Where to Stay in Siquijor for Scuba Divers [2024 Guide]
Siquijor is one of the more off-the-beaten-track dive destinations of the Philippines; it’s an extremely laid back island where one can go to escape the crowds and be immersed in nature.
But if you’re going to Siquijor island to scuba dive; you definitely want to make sure you stay on the right part of it.
Most dive centres and resorts are located within a small area on the west side of the island; close to the best dive sites – and also within easy reach of most bars and restaurants.
There’s actually a lot of accommodation options on other parts of Siquijor island but these will be useless to divers because they’re way too far from diving facilities!
That’s why we’ve put together this no-stress guide to the best places to stay in Siquijor for scuba divers.
With the help of this list, you’ll know exactly where to stay on this mystical island so you can scuba dive there like a boss!
How to Use this Guide:
Listen up! Below we’ve reviewed the 10 best places to stay in Siquijor for divers. We’ve divided this list into 2 sections.
Section 1) Dive Resorts: This is the most luxurious option. Dive resorts usually have in-house dive centres and other fancy amenities like swimming pools, spas and private beaches.
Section 2) Hostels: within close proximity of dive centres. Hostels are a much cheaper accommodation option and can also be a better way to meet other backpackers.
Location, location, location!
Practically all dive sites of Siquijor are located on the west side of the island: it is also here; within the municipality of San Juan: specifically along Maite beach that most dive centres, restaurants and bars are located: in short this is the central tourist zone and where you’ll want to stay in order to scuba dive.
Use the Quick Answer Section directly below to check out our top 3 recommendations on booking.com. Or dive down / scroll past it to read our reviews of all 10 options.
One final thing! It’s always way cheaper to book in advance than it is to pay when you get there. You can book in advance using the affiliate links on this page. Huzzah!
QUICK ANSWER
MOST LUXURIOUS: CoCo Grove Beach Resort
BEST FOR SOLO TRAVELLERS: Tropical Fun Ta Sea Rentals
BEST CHEAP OPTION: Lazy Lizard Hostel
REVIEWS:
Best Dive Resorts in Siquijor
1) MOST LUXURIOUS: CoCo Grove Beach Resort
Exclusive dive centre
3 Swimming Pools, Bar, Spa, Restaurant, Gym, Yoga, Baby-Sitting Services
Tubod beach (exclusive) - 1km to Maite beach
2) RUNNER UP: South Mountain Resort
Arrange diving for you
Infinity Swimming Pool, Bar, Restaurant and Spa
2km from Maite Beach (& Dive Centres)
3) BEST FOR SOLO-TRAVELLERS: Tropical Fun Ta Sea Rentals
Bar, Restaurant, Banana Boat & Massage Services
1km from Maite beach (& Dive Centres)
4) BEST MID-PRICE FOR COUPLES: Charisma Beach Resort
1.5km from Sea Pearl Divers
Pool, bar, restaurant, sun terrace, massage services
3km from Maite beach
5) ALTERNATIVE LOCATION: Rainbow Bay Beach & Dive Resort
Arrange diving for you
Swimming Pool, Terrace, Bar, Restaurant, Massage
1.7km from Siquijor Port Beach
1. Most Luxurious: CoCo Grove Beach Resort
- $$$$
- Exclusive in-house dive centre
- 3 Swimming Pools, Bar, Spa, Gym, Yoga, Restaurant, Games-Room, Baby-Sitting Services
- Tubod beach, less than 1km from Maite beach
Wow! CoCo Grove Beach Resort takes luxury to the next level. Its located along the extremely quiet and beautiful Tubod beach; which offers stunning views across the ocean to the mountainous and volcanic Philippines island of Negros. This is less than 1km from Maite beach where most of the bars, restaurants and dive centres are located.
Not that you will ever need to leave CoCo Grove Beach Resort; in addition to having it’s own extremely luxurious bar and restaurant, it also has it’s own in-house dive centre with a team of incredible professional and experienced dive instructors. If you’re bringing kids with you – no problem, there are baby-sitting services so you can get away to dive!
This 5 star resort also boasts 3 massive pools, a spa and wellness centre, yoga classes and other water-sports facilities on site.
As far as accommodation options go: there are many. Standard double rooms actually start out at a (comparatively) low price and are spacious and comfortable with private patios offering garden views.
However, the sky is the limit – you can upgrade to executive suites, family rooms with ocean views…all the way up to villas, deluxe villas, superior villas (!) and even a presidential suite which is more like a small mansion by the sea with it’s own private terrace, hot tub, panoramic views and massive ocean-facing balcony.
2. Most Luxurious Runner-Up: South Mountain Resort
- $$$
- Can arrange diving for you. 2km (5 min scooter ride) from nearest dive centre
- Infinity Swimming Pool, Restaurant, Bar, Business Centre and Spa
- 2km from Maite beach
South Mountain Resort is both super luxurious and set within a prime location; situated just 2km from Maite beach where most of the tourist infrastructure is located.
Surrounded by lush garden and with stunning ocean-views, this resort has a massive infinity pool which doubles up as a pool bar. There is also a spa, business centre and a restaurant serving phenomenal Asian cuisine.
Although there is no on-house dive centre, the staff can arrange diving for you – or just take the 5 minute scooter ride down to Maite beach to speak to one of the many dive centres there.
There is a 24 hour reception desk and in many reviews, guests frequently cite how helpful and competent the staff are; they can also help you arrange sky-diving, caving, waterfalls and trekking besides just diving.
Guests can choose from spacious rooms to entire bungalows with ocean or mountain views, barbecues and large flat screen TV’s. To top this off, even though South Mountain Resort is the one of the luxurious places at Siquijor; its actually way cheaper than CoCo Grove Resort (our most luxurious option).
3. Best for Solo Travellers: Tropical Fun Ta Sea
- $$
- Bar, Restaurant, Banana Boat & Massage Services
- 1km from Maite beach (and Dive Centres)
Tropical Fun Ta Sea Rentals offers a laid back and social vibe; the banana boat (extra charge) is a fantastic way to meet other travellers in an action-packed and hilarious way whilst the bar, restaurant and terrace offer laid back, friendly vibes.
Especially popular among solo travellers, this 2 star resort is in a prime location; just 1km from Maite beach where the majority of dive centres, bars and restaurants are located. There is also a tour desk and 24 hour reception desk with a team of highly experienced, friendly and outgoing staff.
Rooms are situated directly along the beach and are very modestly priced, featuring work-desks, flatscreen TV’s, ensuite bathrooms and private patios or balconies.
If you’re a solo traveller, this is a great option; it’s already highly rated by other social travellers on booking.com and is located right next to the most-happening part of Siquijor.
4. Best Mid-Priced for Couples: Charisma Beach Resort
- $$
- 1.5km from Sea Pearl Divers
- Swimming Pool, Bar, Restaurant, Terrace, Massage Services
- 3km from Maite beach
Surrounded by lush nature and located along an undeveloped white-sand beach, Charisma Beach Resort is situated about 3km north of Maite beach; far enough to feel cut-off from the hustle and bustle, yet close enough to be within easy reach of the various dive centres, bars and restaurants.
There’s a variety of very reasonably-priced rooms to choose from with bamboo and mahogany interiors as well as fans or ac and some options with ocean views and private terraces.
On-site there is a very highly rated restaurant and bar as well as a common sun-terrace, shared lounge and also the oppurtunity to enjoy massage services (extra charge) from the comfort of your own room.
The staff are very friendly and helpful; guests frequently cite how they excel at creating a relaxed and tranquil atmosphere and are all-too-happy to help you arrange diving and other activities.
5. Alternative Location: Rainbow Bay Beach & Dive Resort
- $$
- Arrange diving for you
- Swimming Pool, Bar, Restaurant, Terrace & Massage Services
- 1.7km from Siquijor Port Beach
If, for some reason, you want to stay close to Siquijor Port; then this is one of your best options; just be aware that its about 8km from Maite beach where most bars, restaurants and dive centres are located.
However; you won’t have to travel all that distance to arrange scuba diving; Rainbow Bay Beach & Dive Resort is within just 1.5km of Aberration Dive Centre and the staff will be happy to help you arrange all of your scuba diving!
There is a bar, restaurant and tour desk on site as well as an outdoor swimming pool and you can also arrange massage services within this beachfront resort.
Guests can choose from a variety of low priced rooms and bungalow options with some options toting private balconies and ocean views.
Best Hostels & Dive Centre in Siquijor
6) TOP PICK: Lazy Lizard Hostel
Within 2km of various dive centres
Bar, Breakfast, WiFi and Garden
2km from Maite beach
7) CHEAPEST DORMS: Tagbalayon
1.5km to dive centres
Bar, Restaurant, Massage and Terrace
200m from Tubod beach, 1.5km from Maite beach
8) DIGITAL NOMADS: Monkey Buisiness
3km from Dive Centres
Bar & Restaurant
3km from Maite beach
9) CHILL VIBES: Chelle's Guesthouse and Backpackers
3km from Dive Centres
Bar & Breakfast, Massage Services
3km from Maite beach
10) CHEAPEST PRIVATE ROOMS: Gold Star Inn
2.8km from Dive Centres
Bar & Restaurant
2.8m from Maite beach
6. Top Choice: Lazy Lizard Hostel
- $
- Within 2km of Dive Centres
- Bar, Breakfast, Garden, WiFi and Free Parking
- 2km from Maite beach
Located 600m from Solangon beach, Lazy Lizard is a small hostel surrounded by lush garden and consisting of several native huts with fans and mosquito nets. Guests can choose to stay in an 8-bed mixed dorm or in extremely low-price private rooms.
This is a calm and relaxing place to stay; the bar is a great place to make friends whilst the staff are extremely warm and welcoming. Lazy Lizard Hostel is a particularly choice option among solo travellers.
Maite beach is just 2.5km away which is where you will find the majority of dive centres, bars and restaurants.
With free parking and WiFi, Lazy Lizard is a peaceful yet social place to stay for backpackers on a budget who want to be close to Siquijor’s scuba diving action.
7. Cheapest Dorms: Tagbalayon
- $
- 1.5km to Dive Centres
- Bar, Restaurant, Terrace and Massage Services
- 200m from Tubod beach, 1.5km from Maite beach
If you’re looking to stay somewhere as cheap as possible (maybe to save more money for scuba diving!) look no further than Tagbalayon which has a mixed dormitory with bunkbeds and aircon for prices of around just $5 a night. There’s also a selection of affordable bungalows and private rooms to choose from all the way up to family suites.
Tagbalayon hostel is located just 200m from Tubod beach and only 1.5km from Maite beach making it within easy reach of Siquijor’s various dive centres, bars and restaurants.
There’s also a bar and restaurant on site and you can even pay to enjoy massage services. The staff are extremely friendly and can help you arrange scuba diving and other adventure activities such as caving and waterfalls.
8. Digital Nomads: Monkey Business
- $
- 3km from Dive Centres
- Bar & Restaurant, Free WiFi.
- 3km from Maite beach
This beachfront, 1-star resort (which feels much more like a classy hostel), features an extremely spacious bar and restaurant lounge which is a great place to meet other travellers or simply work, making it a nice option for digital nomads.
There is a very affordable 8-bed mixed dormitory with aircon, and for those with a little more cash to splash some nice private bungalows with private patios and garden views.
Located just 100m from Solangon beach; one of the most beautiful beaches in Siquijor; Mad Monkey Hostel is also just 3km from Maite beach which is where you will find most dive centres, bars and restaurants.
This is a calm yet social place to stay; the staff are very friendly and happy to help you arrange any kind of activity; there is also a 24 hour help desk.
9. Chill Vibes: Chelle's Guesthouse & Backpackers
- $
- 3km from Dive Centres
- Bar and Breakfast, Massage Services
- 3km from Maite beach
Located 3km from Maite beach and surrounded by lush gardens, Chelle’s Guesthouse & Backpackers is a quiet and relaxing place to stay.
This hostel offers buffet or continental breakfast, massage and laundry services as well as motorbike rental (for which there is free parking). The designated “chilling area” provides shading, hammocks, strong WiFi and also a rounded table and stools.
Guests can choose to stay in either the mixed dormitory at some of the lowest prices on Siquijor island or in affordable private rooms or cottages with either fans or aircon and in some cases private balconies. Chelle’s Guesthouse & Backpackers is also especially popular with solo travellers!
10. Cheapest Private Rooms: Gold Star Inn
- $
- 2.8km from dive centres
- Bar & Restaurant
- 2.8km from Maite beach
If you’re looking for you own private room in Siquijor, close to the dive centres and for the lowest cost possible, Gold Star Inn is the best bet for you.
You can get a budget double room with fan for as low as around $10 per night or upgrade to a double room with balcony for about $12. (Rooms with aircon are also available at about $21 a night). True, rooms are pretty basic but you are definitely saving money (which can go towards more diving!) when you stay here.
Surrounded by tropical gardens, Gold Star Inn offers free parking and WiFi as well as a restaurant and terrace which is a good place to meet other travellers.
Located just 2.8km from Maite beach it is within less than 5 minutes scooter ride of the majority of dive centres, bars and restaurants. The staff are very friendly and helpful; they will go out of their way to assist you.
Which Dive Centre to choose in Siquijor
If you’re not staying at a resort with it’s own in-house dive school, there’s a whole bunch of excellent dive centres in Siquijor to choose from, the vast majority of which are located around Maite beach (which all of the accommodation listed here is within very close proximity to).
You can’t really go wrong when choosing a Siquijor dive centre; I’ve only heard good stuff about the lot of them and they are all fairly similarly priced and within close proximity of one another.
When I scuba dived Siquijor over March 2023, I went with Sea Pearl Divers and I’m stoked that I did! The dive guides were so experienced and also super friendly: I got invited to a dinner party at one of their houses towards the end of the week and it was bloody good fun! (At least I think it was, we drank a lotta Red Horse beer, so my memory is a little hazy).
What to Know about Diving Siquijor
When it comes to diving Siquijor, there’s a few things to be aware of: namely how to get there, when to go, which are the best dive sites and what else you can do in between dives! All of this and more has been covered in our Epic Guide of Awesomeness: Scuba Diving Siquijor.
Best Places to Stay in Siquijor Diving Squad DEBRIEFING:
And there it be! The Diving Squad list of the 10 best places to stay in Siquijor for scuba divers. Remember: whilst there may seemingly be many other places you can stay on Siquijor island, only a few (like all of those listed here) lie within close proximity to the dive sites and centres.
Also – don’t forget (!): it’s always cheaper to book in advance than it is to just rock up and pay. yet Now, when you do so through one of the affiliate links on this website, we get a small delicious commission at no extra cost to yourself. It’s shit like that which helps keep Diving Squad fresh, sexy and the best damn scuba diving blog in the multi-verse! Thanks!!
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