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Dive Review of Scuba Tech Philippines/Portulano in
Philippines/Anilao Batangas

Scuba Tech Philippines/Portulano, Nov, 2011,

by Bob Penhearow, ON, CA (Sr. Reviewer Sr. Reviewer 10 reports). Report 6370.

No photos available at this time

Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Accommodations 3 stars Food 4 stars
Service and Attitude 4 stars Environmental Sensitivity 4 stars
Dive Operation 3 stars Shore Diving 4 stars
Snorkeling N/A
Value for $$ 3 stars
Beginners 4 stars
Advanced 3 stars
Comments Enjoyed 20 dives at Portulano under the auspices of Andy Davis - a dive consultant with Scuba Tech Philippines. I chose Andy to complete my Padi Rescue course, as well as to enhance dive skills.

The Resort
From Manila, Portulano takes around 3-hours & costs $170 by taxi (return) - very expensive considering the economy. Portulano is a small family run operation. As a small friendly, family business it is fine. No frills, a/c for a little extra but rather basic with internet on a hit & miss affair. The strength of Portulano is good food with very friendly/helpful staff. However, as a dive operation it is rather poor: difficult access to the water and damaged rental equipment - not recommended.

The Dives
Shore diving: This consisted of 80% of all dives. Anilao is a rather nice and easy diving area. It's strength is nudibranch who are there is abundance. It's weakness is larger pelagics.

Saw: Blue Ring Octopus, Cuttle fish, Decorated Crab, Razor Fish, Moreys, Trigger fish, Lion fish, Squid, Catfish, Pipe fish etc.

Boat dives:
Again rather expensive, but we waited and teamed up with another couple and shared the costs:

Ligpo Island: Wall dive 5M-25M.Looking for small sharks in cave - none.
Beautiful coral - but nothing really exciting (overrated).

Dive & Trek (fish sanctuary): Demon Stinger, Starry Pufferfish, Sergent Majors, Giant Clams, Lizard fish etc. Real fun dive!

Mainit Point:Black Ribbon Eel, various Nudibranch, large schools of anthers, Mantis Shrimp. Beware - Moderate to Strong current!

Secret Bay: 'Muck Diving" fabulous for Nudibranch!

Night Dives - These are my favourites - Great!
Reef Octopus, Turtle, Cuttlefish etc.

In summary: Recommend Andy Davis as a dive consultant; but cannot recommend Portulano as a dive resort -despite the friendly staff - unless some capital investment takes place.
Websites Scuba Tech Philippines   

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience 101-250 dives
Where else diving Canada, Florida, Caribbean, Hawaii, Sipadan, Philippines, Thailand, Madagascar & Mauritius
Closest Airport Getting There

Dive Conditions

Weather sunny Seas calm
Water Temp 25-28°C / 77-82°F Wetsuit Thickness 3
Water Visibility - Ft/ - M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile yes
Enforced diving restrictions Providing it was agreed with D/M
Liveaboard? no Nitrox Available? yes

What I Saw

Sharks None Mantas None
Dolphins None Whale Sharks None
Turtles None Whales None
Corals N/A Tropical Fish 4 stars
Small Critters 4 stars Large Fish N/A
Large Pelagics N/A

Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Subject Matter N/A Boat Facilities N/A
Overall rating for UWP's 1 stars Shore Facilities 1 stars
UW Photo Comments Not set up for camera
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Note: The information here was reported by the author above, but has NOT been reviewed nor edited by Undercurrent prior to posting on our website. Please report any major problems by writing to us and referencing the report number above.

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