From first contact Simon was attentive and catered to all my needs, making it clear what to expect from the course before I arrived with quick responses to all my emails.
Beginning with the theory Simon allowed me to use his facilities, including his pool, and was extremely understanding in answering any query I may have.
Having finished the theory my first open water dive came the following day. Diving with one of the instructors, Alfred, we started with the skills which were taught thoroughly before going on our first fun dive. Alfred's teaching methods meant that it wasn't long before I could master the skills required, and having completed all the skills a number of times both in the 'pool area' at Kontiki and on the dives I had soon completed my open water course.
However, this was not it for me, I had made it clear to Simon that I also wanted to complete the advanced diver course. Simon offers both PADI and SDI instruction, and I followed SDI as this was the cheaper option. Again having completed the theory I started my advanced course. The first day of dives I completed (peak performance buoyancy and advanced navigation and night diving) was instructed by Simon. Again, like Alfred, Simon was very thorough giving me a sense that I was entirely safe at all times.
On my second day of the advanced course we dived from a boat with a number of others both taking courses and on fun dives. This time, however, Alfred was yet again my instructor doing the boat dive and also deep dive to complete my advanced course. Yet again the instruction was flawless and Alfred and I had a good laugh on all the dives, putting me at ease throughout.
Following this I had now completed my advanced diving course, and the thing that most struck me was that at each site we dived, both in Kontiki and off the boat the coral and the fish life was phenomenal.
Now onto the final part of my trip, then I promise I'll shut up. Simon also offers a package deal to dive with the whale sharks in Oslob as well as other activities in Moalboal and nearby areas. I took him up on this offer and despite the extremely early start (3:30am) I one of the most amazing and intense days ever. Starting with the whale sharks, we snorkelled so close to them we could almost touch them. Then on to the canyoneering, this was a long and at times gruelling experience, travelling down river in the canyon jumping from waterfalls and entering some fascinating pools. This lasted a few hours and thoroughly knackered us but some of the sights were beyond belief, so when coupled with the adrenaline ridden jumps and climbs was an experience to remember.
We finished with Iginid falls (excuse the spelling) which traditionally has 5 levels to climb up but we went to the top (level 8), the first time even Simon had done this, and it was well worth it.
I should note that Simon also offers on this package to replace one element with snorkelling with the sardines in Moalboal (which I later dived with a few days later), which I also would highly recommend.
And thus my highly action packed week ended, and what a week.
If you are thinking of diving with Sidive I can only say one thing, book it, you won't regret it! I'll certainly be going back. read more