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Scuba Diving in Cebu: March 8 Dive Highlights for Women's Month

Our latest dive at Kontiki Dive Resort brought unexpected challenges, from gear malfunctions to parking struggles. But despite the hurdles, we enjoyed stunning visibility, close encounters with marine life, and even witnessed Hypselodoris Tryoni nudibranchs mating!

Sugbu Diver

3/12/20253 min read

Planning the Dive

Our dive last March 8, 2025, was a spontaneous plan made on Friday night. My wife and I decided to dive and asked our TRIBU if they wanted to join. Only Doms could make it, as he needed to test his new Inon strobe light.

Pre-Dive Challenges

We arrived at the Kontiki Dive Resort gate at 1:30 PM, only to find the parking area nearly full. Fortunately, two cars left just as we got there, allowing us to park. Finding a table was also a challenge, as most were occupied, but we managed to secure one.

While preparing my SCUBA gear, I noticed air leaking from my regulator. I had recently replaced my old second-stage hose due to a visible tear, unaware that the replacement hose was faulty. Without an extra regulator, I rushed to SIDI Dive Shop, where an instructor generously lent me a hose. After switching it out, my sidemount setup was finally good to go.

sugbudiver getting ready to dive in Kontiki
sugbudiver getting ready to dive in Kontiki

Weather and Water Conditions

  • Air Temperature: 27°C (felt like 31°C)

  • Water Temperature: 28°C

  • Humidity: 87%

  • Wind Speed: 28 km/hr

  • Tide: High tide at 3:58 PM (1.81m), low tide at 12:02 AM (0.45m)

  • Sea Conditions: Slight waves, cloudy skies with light rain showers

First Dive – Exploring Buyong

We started our dive at 2:33 PM, heading towards Buyong on the left side of Kontiki. The maximum depth was 24.7 meters, with an average depth of 11.9 meters and a total dive time of 1 hour and 7 minutes.

Challenges During the Dive

Since I was using a borrowed second-stage regulator, I struggled with its positioning. It kept pulling to the right due to the lack of an adapter. I had to hold it occasionally to avoid biting too hard and damaging the mouthpiece.

Notable Sightings

  • A school of sardines

  • Two nudibranchs close together

  • A curious eel that seemed eager for a photo

Sugbudiver setting up her dive gear for scuba diving
Sugbudiver setting up her dive gear for scuba diving

Surface Interval – A Quick Break

After our first dive, Doms shared chocolates and sunflower seeds with us, fresh from his recent work trip abroad. Unfortunately, the low-carb bread we brought tasted off, so we stuck with the sunflower seeds.

pumpkin seeds as snacks after diving with our TG6 camera
pumpkin seeds as snacks after diving with our TG6 camera

Second Dive – Sunset Dive at Kontiki

We began our second dive at 5:02 PM, reaching a maximum depth of 19.1 meters, with an average depth of 9.5 meters and a total dive time of 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Notable Sightings

  • A turtle munching on seagrass

  • Two Hypselodoris Tryoni nudibranchs mating

nudibranch having sex during our night dive
nudibranch having sex during our night dive

Post-Dive Wrap-Up

After packing up, we headed to Dessert Factory at LG Garden for a well-earned meal.

Personal Takeaways

This was our first dive for March, and it reminded us how crucial it is to be fully prepared. Bringing extra tools and spare dive equipment can make a huge difference in handling unexpected gear failures.

Want to Dive with Us?

Looking for your next underwater adventure? Join Sugbu Diver for an unforgettable experience! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, book a class or try SCUBA diving with us. Who knows? Your next dive might get featured here! 🌊🐢📸

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