SDI SCUBA DISCOVERY
WHY ANILAO?
Anilao is the center of the center of marine biodiversity — even beginners get to see vibrant reefs, colorful fish, and amazing critters on their very first breath underwater.
Anilao has sheltered bays and sandy slopes with excellent visibility, making it safe, comfortable, and ideal for learning basic scuba skills.
Just a short trip from Manila, Anilao offers world-class underwater experiences without long travel times — ideal for a quick getaway dive adventure.
- World-Class Marine Life — Anilao is the center of the center of marine biodiversity — even beginners get to…
- Calm, Shallow Training Sites — Anilao has sheltered bays and sandy slopes with excellent visibility, making it safe, comfortable, and…
- Easy Access, Big Adventure — Just a short trip from Manila, Anilao offers world-class underwater experiences without long travel times…
WHY CHOOSE BLUE RIBBON?
Learn with highly experienced SDI/TDI instructors who focus on calm, confidence-building skills from your very first breath underwater.
Your skills start in our purpose-built 3-meter pool, giving you a smooth, stress-free foundation before heading into the ocean.
We keep class sizes low so you get real attention, clearer instruction, and a safer, more enjoyable learning experience.
- Expert Instructors, Personal Training — Learn with highly experienced SDI/TDI instructors who focus on calm, confidence-building skills from your very…
- Training Done Right — Safety First — Your skills start in our purpose-built 3-meter pool, giving you a smooth, stress-free foundation before…
- Small Groups, Better Learning — We keep class sizes low so you get real attention, clearer instruction, and a safer,…
WHAT YOU LEARN
Feel what it’s like to wear full dive equipment and move easily underwater with the guidance of an SDI Professional.
Experience the incredible moment of taking your first breaths underwater—calm, supported, and fully supervised.
Enjoy the unforgettable moment of diving among tropical fish, corals, and—if you’re lucky—sea turtles cruising by.
- Get Familiar with Real Scuba Gear — Feel what it’s like to wear full dive equipment and move easily underwater with the…
- Breathe Underwater for the First Time — Experience the incredible moment of taking your first breaths underwater—calm, supported, and fully supervised.
- Experience Real Marine Life Up Close — Enjoy the unforgettable moment of diving among tropical fish, corals, and—if you’re lucky—sea turtles cruising…
COURSE STRUCTURE
Content for this section is being updated. Please contact us for more information.
COURSE PREREQUISITES
To take Scuba Discovery, you must be at least 10 years old
You need to complete a Medical Form to make sure you are safe for diving, please review it prior to your course
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTORS
Jonathan Venn
Jon is the founder of Blue Ribbon Dive Resort in Anilao, Batangas, established in 2010. With over two decades of diving experience, he specializes in technical diving instruction and professional-level SDI/TDI courses.
A passionate explorer and dive educator, Jon is known for discovering new dive sites around Anilao and beyond. He enjoys deep-water exploration and the challenge of spotting elusive pelagic species rarely seen by recreational divers. Whether teaching advanced courses or leading technical expeditions, Jon’s focus is always on safety, precision, and adventure beneath the surface.
Ronel "Dang" Federico
Ronel, known to most as Dang, began his diving journey at Blue Ribbon Dive Resort and earned his Divemaster certification in 2016. With years of experience guiding both recreational and macro photographers around Anilao’s famous dive sites, Dang has developed a reputation for his incredible eagle eyes — spotting the tiniest frogfish, pygmy seahorses, and nudibranchs that others might miss.
In 2022, he became a certified SDI Instructor, sharing his deep knowledge and passion for marine life with new divers. Whether leading fun dives or teaching students, Dang’s calm, friendly nature and unmatched spotting skills make every dive both educational and unforgettable.
Jeff Zapata
Jeff has been part of the Blue Ribbon Dive Resort family since the early days, starting his professional journey as a Divemaster in 2011. With over a decade of experience exploring the reefs and slopes of Anilao, Jeff is renowned for his sharp spotting skills and calm, confident guidance underwater.
In 2023, Jeff achieved his Instructor certification, expanding his passion for diving into teaching. Known for his patience and detailed approach, he loves helping divers improve their skills while introducing them to Anilao’s incredible macro marine life — from colourful nudibranchs to rare frogfish. Whether guiding or teaching, Jeff ensures every dive is safe, relaxed, and full of discoveries.