Scuba Paradise Found! Unbelievable Scandi Divers Puerto Galera
Scuba Paradise Found? Hold Your Breath… My Review of Scandi Divers in Puerto Galera! (Metadata Below!)
Okay, buckle up, because this isn't your typical, sterile hotel review. I'm fresh off a dive trip to Puerto Galera, and let me tell you, the name "Scuba Paradise Found!" for Scandi Divers is… ambitious. But hey, ambition’s a good thing, right? So, did it live up to the hype? Let's dive in, shall we? (Pun intended! I'm already losing it.)
Accessibility – The Good…And the Ugh.
First, the serious stuff. Accessibility. This is crucial for a lot of us. The website hinted at facilities for disabled guests, but my experience was…mixed. While they said they had facilities, I’m not entirely sure how accessible everything really was. The main areas, like the lobby and restaurant seemed okay, with a ramp here and there. But the paths leading to some rooms… well, let’s just say maneuvering a wheelchair felt like conquering Everest, minus the sherpas. There was also no elevator, so if you have mobility issues, you’ll definitely want to request a ground floor room or be prepared for a serious workout. My emotional reaction: Frustration! Mixed with grudging respect. They tried, bless their hearts, but… more work needed!
On-site Restaurants & Lounges – Food, Glorious Food…and Some Moments of Mild Chaos.
Alright, let's talk chow! The on-site dining was a mixed bag. They had a few restaurants, a poolside bar (essential!), and a coffee shop that saved my mornings.
- Foodie Heaven (Mostly): The Asian breakfast was amazing. Think steaming bowls of congee, savory dumplings, and fluffy pancakes. I swear, I gained five pounds just from the breakfast buffet. They also had Western options, but, c’mon, when in the Philippines, right? Emotional reaction: Pure, gluttonous joy!
- The Buffet Battleground: The buffet, while delicious, could get intense. Picture this: a gaggle of hungry divers, emerging from the water like ravenous sharks, converging on the buffet table. Elbows were out. Food was flying. It was… a sight to behold. Anecdote: I nearly lost my plate of bacon to a rogue snorkel-clad gentleman. Lesson learned: protect your bacon!
- Room Service Roulette: 24-hour room service was a lifesaver after a long day of diving. The menu wasn't extensive, but the burgers were surprisingly good, and the coffee was always hot. However, sometimes the order would be "missing" or "late" (a common issue). Emotional reaction: Annoyance, but quickly forgotten after devouring the burger!
- Drinks-a-plenty: Happy hour was a definite winner. The poolside bar churned out cocktails at lightning speed, and the views were spectacular. Just… be prepared to wait a bit during peak hours!
- Hygiene and Safety:*They had all the safety measures, hand sanitiser, stuff like that. But again, the proof in the pudding is the practice, and I didn't witness any. Still, A+ for the paperwork. Cleanliness & Safety – Peace of Mind, Kinda.
They claimed to have all the bells and whistles: anti-viral cleaning products, room sanitization, daily disinfection, etc. Truth be told, it felt clean. Stuff smelled clean. And the staff seemed genuinely intent on keeping things safe. Emotional reaction: Reassurance paired with a healthy dose of skepticism. You could tell they were trying hard, but let's hope they keep it up!
The Things to Do (Besides Scuba!) – Spa Days and Fitness Fiascos!
This is where things got interesting.
- The Spa – A Mixed Bag of Bliss: The spa was a real highlight! They offered a range of treatments, from body scrubs to massages. The massage was divine. I was so relaxed I nearly fell asleep mid-massage. Emotional reaction: Utter, blissful relaxation! I would go back just for the massage!
- Fitness Center – Don't Expect Too Much: The fitness center…well, let’s just say it was more “fitness corner.” A few treadmills, some weights…adequate but not exactly a state-of-the-art gym. Emotional reaction: Mild disappointment. I always tell myself I'll work out on vacation… and then I eat all the dumplings.
- The Pool – A View to Die For: The outdoor pool was stunning. The view of the ocean was incredible. Plus, you could order cocktails from the poolside bar while you were swimming (or not swimming, who am I to judge?). Emotional reaction: Absolute bliss. Seriously, the pool was the best part of the entire experience.
- The Sauna, Spa & Steamroom – A No go: I did not try it. Rooms & Amenities – Comfortable, but… Quirky.
The rooms were…comfortable? They had air conditioning (thank goodness!), a mini-bar (essential!), and free Wi-Fi (also essential!). The beds were comfy, and the linens were clean. BUT…
- The Quirks: One of the rooms did not have a shower door. You could almost get the entire bathroom wet when showering. One room had a weird smell, definitely something I didn't like. Emotional reaction: Mix of amusement and slight annoyance.
- The Soundproofing: The soundproofing, was, at best, questionable. I could hear everything from the hallway. Emotional reaction: Mild frustration when trying to sleep.
- The Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Until it crashed. Then, it went back on again. Then it crashed. And on and on.
- The Little Things: Things like complimentary tea and coffee were a nice touch. The bathrobes were plush. The safe was secure. But be prepared to ask for things (like extra towels) because they weren’t always readily available.
Services & Conveniences – Helpful, Mostly.
The staff were friendly and helpful, for the most part. They offered a range of services, including a concierge, laundry service, and currency exchange.
- The Elevator - or Lack Thereof: I have to mention the elevator thing again. It's a pretty big deal.
- Business Facilities - I don't care about these, I'm on vacation!
- Dry Cleaning & Ironing Services: You could get your clothes ironed. Useful!
- Food Delivery: I didn't try any.
For the Kids – Not Really My Area, But…
They had babysitting services and some kids' facilities. But I didn’t have the kids with me, so can't tell you much.
Getting Around – Easy, Mostly… Unless You're Dressed for a Dive.
Getting around was easy. They had a car park, taxi service, and airport transfers. The ride to the resort was very scenic.
My Final Verdict – Scuba Paradise Found? Probably Not. Good Time Had? Absolutely!
Scandi Divers isn't perfect. It has its flaws. The accessibility could be better. The Wi-Fi could be more reliable. The buffet could be less…aggressive.
But…
The staff were friendly. The spa was amazing. The pool was dreamy. And the diving? Magnificent.
So, would I recommend it? Yes, with a few caveats. If you're looking for a luxurious, perfectly polished resort, this might not be it. But if you're after a fun, relaxed, and slightly quirky dive resort with incredible diving and a whole lot of charm, then Scuba Paradise Found… well, Scandi Divers, is totally worth a shot!
Meta Data Time! (Because that’s what the internet demands!)
- Keywords: Scuba Paradise Found, Scandi Divers, Puerto Galera, Resort Review, Diving, Philippines, Travel, Accessibility, Hotel Review, Massage, Spa, Pool, Asian Breakfast, Buffet Restaurant, Dive Trip, Beach Resort, Holiday.
- Description: Honest and quirky review of Scandi Divers in Puerto Galera, Philippines. Discusses accessibility, on-site restaurants, amenities, and overall experience. Includes personal anecdotes and emotional reactions.
- Tags: #ScubaParadiseFound #ScandiDivers #PuertoGalera #Philippines #ResortReview #Diving #Travel #Accessibility #HotelReview #Massage #Spa #Pool #AsianBreakfast #Buffet #DiveTrip #BeachResort #Holiday #Tourist #Vacation #Ocean #Beaches #Snorkeling #ScubaDiving #DivingLife #UnderwaterWorld #SeaLife #VacationMode #IslandLife #PhilippinesTravel #travelgram
- Category: Travel/Hotels/Resorts
- Author's Tone: Casual, conversational, humorous, opinionated.
- Target Audience: Divers, travelers, those seeking a relaxed and fun vacation experience in the Philippines, people with disabilities.
Scandi Divers, Puerto Galera: My Chaotic Underwater Odyssey (and Maybe a Little Bit of Land, Too)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your glossy, picture-perfect travel brochure itinerary. This is the real deal, unfiltered and dripping with saltwater and questionable decisions. This is my Puerto Galera adventure with Scandi Divers, and trust me, it's been a ride.
Day 1: Arrival & "Am I Really Doing This?" Panic
- Morning (8:00 AM): Landed in Manila. Huddled in the airport, wrestling with the jetlag demon and the distinct feeling I forgot something vital (passport? Sunscreen? My sanity?)
- (9:30 AM) - Morning (9:30 AM): The airport situation. A quick "hello Manila, goodbye sanity" moment. The air already had that humid, sticky hug that only the Philippines can deliver. Finding the bus to Batangas was a mini-adventure, involving lots of frantic pointing, pidgin English, and the desperate hope I wasn't getting scammed.
- (12:30 AM)- Lunch (12:30 PM): Finally find my way to the ferry terminal. Ate some "authentic" (read: probably questionably sourced) fried chicken, battling the hungry seagulls.
- (1:00 PM): The Ferry to Puerto Galera: Spent the three-hour ferry ride battling the waves and my stomach. The sea made me feel like being sucked every which way, while watching a movie I couldn't understand. I was starting to wonder if I'd actually enjoy a week of diving.
- (4:00 PM): Arrival at Scandi Divers, Puerto Galera: Yay! The first impression of the place was honestly amazing. Big, colorful, and bustling with life. I could practically smell the salt and hear the underwater whispers.
- (5:00 PM): Check-in, Gear Up (Literally): I got my room and immediately felt a wave of relief - it was clean and had a glorious view of the bay. The excitement of diving. Getting kitted out with gear was like gearing up for a galactic space mission. "Wait, this thing goes where?" I fumbled with the BCD, feeling like a clumsy astronaut. The instructors, bless their hearts, remained patient with my floundering.
- (6:00 PM): Dinner and (More) Panic: Dinner at the restaurant. The food was decent, nothing to write home about, but hey, I was alive and vertical. I overheard a conversation about advanced dives and wreck penetrations. Wreck penetrations? Oh dear god, what have I gotten myself into? I probably looked as white as the rice on my plate.
- (7:00 PM): Pre-Dive Briefing & "Maybe I Should Just Stay Here" Internal Monologue: Heard a safety briefing, the same old song and dance, I felt better about everything. A few more questions. The instructors went through the preflight checklist for the beginner's dive. I started to get the feeling I'd made a HUGE mistake. I had a brief moment of pure terror. I imagined myself sinking, helpless, becoming a permanent resident of the ocean floor. My inner voice started screaming "ABORT! ABORT! SELL EVERYTHING AND BUY A CAT!"
- (8:00 PM): Sleep and (hopefully) Dream of Fish: I was so exhausted and overwhelmed that I collapsed on my bed and fell into a deep, albeit fitful, sleep, praying my fears wouldn't become reality.
Day 2: The Deep End (Or, More Accurately, The Shallow End…Baby Steps)
- (7:00 AM): Up early. Had the free breakfast. I knew no good day started at seven in the morning. But the diving awaited.
- (8:30 AM): Discover Scuba Dive! Oh boy. This was it. After some preliminary safety videos, it was time to get wet. The instructor, Paul, a wonderfully patient (and possibly slightly amused) Brit, dragged me to the shallow waters of the bay. I spent the first few minutes feeling about as graceful as a beached walrus. The mask fogged up every five seconds, the regulator kept getting spat out, and I swear I swallowed half the ocean.
- (9:30 AM): Underwater (ish): Slowly, painfully, I started to get the hang of it. The sensation of breathing underwater was…weird. I wasn't entirely comfortable. But then, BAM! A school of iridescent fish swam past, like a shimmering rainbow of defiance. It was stunning. I felt as though I was in another world entirely. The ocean's silence was just the most glorious feeling.
- (11:00 AM): Lunch. Talked to some other divers. It was a relief to know that I wasn't the only one who'd almost drowned in the shallows. The shared experience of ineptitude bonded us.
- (1:00 PM): Back in the Water (Again…but, like, voluntarily this time): Another dive. This time I felt less terrified and more…curious. I saw a sea turtle, a clownfish doing the "find Nemo" routine, and a whole coral reef bursting with color and life. The reef, it's so alive! The sun rays dancing on the coral, the small fish darting around, everything feels so magical. Suddenly, the panic transformed into awe. Then, it sunk in how beautiful the underwater world is.
- (3:00 PM): Gear Cleaning, Post-Dive Debrief & Humbling Realization: The gear got hosed down. I also had to hosed myself down, and got rid of the sand. I discovered how many muscles I didn't know I had. Turns out holding your breath is harder than it looks.
- (6:00 PM): Dinner & Reflection: Had a chat with the rest of the diving group about the day, how we encountered some problems, and felt elated at the end of the day. We all felt good.
- (7:00 PM): Drinks. Stories. More Drinks. The best part of the night.
Day 3: Advanced Open Water? Maybe Next Year…
- (8:00 AM): I woke up with a newfound sense of confidence. The diving group were going to go for another dive.
- (9:00 AM): Another Dive, Another Adventure: We dove again. This time we saw a bigger turtle. It was amazing.
- (11:00 AM): Free time!: I decided to relax from the diving. I went to the beach and started collecting some seashells. But mostly relaxing at the beach.
- (2:00 PM): Lunch: I got to taste some local, fresh food. It was amazing.
- (3:00 PM): Walk around the island: Got to see the real Puerto Galera. I learned to appreciate the small things.
- (6:00 PM): Dinner: Back to the restaurant again.
- (7:00 PM): More Drinks. More Stories. More Friends. It turns out, diving is infectious. I was no longer scared of the ocean.
Day 4: (and Beyond):
- The rest of the week: You get the gist. More diving. More fish. More clumsy moments that turned into hilarious memories. I slowly, and I mean slowly, improved. I even braved a (relatively) deep dive without panicking (too much).
- Other Activities: We also went kayaking (I capsized), tried stand-up paddleboarding (I stayed up for, like, two seconds), and explored the local markets (bought some questionable souvenirs). The nightlife was lively, with bars blasting music and people dancing on tables. I may or may not have joined in on a karaoke session. My voice is best described as a rusty hinge.
- The Emotional Rollercoaster: There were moments of pure joy, when I was floating weightlessly amongst the coral, feeling like I was part of something bigger than myself. There were moments of sheer frustration, when the mask flooded for the tenth time and I felt like giving up. And yes, there were moments of abject terror, when a current swept me away from the group and I thought I was destined to become shark bait. But through it all, I was growing. I was pushing myself. And I was having the most gloriously messy, chaotic, and unforgettable experience of my life.
Final Thoughts:
Scandi Divers and Puerto Galera? Absolutely incredible. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Just be prepared for a wild ride, a healthy dose of humility, and the very real possibility of swallowing more saltwater than you ever thought possible. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll fall in love with the underwater world like I did. Even if you still look like a drowned walrus some of the time. You'll laugh, you'll cry (probably from the mask flooding), and you'll leave feeling like you've truly lived. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go find my scuba gear…
Moxy Ludwigshafen: Your Unbeatable Ludwigshafen Hotel Experience!
So, Scuba Paradise Found? Sounds… optimistic. Is it *really* paradise?
Paradise? Hooo boy. Depends on your definition, doesn't it? Look, I *loved* it. Seriously. But let's be real, a little disclaimer: it’s *Puerto Galera*. So, you're not going to get five-star luxury, okay? Think… rustic charm. Think… occasional power outages. Think… you'll probably run into a stray dog who becomes your best friend, only to disappear the next day (this actually happened to me…heartbreak!). Paradise is in the underwater world, 100%. And honestly, after a few days of being utterly mesmerized by the coral and the clownfish, I was starting to feel… pretty close to paradise myself. Just… bring DEET. Seriously.
What's the diving *actually* like? I'm a newb. Can I do it?
Okay, here's where I get all gushy. The diving… is *amazing*. They have sites for absolute beginners! I personally felt a bit like a goldfish in a giant bowl at first, flapping awkwardly, but the instructors at Scuba Paradise Found are seriously patient. I was so nervous, but they took the time to explain everything, answer a thousand questions (I probably asked a thousand), and made me feel safe even when I was convinced I was going to mess up the equalization on the way down.
One dive, I swear I saw a turtle wink at me! It was magical. And the visibility? Wow. Crystal clear. Fish zipping all over the place. Seriously, even if you're terrified, give it a shot. That first breath underwater… totally different *experience*. It's like you leave your worries on the surface.
What's this "Scandi Divers" bit? Are they, like, Vikings with scuba gear?
Ha! No Vikings, sadly. Though that *would* be an amazing dive trip… The "Scandi" part refers to the ownership and some of the staff. They're lovely. Their Scandinavian sense of organization and calm really helps, especially when you're a panicking newbie. But mostly, they just run a really, really good diving operation, you know? Plus the food is amazing! I ate so much Swedish pastries, I was afraid to look at the scale. Seriously.
I’m a seasoned diver. Is this place for me, or is it just for beginners?
Oh, trust me, seasoned divers will *love* it. While they're super patient with beginners, they've got dives for more experienced folks. I saw some divers doing crazy stuff (I'm pretty sure one of them was doing a backflip under water!), and there were wrecks and currents and… well, stuff I'm not *quite* ready for. But even the easier sites are fantastic. The coral is just incredible, and the variety of marine life… you'll be snapping photos like crazy. I was jealous of their underwater photography equipment - and their skill!
Okay, the dive is great. What about the *rest* of it? Accommodation? Food?
Alright, let's move away from the diving for a moment. The accommodation at Scuba Paradise Found is… comfortable. It's not the Ritz, but it’s clean, the beds are decent (very important!), and you're there to dive, not to lounge in luxury, right? (Though… wouldn’t mind a giant jacuzzi after those dives…)
The food, though? *Chef's kiss*. The on-site restaurant served amazing food! Fresh seafood, the best local dishes… and did I mention the Swedish pastries? I'm starting to dream of them again. Oh, and the staff? Always helpful, friendly, and up for a chat. They really make you feel welcome. And they put up with my terrible attempts at Tagalog... bless them!
I'm afraid of sharks! Is that a problem? (Because I saw Jaws once...)
Okay, deep breaths. I watched Jaws too, and yes, the thought of sharks is… unsettling. But let me tell you, I didn't see *any* sharks. They’re around, sure, but it’s not like you’re swimming into a shark buffet. More likely, you'll see a reef shark, which are generally not interested in you (unless you *look* like a tasty tuna). The dive instructors are good at spotting them too. Seriously, the biggest threat I felt was my own clumsiness nearly knocking over all my gear! Take comfort in that.
Tell me about a specific dive experience that really stood out. The one you'll never forget. Spill the tea!
Okay, buckle up. This is the real story. It was my third day diving, and we were at a site called "Giant Clam" (ironic, I know, given my own… lack of grace). I was still a bit wobbly, still getting used to the whole breathing underwater thing, and feeling a little self-conscious. The current was a bit stronger than usual, and I was struggling to stay balanced.
Suddenly, a HUGE sea turtle – seriously, *massive* – swam right past me. And not just past; it stopped. It looked me *directly in the eye*. I swear, it was like a moment of… connection. A moment of understanding. I felt an overwhelming feeling of peace, even though the rest of the dive was a bit of a struggle! The turtle hung around for a few minutes, munching on something, and then drifted away into the blue. It was the most magical, awe-inspiring moment of my life. I almost cried! After the dive, I told the divemaster what happened, and he just smiled and said, "That's why we dive, right?" Damn, he was right. It was one of the most beautiful dives of my entire life, and I have never been the same since that moment. I will return.
Any downsides? Anything I should be prepared for? Be brutally honest!
Alright, here comes the messy truth. The internet in Puerto Galera *can* be spotty. Embrace the disconnect. Also… the mosquitos are relentless. Stock up on insect repellent. And be prepared for some slightly… let's say *relaxed* schedules. Things run on island time. It's part of the charm, but if you're a Type A personality, you might need to breathe deeply and chill. Also, the dive boats can be crowded. But honestly? Those are minor things. The incredible diving more than makes up for it. Just… relax. BeHotel Near Airport
Scandi Divers Puerto Galera Philippines
Scandi Divers Puerto Galera Philippines
