Helmet Diving in Boracay: A Unique Underwater Adventure

I have a confession! I am an envious kind of person, but it is a different kind of envy. I envy people who can do something I cannot do, and one of the many items on my list is scuba diving. I know for myself that I cannot dive because, number one, I am not confident in my swimming skills, and number two, I find all those diving apparatus intimidating. I love snorkeling, but I have never tried full scuba diving. I am jealous of people who can really get up close and personal with all the fish and fascinating underwater creatures. I love how they pose so calmly under the water, as if they truly belong in this magical marine world.

The first and only diving experience I had was at Talikud Island in Samal, Davao del Norte. You can read my whole scuba diving experience HERE. I cannot believe that was a decade ago, and I have always looked forward to experiencing it again.

They say that we have not yet discovered everything under the ocean. It is so vast that no human technology can fully reveal all the secrets it holds, at least for now. As time progresses, we discover more about marine life, but for us ordinary adventurers, being underwater even for just 30 meters is already a surreal experience. Just imagine seeing underwater wonders you cannot find in shallow waters—beautiful corals, colorful schools of fish whose names I do not even know, sea anemones, sea cucumbers, and if you are lucky, sea snakes and jellyfish. All these and more can only be witnessed when you go down to the ocean floor.

One of the most popular water activities in Boracay is helmet diving, also known as Boracay helmet diving or Boracay sea walking. While it is not the same as scuba diving, it offers a different and unique way to experience marine life up close. This activity takes you about five to seven meters under the sea—just enough to enjoy the beauty of the ocean floor without needing professional diving skills. The price is also very affordable. At only ₱800 (as of this writing), you can experience this fun activity in Boracay. It is no wonder why helmet diving is among the top things to do in Boracay.

Our adventure began with a jet ski ride to the helmet diving site. When we arrived, there were many helmets prepared for guests. We started with a short orientation to remind us not to panic underwater. The staff explained how helmet diving works and what to expect. We were also taught different hand signals since speaking underwater is impossible. For example, there is a specific hand sign if you are in pain, feel uncomfortable, or want to go back up. This is very important for safety and emergencies.

The helmet we used is not the typical one you might see on social media. To me, it looked like a small aquarium, but our guide assured us that it works just as well as the standard equipment. It weighs about 11 kg on land, but once underwater, it becomes much lighter, weighing only about 2 kg. The helmet keeps the water out and allows you to breathe normally, much like when a glass is submerged upside down in water—your head stays dry while your body is underwater.

When I first went underwater, I felt slight pressure in my ears. This is a normal occurrence because of the depth and water pressure, and it was tolerable. I managed to stay calm and enjoy the moment. We went underwater in small groups, and our diving guide stayed close to ensure our safety and watch for any hand signals. We spent about 15 minutes exploring, surrounded by colorful fish and beautiful coral reefs. We could even walk around the ocean floor, enjoying a peaceful world far away from the noise of the surface.

A photographer also took our pictures and videos during the dive, and these were included in the package. The soft copies were later transferred to our phones so we could have lasting memories of our Boracay helmet diving experience. Time seemed to fly quickly. Before I knew it, our guide signaled us to go up, and just like that, we were back on the surface, returning to reality.

It was truly a unique and unforgettable adventure. Walking on the ocean floor, even just for 15 minutes, felt like escaping into another world. It was a rare chance to enjoy peace and beauty in its purest form. I will always be grateful for this incredible experience, and I highly recommend helmet diving in Boracay to anyone visiting the island.