If you happen to’re an avid scuba diver, the Philippines and its 7,107 islands is paradise.
Scuba diving is standard all around the Philippines, however top-of-the-line methods to find this gorgeous island paradise is by hopping on a liveaboard. Whereas the liveaboard business within the Philippines is fairly small in comparison with the various ships that function in Thailand and Indonesia, it is vitally a lot thriving.
With the gorgeous Tubbataha Reef as probably the most standard diving locations within the Philippines, you’re undoubtedly in for a deal with.
Attributable to rising curiosity from divers, liveaboard boats have began to department out, taking you round a number of the finest dive spots within the Visayas area and Apo Island.
That will help you get the very best expertise, right here’s our full information to planning a liveaboard journey within the Philippines.
Our High Philippines Liveaboards
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Philippines Liveaboard Comparability Desk
Finest Price range Philippines Liveaboards
Agos
Max. Divers: 14 company
Rooms: Single beds / bunk beds
If you happen to’re on the lookout for a liveaboard within the Philippines on a strict price range, look no additional! The Agos is a good choice. Based mostly in Coron, Palawan, this conventional Philippine banca (boat) is a budget-friendly choice for individuals who need to fill their days with diving.
This boat affords a really intimate expertise, with a most of 14 company staying in shared dorm type lodging, the Agos is a fuss-free strategy to see the very best dive websites in Palawan which might be tougher to achieve for conventional dive schoolñs.
You possibly can take pleasure in itineraries that vary from 3 to six days, supplying you with tons of choices.
Whereas the ship itself is just not notably particular, you’ll nonetheless have an unforgettable diving expertise at one of many lowest costs round.
What’s Included: VAT, Airport Switch, Consuming Water, Tea & Espresso, Full-Board Meal Plan (All meals), Snacks, Diving Bundle, Kayaks, Land Excursions, Snorkel Gear, Snorkeling Information, Stand Up Paddleboard, Cabin Towels.
Click on the button under to be taught extra and examine the costs and availability for the Agos
Azalea
Max. Divers: 10 company
Rooms: 5 cabins / AC
One other budget-friendly liveaboard choice within the Philippines is the Azalea.
Aboard this vessel, you’ll journey to Tubbataha, Apo, and Coron reefs for a number of the finest diving on this planet. Typical itineraries final from 4 to six days, and also you’ll expertise guided dives with small teams and a divemaster to be sure to don’t miss a factor.
The Dolphin takes as much as 10 company and has cabins with personal bogs, AC, and extra.
There are many frequent areas to chill out in such because the open-air lounge on the highest deck. All through the journey, you’ll be fed freshly ready dishes by a superb chef, one thing that’s certain to fulfill you after a protracted day of diving.
You’ll undoubtedly need to hold the Azalea in thoughts when looking for a budget-friendly liveaboard journey within the Philippines
What’s Included: VAT, Airport Switch, Lodge Switch, Consuming Water, Mushy drinks, Mushy Drinks at Meal Occasions, Tea & Espresso, Welcome Cocktails, Seaside BBQ, Full-Board Meal Plan (All meals), Snacks, Diving Bundle, Fishing, Cabin Towels, Deck Towels.
Click on the button under to be taught extra and examine the costs and availability for the Azalea
Infiniti
Max. Divers: 25 company
Rooms: 11 cabins / AC
Loos: 11
Step aboard the 39m Infiniti for a liveaboard expertise certain to wow any diver.
This yacht has top-of-the-line facilities for consolation and diving alike, in addition to a devoted crew to make your expertise as nice as attainable.
The Infiniti can carry as much as 25 passengers in 11 newly renovated cabins, full with an en-suite toilet and a big window for looking at your environment.
The boat additionally has pretty frequent areas each indoors and out. Take a break within the air conditioned lounge or lie in a hammock on the sundeck. Irrespective of the place you go on this boat, there’s no unsuitable path!
The dive deck is spacious and stuffed with prime quality rental gear that’s prepared, ready, and included within the value you pay! The Infiniti additionally has a model new digital camera room that has every little thing you want for the very best underwater photographs attainable.
Select from totally different itineraries to places like Malapascua, Visayas, and Tubbataha and luxuriate in your time on the water! There’s nothing like diving from the Infiniti.
What’s Included: VAT, Accomodation, Airport Switch, Alcoholic Drinks, All Meals, Complimentary Toiletries, Rental Gear, Kayaks
Click on the button under to be taught extra and examine the costs and availability for the Infiniti
Finest Mid-Vary Philippines Liveaboards
Narayana
Max. Divers: 14 company
Rooms: 8 cabins / AC
Loos: 8
A stable mid-range choice, the Narayana was designed particularly for the aim of liveaboard diving in Tubbataha.
Tubbataha is barely accessible by liveaboard and has huge marine life ready to be found under the floor. With the assistance of the crew and divemasters aboard the Narayana, you’re certain to see the easiest of it, for a diving journey that you just’ll keep in mind perpetually.
This yacht can take as much as 14 company at a time in eight comfy cabins. Every cabin has its personal toilet and air-con, and you’ll select from a room with both a queen-sized mattress, a double mattress, or twin bunk beds. The double cabins even have their very own balcony!
In between dives, relax within the lounge space or catch some rays on the sundeck. Feast on buffet meals within the outside eating space and take within the views of blue and inexperienced.
You’re certain to take pleasure in your self on the Narayana with out breaking the financial institution.
What’s Included: VAT, Lodging, Airport Switch, All Meals, Divemaster Companies, Complimentary Toiletries
Click on the button under to be taught extra and examine the costs and availability for Narayana
Seadoors
Max. Divers: 16 company
Rooms: 8 cabins / AC
Loos: 8
This stunning 25m ship travels throughout the Philippines, taking you to a number of the finest dive websites within the nation.
With 8 cabins which might be well-designed and air-conditioned, there may be loads of room for rest and area. The boat has a spacious air-conditioned lounge with a big flat-screen TV the place you’ll be able to examine photographs, in addition to a sundeck the place you’ll be able to chill out and absorb the fantastic thing about the tropical panorama.
The cherry on prime? Buffet-style native and French meals all all through your journey.
Seadoors runs journeys throughout Visayas and the Tubbataha Reef at varied schedules.
What’s Included: VAT, Lodging, Complimentary Toiletries, Transfers/pickups from Airport, Tanks, Weights, Belts, Divemaster Companies, All Meals, Towels
Click on the button under to be taught extra and examine the costs and availability for Seadoors
Discovery Palawan
Max. Divers:
Max. Divers: 32 company
Rooms: 20 cabins / AC
After present process a renovation, the MV Discovery Palawan has a brand new trendy look, and it’s an ideal selection for divers who’re eager to discover the very best of Palawan and Tubbataha.
As it’s over 50m in size, there may be loads of room onboard for mingling, enjoyable, and having fun with the nice and cozy sunshine once you’re not exploring the wonders underwater. The boat is supplied with an air-conditioned salon, a eating space, digital camera room, solar deck, and two different shaded deck areas.
The cabins are comfy and spacious and the workers will go above and past to ensure your dive journey is memorable.
Nitrox and three dive tenders can be found all through the journey.
What’s Included: VAT, Lodging, Transfers/pickups from Airport, Tanks, Weights, Belts, All Meals
Click on the button under to be taught extra and examine the costs and availability for Discovery Palawan
Finest Luxurious Philippines Liveaboards
Solitude One
Max. Divers: 22 company
Rooms: 10 cabins / AC
Loos: 10
This stunning boat was as soon as a service provider vessel however was renovated in 2013. The end result? A shocking liveaboard which offers an upscale expertise because it travels throughout the Philippines and Micronesia.
Operating journeys round Tubbataha and Palau, Micronesia, this vessel is outfitted with 10 luxurious cabins with flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and different house comforts.
Dive teams are saved small and are expertly led by seasoned divers and professionals. The boat additionally has quite a few decks, and you’ll even finish your night with a soothing soak within the sizzling tub.
The chef onboard the Solitude One will be sure to are well-fed all through your whole journey as they dish out tasty meals and snacks all through the day.
What’s Included: VAT, Lodging, Complimentary Toiletries, Transfers/pickups from Airport, Tanks, Weights, Belts, Divemaster Companies, All Meals, Attainable Gasoline Surcharge, Towels Supplied
Click on the button under to be taught extra and examine the costs and availability for Solitude One
Philippine Siren
Max. Divers: 16 company
Rooms: 8 cabins / AC
Loos: 10
Crusing throughout the attractive waters of the Philippines is the gorgeous 40m S/Y Philippine Siren. Earlier company of the ship have raved concerning the improbable workers who guarantee clean crusing and a cushty keep all through your journey.
Geared up with an air-conditioned lounge with a cocktail bar, sofas, a 42-inch leisure system in addition to in-house massages, that is undoubtedly an ideal selection for individuals who wish to discover the Philippines in type.
With 8 giant cabins, a number of decks, and scrumptious buffet-style meals, you’ll undoubtedly be spoilt all through your dive vacation.
One of the best half concerning the Philippine Siren is that it offers you with free diving tools in case you don’t have your personal.
What’s Included: VAT, Lodging, Transfers/pickups from Airport, Private Diving Gear, Tanks, Weights, Belts, Divemaster Companies, All Meals, Free Nitrox, Towels
Click on the button under to be taught extra and examine the costs and availability for Philippine Siren
Atlantis Azores
Max. Divers: 16 company
Rooms: 8 cabins / AC
Loos: 8
This 32.5m boat affords journeys to improbable liveaboard diving locations across the Philippines all-year spherical. From exploring the attractive Visayas area all the way in which to Tubbataha, in case you’re on the lookout for a premier dive boat, you’ve discovered your decide.
With a spacious dive deck, private dive storage areas, Nitrox, and a couple of tenders, there may be ample room for company to get located.
The cabins are comfy and well-designed. For a extra upscale expertise, indulge by selecting to remain of their luxurious suite The boat is supplied with a solar deck, a moist bar, in addition to a sizzling tub the place you’ll be able to wind down after a protracted day underwater.
What’s Included: VAT, Lodging, Complimentary Toiletries, Tanks, Weights, Belts, Divemaster Companies, All Meals, Towels
Click on the button under to be taught extra and examine the costs and availability for Atlantis Azores
Philippines Liveaboard Diving Highlights
Visayas
Individuals who select to journey to the Visayas area by way of liveaboard will get to go to a number of the most stunning islands within the Philippines.
Alongside the way in which you’re certain to go to standard dive spots in Malapascua, Leyte, Camiguin, Siquijor, and the favored Apo Island and Malapascua.
I’ve personally traveled to many of those islands myself and have discovered the reefs to be nothing wanting spectacular. The variety of landscapes and the variety of dive spots you’ll encounter alongside the way in which is resounding.
Because the Philippines is made up of many islands, with the ability to journey from one dive spots to the subsequent by way of liveaboard is unquestionably top-of-the-line methods to discover the area.
Tubbataha Reef
Named as one of many prime dive websites on this planet, the distant Tubbataha Reef can solely be explored by liveaboard. Its pristine reefs are motive alone to enterprise in the direction of this space as you can be spoilt for selection as to what you’ll be able to see underwater.
This 97,030 hectare Marine Protected Space in Palawan is on the coronary heart of the Coral Triangle and marine biodiversity. Made up of two big coral atolls, the North and South Atoll in addition to the Jessie Beazley Reef round 20km away.
Residence to about 90% of the entire coral species within the Philippines, a visit to Tubbataha is certainly a as soon as in a lifetime expertise.
When diving right here, you’ll be able to see eleven totally different species of sharks, 479 species of fish, and enormous pelagics resembling jacks, manta rays, tuna, and whale sharks. It additionally has the very best inhabitants density for white tip reef sharks!
Apo Reef & Palawan
One other standard route that liveaboards take is a dive tour round Palawan, taking you throughout Batangas, Apo Reef, by means of to Coron Palawan the place you’ll be able to discover a number of the finest wrecks and dive websites within the space.
From diving in WWII shipwrecks to recognizing uncommon legendary creatures just like the dugong, Palawan has a lot to supply in relation to marine range.
Apo Reef alone is a web site in itself, recognized to be the second largest connecting coral reef on this planet, proper after the Nice Barrier Reef. Crystal clear waters energetic and varied tropical fish and different pelagics, this place is a deal with to discover.
Philippines Diving: What You Have to Know
Finest Time to Go Diving within the Philippines
When planning a liveaboard journey to the Philippines, it’s necessary to have your timing proper. Whereas journeys run yr spherical, your finest guess for heat waters and clear visibility is between March and June in the course of the dry season.
Moist season is critical within the Philippines and between the months of September and December the world experiences typhoons. Typhoons are a serious security hazard each on land and within the water, so it’s finest to keep away from taking a visit throughout these months.
Philippines Diving Security
As a result of there are so many alternative dive websites within the Philippines, diving is appropriate for a variety of ability stage and expertise.
That mentioned, lots of the hottest dive websites expertise sturdy currents which might be finest suited to skilled divers.
Whereas on a liveaboard journey, you’ll be accompanied by a dive grasp who is just not solely an skilled diver, however is aware of concerning the currents and water patterns, making certain vacationers secure diving circumstances. Remember to all the time comply with your divemaster’s directions for max security on a Philippines liveaboard.
A very good observe is to make sure that you all the time have a neon dive flag or collapsible pole stowed in your BC pocket in case the present sweeps you astray. Reef hooks and gloves are additionally advisable because of the sturdy currents.
Apart from all the required gear and security tools, we all the time suggest having dive insurance coverage in case of any medical emergencies.
Finest Dive Websites Within the Philippines
Dive Websites in Cebu
Malapascua
Expertise diving with probably the most fascinating creatures ever, the elusive thresher sharks who’re frequent guests within the Malapascua space. In truth, it’s most likely the one place on this planet the place you’ll be able to see a thresher shark day by day.
Residence to over 20 dive websites, Malapascua is a dream for divers because it boasts of heat tropical water circumstances, unbelievable range, and gorgeous landscapes.
The Monad Shoal is a submerged island with a steep 200m drop off house to threshers, manta rays, satan rays, and over kinds of sharks.
Pescador Island
Positioned off of Moalboal, Pescador’s hottest dive web site is known as “The Cathedral” which is a big cavern illuminated by small holes letting mild in. It’s actually a spectacular expertise.
Moalboal
Memorable to me as a result of that is the place the place I first started discovering the fantastic thing about the underwater world, Moalboal is an exquisite place with gorgeous home reefs, and playful turtles.
Nonetheless, what makes this place so thrilling is the massive college of sardines which name this place house. Typically, giant pelagics attracted by the meals grace the diver’s presence as you get to look at an unbelievable present of cat and mouse because the sardines transfer and alter shapes.
Mactan
Residence to stunning coral gardens, wrecks, and the occasional hammerhead sharks. Mactan Island is a good spot for scuba diving within the Philippines resulting from its accessibility.
Dive Websites in Negros
Apo Island
If you happen to take pleasure in swimming with turtles, head on over to Apo Island, house to some spectacular exhausting corals and turtles that endlessly graze and swim round.
At current, the island is house to over 650 documented species of fish and round 400 species of corals. Many of the Philippines’ 450 species of coral will be discovered right here.
This spot has been named one of many prime 100 dive websites on this planet.
Dauin
This web site is most well-known for the 2 sunken Volkswagens which sprung into a superb synthetic reef and likewise an ideal spot for macro and far diving. When else will you could have the prospect to see a VW underwater?
Balicasag
Residence to a marine protected space, you can be handled to stunning coral gardens, turtles, and enormous faculties of reef fish.
Dive Websites in Tubbataha
Amos Rock (Southwest Rock)
This standard scuba web site discovered on the North Atoll encompasses a gorgeous wall with giant gorgonian followers in addition to quite a lot of giant fish.
Because the currents are sometimes sturdy on this space, end up drifting within the dive web site as you notice gray reef and white tip sharks, giant groupers, and mackerels.
Night time scuba diving can be notably good on this space.
Shark Airport
This broad plateau-like shelf is house to hawksbill and inexperienced sea turtles in addition to whitetip sharks that cruise alongside the drop-off edges.
This web site is good for night time diving as you’ll be able to typically spot moray eels, pufferfish, and different night time creatures. That is definitely certainly one of Tubbataha’s most fertile areas.
Washing Machine
If you happen to’re an skilled diver, the washer is the right place for you as typically the currents can shift and are very unpredictable.
Your reward for battling the currents? It’s recognized for having a number of the finest visibility (typically boasting of 40m!) the place you’ll be able to see gray reef sharks and quite a lot of different tropical reef fish.
Dive Websites in Apo Reef
Shark Ridge
Widespread for black and whitetip reef sharks, this web site is a well-liked one to go to when diving the depths of Apo Reef.
Along with the quite a few sharks on sight, additionally, you will discover shallow caves the place plenty of critters take cowl. From moray eels, lobsters, giant groupers, and in case you’re fortunate, you’ll be able to even spot some manta rays swimming round.
Apo 29
This web site is especially suited to skilled divers resulting from its swift currents. Apo 29 is a seamount with a tip of round 25m.
Watch the present unfold earlier than you as you get handled to thresher sharks, teams of hammerheads, reef sharks, and enormous faculties of pelagics. It’s an unimaginable place for individuals who can deal with all of the motion.
Dive Websites in Palawan
Barracuda Lake
Though not visually putting because of the lack of marine life, in case you’re on the lookout for an out-of-the-world expertise, dive in Coron’s well-known barracuda lake.
Swim by means of giant caves and cathedral as you dive by means of an nearly alien-like world stuffed with underwater rock formations.,
WWII Shipwrecks in Coron
In Coron alone there are at the very least seven shipwrecks to find, a few of that are so giant that it will simply take about two to 3 dives to totally see the world.
For underwater wreck fans, Palawan is the right place to find and discover.
Get to the Philippines
Attending to the Philippines is comparatively straightforward as there are tons of worldwide flights that fly on to Manila every single day.
From Manila, you’ll need to journey to the precise port your liveaboard will depart from.
Most liveaboards headed to Visayas depart from Cebu which is a direct flight from Manila and can value you between $40 – $100 USD spherical journey. The flight solely takes an hour and a half, so that you’ll be setting sail very quickly.
If you happen to’re touring from different Southeast Asian international locations, you might be able to get a direct flight to Cebu, reducing out Manila solely.
If you happen to’re taking a liveaboard to Tubbataha, you’re more likely to depart from Puerto Princesa in Palawan. Palawan is accessible from Manila and Cebu in addition to a handful of Southeast Asian international locations. If you happen to’re in Manila, Palawan can be a cheap, fast flight away.
Many liveaboards provide an airport pickup and switch both as a part of the bundle or an add-on, so you should definitely examine this out once you’re reserving your journey. In my view, it’s undoubtedly value it to save lots of your self the headache of attending to the port by yourself.
So there you could have it! A tough overview of a number of the finest Philippine Liveaboards together with the favored dive websites that these boats sail to.
The Philippines is house to a number of the finest scuba diving possible, topped off with heat and pleasant individuals, improbable tropical climate, and chilly $1 beers. Belief me, it may’t get any higher than that!
For these on the lookout for last-minute offers, liveaboard.com and Divebooker affords vastly discounted costs which might be value trying out.
Finest Diving Itineraries within the Philippines
Quick Philippines Liveaboard Journeys
Typical liveaboard journeys within the Philippines run from six to 10 nights and have jam-packed itineraries to profit from your time at sea.
Whereas on a liveaboard, you’re diving three to 4 occasions a day, that means that you would be able to have as much as 40 dives per journey!
If you happen to’re on the lookout for a week-long getaway, a brief journey to the Philippines is an effective way to spend your time. Once you’re not diving, you’ll get to take pleasure in all that your boat has to supply, lounge on close by seashores, and get to know your fellow vacationers.
Prolonged Philippines Liveaboard Journeys
If you happen to’d like slightly extra time to discover the Philippines, you’ll be able to select to take an prolonged journey lasting as much as two weeks! Meaning twice as many dives, far more dive websites, and the prospect to see much more of the breathtaking Philippines.
Prolonged journeys aren’t accessible in all places, so you should definitely examine particular boats for updated itineraries and timelines.
Plan your dream Philippines liveaboard journey now!
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