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.

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:

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.