My First Dive in Panglao: An Awesome Adventure with Piratas Alona!

So, there I was in Panglao, Bohol – and let me tell you, it's absolute paradise! I was about to do something I've always dreamed of: my first ever scuba dive! My heart was a mix of a wild drum solo and a nervous flutter – super excited and kinda terrified all at once.

I decided to go with Piratas Alona Dive Center, and man, am I glad I did! They're a Spanish-run dive center, but totally awesome with us English speakers. The vibes were great from the get-go, super friendly and professional, which really helped calm my nerves.

We kitted up and hopped on a boat from the famous Alona Beach. The ride out to the nearby reefs wasn't too long, just enough time for the anticipation to build! Since it was my first time (a "fun dive" as they call it!), we weren't going super deep, which was perfect.

Then came the moment – that giant stride into the big blue! Breathing underwater? Weird at first, not gonna lie. But then, WOW. It was like stepping into a completely different universe. Colorful fish were everywhere, just darting around like they owned the place (which, I guess, they do!). The coral was stunning, all sorts of shapes and sizes. I even spotted a super chill sea turtle just cruising by, giving me a little nod. It was pure magic.

Honestly, that hour (or however long it was, time totally disappeared!) was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. The underwater world is just... breathtaking. Silent, peaceful, and so incredibly vibrant.

If you're ever in Panglao and thinking about diving, whether you're a newbie like me or an old pro, you HAVE to check out Piratas Alona Dive Center. Seriously, they made my first dive unforgettable. Can't recommend them enough! Find them on Insta: @piratasdivecenter. I'm already dreaming of my next dive!