To say that diving in Cebu is fun is a complete understatement. The island is teeming with marine life, many of which are endemic in Cebu, and if you want a glimpse of what Ariel used to sing in the Little Mermaid, all you need to do is to suit up and dive in.

But while scuba diving in Cebu is an awesome activity, it can also be a pretty expensive one. The good news is it doesn’t have to be that way all the time. I’m here to show you that you can enjoy Cebu diving without breaking the bank.

Go for day trips!

Cebuanos love to say that the mountains and the seas are only a few minutes away. That may not hold true for now, no thanks to traffic, yet still, some of the fantastic beaches and diving spots are accessible and reachable within the day. Cabilao Island and Sumilon Island, for example, are only three to four hours away from the city. By opting for a day trip, you can now do away with accommodation and a bigger budget for food.

Bring a friend.

Honestly, even if the underwater world is incredibly beautiful, it can still be quite lonely. Nothing beats being able to share the wonderful experience with friends and family. And if you struggle, well, at least you have someone who also shares with your misery. Best of all, you can save more money as you can just divide the travel costs among yourselves.

Buy a package.

As diving Cebu becomes more popular, competition is getting tougher—and that’s an advantage for you. Not only can you negotiate the price, but you can also choose a package, which already includes diving, accommodation, and even transportation and food. Dive Spot Asia is one of Cebu’s best dive resorts that can provide dive packages to suit your budget and vacation time. Of course, you can’t expect a more comprehensive dive as when you go “a la carte” with your choices, but if you are just looking for the experience, a package is a practical alternative.

Check the weather.

Cebu is blessed with a lot of sunshine many times throughout the year, but monsoons, typhoons, and sometimes torrential rain can dampen your diving mood as there’s a good chance you won’t be allowed to do it. To save yourself money, time, and effort, check weather reports. Download apps like Weather Underground, which can give you a week’s worth of forecast.

Ride the bus.

Bus fares are cheap even if they are air-conditioned. They are also clean, large, stable, and well maintained. Further, they leave on time, so you can conveniently plan your trip accordingly.

Get a clean bill of health.

Legitimate diving centers will definitely ask about your health condition through a certificate. Besides, although an illness is a major spoiler, knowing your status before you dive can save your life.

In the end, what matters most is your experience—your enjoyment, comfort, and, of course, safety. Always remember that as long as you can continue to get these three things, you can save as much as you like.