Fun Dive Asia is the original and first dive center established in Donsol, Sorsogon, having started operations in 2002 under founder Rico A. Calleja — who led the team credited with discovering Manta Bowl in the Ticao Pass. The center is also the primary dive partner for whale shark ecology research at Donsol, having collaborated with organizations including the University of Tel Aviv and LAMAVE (Large Marine Vertebrates). Today Fun Dive Asia operates from four locations across the Bicol region: its main shop in Legazpi, and service operations at Bacacay, Donsol, and Ticao Island Resort. The Donsol base is inside Amor Beach Resort, with a satellite office across from the Donsol Tourism Office.
Scuba diving in Donsol Bay itself is prohibited — the bay is a designated whale shark sanctuary for snorkeling interaction only. Fun Dive Asia organizes dive excursions to Manta Bowl (1 hour 45 minutes by boat), San Miguel Island (1 hour), and Ticao Island (15–20 minutes by boat from Ticao base).
Fun Dive Asia follows PADI protocol for courses, though it operates in a destination with no training pool — confined water sessions use the calm bay. Contact the center directly for current course offerings and certification details.
Three-dive day trips depart from Donsol and Ticao Island to Manta Bowl, with the journey from Donsol taking approximately 1 hour 45 minutes each way. San Miguel Island serves as a warm-up site before the more current-exposed Manta Bowl dives. The center provides reef hooks to all divers for Manta Bowl where strong currents are common. Private divemaster assignments for returning divers are available. Free photos included in dive packages.
Get covered before you dive: DAN Travel Insurance or DiveAssure.
Fun Dive Asia Donsol is based at Amor Beach Resort, Barangay Dancalan, Donsol 4715, Sorsogon. Satellite office near the Donsol Tourism Office. Facebook: fundiveasia.donsol. Also accessible via the PHIDEX page and main brand page (FUN DIVE ASIA). Contact via Facebook messenger for Manta Bowl trip scheduling — advance booking required as group numbers determine boat economics.
Experienced divers who want the iconic Manta Bowl experience with the team that discovered and continues to research the site. Divers combining whale shark snorkeling (bay) with scuba diving for Manta Bowl and San Miguel on consecutive days. Conservation-minded divers interested in Donsol’s whale shark research programs — Fun Dive Asia has the longest active research presence in the area.
