Age and readiness
Minimum age to dive with Capt'n Gregg's is 12, for both Discover Scuba Diving and entry-level training. Swimming comfort, medical fitness and calm water confidence still matter.
PADI dive courses
Learn to dive on Sabang Beach, Puerto Galera
Start with Discover Scuba Diving, continue through Open Water, Advanced and Rescue, or ask about Divemaster training from Capt'n Gregg's Dive Shop.
Discover Scuba Diving to Divemaster
RAID · PADI · TDI courses
No online course prices
Start here
Who can learn to dive?
Quick answer: The minimum age to dive with Capt'n Gregg's is 12. Beginners can start with Discover Scuba Diving, and divers aged 15+ can earn the adult Open Water Diver rating. Capt'n Gregg's teaches RAID, PADI and TDI — the ladder below lists the PADI ratings, and equivalent RAID or TDI (technical) courses are available on request. Tell the team each diver's age, swim comfort, medical considerations and preferred language when you email. Once certified you can fun-dive the 45+ Puerto Galera dive sites from the same boats — see where to stay and how to get to Sabang Beach from Manila to plan your course trip.
Language support
Course language support is confirmed before booking. Include your preferred language in the enquiry so the dive team can plan briefings and materials.
Typical inclusions
Ask the team to confirm gear, instructor time, certification processing, confined-water sessions and open-water dives for the course you choose.
Course ladder
Choose the right course path
The ladder below shows the PADI ratings; Capt'n Gregg's also teaches RAID and TDI, including technical courses (Nitrox, trimix, rebreather, sidemount) — ask for the equivalent. Course timing depends on sea conditions, student pace, instructor availability and completed eLearning. Prices are not published on this page; confirm current course packages directly by email before booking.
Discover Scuba Diving
A one-day supervised try-dive for first-timers who want to experience scuba before taking a certification course.
Email [email protected]PADI Scuba Diver
A shorter certification route for guests who expect to dive under direct professional supervision.
Email [email protected]PADI Open Water Diver
The full entry-level certification for new divers learning theory, equipment, safety and buoyancy skills.
Email [email protected]PADI Advanced Open Water
Five adventure dives for certified divers who want more confidence, deeper limits and new dive styles.
Email [email protected]PADI Rescue Diver
Scenario-based training for divers who want stronger awareness, prevention and response skills.
Email [email protected]PADI Divemaster
The professional path for experienced divers interested in leadership, logistics and supervised practical experience.
Email [email protected]Planning window
How far ahead should you ask?
These are practical planning windows, not guaranteed start dates. Instructor schedules, eLearning status, weather and group size can change the plan.
| Course | Suggested lead time | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Discover Scuba Diving | 24 hours ahead | Lets the team confirm instructor availability, medical forms, gear sizes and sea conditions. |
| Open Water Diver | 3 days ahead | Matches the usual course length and gives time to plan eLearning, confined-water work and four open-water dives. |
| Divemaster | 2 weeks ahead | Professional training needs a longer schedule, logged-dive review, medical clearance and instructor planning. |
Dive packages
Dive Packages for longer stays
These are enquiry frameworks, not published offers. Exact schedules, inclusions, availability and prices must be confirmed in writing by the owner. Please also read our responsible-diving guidance before planning reef or photography dives.
5-Day Dive Week
A multi-day local-diving plan for certified guests who want variety without choosing every site in advance.
Price: Confirm with the owner.
Enquire about this packageDive + Room + Breakfast
One enquiry covering a room, breakfast and guided diving from Capt'n Gregg's waterfront base.
Price: Confirm with the owner.
Enquire about this packageDiscover Scuba + Lunch
A supervised first scuba experience paired with lunch after the water session.
Price: Confirm with the owner.
Enquire about this packageVerde Island Day Trip
A condition-dependent full-day enquiry for certified divers interested in Verde Island Passage diving.
Price: Confirm with the owner.
Enquire about this packageCourse enquiry
Send one clear course request
Include preferred course, travel dates, ages, certification level, last dive date, medical notes, preferred language and whether you have completed PADI eLearning.
Course answers
Questions before you learn to dive
How old do you need to be to learn to dive?
Discover Scuba Diving and Junior Open Water Diver start at age 12 with Capt'n Gregg's. Adult Open Water Diver certification is for divers aged 15 and older. Younger divers have junior depth and supervision limits, so families should email [email protected] with each child's age before choosing dates.
Can a complete beginner try scuba first?
Yes. Discover Scuba Diving is the usual first step for a complete beginner who wants to try breathing underwater before committing to a full certification. It is not a certification course, but it gives supervised water practice and one open-water experience when conditions and the instructor's judgement allow.
How long is the Open Water Diver course?
Plan on three to four days for Open Water Diver, especially if you complete knowledge development before arrival. The in-water schedule depends on sea conditions, student comfort and instructor availability, so send your travel dates before booking flights around a course finish time.
What is included in a course enquiry?
Ask the team to confirm the current package for your chosen course. Typical course planning covers scuba equipment, instructor-led confined or open-water sessions, certification processing where applicable, and the required dives, but exact inclusions are confirmed by email before you book.
Which language will the course use?
Course language support is confirmed before booking. Include your preferred language in the enquiry so the dive team can match the instructor, briefings and materials as clearly as possible before you arrive in Sabang.
What happens if weather interrupts the course?
Safety comes first. If sea state, visibility or local conditions interrupt training, the instructor will adjust the order of theory, confined-water work and open-water dives where possible. Keep one flexible day in the itinerary for multi-day courses.
Do rusty certified divers need a full course?
Not always. If you are certified but have not dived recently, email your certification level, last dive date and comfort level. The dive team can advise whether a refresher, easy guided dive or continuing education course is the better first step.
Can families learn together?
Families can ask about learning together, but age, swimming comfort, medical forms and junior-diver limits affect the plan. Send each diver's age, previous experience and travel dates so the team can suggest a safe course sequence.
Can I combine diving, a room and breakfast?
Yes. The Dive + Room + Breakfast enquiry is designed for guests who want one simple plan covering accommodation, morning food and guided diving from Sabang Beach. Send your dates, number of guests, room preference, certification level, recent dive history and equipment needs. The team will confirm availability, exact dive count, breakfast arrangement, exclusions and price in writing. Nothing is final until [email protected] confirms the package.
How do I enquire about a Verde Island Day Trip?
Email [email protected] with your preferred date, certification level, recent dive count, equipment needs and number of divers. Verde Island trips depend on sea state, currents, boat logistics and the dive team's judgement, so exact sites and schedule are confirmed close to departure. Ask what tanks, guide service, lunch, transport, marine fees and rental equipment are included. The owner must confirm the final price before booking.