Institute for Marine Research

The Institute for Marine Research is a grassroots non-profit dive centre based in Dumaguete and Dauin, in the Philippines. Founded to carry out long-term, fine-scale research on coastal marine ecosystems, it uses that scientific evidence to educate and encourage locally led marine conservation across the Municipality of Dauin. Diving here comes wrapped in a genuine conservation mission.

Diving and courses

As a PADI Dive Center with four PADI Instructors, the Institute runs its scuba training from a waterfront base equipped with an onsite training pool and classroom. Divers explore the Atmosphere House Reef, the Dauin Coast, and Apo Island, where marine life ranges from sharks, whales, and turtles to eels, molluscs, crustaceans, corals, anemones, and jellyfish.

Facilities include a house reef, free Wi-Fi, onsite accommodation, and food and drinks, with conservation activities part of the experience. Staff speak English, Spanish, and Filipino. It suits divers who want their time underwater to support real, community-driven marine conservation.