Links to our other sites on the right column.

Firstly I would like to state that this cost analysis work has been written to answer and clarify the many questions I get from people desiring the best NAUI diving education at the least possible cost.  Though this appears to be contradictory, we understand the budgetary constraints facing a lot of would be divers.  Since we want to share the underwater experience with more people, we have fashioned our courses to limit costs without sacrificing the quality of the NAUI curriculum.

In this post I will list direct or indirect expenses incurred during the certification class.  It compares training done in Metro Manila-classroom and pool + 2 days Anilao check out dives versus 4 days complete training in Anilao.  We shall assume a typical class of 4 students, Manila classes performed at 1 class or pool session a night (3 hours each)  totaling 8 sessions and open water dives in Anilao from Bambu Villa Resort.  All costs are current as of January 2011 (subject to change).  Let us begin.

Four days Anilao resort course (no minimum number of students)

1. Resort - Php 12,000 - 4days/3nights airconditioned room, 10 full meals, 7 confined water dives, 2 boat dives (cost less if more than 1 student)
2. Course fee - Php 18,000 - includes NAUI openwater course, NAUI license registration, textbook, dive table, logbook and other materials
3. Land transfer - Php2000 - approximate fuel and highway toll fees (Manila/Batangas Manila) car pooling can lower this

Manila lecture and pool work / 2 days Anilao dives (minimum 4 students)

1. Resort - Php 5000 - overnight twin share airconditioned room, 4 meals, 3 confined water and 2 boat dives
2. Course fee - Php 18,000 - includes NAUI openwater course, NAUI license registration, textbook, dive table, logbook and other materials
3. Land transfer - Php2000 - approximate fuel and highway toll fees (Manila/Batangas Manila) car pooling can lower this
4. Cost of fuel to and from your home or work place to training site in Metro Manila, multiply by 8 times for 8 sessions (also factor in traffic)
5. Cost of 8 meals you may have to take during the Manila sessions

If I plug in typical figures for items 4 & 5 above, Php 600 & Php 300, the total cost of getting certified in the latter option will exceed the former.  Of course your mileage may vary and you may eat like a bird so the opposite may be the case.  Also the Anilao course assumes single occupancy, a companion or a fellow student roommate will decrease the individual resort fee. The conclusion here is variance in cost between the choices would normally be insignificant so the decision may be drawn from other advantages and disadvantages of the options.

The resort course promises a class in a relaxing and less distracting place where you can concentrate on your lessons.  You don't have to worry about getting to the sessions on time or who will cook your dinner...  The only caveat is... Can you get 4 days off from work?  The Metro Manila class is the option for those who answered 'No' to the last question.  It divides the classroom and confined water sessions into 8 from which your group can find a suitable schedule.  The disadvantages are you are less focused on the tasks at hand and it takes chronologically much longer to finish the course.  Ultimately the choice is yours.

Either path you take to become a diver, we shall commit to give you the safest, most complete and exhilirating learning experience of your life.  Contact us to start today.

The Diving Equipment & Marketing Association launches 'Be A Diver' website promoting scuba diving as a leisure sport.  The site discusses the benefits of diving, steps to become a diver and places to dive after becoming one.

Diving, it's like nothing on earth. DEMA