Open Water Course (PADI)

Two days, one goal: calm scuba confidence. This PADI Open Water course in Cebu is designed to get you moving quickly toward an official scuba certification path, with training beginning at Scotty’s Action Sports Network inside Shangri-La Mactan.

Where this course shines (and who it’s built for)

I really like how the instruction is paced for real humans, not rushed. I’ve seen a clear theme from the teaching style: Michel and Freddie take their time, explain things in a way that’s easy to follow, and keep you working within your comfort zone while still meeting course standards.

One thing to plan for before you book

The main drawback is practical: PADI materials aren’t included, and the experience requires good weather. If weather changes, you may need to switch dates.

Key highlights you’ll feel during the course

• Safety stays front and center with patient coaching and careful supervision.
• Instruction is clear and step-by-step, with Michel and Freddie tailoring pace to the group.
• Two-day format makes it a strong option if you don’t want a long certification timeline.
• Scotty’s Action Sports Network at Shangri-La Mactan is your home base for check-in and setup.
• A Lapu Lapu Monument stop adds a Cebu landmark touch without swallowing your day.

PADI Open Water Course in Cebu: What you’re really buying

This isn’t just a ticket to see underwater life. You’re paying for structured PADI Open Water course training plus the core gear and on-site support needed to get through the program properly.

The total price is $400 per person for the 2-day experience, and that cost makes sense when you look at what’s included. You get use of scuba equipment, bottled water, and all fees and taxes. The missing pieces are mostly the extras you’d expect in a course format: lunch and sodas, plus PADI course materials (handled via contact after booking).

One more value angle: the operator runs this as a private tour/activity, meaning your group is the only group doing the activity. That matters because scuba training depends on attention and timing, and private setup usually helps the schedule feel less chaotic.

The 2-day flow: What happens across your training window

The experience lasts about 2 days (listed as approximate), with the start time at 9:00 am. Because the course runs over two days, you should expect a “learn, practice, repeat” rhythm rather than a one-day crash course.

Here’s what you can take from the program description and what tends to be the point of an Open Water course:

• You’ll receive instruction aimed at helping you use scuba safely.
• You’ll practice with the equipment provided.
• You’ll get to see the underwater world soon, since that’s part of the course promise and what you’re booking for.

The listing also indicates the experience ends back at the meeting point. That matters for planning your other Cebu activities: you’re not signing up for some far-flung day trip where you return exhausted at midnight. You’ll be grounded in the Mactan area base.

Your meeting point at Shangri-La Mactan: Easy start, less stress

Your start is at Scotty’s Action Sports Network Inc. c/o Shangri-La’s Resort and Spa, on Punta Engaño Rd, in Mactan Island, Lapu-lapu City. The location is also described as near public transportation, which is helpful if you’re not using a private car for everything.

Practically, a resort-area meeting point is a big deal. It means:

• You can handle your morning routine without a long commute.
• You’re likely close to places to pick up snacks or water if needed later in the day.
• You won’t waste energy hunting for the right pickup spot.

And because the start point is described as being inside/at Shangri-La Mactan, you’ll have less of that “where do we go?” anxiety that often hits early-morning activities.

Lapu Lapu Monument stop: A quick Cebu context moment

There’s a stop listed at the Lapu Lapu Monument. The info also notes that the monument is near the hotel and that you may visit before or after the tour.

So think of this as a light cultural or landmark add-on rather than a separate full excursion. It’s the kind of stop that can help break up a training day, especially when you’re focused on your next skill sequence.

If your schedule allows, I like the idea of pairing the monument visit with your expectations for the day. You get a real sense of place—this is Cebu, not just a generic resort—before you switch your brain from logistics to training mode.

Michel and Freddie’s teaching style: What “patient” looks like in practice

One of the biggest reasons this course earns standout ratings is the coaching. The names that come up are Michel and Freddie, and the teaching approach described is worth paying attention to if you’re nervous or new.

Here’s what you should look for in their style:

• They take their time. That means you’re not just listening and hoping you remember it later.
• Instruction is clear and concise, which helps when you’re juggling gear, breathing, and basic skills.
• They focus on safety first.
• They aim to ensure you meet PADI standards, but they also keep you working within your limits.

That combination is exactly what you want on day one. Scuba training is technical. The fastest way to build confidence is not forcing speed—it’s getting the “why” and then practicing until it feels doable.

If you’re the type who learns best with repetition and calm guidance, this kind of coaching is a real match.

Equipment and included basics: What you won’t have to scramble for

The course includes use of scuba equipment. That’s one of the most valuable parts of any certification experience, because it removes guesswork. You won’t be figuring out whether you picked the right mask size or what gear you’re missing.

You also get:

• Bottled water
• All fees and taxes

What you should plan for outside the package:

• Lunch
• Soda/Pop
• PADI materials (you’ll be told how to handle this after booking)

The practical takeaway? You can travel lighter, but you still need to plan your meals and bring whatever essentials you normally use for a training day (for example, a towel or personal items, if required by the operator—those details aren’t listed here). Since lunch isn’t included, make sure you’re not assuming you’ll be fed between sessions.

Price and value in Cebu: Is $400 a fair deal?

At $400 per person for about two days, the value depends on two things: what you personally want from a course, and how smooth the training setup feels for your group.

Here’s how I’d judge it:

• If you’re new to scuba and want structured instruction with a safety-first team, you’re not just paying for a credential. You’re paying for teaching quality and time with equipment.
• Since the program is private for your group, you’re also paying for a less generic, less crowded setup.
• Included gear and fees remove a chunk of the “hidden” costs that often appear later.

The price has two main “watch-outs”:

• PADI materials aren’t included, so budget for that separately.
• You may need flexibility due to weather. If bad weather affects scheduling, you’ll want your Cebu days arranged so a date shift won’t ruin the rest of your vacation.

Still, overall, $400 for gear + two-day structured training is competitive in a lot of places—especially when instruction quality is the thing that really matters.

Weather and your schedule: Why the calendar matters for two-day training

The experience requires good weather. If the tour gets canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

That’s a key point because it changes how you should plan your trip:

• If you’ve got rigid plans with no wiggle room, consider booking your course with extra breathing space in Cebu.
• If you’re flexible, the weather clause becomes less stressful.

The good news is that the schedule is short—two days—so you’re not locking up your whole week. You’ll start at 9:00 am, so if you do book, set yourself up for a relaxed morning.

Who should book this PADI Open Water course in Cebu?

This course is a strong fit if:

• You’re aiming for a PADI Open Water certification path as a beginner or referral student.
• You want patient, clear instruction and a training team that prioritizes safety.
• You like the idea of a private setup instead of sharing the learning experience with a crowd.
• You’re staying around Mactan / Shangri-La and want the logistics to be simple.

It may be less ideal if:

• You hate scheduling around weather at all.
• You don’t want to handle additional items like PADI materials that aren’t included.

Practical tips to make day one feel easier

A couple things can help you get the most out of the training without adding stress.

• Plan on a 9:00 am start. That means arriving early enough to settle in and not rush your setup.
• Bring your focus, not just your swimsuit. Open Water training is mentally busy, especially at first. The better you can follow instructions calmly, the smoother it goes.
• Since lunch and sodas aren’t included, plan where you’ll eat and avoid relying on impulse when you’re tired.
• If you’re visiting the Lapu Lapu Monument, consider doing it either before you start training energy or after you wrap for the day—because you’ll want your brain fresh enough to switch gears.

Should you book the PADI Open Water course in Cebu?

If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly scuba course with safety-first coaching, this is one of the better setups on paper. The standout ingredient here is the teaching style associated with Michel and Freddie—clear explanations, patient pacing, and keeping you within your comfort zone while meeting standards.

Book it if you can accommodate a weather-dependent schedule and you’re okay handling PADI materials separately. If you want a two-day course with included gear and a straightforward Mactan-based base, this checks the practical boxes nicely.

If you want a calmer first step into scuba skills, this is the kind of course that can help you feel ready—without forcing speed.

FAQ

How much does the PADI Open Water course cost in Cebu?

It costs $400.00 per person.

How long is the experience, and when does it start?

The course runs for about 2 days and starts at 9:00 am. It ends back at the meeting point.

Where is the meeting point?

You meet at Scotty’s Action Sports Network Inc. c/o Shangri-La’s Resort and Spa, Punta Engaño Rd, Mactan Island, Lapu-lapu City, Cebu, Philippines.

Will I get a mobile ticket and confirmation after booking?

Yes, the experience uses a mobile ticket, and you receive confirmation at the time of booking.

What’s included, and what’s not included?

Included: use of scuba equipment, bottled water, and all fees and taxes. Not included: lunch, soda/pop, and PADI materials (you’re asked to contact after booking).

What happens if weather is bad or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the start time.