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advanced open water boracay

5 Signs You’re Ready to Get Your Advanced Open Water Certification in Boracay

5 Signs You’re Ready to Get Your Advanced Open Water Certification in Boracay

Boracay’s clear waters, colorful coral reefs, and diverse marine life make it an ideal location for divers looking to advance their skills. If you’ve completed your Open Water Diver certification and are eager for a new challenge, the Advanced Open Water Diver (AOWD) course is a great way to enhance your underwater abilities and explore more of what the ocean has to offer.

This post highlights the key signs that you’re ready to take the next step in your diving journey by pursuing an Advanced Open Water certification. From gaining confidence underwater to feeling the pull of adventure, here’s how to know if it’s time to level up your diving experience.


1. You Want to Explore Deeper Dive Sites

One of the major reasons divers pursue the AOWD certification is the opportunity to explore greater depths. With Open Water certification, divers are generally limited to a maximum depth of 18 meters (60 feet), but the Advanced Open Water course allows you to dive as deep as 30 meters (100 feet).

In Boracay, this depth increase means gaining access to deeper dive sites like Yapak and Camia Wreck. At these depths, divers encounter a wider range of marine life, including larger fish species, reef sharks, and more intricate coral formations. If you find yourself yearning to go beyond 18 meters, the Advanced Open Water course is a natural next step.


2. You’re Ready to Expand Your Skills

The Advanced Open Water Diver course is all about expanding your skillset and gaining new experiences. The course consists of five dives, two of which are mandatory—the Deep Dive and Underwater Navigation dive. These core dives teach essential skills for exploring deeper waters and navigating underwater terrain confidently.

Alongside these two core dives, you’ll also get to choose three elective dives, tailored to your interests. In Boracay, popular choices include:

  • Night Diving: Experience the underwater world in a whole new way as nocturnal creatures come to life.
  • Drift Diving: Boracay has several sites with currents, providing an ideal environment to learn drift diving techniques and enjoy the thrill of moving with the water.
  • Fish Identification: This dive helps you better understand the reef’s inhabitants, making each dive even more enjoyable as you learn to recognize different species.

If you’re excited to learn new techniques and want to build your confidence underwater, the Advanced Open Water certification is a great choice.


3. You’re Ready for More Adventure and Specialty Dives

Are you craving new experiences underwater? The Advanced Open Water Diver course is designed to let divers try out specialty dives and explore a wider range of environments. Boracay offers a variety of sites that are perfect for specialty dives, including wrecks, night dives, and unique ecosystems that aren’t accessible with only Open Water certification.

For instance, the Camia II Wreck is a favorite among advanced divers. This former fishing vessel rests at around 30 meters and has transformed into an artificial reef, teeming with marine life like lionfish, sweetlips, and sometimes even larger pelagic species. With an AOWD certification, you can explore wreck sites and challenge yourself to try dives that go beyond the basics, all while learning alongside experienced instructors.

If the thought of drifting along currents, navigating wrecks, or exploring the underwater world at night excites you, you’re ready to move to the next level and gain advanced skills.


4. You Want to Improve Your Underwater Navigation Skills

Navigation can be one of the trickiest aspects of diving, but it’s a critical skill that all divers should feel confident in. As an Open Water Diver, you’ve likely followed guides or relied on visual landmarks to orient yourself. However, being able to navigate independently is a valuable skill, especially if you’re interested in exploring less-frequented dive sites.

During the Advanced Open Water course, the Underwater Navigation dive provides hands-on experience with navigation techniques. You’ll learn how to use a compass effectively, recognize natural landmarks, and manage distances underwater. These skills can improve your confidence and make you a more self-reliant diver.

Boracay’s dive sites, with their distinct coral formations and sandy patches, provide an ideal setting to practice navigation. After this training, you’ll feel more confident exploring both familiar and new dive sites, knowing you have the skills to find your way underwater.


5. You’re Eager to Dive with Confidence and Independence

Gaining confidence is one of the biggest benefits of advancing your diving certification. The AOWD course is structured to give divers more autonomy, allowing you to make your own decisions underwater and deepen your understanding of diving safety. This course emphasizes critical thinking and situational awareness, ensuring you’re prepared for a range of diving scenarios.

If you’re feeling increasingly comfortable underwater and find yourself wanting more independence, the Advanced Open Water certification will reinforce these abilities. By the end of the course, you’ll be better prepared to handle various dive conditions, such as currents, visibility changes, and deeper depths.

In Boracay, where dive sites range from relaxed reefs to more challenging deep-water spots, having the confidence to adapt and handle these different environments will make every dive more enjoyable. New Wave Divers Boracay provides expert guidance throughout the AOWD course, helping you master each new skill so you can dive with a renewed sense of confidence.


Why Choose Boracay for Your Advanced Open Water Certification?

Boracay is an ideal location to pursue your Advanced Open Water certification for several reasons. With its diversity of dive sites, clear waters, and vibrant marine life, it offers an environment where divers can truly immerse themselves in a variety of underwater experiences.

  • Rich Marine Life: From turtles and reef sharks to colorful corals and schooling fish, Boracay’s marine life makes every dive memorable. The deeper depths also allow for encounters with larger pelagic species, enhancing the thrill of the experience.

  • Experienced Instructors: With New Wave Divers Boracay, you’ll be guided by experienced instructors who know the local dive sites intimately. Their knowledge of the area ensures a safe, exciting, and personalized experience tailored to your level and interests.

  • Variety of Dive Sites: Boracay’s range of dive sites—from shallow coral gardens to deeper walls and wrecks—offers plenty of variety. Whether you’re practicing buoyancy on a reef or learning drift diving along a coral wall, Boracay provides an ideal backdrop for divers to grow and develop their skills.

  • Ideal Conditions: Boracay boasts warm, clear waters and moderate currents, creating favorable conditions for divers of all skill levels. These conditions make it an inviting location for divers to tackle new challenges and gain advanced skills in a comfortable, scenic setting.

Additionally, for divers coming from other parts of the world, organizing your trip to Boracay is straightforward with the help of a bespoke travel agency. They can assist with flights, accommodation, and ensure you have everything lined up to enjoy an unforgettable diving experience.


Final Thoughts

If you’re passionate about scuba diving and looking to deepen your skills, the Advanced Open Water Diver certification is the perfect next step. Boracay’s diverse underwater landscapes, clear waters, and abundance of marine life make it an exceptional place to enhance your diving abilities.

With New Wave Divers Boracay, you’ll have the opportunity to train with experts in a stunning tropical environment, building your confidence and skills to tackle more advanced dive sites and explore the ocean in exciting new ways. So, if you’re feeling the call of the deep and ready to embrace more challenging dives, Boracay is the perfect place to take that next step in your diving journey.


Wish to know more about the diving in Boracay? Our team will be delighted to answer your questions and let us know why we should be your first choice when planning your dive vacation to the Philippines. We hope to hear from you soon!

Contact Us

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11/02/2024 Dive Log – Diniwid

Dive Log: 11/02/2024

Dive Site Name: Diniwid

Dive Depth: 18.9

Dive Duration: 47

About The Dive: This morning, we went to diniwid for a nice scuba diving session.
Only 7/8 minutes boat ride and you're there. In Boracay island in the Philippines Diniwid scuba dive site is the beginning of a nice wall that continues toward Balinghai.
The beginning of the dive was amazing as we encounter an hawksbill turtle just when we were reaching the wall. The gentle current made it a very pleasant drift dive and we could spot some beautiful nudibranch, a peacock mantis shrimp, a big piffer fish and at the end 2 beautiful turtles playing together.
What an experience!!!!

11/01/2024 Dive Log – Friday’s rock

Dive Log: 11/01/2024

Dive Site Name: Friday's rock

Dive Depth: 17.2

Dive Duration: 55

About The Dive: Today's dive at Friday's rock was amazing. So much life on the pinnacle!!!
We saw a peacock mantis shrimp, a beautiful scorpion fish, school of fusillier, striped catfish, marble grouper, trumpet fish mating and so much more. When scuba diving in boracay, don't miss that dive it's always amazing!!!

10/31/2024 Dive Log – Laguna

Dive Log: 10/31/2024

Dive Site Name: Laguna

Dive Depth: 15.7

Dive Duration: 50

About The Dive: Boracay island in the Philippines is a great place for macro dive. We went scuba diving today to Laguna and spotted lots of macro, pipefish, nudibranch… And also red banded shrimp hiding in the reef. We also had a beautiful encounter with a sea Snake.
It was a very beautiful and very relaxing dive

10/30/2024 Dive Log – Tambisaan

Dive Log: 10/30/2024

Dive Site Name: Tambisaan

Dive Depth: 10.5

Dive Duration: 40

About The Dive: Discover scuba diving is a great program for beginners. Boracay island in the Philippines is a great place for it because it offers several dive site that are easy to access and explore.
Today we chose Tambisaan for the discover scuba diving. It's a very beautiful dive site in Boracay and a pretty coral reef to explore at a shallow depth. Today we had many clown fish, pufferfish and a beautiful turtle.

10/28/2024 Dive Log – Laguna

Dive Log: 10/28/2024

Dive Site Name: Laguna

Dive Depth: 7.5

Dive Duration: 50

About The Dive: I took Serge, for a discover scuba diving experience to Laguna this afternoon. The site is beautiful and just a short boat trip from Boracay island shore.
Just a few minutes after we started the dive we had a beautiful encounter with a large school of batfish. Those fish are amazing and always very curious toward divers. Just nearby was a large pufferfish.
The dive went on for 50 minutes and we had great time enjoying the corals and the marine life there.

hawksbill sea turtle

Diving with Turtles in Boracay: Where to Spot Them and What to Know

Diving With Turtles In Boracay

Diving with Turtles in Boracay: Where to Spot Them and What to Know

Boracay, with its crystal-clear waters and thriving marine ecosystem, is one of the Philippines’ top destinations for scuba diving. Among its diverse marine life, sea turtles hold a special allure. Known locally as “pawikan,” these ancient creatures have roamed the oceans for over 100 million years and bring a sense of wonder to every dive. This guide provides everything you need to know about diving with turtles in Boracay—where to find them, what to expect, and why diving with New Wave Divers Boracay offers an unmatched experience.


1. Types of Turtles Found in Boracay

Boracay is home to a few different species of sea turtles, but the most commonly seen ones include the green sea turtle and the hawksbill turtle. Here’s what to know about each:

  • green sea turtleGreen Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas): Recognizable by their rounder shells and olive-colored bodies, green sea turtles can grow up to 5 feet in length. These gentle creatures primarily graze on seagrasses and algae, which contributes to their iconic green-tinted fat layer.


  • hawksbill sea turtleHawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata): Named for their unique beak-like mouths, hawksbill turtles have a patterned shell with amber and brown tones. Smaller than the green turtle, they feed mostly on sponges and are critical to coral reef health as they help control sponge populations.

Both species are classified as endangered, making it even more special to encounter them in their natural habitat.


2. Where to Spot Turtles in Boracay

Certain dive sites around Boracay are particularly known for turtle sightings. Here are some of the top spots where you’re likely to encounter these fascinating creatures:

  • Crocodile Island: One of Boracay’s top dive sites, Crocodile Island offers an abundance of marine life, including regular visits from green and hawksbill turtles. The shallow reefs and clear waters make this a prime spot for observing turtles in their natural environment.

  • Laurel Island: Known for its coral gardens and sandy patches, Laurel Island is another hotspot for turtle sightings. The area is teeming with seagrasses, a favorite food for green turtles, making it more likely to encounter these peaceful grazers here.

  • Tribird Wreck: This iconic wreck dive site attracts not only divers seeking adventure but also marine life such as turtles. The wreck’s structure creates an artificial reef, providing shelter and feeding grounds that turtles are known to visit. Diving with New Wave Divers Boracay at this site provides an exciting chance to spot a turtle while exploring a wreck.


3. Best Times for Turtle Encounters

In Boracay, sea turtles can be spotted year-round, but certain seasons improve visibility and marine activity:

  • Peak Season (March to May): During this time, the waters are calm, visibility is excellent, and marine life is especially active. With the clear visibility, encountering turtles becomes a more memorable experience.

  • Monsoon Season (June to October): While turtle sightings are still very likely, monsoon conditions can reduce visibility and make diving slightly more challenging. However, during this quieter season, fewer divers mean a more intimate encounter with Boracay’s underwater inhabitants.

Diving with New Wave Divers Boracay ensures that you’ll get the best guidance on seasonal conditions and tips for increasing your chances of a turtle encounter.


4. Tips for Diving with Turtles Responsibly

Diving with sea turtles is an unforgettable experience, but it’s crucial to approach these encounters responsibly to avoid disturbing the animals and their habitat. Here are some essential tips:

  • Respect Their Space: Turtles are calm creatures, but they can be sensitive to stress. Maintain a respectful distance of at least 10 feet and avoid sudden movements that may startle them.

  • Avoid Touching or Feeding: While it may be tempting to reach out, touching or feeding turtles can disrupt their natural behavior and may even harm them. Turtles are wild animals and should be observed, not interfered with.

  • Minimize Flash Photography: If you’re photographing turtles, turn off the flash, as it can startle them and impact their vision. New Wave Divers Boracay provides divers with guidelines to ensure photography is turtle-friendly.

  • Watch Your Buoyancy: Good buoyancy control prevents accidental contact with turtles or coral. Practicing buoyancy skills with New Wave Divers Boracay’s instructors before your dive can make a big difference in protecting marine life.

Following these tips will help protect turtles and keep your diving experience both safe and rewarding.


5. What to Expect During a Turtle Dive

Diving with turtles is unlike any other experience. These creatures exude a calmness that’s contagious, allowing divers to feel a deeper connection with the marine world. Here’s what you can expect on a typical turtle dive in Boracay:

  • Up-Close Encounters: Sea turtles in Boracay are relatively accustomed to divers, so you’re likely to get a close view. Watching a turtle glide gracefully through the water or nibble on seagrass is a sight that leaves a lasting impression.

  • Turtle Behavior: Turtles exhibit unique behaviors, from grazing on seagrass to surfacing for air. Green turtles, in particular, spend time munching on the seagrass meadows near reefs, while hawksbills may focus on sponges attached to coral formations.

  • Other Marine Life: Boracay’s dive sites are teeming with diverse marine life, so while you’re on the lookout for turtles, expect to see vibrant coral, schools of fish, and possibly even a reef shark or two. Diving with New Wave Divers Boracay guarantees an immersive experience with knowledgeable guides pointing out these hidden gems.


6. Conservation and the Role of New Wave Divers Boracay

Sea turtles face numerous threats, including pollution, plastic ingestion, and poaching. New Wave Divers Boracay is dedicated to sustainable and conservation-friendly diving practices to help protect these majestic animals. Here are some of the ways they contribute:

  • Educational Programs: New Wave Divers Boracay offers courses and talks on marine conservation, including turtle conservation. These programs educate divers on the importance of protecting turtles and other marine life.

  • Ocean Clean-Ups: Regular ocean clean-ups are organized by the shop, where divers collect plastics, fishing lines, and other debris that could harm sea turtles and other marine life. Participating in these clean-ups is a great way for divers to give back to the ocean.

  • Supporting Marine Sanctuaries: The dive shop advocates for marine protected areas in Boracay, recognizing the importance of these zones for turtle nesting and feeding. By diving with New Wave Divers Boracay, you’re supporting an operator that prioritizes marine conservation.


7. How to Prepare for a Turtle Dive with New Wave Divers Boracay

If you’re planning a turtle dive, some preparation can enhance your experience. Here are a few steps to get the most out of your dive:

  • Take a Refresher Course: If you’re a little rusty, a refresher dive is highly recommended. New Wave Divers Boracay offers refresher courses that sharpen your skills and improve your comfort underwater.

  • Pack a Camera or GoPro: Turtles are mesmerizing to watch, and capturing the experience on film is a great way to relive it. Ask New Wave Divers Boracay about the best camera options and settings for underwater photography.

  • Learn About Turtle Behavior: Understanding basic turtle behaviors helps divers predict their movements. This knowledge enhances your interaction, making it easier to observe turtles without disrupting them.

  • Get the Right Gear: Make sure you have gear suited for turtle diving. New Wave Divers Boracay provides high-quality gear rentals, ensuring you’re comfortable and prepared for an optimal diving experience.


8. Why Choose New Wave Divers Boracay for Turtle Diving

With so many dive shops in Boracay, it’s important to choose one that prioritizes both the diving experience and environmental conservation. Here’s why New Wave Divers Boracay stands out as the best option:

  • Experienced Guides: The team at New Wave Divers Boracay includes skilled instructors with deep knowledge of Boracay’s dive sites and marine life. They’ll take you to the best spots for turtle sightings and offer tips for responsible interactions.

  • Eco-Conscious Practices: As an advocate for conservation, New Wave Divers Boracay follows strict guidelines to protect marine life. By diving with them, you’re supporting an operator that values environmental stewardship.

  • Customized Turtle Dive Experiences: Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, New Wave Divers Boracay tailors the dive to suit your comfort and skill level, ensuring everyone has a safe, enjoyable experience.


Final Thoughts

Diving with turtles in Boracay is a highlight for any scuba enthusiast. Whether you’re an experienced diver or just starting, these gentle creatures provide a magical underwater experience that connects you to the ocean like nothing else. Choosing New Wave Divers Boracay not only enhances your chance of turtle encounters but also allows you to dive responsibly and support marine conservation efforts. So, grab your gear, head to Boracay, and prepare for an unforgettable dive with some of the ocean’s oldest residents!


Wish to know more about the diving in Boracay? Our team will be delighted to answer your questions and let us know why we should be your first choice when planning your dive vacation to the Philippines. We hope to hear from you soon!

Contact Us

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10/29/2024 Dive Log – Laguna

Dive Log: 10/29/2024

Dive Site Name: Laguna

Dive Depth: 9.8

Dive Duration: 50

About The Dive: Today was a beautiful day to have a fun dive in Laguna. Boracay island in the Philippines has a lot of beautiful scuba diving sites and Laguna is one of them.
It is a perfect site for a discover scuba diving experience as it has a wide shallow reef to explore. And also very beautiful for experienced diver to explore the deepest part.
As we started the dive, we were greeted by a Nemo trying to keep us away from it's anemone.
During the dive we had encounter with a big pufferfish, damsel fish, trumpet fish and many more.
The coral reef in Boracay is beautiful and it's home of multiple variety of fish.
This dive was no exception and the 59 ln we spent underwater felt like 15 mn.

10/16/2024 Dive Log – Diniwid

Dive Log: 10/16/2024

Dive Site Name: Diniwid

Dive Depth: 16 meters

Dive Duration: 43 mins

About The Dive: Great morning dive today. We had great visibility and light current.
Beautiful colorful corals on the top of the wall and down the slope.
As we drifted along the edge we spoted a Green Turtle just chilling and really wasn't bothered that we were there

willys rock boracay

Exploring Willy’s Rock: Boracay’s Iconic Landmark

Exploring Willy’s Rock

Boracay’s Iconic Landmark

Exploring Willy’s Rock: Boracay’s Iconic Landmark and Dive Spot

When you think of Boracay, the first things that probably come to mind are its crystal-clear waters, powdery white sand beaches, and incredible diving opportunities. But there’s another iconic symbol that stands out against the island’s stunning landscape — Willy’s Rock. Perched on the edge of the shoreline along White Beach, Willy’s Rock is more than just a rock formation; it’s a beloved landmark and a cultural treasure that every visitor to Boracay should experience.

In this blog post, we’ll dive into the history and significance of Willy’s Rock, why it’s such a special place to visit, and how it can enhance your Boracay diving vacation.

What Is Willy’s Rock?

Willy’s Rock is a unique volcanic rock formation that rises from the sea just a few meters offshore along Station 1 of White Beach. It’s a small but picturesque structure, characterized by jagged, weather-worn rocks that have been shaped by the elements over time. On top of Willy’s Rock is a small shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary, giving it a spiritual significance for locals and visitors alike.

The rock formation itself is easy to access from the shore, especially during low tide when you can walk right up to it. During high tide, it becomes a small island that you can still visit with a short swim or wade through the water.

A Cultural and Spiritual Landmark

While Willy’s Rock may be best known as a photo opportunity, it also holds a deeper cultural and religious significance for many of the island’s residents. The shrine of the Virgin Mary atop Willy’s Rock is a place of reflection and prayer, where locals and visitors often stop to offer a moment of peace and gratitude.

Visiting the shrine is a reminder of the island’s blend of natural beauty and cultural richness, offering a more profound experience than just snapping a selfie. Whether you’re religious or not, it’s easy to appreciate the serenity that surrounds this iconic spot.

Willy’s Rock and Your Dive Vacation

You might be wondering, what does Willy’s Rock have to do with diving? While it isn’t a dive site itself, Willy’s Rock offers the perfect starting point or break from your dive adventures around Boracay. Located along Station 1, it’s an easy stop to explore either before or after a dive, offering a stunning place to relax, enjoy the scenery, and soak in the island’s natural charm.

The Perfect Dive-Day Photo Op

As you explore Boracay’s underwater treasures, don’t forget to capture some memories above the surface as well. Willy’s Rock offers one of the most Instagram-worthy spots on the island. The contrast between the rock’s rugged appearance and the surrounding turquoise waters makes for breathtaking photos, especially during sunset when the sky turns shades of pink and orange.

Many divers use Willy’s Rock as a place to take a break between dives, especially if you’re exploring the dive sites off the northern parts of the island. It’s a great way to stay connected to the island’s beauty, even when you’re out of the water.

Fun Things to Do at Willy’s Rock

Although Willy’s Rock is a small formation, there’s still plenty to do while visiting this iconic spot:

  • Climb to the Shrine: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can climb the steps that lead to the shrine of the Virgin Mary at the top of the rock. The climb is short and manageable, and from the top, you’ll be rewarded with a lovely view of the beach and the surrounding waters.

  • Relax in the Shallows: During low tide, Willy’s Rock becomes surrounded by shallow water, creating a peaceful wading pool where you can cool off and enjoy the view of the ocean.

  • Sunset Viewing: Willy’s Rock is one of the best places to catch Boracay’s famous sunsets. As the sun dips below the horizon, the entire beach becomes bathed in golden light, creating the perfect backdrop for a relaxing evening.

  • Snorkeling: If you’re in the mood for some light snorkeling, the waters around Willy’s Rock are crystal clear, offering the chance to see small schools of fish darting around the rock formation.

A Must-See on Your Dive Vacation

Whether you’re staying in Boracay for the diving or the beach, Willy’s Rock should definitely be on your list of places to visit. It’s easily accessible, offers stunning views, and provides a peaceful spot to reflect or relax during your adventures on the island.

If you’re planning your Boracay dive vacation with us, be sure to add Willy’s Rock to your itinerary. Not only is it a beautiful landmark, but it’s also a great place to take a break from the excitement of exploring the island’s dive sites.

How to Get to Willy’s Rock

Getting to Willy’s Rock is easy. It’s located along Station 1 of White Beach, one of the most popular areas in Boracay. If you’re staying near White Beach, it’s just a short walk or tricycle ride away. Most visitors prefer to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the tide is lower and the lighting is perfect for photos.

While it’s possible to visit Willy’s Rock at any time of the day, the experience is different depending on the tide. At low tide, you can walk right up to the rock, but during high tide, you may need to swim or wade through deeper water to get there. Both times offer unique experiences, so it’s worth visiting more than once if you can.

Dive, Explore, and Discover Boracay’s Beauty

Willy’s Rock may be a small formation, but it holds a big place in the hearts of both locals and visitors to Boracay. Whether you’re a diver looking for the perfect spot to unwind between dives or a traveler soaking in the island’s rich culture, Willy’s Rock is a must-see destination that offers both natural beauty and cultural significance.

So, the next time you visit Boracay, don’t forget to dive into its rich underwater world and take the time to appreciate the wonders above the surface, starting with the iconic Willy’s Rock. It’s the perfect spot to make lasting memories and connect with the island’s unique charm.

Ready to Visit Boracay?

If you’re planning a dive vacation to Boracay, make sure to check out our diving packages and explore the incredible underwater world we have to offer. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, we’ve got dive experiences tailored just for you. Dive into adventure, and don’t forget to stop by Willy’s Rock along the way!


Wish to know more about the diving in Boracay? Our team will be delighted to answer your questions and let us know why we should be your first choice when planning your dive vacation to the Philippines. We hope to hear from you soon!

Contact Us

Continue reading