DAVAO CITY — Dive tourism in the Davao Region may soon see a wave of new international visitors, following a strong endorsement from professional dive operators based in Thailand who recently explored the region’s marine offerings.

At the PEP Talk press forum held at SM Lanang last week, three Thailand-based dive professionals – Chris Cedjie Aquino of Aquascout, Matthew Pichitphan of Let’s Dive, and Aphinat Suthivorachai of For Earth, shared their recent dive experiences in Samal Island and Mati City, highlighting the potential of these destinations to become premier dive sites in Southeast Asia.

Aquino, a Davao-born dive operator now based in Thailand, spearheaded the underwater tour that brought his fellow professionals to key dive locations across Davao Oriental and Davao del Norte from July 22 to 25. The exploratory visit was organized in coordination with the Department of Tourism – Region XI and the Davao Region Dive Expo Committee.

The group praised the pristine waters, coral formations, and macro diving opportunities found in the region.

“Samal and Mati offer incredible biodiversity and unique underwater landscapes,” Aquino said. “These are places that can definitely compete with other dive destinations in Asia.”

During the forum, the operators expressed optimism about promoting the Davao Region to a wider international dive community, especially through direct collaboration with local resorts and tourism stakeholders.

According to Aquino, a four-day dive tour involving 25 tourists has the potential to generate up to ₱600,000 in local income, benefiting not just dive centers but also hotels, restaurants, and transportation services.

“The ripple effect is substantial,” he added. “All sectors of the community will feel the economic impact.”

However, they also pointed out some areas for improvement to make the region more dive-friendly. Among the key concerns were the additional fees charged for dive equipment and underwater cameras in some areas of Samal, which they said could discourage group travel. They also emphasized the need for better infrastructure and community awareness to sustainably host international dive groups.

DOT XI, in its recent programs, has been actively working to position Davao as an emerging dive destination, highlighting its proximity to marine sanctuaries, the presence of unexplored dive spots, and its unique blend of eco-cultural attractions both on land and underwater.

With growing international interest and local government support, the future of dive tourism in the Davao Region looks promising.

Diving photo taken by diving INST Matthew Pichitphan of LET’s Dive Th