In 2025, Pirate Divers achieved a significant milestone by becoming a Green Fins certified dive shop, joining an elite group of environmentally responsible dive centers in the Philippines and around the world. This certification isn’t just a badge—it’s a pledge to protect coral reefs, educate divers, and set an example for sustainable marine tourism.

What is Green Fins?

Green Fins is a global initiative developed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and coordinated by The Reef-World Foundation. It promotes environmentally friendly diving and snorkeling practices through education, training, and a code of conduct for dive and snorkel operators.

Dive shops that become Green Fins members commit to reducing their environmental footprint by following best practices such as:

• Proper waste management

• Preventing anchor damage

• Educating guests on marine life interaction

• Using reef-safe sunscreen

• Reducing single-use plastics

• Promoting sustainable tourism principles

By becoming Green Fins certified, Pirate Divers Busuanga has committed to continuous improvement in protecting Busuanga’s marine ecosystems—particularly the coral reefs, seagrass beds, and rich biodiversity found in the surrounding waters.

Why It Matters: Protecting Palawan’s Pristine Waters

Busuanga is part of the Calamianes Group of Islands, a biodiversity hotspot in the Coral Triangle. It’s home to:

• WWII wrecks, perfect for advanced wreck diving

• Vibrant coral gardens teeming with reef fish

• The endangered dugong, a gentle seagrass grazer

• A range of pelagics and macro life, from turtles to nudibranchs

This marine wonderland is increasingly at risk from climate change, coastal development, and unsustainable tourism practices. Coral bleaching, plastic pollution, and anchor damage can quickly degrade these sensitive habitats.

That’s where Green Fins dive shops like Pirate Divers come in. By integrating responsible diving practices into every aspect of their operations, they help ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the beauty of Busuanga’s reefs.

What Makes Pirate Divers Busuanga Different?

As a Green Fins member, Pirate Divers goes the extra mile to protect the ocean and educate divers. Here’s how:

1. Eco-Briefings for Every Dive

Before each dive, guests receive a comprehensive briefing—not just on the site and safety, but also on how to dive responsibly. This includes reminders not to touch or chase marine life, maintain good buoyancy, and avoid contact with coral.

2. No Anchoring Policy

Pirate Divers uses moorings instead of anchors, preventing reef damage. If no mooring is available, the crew takes extra steps to ensure that the seabed is not harmed.

3. Ditching Single-Use Plastics

The dive center is working toward becoming plastic-free. Guests are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles, and filtered water is provided. Meals from Pirate Cafe are served in reusable lunch boxes.

4. Reef-Safe Sunscreen Only

The shop actively educates divers on the importance of using reef-safe sunscreen, helping prevent coral bleaching caused by harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate.

5. Waste Management and Cleanups

Pirate Divers partners with local stakeholders for coastal and underwater cleanups, and encourages guests to participate. Waste is sorted and disposed of responsibly, in line with Green Fins guidelines.

6. Marine Education and Conservation Partnerships

The team participates in data collection efforts (like fish and coral monitoring), and works closely with local conservation groups.

Dive with Purpose: What It Means for You

By choosing a Green Fins certified dive shop, divers can reduce their environmental impact and support operators who care for the ocean. But it’s not just about ethics—it also enhances the dive experience.

When reefs are healthy, marine life thrives. Clearer waters, vibrant corals, and abundant sea creatures await those who dive with responsible operators like Pirate Divers. Plus, eco-conscious diving gives travelers a chance to:

• Learn more about marine ecosystems

• Join conservation events or citizen science efforts

• Connect with a community of like-minded ocean lovers

Whether you’re a beginner looking to get certified or a seasoned diver exploring WWII wrecks, Pirate Divers ensures that your underwater adventure leaves only bubbles behind.

Don’t Just Dive—Make a Difference

The ocean gives us so much: beauty, biodiversity, adventure. It’s time we give back. By supporting eco-certified dive shops like Pirate Divers Busuanga, you’re doing just that.

Here’s what you can do to help during your next dive trip:

• Ask your dive shop if they’re Green Fins certified

• Practice perfect buoyancy to avoid damaging the reef

• Use a reef-safe sunscreen

• Say no to single-use plastics

• Avoid touching marine life or collecting souvenirs

• Join a beach or reef cleanup

Small changes add up. And when combined with responsible dive tourism, they create ripples of impact across the planet.