Deep Zone Dive Center

Overview

Deep Zone Dive Center is a scuba diving operation at Tan-awan, Oslob, Cebu, opposite the Tan-awan Whale Shark Briefing area on Natalio Bacalso Avenue. Founded in 2016 by Robert — a Safety Engineer, Dive Instructor, and Medical First Responder — the center offers scuba courses and guided dives with whale sharks, Sumilon Island boat dives, and day-trip combinations to Moalboal, Apo Island, and Dauin. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included in packages for guests within the Oslob area. Underwater GoPro photos and videos are provided at no extra charge.

Owner Robert manages bookings via WhatsApp and is described in reviews as responsive and personally involved in guest logistics. The center is directly across the road from the whale shark area, making it the most convenient dive shop for divers who want to combine scuba diving with the Tan-awan whale shark experience.

Courses & Training

Deep Zone offers PADI scuba courses from beginner through professional levels. The center is suited to first-time divers wanting to try their first underwater experience alongside whale shark diving.

• Agency: PADI
• Entry level: Discover Scuba Diving (available alongside whale shark dives), Open Water Diver
• Intermediate: Advanced Open Water
• Professional: Instructor-level training available — contact for current schedule
• Founder: Robert — Safety Engineer, PADI Instructor, Medical First Responder

Guided Diving & Operations

The center’s primary offering is whale shark scuba diving at Tan-awan — certified divers dive with the whale sharks rather than snorkeling from the surface. Sumilon Island is the main boat dive destination. Multi-site day combinations are available for divers who want to maximize their time in south Cebu.

• Whale shark diving: Scuba diving with whale sharks at Tan-awan — certified Open Water level minimum. Daily, subject to whale shark presence. Additional sanctuary fees apply (not included in dive fee).
• Sumilon Island: 30-minute boat ride — reef walls, turtles, sandy slopes.
• Caceres Reef (Luisan Shoal): Seamount close to Oslob — good for newer divers, often combined with whale shark dive day.
• Multi-site day trips: Moalboal sardine run + Apo Island + Dauin combinations available.
• Hotel pickup: Included for Oslob area hotels. Pickup typically from 5:30AM for whale shark sessions.
• Photos/video: Free GoPro underwater photos and videos included with all dives.
• Equipment: Suunto and Cressi equipment noted in posts. Full rental set available.

Get covered before you dive: DAN Travel Insurance or DiveAssure.

Practical Information

Deep Zone Dive Center is at Whale Shark Watching, Natalio Bacalso Avenue, Tan-awan, Oslob 6025, Cebu. Phone/WhatsApp: +63 977 377 3482 / +63 939 549 4697. Email: info@deepzonedivecenter.com. Website: deepzonedivecenter.com. Facebook: deepzonedivecenter. Open daily 6AM–6PM. Book 24 hours in advance for whale shark dive days; contact Robert via WhatsApp for bookings and day-of logistics.

Best For

Certified divers who want to dive rather than snorkel with whale sharks — scuba diving at Tan-awan is a fundamentally different experience from surface snorkeling and Deep Zone is positioned directly opposite the whale shark area. Divers combining Oslob whale sharks with Sumilon Island in one day who want free pickup and GoPro footage included in the package.