The Asri Dive and Leisure Resort

Anilao, Philippines

The team at The Asri Dive and Leisure Resort really shines when it comes to IDCs and instructor development. We’ve seen a lot of dive centres, and few manage to combine such a focused, professional training environment with genuine warmth. It’s definitely our pick for anyone serious about becoming a PADI Pro, or taking their existing PADI instructor ratings to the next level. They’ve got a fantastic house reef, too, which is perfect for skills practice without the boat trip. Waking up at The Asri, you’ll usually hear the morning calls of tropical birds, followed by the distant hum of a compressor. That sound always puts a smile on our faces. We love how easy it is to get into the water here – gear up right by the water's edge and descend directly onto a sloping reef, often dotted with nudibranchs and frogfish before you even reach 10 metres. The dive guides are particularly good at spotting the small stuff; expect to spend time hovering, pointing at everything from pygmy seahorses to flamboyant cuttlefish. The resort itself is tucked away, offering a quiet escape after a day of diving or studying. They manage to keep things relaxed even during intensive courses, which is a real testament to their approach.