrade your certification dives to San Carlos, Mexico, offering the opportunity to explore the unique marine environment of the Sea of Cortez. The center is certified by IDEA, PADI, and SSI, providing a recognized standard for your diver training.
Advanced Open Water Diver
The SSI Advanced Open Water Diver course at El Mar Diving Center is your next step to exploring more of the underwater world. This program is designed to introduce you to five different types of specialty diving under the expert guidance of an SSI instructor. You will gain practical experience and discover the value of advanced training for enriching your diving adventures. The course builds upon your existing Open Water skills, offering a taste of what further dive education can unlock. Through this program, you'll be exposed to various unique diving scenarios, aiming to ignite your passion for diving and further education. The curriculum includes both academic study and practical application, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience. El Mar Diving Center provides essential tanks and weights for your pool and lake dives, and offers a student rental package for other necessary equipment. This approach ensures you can focus on developing your skills. Key prerequisites for participation include being at least 18 years old, possessing a completed medical statement, and having a DiveSSI profile. You will also need to complete the digital academic materials before commencing the practical sessions. Divers aged 12-17 can participate by contacting the center directly for specific arrangements. The course fee is $299.00, which includes classroom and pool training, student digital materials, certification dives, instructor fees, and the provision of tanks and weights for training purposes. For an enhanced experience, the Advanced Open Water course can be completed during a dive trip to San Carlos, Mexico. This location offers ideal training conditions and stunning marine life, making the dives both exciting and rewarding. The standard course fee is $299.00, with additional fees applying for the San Carlos trip, which provides an excellent opportunity to apply your new skills in a different environment. This trip is a fantastic way to consolidate your learning.
Nitrox Diver Specialty
Elevate your diving experience with the SSI Enriched Air Nitrox Specialty course at El Mar Diving Center. This program is meticulously designed to equip you with the essential knowledge and safe procedures for planning and executing dives using enriched air mixtures, specifically up to 40% oxygen. Diving with nitrox offers significant advantages, including extended no-decompression limits, which can lead to longer bottom times, and potentially shorter surface intervals, allowing for more exploration on each dive trip. You will gain a thorough understanding of the properties of enriched air and master the calculations needed to manage your oxygen exposure effectively. The curriculum delves into equipment considerations specific to nitrox diving and the detailed planning required to maximize the benefits of this breathing gas while upholding the highest safety standards. The course structure includes comprehensive classroom instruction, supported by digital materials accessible via the DiveSSI app, to cover all theoretical aspects before you even hit the water. This ensures you are well-prepared to apply your new skills in a practical setting. To enroll, you must be at least 18 years old and have a completed medical statement, signed by a physician if required. A DiveSSI profile is mandatory, and you'll need the DiveSSI app installed on your smartphone to access course materials. It is crucial to complete all digital academic work prior to the first scheduled class session. The course fee of $194.00 covers all classroom training, instructor fees, and your digital certification card upon successful completion. While not strictly mandatory for the course itself, a nitrox-capable dive computer is highly recommended. This piece of equipment will allow you to fully leverage the extended no-decompression limits that enriched air diving provides, enhancing your dive planning and execution. El Mar Diving Center offers regular scheduled dates for this specialty course, often held in the evening, making it convenient to fit into your existing schedule. This specialty is a logical next step for certified divers looking to enhance their safety and bottom time.
Drysuit Diver Specialty
Master the nuances of drysuit diving with El Mar Diving Center's specialty course. This program is designed to provide you with the essential skills and knowledge for comfortable and safe drysuit use, especially beneficial for extending your diving season into cooler waters. You will learn the specific requirements for drysuit diving, including proper equipment management, understanding its advantages, and handling unique emergency situations. The course emphasizes buoyancy control and thermal protection techniques tailored for drysuit wearers. Through a combination of classroom instruction and practical application, you will gain confidence in managing the unique aspects of drysuit diving. The curriculum includes certification dives conducted in an open water environment, allowing you to apply learned skills under direct supervision. El Mar Diving Center provides the training drysuit and the total diving system for these certification dives, ensuring you have the necessary equipment for hands-on learning. Participants are required to provide their own mask, fins, snorkel, and boots. While other essential gear like regulators and BCDs can be rented, having your personal items ensures comfort and fit. The course fee of $424.00 covers classroom training, digital student materials, certification dives, instructor fees, and the use of a training drysuit. Be aware that additional costs may apply for rental equipment and potential boat charters, depending on the specific dive sites chosen for your training. This specialty is an excellent choice for divers looking to explore new dive sites or continue diving throughout the year, regardless of water temperature. By completing this course, you will be better equipped to handle the challenges and enjoy the benefits of drysuit diving, opening up more opportunities for exploration and adventure in diverse aquatic environments. The training aims to build proficiency and confidence, making your dives safer and more enjoyable.
Deep Diver Specialty
Unlock the secrets of deeper underwater realms with the SSI Deep Diver Specialty course at El Mar Diving Center. This specialized training is meticulously designed for certified divers eager to venture beyond the standard 60-foot (18-meter) recreational limit, opening up access to more challenging and rewarding dive sites. You will gain the essential knowledge and practical skills required to safely plan and execute dives to greater depths, a crucial step for those aspiring to advanced training or simply wishing to explore wrecks, walls, and unique environments only accessible at depth. The curriculum comprehensively addresses the specific risks associated with deep diving, including nitrogen narcosis and decompression sickness, and equips you with strategies to mitigate them. Key topics covered include advanced dive planning, critical gas management techniques, understanding the physiological effects of pressure, and mastering emergency procedures tailored for deeper environments. The course structure balances theoretical understanding with practical application, incorporating classroom sessions, a pool session for skill refinement, and three mandatory open water certification dives. To participate in this specialty, you must hold a completed medical statement and possess your complete personal diving equipment, including a dive computer. El Mar Diving Center provides student digital materials and instructor fees as part of the $224.00 course cost. While the core training is covered, be aware that additional fees may apply for any rental equipment needed and for boat charters to reach specific deep dive sites. This course is a prerequisite for several advanced SSI programs, making it a vital component of your continued diver education. This specialty certification is indispensable for divers aiming to explore deeper shipwrecks, dramatic underwater walls, or other unique geological formations that lie beyond the typical recreational depth range. Successfully completing this course will significantly build your confidence and competence in managing the inherent challenges of deep diving, allowing for more adventurous and fulfilling dives. It directly enhances your ability to access a wider variety of dive sites and experience more of what the underwater world has to offer.
Recreational Sidemount Diving Specialty
Elevate your diving experience with the Recreational Sidemount Diving Specialty course offered by El Mar Diving Center. This specialized program is designed to equip you with the essential knowledge and practical skills required to safely and comfortably utilize a two-cylinder sidemount configuration. While sidemount has historically been favored by wreck, mine, and cave divers, its adoption by recreational divers is rapidly growing due to significant advantages. The sidemount setup offers enhanced comfort in the water, promotes better streamlining, and provides superior buoyancy control, leading to more efficient movement and potentially reduced air consumption. This configuration also grants easier access to your tank valves and offers a valuable layer of redundancy. Mastering these techniques is central to achieving a safer and more enjoyable dive experience. This specialty course includes comprehensive classroom instruction, hands-on pool training, and three certification dives. The fee of $499.00 covers instructor fees and your digital certification card issued through SSI, one of the certifying agencies El Mar Diving Center partners with. Specific sidemount regulators and a harness are provided for use during the course, ensuring you train with appropriate equipment. To enroll, you must be at least 18 years old and possess a complete diving system. You will also need a DiveSSI profile and a smartphone with the DiveSSI app. Students are required to bring their own DSMB and a 50-foot spool. While the course fee covers key equipment and instruction, additional costs may apply for any other rental gear, travel expenses, or boat charters needed for the certification dives.
Stress & Rescue Diving Specialty
El Mar Diving Center offers the Stress & Rescue Diving Specialty course, a vital program designed to equip divers with the essential skills to manage stressful situations and respond effectively to emergencies. This specialty is crucial for enhancing personal safety and the well-being of fellow divers. The curriculum includes comprehensive classroom instruction, practical pool sessions focusing on rescue techniques, and two required open water certification dives. Participants will learn to identify signs of stress in themselves and others, implement preventative measures, and master various rescue skills, including emergency management and assistance protocols. This course is a fundamental step for divers aspiring to leadership roles such as Divemaster or Instructor. It is highly recommended for all certified divers aiming to improve their situational awareness and emergency response capabilities. The program emphasizes proactive prevention and confident reaction, ensuring divers are prepared for unexpected scenarios. Mastering these skills significantly boosts confidence and competence underwater. Participants are required to have their own Rescue Pocket Mask and a complete diving system. A smartphone with the DiveSSI app is also necessary for accessing digital materials. The course fee of $384.00 covers classroom and pool training, lake certification dives, student digital materials, instructor fees, and a digital certification card. Please note that additional costs may apply for rental equipment, boat charters, and lake entry fees, providing a clear breakdown of expenses. El Mar Diving Center is affiliated with major certifying agencies including IDEA, PADI, and SSI, ensuring a globally recognized standard of training. The center conducts its training in English, catering to an international clientele. While specific details on instructor-to-student ratios are not provided, the structure of the course, involving both theoretical and practical components, suggests a focus on individual attention and skill mastery. The inclusion of open water dives ensures real-world application of learned techniques.
Try SCUBA Diving
El Mar Diving Center invites you to experience the underwater world with their Try SCUBA Diving program. This introductory session is designed for absolute beginners, offering a safe and controlled environment to discover the joys of scuba. You'll learn essential skills and concepts, including how to breathe underwater and manage your equipment, all within the comfort of their heated pool. This program is a perfect stepping stone for anyone curious about diving, providing a taste of the adventure, freedom, and serenity that lies beneath the surface. The Try SCUBA program at El Mar Diving Center is priced at $99.00 USD. While specific class dates are not listed, they are available upon request, meaning you can schedule your session at a time that suits you. Participants must be at least 12 years old and bring a swimsuit and towel. A medical statement, potentially requiring a doctor's signature, is also a prerequisite. This accessible entry point into diving requires no prior experience, making it ideal for vacationers or those simply seeking a new and exciting activity. This introductory experience is facilitated by El Mar Diving Center, which is certified by major agencies including IDEA, PADI, and SSI, ensuring a high standard of training. The center operates in English, catering to a broad range of international visitors. While the exact instructor-to-student ratio is not specified, the program's focus on a controlled pool environment suggests ample opportunity for personalized attention. The center's commitment to providing a positive first diving experience is evident in its approach. This program serves as an excellent first step before committing to a full certification course. It allows individuals to gauge their interest and comfort level with scuba diving in a low-pressure setting. Successfully completing this introductory experience can build confidence and provide a clear understanding of what scuba diving entails, paving the way for future adventures in open water.
SCUBA Pool Refresher
Reactivate your diving skills with the SCUBA Pool Refresher course at El Mar Diving Center. This session is specifically designed for certified divers who feel their skills have become a bit rusty or who haven't dived in a while. The course focuses on rebuilding your confidence and ensuring you are comfortable with fundamental diving techniques before your next open water adventure. Under the guidance of two professional staff members, you will review and practice 21 essential scuba skills. This comprehensive review covers critical aspects of safe diving, ensuring you are up-to-date with current practices. It's also an ideal opportunity to test any new equipment you've acquired in a controlled environment. The entire session is conducted in El Mar's heated pool and lasts approximately 2.5 hours. This refresher is offered by El Mar Diving Center, which is certified by IDEA, PADI, and SSI, indicating a high standard of training. The course fee is set at $99.00 USD. Scheduled group sessions are available throughout the year, often taking place on Saturdays, making it convenient to fit into your schedule. The center provides tanks and weights for the pool training, simplifying your preparation. To participate, you must be at least 15 years old and have a completed DiveSSI profile. Divers aged 45 and older will need to provide a completed or current medical statement, which may require a doctor's signature. Participants are encouraged to bring their own SCUBA gear, although masks, fins, snorkels, and boots are available for rent. A smartphone with the DiveSSI app is also a requirement for accessing course materials and completing necessary steps.
Snorkel Diver Training
The SSI Snorkeling program at El Mar Diving Center is your accessible gateway to the underwater world, designed for individuals aged 10 and above. This foundational course is often the initial step for those considering future freediving or scuba diving certifications, equipping you with essential knowledge and skills for safe and enjoyable exploration of marine environments using just a snorkel. During this program, you will engage in comprehensive classroom instruction and practical pool sessions. Digital learning materials will guide you through safe snorkeling techniques and basic underwater observation. The curriculum is structured to build confidence and competence, ensuring you can appreciate shallow water ecosystems responsibly. Upon successful completion, you will receive a digital SSI Snorkeling certification card. To participate, you must be at least 10 years old and complete a medical statement, which may require a doctor's signature depending on your health history. Participants are required to provide their own mask, snorkel, and fins. The course fee is set at $149.00 USD. Specific training dates are arranged upon request, so interested individuals should contact El Mar Diving Center directly to schedule their sessions. This training is particularly well-suited for families seeking a shared aquatic activity, vacationers wanting to enhance their coastal experiences, or anyone looking to gain basic water skills and confidence. It provides a solid introduction to appreciating the beauty beneath the surface in a controlled and educational setting.
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Students must be a minimum of 18 years old (10-14 for Junior SCUBA Diver), comfortable in the water, able to swim 200 yards and float for 10 minutes, have a completed Medical Statement with a doctor's signature if required, and create a DiveSSI profile with the DiveSSI app on a smartphone. Digital academic materials must be completed before the first class night.
El Mar Diving Center provides classroom training, pool training, lake certification dives, student digital materials, instructor fees, the Open Water Diver certification card, and the total diving system (tank, weights, buoyancy system, air delivery system, and information system) for pool training and certification dives. They also provide DAN Student Dive Accident Insurance.
Students are required to provide their own SCUBA mask, SCUBA fins, SCUBA snorkel, SCUBA boots, mesh bag, safety tube, whistle, and mask defog/scrub. Students receive a 10% discount on equipment or can purchase a "Student Personal SCUBA Snorkeling Equipment Package" for $328.90.
The course fee is $549.00. Accelerated courses typically run over a Thursday class session, followed by Saturday and Sunday pool training, and then weekend lake certification dives. Two-week courses involve Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday classes and pool sessions for two consecutive weeks, followed by lake dives. Specific dates for 2026 are listed on their website.
Yes, you can upgrade your certification to San Carlos, Mexico, for an additional $299.00 per person (double occupancy). This upgrade includes 3 nights lodging, 1 day of 3-tank boat diving, 1 day of 2-tank boat diving, snacks and water on the boat, taxes, and rental of the total diving system, including an exposure suit. Transportation is not included.