SCUBA TOURS WORLDWIDE - Representing the world's finest diving

Philippines

Introduction to the Philippines | Resorts & Liveaboards | Tubbataha Reefs | Getting There |

Introduction to Philippines

The Philippines is the second largest archipelago in the world after Indonesia. More than 7,100 tropical islands stretch for over 1100 miles north-to-south, and span 680 miles from east-to-west. Only around 2000 or so of these islands are inhabited and the countless dazzling white beaches and breathtaking top-side scenery have long been a draw to travellers. Now, it is the rich and varied marine life to be found beneath the clear tropical waters that is luring today's divers. Marine park sancturies and revised fishing practices have created a vibrant underwater world and the Philippines is one of the must-dive locations in the world. Despite the country's vast area, inter-island travel is relatively easy and so combination holidays of two or more resorts in different areas can easily be arranged. The Philippines is a truly stunning destination above and below the water and comes highly recommended.

 

The diving in the Philippines has something to offer everyone. For macro-enthusiasts there is critter-diving to rival that of Indonesia's Lembeh Strait; with pygmy seahorses, flambouyant cuttlefish and mandarin fish to name but a few. Large pelagics can also be found on steep coral walls, including the famous thresher sharks of Malapascua. Wreck enthusiasts should visit the Coron area to dive the Japanese World War II wrecks, while grazing in the shallow grassy bays of Busuanga are rare and beautiful dugongs. Add to that the seasonal whalesharks of Donsol and you have a destination that has it all. With flights daily to Manila or Cebu we can put together a package tailored to meet your needs - so call us for a chat and to find out more. Below are some of our favourite areas with accommodation options - call us for more details:-

 

Resorts & Liveaboards

WWII Wrecks of Coron and Palawan: The Palawan Islands are known as the Philippines 'Last Frontier'; characterised by incredible limestone rock formations, stunning beaches, secret coves and superb diving, and was once described by Jaques Cousteau as 'the most beautiful place I ever explored'. At the far north of the chain is the island of Busuanga, famous for the impressive WWII wrecks of Coron. The world renowned Apo Reef National Park can also be dived from here on day trips. Choose to stay at the fabulous Sangat Island Reserve, near Coron.

 

Further south, amid breathtaking scenery, are the stunning El Nido Resorts of Lagen Island Resort and Miniloc Island Resort; perfect tropical hideaways for those seeking a touch of luxury.

 

Visayas: The islands of Negros, Cebu and Bohol are part of the Visayas islands and the diving around here is considered to be among the best in the Philippines. Underwater photographers flock to this area to dive the beautiful reefs in the hope of capturing stunning images of pygmy seahorses, flambouyant cuttlefish, blue ringed octopus and ghost pipefish. Dumaguete, at the far south of Negros Island, is a superb area with a wealth of great diving. We can arrange a high standard of accommodation for you at the excellent Atlantis Dumaguete Resort or at the Atmosphere Resort. For those seeking a more modest stay we can highly recommend the Pura Vida Beach Resort.

 

Puerto Galera: A small island 110km south of Manila and reached by a 2hr car journey plus 1hr boat ride. Those seeking a very high standard of accommodation should choose the excellent Atlantis Puerto Galera Resort, while those seeking more modest accommodation should consider El Galleon Resort. Both of the resorts are in a prime position from which to explore some fantastic dive sites, including the sensational Apo Reef National Park with it's stunning 400m drop-offs.

 

Malapascua: This tiny, picturesque island off the northern tip of Cebu, is famous for the regular sightings of thresher sharks at Shark Point. Fantastic wall and wreck diving here make this a must-dive area, with steep walls covered in rich soft corals and the chance of sighting mantas and hammerheads. We can arrange accommodation for you at Exotic Island Diver Resort or the smaller Hippocampus Resort.

Liveaboards: The S/Y Philippine Siren is a luxury 40m Phinisi, built by divers for divers, and is a superb vessel fully equipped to take 16 passengers in extreme comfort. Each cabin has it's own individual computer and charging points to cater for the most demanding digital divers. There are four exciting itineraries to choose from throughout the year, visiting such key areas as Cabilao Island, the Wrecks of Coron, Apo Reef and Tubbataha Reefs. Please call for more details.

 

Atlantis Azores Liveaboard Coming soon - the new Atlantis Azores liveaboard, a 107ft, aluminium mono-hulled vessel superbly equipped to take 16 passengers in comfort. Owned and operated by the excellent 5 star Atlantis Resorts of Dumaguete and Puerto Galera, the Azores will offer first-class service and superb diving conducted by experienced guides. Accommodation is in 7 Deluxe rooms on the lower deck and the larger Owner’s Suite on the top deck.

 

All cabins are en-suite and air-conditoned and are tended to daily and laundry service is available on board. Inside, there is a large comfortable saloon with entertainent system and a spacious dining area where superb meals are served. On the top deck there is a large and partially shaded sun lounging area with tables and chairs, sunbeds and a hot tub jacuzzi!

 

The Azores has a very large dive deck area and a roomy three tier camera table for photographers, along with a dedicated charging area. Most dives are conducted from the two zodiac tenders and 32% Nitrox is available.

Tubbataha Reef National Park

From March to June divers can join liveaboard trips to dive the World Heritage Site, Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park. Situated 150km from the nearest land and rising 750m from the depths of the Sulu Sea, the Tubbataha Reef National Park was established over 25 years ago and declared a World Heritage Site in 1993. Guarded by marine park rangers it is now a sanctury to an astonishing array of marine life and seabirds. The diving is rich, diverse and exciting; there are vertical walls adorned with huge barrel sponges and sea fans, sloping reefs and colourful wrecks, and marine life ranging from pygmy seahorses and harlequin shrimp, to hammerheads and manta rays!

 

Getting There

From the UK there are daily flights to Manila or Cebu and we can recommend travel on Malaysian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Emirates or Cathay Pacific. Each of these airlines offer 30kgs luggage allowance for divers carrying dive equipment. Overnight stays in Manila or Cebu may be required, as many transfers have to be made during daylight hours. We have great experience in putting together Philippines packages so please contact us for a detailed tailor-made itinerary to suit you needs and for the latest up-to-date prices and advice.