Dive Safari Philippines
Explore the Philippines on a 6 Day Dive Safari!
6 Day Dive Safaris Philippines: to Cebu, Apo Island, Alona Beach, Balicasag Island, Siquijor Island, Sipalay and Moalboal.
We joined forces with the dive professionals of Easy Diving in Negros and organize 6-day dive safaris from Cebu via Bohol to Negros and back. From October to March, the safari vessels Royo and Goya commute between Sipalay (Negros) and Moalboal (Cebu) regularly back and forth while visiting to the best dive sites the archipelago has to offer.
Dive Safari Video
About Philippine Dive Safari
Cruise with us through the “epicenter” of marine biodiversity on earth, the Visayan Archipelago. The islands of Negros, Bohol and Cebu belong to the coral triangle home to more than 12.000 species of fish. Join us for a great dive adventure and prepared for great diving, good visibility, colorful corals, schools of fish, large predators, and tiny critters.
Dive Safari Philippines is the way to go: Within 6 days you will see the best dive spots the region has to offer, including Dauin, Apo Island, Siquijor Island, Balicasag Island, Panglao Island, Sumilon Island, Sunken Island and Pescador Island. Even a trip to the Kawasan Waterfalls set in the jungle of Matutinao Nature Park in Cebu is included, with an additional option to visit the Chocolate Hills of Bohol.
Apo Island is one of the world’s best known community-organized marine sanctuaries, and as such it has been well documented by the global science community. At present, the island is home to over 650 documented species of fish and estimated to have over 400 species of corrals.
On Panglao, the Panglao Marine Biodiversity Project found that Panglao alone has more marine biodiversity than Japan and the Mediterranean Sea. For all those who would like to see the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, a day trip can be organized for a surcharge.
Sumilon Island is all of 24 hectares of luxuriant tropical greens enveloped by an astonishing collection of marine flora and fauna teeming in its lucid and azure waters.
Other highlights on this safari are the dive sites of Apo Island, Sumilon Island, Balicasag Island and a wonderful excursion to the Matutinao Nature Park and the Kawasan Waterfalls. Another land trip to the world renowned Chocolate Hills in Bohol is optional.
Dive Safari Philippines is conducted by divers for divers. We emphasize scuba diving and great dive spot selection, not necessarily the greatest comfort and luxury. Accommodation on land is simple but clean at local beach resorts close to the shore.
Dive Spots on Dive Safari
Balicasag Island – Bohol
Balicasag Island is Bohol’s top dive site. It’s a combination of dramatic vertical walls, colorful coral and sponge composites, and flourishing habitats of both small tropical reef fish and larger pelagic fish! Lots of turtles around here. The schooling jack fish are a trademark of the Balicasag Island.
Apo Island – Negros
Apo Island is a volcanic island covering 12 hectares in land area, 7 kilometers off the southeastern tip of Negros Island and 30 kilometers south of the Negros Oriental capital of Dumaguete City in the Philippines.
The marine habitat around the island is a marine reserve and has become a popular dive site and snorkeling destination for scuba divers. Apo Island is one of the world’s best known community-organized marine sanctuaries, and as such it has been well documented by the global science community.
Dauin – Negros
Famous for muck diving, u/w photographers love it. The sandy slope consists of black volcanic sand and is home to an incredible amount of unique marine critters. Watch out for all kinds of nudibranchs, frogfish, moray eels, harlequin shrimps, ghost pipefish, seahorses, cuttlefish, octopuses and more. This is also excellent for night diving.
Sumilon Island – Cebu
This island of the coast of Cebu, near the whale sharks of Oslob, is a picture perfect island with an extending sandbar. Beware, currents can be very strong at some of the dive spots surrounding the island. Whitetip and blacktip sharks are often seen at greater depth in the currents, schools of barracuda, too. Sometimes the roam through the corals at the reef top in shallower water. There is a marine sanctuary where currents are not so strong, with a nice wall and great marine life:
Land Trips on Dive Safari
Land Tour to Kawasan Falls / Matutinao Nature Park (included) – Cebu
A visit to Kawasan Falls and the Matutinao Nature Park is nice break on this safari. After a 30 minute walk through the idyllic tranquility of the jungle we will arrive at the first and biggest fall, as high as 20 meters. Here we can swim and play in fresh and cool water, get a “waterfall massage” on a bamboo raft which is passes under the falls, climb and jump and explore the lush jungle surrounding the canyon. Great fun for everybody!
Land Tour to Chocolate Hills (optional) – Bohol
Another option on our dive safari: Visit the Chocolate Hills of Bohol. The Chocolate Hills is a geological formation in Bohol Province, Philippines.There are at least 1,260 hills but there may be as many as 1,776 hills spread over an area of more than 50 square kilometres (20 sq mi). They are covered in green grass that turns brown (like chocolate) during the dry season, hence the name.
Dive Safari Itinerary
Safari Tour 1: Moalboal – Alona Beach – Siquijor – Apo – Sipalay
Day 1: Moalboal – Pescador Island – Excursion Kawasan Waterfalls – Liloan.
2-3 dives. Overnight in Liloan.
Day 2: Liloan – Sumilon Island – Balicasag Island. 3-4 dives. Overnight in Alona Beach, Bohol.
Day 3: Panglao Island, 3-4 dives or 1 dive plus optional land tour to the Chocolate Hills. Overnight in Alona Beach, Bohol.
Day 4: Balicasag Island, Siquijor Island, 3-4 dives. Overnight in Dauin, Negros
Day 5: Apo Island, 3-4 dives. Overnight in Dauin, Negros
Day 6: Dauin, Sipalay 2-3 dives. Check-in in Sipalay, Negros.
Safari Tour 2: Sipalay – Apo – Siquijor – Alona Beach – Moalboal
Day 1: Sipalay – Basay – Dauin, 2-3 dives, Overnight in Dauin, Negros
Day 2: Apo Island, 3-4 dives. Overnight in Dauin, Negros
Day 3: Siquijor Island, Balicasag Island, 3-4 dives. Overnight in Alona Beach.
Day 4: Panglao Island, 3-4 dives or 1 dive plus optional land tour to the Chocolate Hills. Overnight in Alona Beach, Bohol.
Day 5: Balicasag Island – Sumilon Island, 3-4 dives. Overnight in Liloan.
Day 6: Liloan, Excursion Kawasan Waterfalls, Pescador Island. Check in Moalboal
Dive Safari Rates
Price
- 65,000 Pesos including overnight stay in a beach resort on shore (2 divers sharing 1 room, price per person).
- Our rates are based on double occupancy, if you are traveling alone we can assign you a room mate, if you prefer to have your own room there is a single occupancy charge for the trip of 8,500 PHP per person.
Included
- Diving: 3-4 dives a day, depending on the dive sites and dive conditions.
- Accommodation: Stay at shore in a nice beach resort
- Food: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included. Additionally, other refreshments, snacks and fruits are served. Drinks such as mineral water and soft drinks are free of charge on the ship. Drinks in restaurants, bars and in the resorts are on your own account
Excluded
- Equipment rental except weights and tanks.
- Some dive sites charge entrance fees for their marine sanctuaries. Some charge extra for divers using u/w cameras or video. These charges are not included in the dive price. Depending on the dive sites, these charges can reach 3000 – 4000 Pesos (60 – 100US$) in total.
- Transfer to beach resorts, airports or piers at the start or end of the safari.
What to bring
- Dive computer is a must.
- Surface Marker Buoy as well.
- Only few clothes are needed. Very important is sun protection such as sun blocker, sun glasses and a hat or cap. A wind jacket in case of bad weather or high waves is recommended.
- Also bring adaptors for battery charger, batteries and photo equipment, if needed.
Dive Safari Short Overview
WHAT? | 6-day safari from Moalboal to Sipalay and Sipalay to Moalboal, via Bohol |
WHEN? | From October to June every year |
HOW OFTEN? | Weekly |
SAFARI BOATS: | Goya und Royo |
DIVE SITES: | Pescador Island, Sumilon Island, Apo Island, Balicasag Island, Alona Beach, Dauin, Siquijor Island, Basay Pier |
SPECIALS: | Excursion to the Kawasan Falls |
INCLUDED: | 3-4 dives a day, all meals, shore trips, accommodation. |
EXCLUDED: | Rental equipment, marine park fees, drinks ashore |
PRICE: | PRICES: 65,000 Pesos including overnight stay in a beach resort on shore Add-on: 8,500 Pesos Single room surcharge during Visayas safari |
ORGANIZERS: | Savedra Dive Center –www.savedra.com |
For dive safari info in German visit Tauchsafaris Philippinen
Dive Safari Schedules
The dive safaris vessels commute between 2 destinations, Sipalay in Negros and Moalboal in Cebu. The first dive safari starts in Sipalay and cruises through the Philippine archipelago for 6 days. The dive safari boat will end late afternoon in Moalboal, Cebu. There the divers will disembark and check-in in a beach resort of their choice in Moalboal. A new group of divers will go on board the ship and leave for the next dive safari. The route of the dive safari is now reversed. The dive safari ship cruises for 6 days back to Sipalay in Negros, where the second trip ends. And so on for the whole season. Dive Safaris start in October and end in May every year.
Dive Safari Short Overview
WHEN? From October to March
HOW OFTEN? Weekly
SAFARI BOATS: Goya & Royo
DIVE SITES: Sunken Island, Sumilon Island, Apo Island, Balicasag Island, Alona Beach, Dauin, Siquijor Island, Basay Pier
SPECIALS: Excursion to the Kawasan Falls Optional: Daytrip to Chocolate Hills
INCLUDED: 3-4 dives a day, all meals, shore trips, accommodation.
EXCLUDED: Rental equipment, marine park fees, drinks ashore
PRICE: PRICES: 61,000 Pesos including overnight stay in a beach resort on shore
ORGANIZERS: Savedra Dive Center –www.savedra.com & Easy Diving Beach Resort –www.sipalay.com
For dive safari info in German visit Tauchsafaris Philippinen
Dive Safari Schedules
The dive safaris vessels commute between 2 destinations, Sipalay in Negros and Moalboal in Cebu. The first dive safari starts in Sipalay and cruises through the Philippine archipelago for 6 days. The dive safari boat will end late afternoon in Moalboal, Cebu. There the divers will disembark and check-in in a beach resort of their choice in Moalboal. A new group of divers will go on board the ship and leave for the next dive safari. The route of the dive safari is now reversed. The dive safari ship cruises for 6 days back to Sipalay in Negros, where the second trip ends. And so on for the whole season. Dive Safaris start in October and end in May every year.
Dive safari schedules for the season 2022 / 2023
Safari | Embark | Disembark | Dates |
---|---|---|---|
# 1 | Sipalay – Negros | Moalboal – Cebu | Oct 20 to 25 2022 |
# 2 | Moalboal – Cebu | Sipalay – Negros | Oct 28 to Nov 2 2022 |
# 3 | Sipalay – Negros | Moalboal – Cebu | Nov 5 to 10 2022 |
# 4 | Moalboal – Cebu | Sipalay – Negros | Nov 13 to 18 2022 |
# 5 | Sipalay – Negros | Moalboal – Cebu | Nov 21 to 26 2022 |
# 6 | Moalboal – Cebu | Sipalay – Negros | Nov 29 to Dec 4 2022 |
# 7 | Sipalay – Negros | Moalboal – Cebu | Dec 7 to 12 2022 |
# 8 | Moalboal – Cebu | Sipalay – Negros | Dec 17 to 22 2022 |
# 9 | Sipalay – Negros | Moalboal – Cebu | Dec 24 to 29 2022 |
# 10 | Moalboal – Cebu | Sipalay – Negros | Jan 2 to 7 2023 |
# 11 | Sipalay – Negros | Moalboal – Cebu | Jan 10 to 15 2023 |
# 12 | Moalboal – Cebu | Sipalay – Negros | Jan 18 to 23rd 2023 |
# 13 | Sipalay – Negros | Moalboal – Cebu | Jan 26 to 31 2023 |
# 14 | Moalboal – Cebu | Sipalay – Negros | Feb 3 to Feb 8 2023 |
# 15 | Sipalay – Negros | Moalboal – Cebu | Feb 11 to Feb 16 2023 |
# 16 | Moalboal – Cebu | Sipalay – Negros | Feb 19 to Feb 24 2023 |
# 17 | Sipalay – Negros | Moalboal – Cebu | Feb 27 to Mar 4 2023 |
# 18 | Moalboal – Cebu | Sipalay – Negros | Mar 7 to Mar 12 2023 |
# 19 | Sipalay – Negros | Moalboal – Cebu | Mar 15 to Mar 20 2023 |
# 20 | Moalboal – Cebu | Sipalay – Negros | Mar 23 to Mar 28 2023 |
# 21 | Sipalay – Negros | Moalboal – Cebu | Mar 31 to Apr 05 2023 |
# 22 | Moalboal – Cebu | Sipalay – Negros | Apr 8 to Apr 13 2023 |
# 23 | Sipalay – Negros | Moalboal – Cebu | Apr 16 to Apr 21 2023 |
# 24 | Moalboal – Cebu | Sipalay – Negros | Apr 24 to Apr 29 2023 |
# 25 | Sipalay – Negros | Moalboal – Cebu | May 2 to May 7 2023 |
# 26 | Moalboal – Cebu | Sipalay – Negros | May 10 to May 15 2023 |
# 27 | Sipalay – Negros | Moalboal – Cebu | May 18 to May 23 2023 |
# 28 | Moalboal – Cebu | Sipalay – Negros | May 26 to May 31 2023 |
# 29 | Sipalay – Negros | Moalboal – Cebu | Jun 03 to Jun 08 2023 |
# 30 | Moalboal – Cebu | Sipalay – Negros | Jun 11 to Jun 16 2023 |
Dive safari schedules for the season 2022 / 2023
2022 -2023 Safari – Route – Dates
# 1 – Sipalay to Moalboal – Oct 20 to 25 2022
# 2 – Moalboal to Sipalay – Oct 28 to Nov 2 2022
# 3 – Sipalay to Moalboal – Nov 5 to 10 2022
# 4 – Moalboal to Sipalay – Nov 13 to 18 2022
# 5 – Sipalay to Moalboal – Nov 21 to 26 2022
# 6 – Moalboal to Sipalay – Nov 29 to Dec 4 2022
# 7 – Sipalay to Moalboal – Dec 7 to 12 2022
# 8 – Moalboal to Sipalay – Dec 17 to 22 2022
# 9 – Sipalay to Moalboal – Dec 24 to 29 2022
# 10 – Moalboal to Sipalay – Jan 2 to 7 2023
# 11 – Sipalay to Moalboal – Jan 10 to 15 2023
# 12 – Moalboal to Sipalay – Jan 18 to 23rd 2023
# 13 – Sipalay to Moalboal – Jan 26 to 31 2023
# 14 – Moalboal to Sipalay – Feb 3 to Feb 8 2023
# 15 – Sipalay to Moalboal – Feb 11 to Feb 16 2023
# 16 – Moalboal to Sipalay – Feb 19 to Feb 24 2023
# 17 – Sipalay to Moalboal – Feb 27 to Mar 4 2023
# 18 – Moalboal to Sipalay – Mar 7 to Mar 12 2023
# 19 – Sipalay to Moalboal – Mar 15 to Mar 20 2023
# 20 – Moalboal to Sipalay – Mar 23 to Mar 28 2023
# 21 – Sipalay to Moalboal – Mar 31 to Apr 05 2023
# 22 – Moalboal to Sipalay – Apr 8 to Apr 13 2023
# 23 – Sipalay to Moalboal – Apr 16 to Apr 21 2023
# 24 – Moalboal to Sipalay – Apr 24 to Apr 29 2023
# 25 – Sipalay to Moalboal – May 2 to May 7 2023
# 26 – Moalboal to Sipalay – May 10 to May 15 2023
# 27 – Sipalay to Moalboal – May 18 to May 23 2023
# 28 – Moalboal to Sipalay – May 26 to May 31 2023
# 29 – Moalboal to Sipalay – Jun 03 to Jun 08 2023
# 30 – Moalboal to Sipalay – Jun 11 to Jun 16 2023
Dive safari schedules for the season 2023 / 2024
Safari | Embark | Disembark | Dates |
---|---|---|---|
# 1 | Sipalay – Negros | Moalboal – Cebu | Oct 21 to 26 2023 |
# 2 | Moalboal – Cebu | Sipalay – Negros | Oct 29 to Nov 3 2023 |
# 3 | Sipalay – Negros | Moalboal – Cebu | Nov 6 to 11 2023 |
# 4 | Moalboal – Cebu | Sipalay – Negros | Nov 14 to 19 2023 |
# 5 | Sipalay – Negros | Moalboal – Cebu | Nov 22 to 27 2023 |
# 6 | Moalboal – Cebu | Sipalay – Negros | Nov 30 to Dec 5 2023 |
# 7 | Sipalay – Negros | Moalboal – Cebu | Dec 8 to 13 2023 |
# 8 | Moalboal – Cebu | Sipalay – Negros | Dec 16 to 21 2023 |
# 9 | Sipalay – Negros | Moalboal – Cebu | Dec 25 to 30 2023 |
# 10 | Moalboal – Cebu | Sipalay – Negros | Jan 2 to 7 2024 |
# 11 | Sipalay – Negros | Moalboal – Cebu | Jan 10 to 15 2024 |
# 12 | Moalboal – Cebu | Sipalay – Negros | Jan 18 to 23rd 2024 |
# 13 | Sipalay – Negros | Moalboal – Cebu | Jan 26 to 31 2024 |
# 14 | Moalboal – Cebu | Sipalay – Negros | Feb 3 to Feb 8 2024 |
# 15 | Sipalay – Negros | Moalboal – Cebu | Feb 11 to Feb 16 2024 |
# 16 | Moalboal – Cebu | Sipalay – Negros | Feb 19 to Feb 24 2024 |
# 17 | Sipalay – Negros | Moalboal – Cebu | Feb 27 to Mar 3 2024 |
# 18 | Moalboal – Cebu | Sipalay – Negros | Mar 6 to Mar 11 2024 |
# 19 | Sipalay – Negros | Moalboal – Cebu | Mar 14 to Mar 19 2024 |
# 20 | Moalboal – Cebu | Sipalay – Negros | Mar 22 to Mar 27 2024 |
# 21 | Sipalay – Negros | Moalboal – Cebu | Mar 30 to Apr 04 2024 |
# 22 | Moalboal – Cebu | Sipalay – Negros | Apr 7 to Apr 12 2024 |
# 23 | Sipalay – Negros | Moalboal – Cebu | Apr 15 to Apr 20 2024 |
# 24 | Moalboal – Cebu | Sipalay – Negros | Apr 23 to Apr 28 2024 |
# 25 | Sipalay – Negros | Moalboal – Cebu | May 3 to May 8 2024 |
# 26 | Moalboal – Cebu | Sipalay – Negros | May 11 to May 16 2024 |
# 27 | Sipalay – Negros | Moalboal – Cebu | May 19 to May 24 2024 |
# 28 | Moalboal – Cebu | Sipalay – Negros | May 27 to Jun 01 2024 |
# 29 | Sipalay – Negros | Moalboal – Cebu | Jun 04 to Jun 09 2024 |
# 30 | Moalboal – Cebu | Sipalay – Negros | Jun 12 to Jun 17 2024 |
Dive safari schedules for the season 2023 / 2024
2023 -2024 Safari – Route – Dates
# 1 – Sipalay to Moalboal – Oct 21 to 26 2023
# 2 – Moalboal to Sipalay – Oct 29 to Nov 3 2023
# 3 – Sipalay to Moalboal – Nov 6 to 111 2023
# 4 – Moalboal to Sipalay – Nov 14 to 19 2023
# 5 – Sipalay to Moalboal – Nov 22 to 27 2023
# 6 – Moalboal to Sipalay – Nov 30 to Dec 5 2023
# 7 – Sipalay to Moalboal – Dec 8 to 13 2023
# 8 – Moalboal to Sipalay – Dec 16 to 21 2023
# 9 – Sipalay to Moalboal – Dec 25 to 30 2023
# 10 – Moalboal to Sipalay – Jan 2 to 7 2024
# 11 – Sipalay to Moalboal – Jan 10 to 15 2024
# 12 – Moalboal to Sipalay – Jan 18 to 23rd 2024
# 13 – Sipalay to Moalboal – Jan 26 to 31 2024
# 14 – Moalboal to Sipalay – Feb 3 to Feb 8 2024
# 15 – Sipalay to Moalboal – Feb 11 to Feb 16 2024
# 16 – Moalboal to Sipalay – Feb 19 to Feb 24 2024
# 17 – Sipalay to Moalboal – Feb 27 to Mar 3 2024
# 18 – Moalboal to Sipalay – Mar 6 to Mar 11 2024
# 19 – Sipalay to Moalboal – Mar 14 to Mar 19 2024
# 20 – Moalboal to Sipalay – Mar 22 to Mar 27 2024
# 21 – Sipalay to Moalboal – Mar 30 to Apr 04 2024
# 22 – Moalboal to Sipalay – Apr 7 to Apr 12 2024
# 23 – Sipalay to Moalboal – Apr 15 to Apr 20 2024
# 24 – Moalboal to Sipalay – Apr 23 to Apr 28 2024
# 25 – Sipalay to Moalboal – May 3 to May 8 2024
# 26 – Moalboal to Sipalay – May 11 to May 16 2024
# 27 – Sipalay to Moalboal – May 19 to May 24 2024
# 28 – Moalboal to Sipalay – May 27 to Jun 1 2024
# 29 – Moalboal to Sipalay – Jun 4 to Jun 9 2024
# 30 – Moalboal to Sipalay – Jun 12 to Jun 17 2024
The Dive Safari Boats
The two Dive Safari Philippines that cruise through the archipelago
The design of dive safari boats are based on traditional Filipino fishing boats, called bankas. The boats used for dive safari are custom-built for scuba diving purposes. Every year, the boats are dry-docked and overhauled in the months of June to September. The management of the boats is Swiss.
Safari boat GOYA

Year of construction: 2005
Length: 23 Meter
Width: 4.5 Meter
Toilet / shower: 1
Engine: 1 Yanmar-Marine-Diesel 120 HP Turbo
Speed: 10 Knots
Reach: 800 NM
Fresh water tank: 600 l
Navigation: GPS, Compass, Sonar
Communication: VHF Radio, Satellite Telephone
Power supply: 12V / 24V DC + 220V
Service boat: Dinghy with 15 hp outboard engine
Safari Boat ROYO

Year of construction: 2008
Length: 30 Meter
Width: 4,8 Meter
Toilet / shower: 1
Engine: 1 Isuzu GRA1 250 HP
Speed: 12 Knots
Reach: 800 NM
Fresh water tank: 800 l
Navigation: GPS, Compass, Sonar
Communication: VHF Radio, Satellite Telephone
Power supply: 12V / 24V DC + 220V
Service boat: Dinghy with 15 hp outboard engine
Related: German info on Dive Safari Boats – Tauchsafari Philippinen: Die Tauchsafariboote
Dive Safari map
Safari Map of the Dive Safari Philippines
Here is a map of the showing the route and the islands which are visited on the dive safari. Islands included are Cebu, Apo Island, Alona Beach, Balicasag Island, Siquijor Island, Sipalay and Moalboal.
