If you happen to’re an avid scuba diver, the Philippines and its 7,107 islands is paradise.
Scuba diving is fashionable everywhere in the Philippines, however among the best methods to find this gorgeous island paradise is by hopping on a liveaboard. Whereas the liveaboard business within the Philippines is quite small in comparison with the various ships that function in Thailand and Indonesia, it is rather a lot thriving.
With the gorgeous Tubbataha Reef as one of the crucial fashionable diving locations within the Philippines, you’re positively in for a deal with.
On account of 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 can assist you get one of the 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 Funds Philippines Liveaboards
Agos
Max. Divers: 14 friends
Rooms: Single beds / bunk beds
If you happen to’re in search of a liveaboard within the Philippines on a strict funds, 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 wish to fill their days with diving.
This boat provides a really intimate expertise, with a most of 14 friends staying in shared dorm type lodging, the Agos is a fuss-free option to see one of the best dive websites in Palawan which can be more durable to achieve for conventional dive schoolñs.
You’ll be able to take pleasure in itineraries that vary from 3 to six days, providing you with tons of choices.
Whereas the ship itself will not be notably particular, you’ll nonetheless have an unforgettable diving expertise at one of many lowest costs round.
What’s Included: VAT, Airport Switch, Ingesting Water, Tea & Espresso, Full-Board Meal Plan (All meals), Snacks, Diving Package deal, Kayaks, Land Excursions, Snorkel Gear, Snorkeling Information, Stand Up Paddleboard, Cabin Towels.
Click on the button beneath to study extra and examine the costs and availability for the Agos
Azalea
Max. Divers: 10 friends
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 friends and has cabins with non-public loos, 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 wonderful chef, one thing that’s certain to fulfill you after an extended day of diving.
You’ll positively wish to maintain the Azalea in thoughts when trying to find a budget-friendly liveaboard journey within the Philippines
What’s Included: VAT, Airport Switch, Lodge Switch, Ingesting Water, Tender drinks, Tender Drinks at Meal Instances, Tea & Espresso, Welcome Cocktails, Seashore BBQ, Full-Board Meal Plan (All meals), Snacks, Diving Package deal, Fishing, Cabin Towels, Deck Towels.
Click on the button beneath to study extra and examine the costs and availability for the Azalea
Infiniti
Max. Divers: 25 friends
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 doable.
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 beautiful 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 course!
The dive deck is spacious and full of prime quality rental gear that’s prepared, ready, and included within the value you pay! The Infiniti additionally has a model new digicam room that has all the pieces you want for one of the best underwater images doable.
Select from completely different itineraries to areas 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 beneath to study extra and examine the costs and availability for the Infiniti
Finest Mid-Vary Philippines Liveaboards
Narayana
Max. Divers: 14 friends
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 just accessible by liveaboard and has huge marine life ready to be found beneath the floor. With the assistance of the crew and divemasters aboard the Narayana, you’re certain to see the perfect of it, for a diving journey that you simply’ll bear in mind eternally.
This yacht can take as much as 14 friends at a time in eight comfy cabins. Every cabin has its personal toilet and air con, and you may 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, sit back within the lounge space or catch some rays on the sundeck. Feast on buffet meals within the out of doors 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 beneath to study extra and examine the costs and availability for Narayana
Seadoors
Max. Divers: 16 friends
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 can be well-designed and air-conditioned, there’s loads of room for rest and house. The boat has a spacious air-conditioned lounge with a big flat-screen TV the place you’ll be able to evaluate images, in addition to a sundeck the place you’ll be able to chill out and soak up 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 numerous schedules.
What’s Included: VAT, Lodging, Complimentary Toiletries, Transfers/pickups from Airport, Tanks, Weights, Belts, Divemaster Companies, All Meals, Towels
Click on the button beneath to study extra and examine the costs and availability for Seadoors
Discovery Palawan
Max. Divers:
Max. Divers: 32 friends
Rooms: 20 cabins / AC
After present process a renovation, the MV Discovery Palawan has a brand new fashionable look, and it’s an ideal alternative for divers who’re eager to discover one of the best of Palawan and Tubbataha.
As it’s over 50m in size, there’s loads of room onboard for mingling, enjoyable, and having fun with the nice and cozy sunshine while you’re not exploring the wonders underwater. The boat is supplied with an air-conditioned salon, a eating space, digicam room, solar deck, and two different shaded deck areas.
The cabins are comfy and spacious and the workers will go above and past to verify 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 beneath to study extra and examine the costs and availability for Discovery Palawan
Finest Luxurious Philippines Liveaboards
Solitude One
Max. Divers: 22 friends
Rooms: 10 cabins / AC
Loos: 10
This stunning boat was as soon as a service provider vessel however was renovated in 2013. The outcome? A surprising liveaboard which gives an upscale expertise because it travels throughout the Philippines and Micronesia.
Working journeys round Tubbataha and Palau, Micronesia, this vessel is outfitted with 10 luxurious cabins with flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and different residence 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 may even finish your night with a calming soak within the sizzling tub.
The chef onboard the Solitude One will be sure to are well-fed all through your complete 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 Offered
Click on the button beneath to study extra and examine the costs and availability for Solitude One
Philippine Siren
Max. Divers: 16 friends
Rooms: 8 cabins / AC
Loos: 10
Crusing throughout the attractive waters of the Philippines is the gorgeous 40m S/Y Philippine Siren. Earlier friends of the ship have raved in regards to the implausible workers who guarantee easy crusing and a snug keep all through your journey.
Outfitted with an air-conditioned lounge with a cocktail bar, sofas, a 42-inch leisure system in addition to in-house massages, that is positively an ideal alternative for individuals who wish to discover the Philippines in type.
With 8 massive cabins, a number of decks, and scrumptious buffet-style meals, you’ll positively be spoilt all through your dive vacation.
The perfect half in regards to the Philippine Siren is that it gives you with free diving gear should 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 beneath to study extra and examine the costs and availability for Philippine Siren
Atlantis Azores
Max. Divers: 16 friends
Rooms: 8 cabins / AC
Loos: 8
This 32.5m boat provides journeys to implausible liveaboard diving locations across the Philippines all-year spherical. From exploring the attractive Visayas area all the way in which to Tubbataha, should you’re in search of 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’s ample room for friends 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 an extended day underwater.
What’s Included: VAT, Lodging, Complimentary Toiletries, Tanks, Weights, Belts, Divemaster Companies, All Meals, Towels
Click on the button beneath to study extra and examine the costs and availability for Atlantis Azores
Philippines Liveaboard Diving Highlights
Visayas
Individuals who select to journey to the Visayas area through 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 fashionable 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 range 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, having the ability to journey from one dive spots to the subsequent through liveaboard is unquestionably among the best 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 purpose alone to enterprise in direction of this space as you’ll be spoilt for alternative 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 large coral atolls, the North and South Atoll in addition to the Jessie Beazley Reef round 20km away.
Residence to about 90% of all the 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 completely different species of sharks, 479 species of fish, and enormous pelagics reminiscent of jacks, manta rays, tuna, and whale sharks. It additionally has the best inhabitants density for white tip reef sharks!
Apo Reef & Palawan
One other fashionable route that liveaboards take is a dive tour round Palawan, taking you throughout Batangas, Apo Reef, via 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 variety.
Apo Reef alone is a web site in itself, identified to be the second largest connecting coral reef on this planet, proper after the Nice Barrier Reef. Crystal clear waters lively and numerous tropical fish and different pelagics, this place is a deal with to discover.
Philippines Diving: What You Must 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 12 months spherical, your finest guess for heat waters and clear visibility is between March and June through the dry season.
Moist season is severe 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 various dive websites within the Philippines, diving is appropriate for a variety of ability degree and expertise.
That mentioned, lots of the hottest dive websites expertise sturdy currents which can be finest fitted to skilled divers.
Whereas on a liveaboard journey, you’ll be accompanied by a dive grasp who will not be solely an skilled diver, however is aware of in regards to the currents and water patterns, making certain vacationers secure diving situations. Remember to at all times observe your divemaster’s directions for optimum security on a Philippines liveaboard.
A superb observe is to make sure that you at all times 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 as a result of sturdy currents.
Moreover all the required gear and security gear, we at all times advocate having dive insurance coverage in case of any medical emergencies.
Finest Dive Websites Within the Philippines
Dive Websites in Cebu
Malapascua
Expertise diving with one of the crucial fascinating creatures ever, the elusive thresher sharks who’re frequent guests within the Malapascua space. In actual fact, it’s in all probability 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 situations, unbelievable variety, and gorgeous landscapes.
The Monad Shoal is a submerged island with a steep 200m drop off residence to threshers, manta rays, satan rays, and over forms 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 gentle in. It’s really 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 a lovely place with gorgeous home reefs, and playful turtles.
Nonetheless, what makes this place so thrilling is the massive faculty of sardines which name this place residence. Usually, massive 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, residence to some spectacular arduous corals and turtles that endlessly graze and swim round.
At current, the island is residence to over 650 documented species of fish and round 400 species of corals. A lot of the Philippines’ 450 species of coral may 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 wonderful synthetic reef and in addition an ideal spot for macro and far diving. When else will you’ve gotten the possibility to see a VW underwater?
Balicasag
Residence to a marine protected space, you’ll be handled to stunning coral gardens, turtles, and enormous faculties of reef fish.
Dive Websites in Tubbataha
Amos Rock (Southwest Rock)
This fashionable scuba web site discovered on the North Atoll contains a gorgeous wall with massive gorgonian followers in addition to quite a lot of massive fish.
Because the currents are sometimes sturdy on this space, end up drifting within the dive web site as you see gray reef and white tip sharks, massive groupers, and mackerels.
Night time scuba diving can also be notably good on this space.
Shark Airport
This large plateau-like shelf is residence to hawksbill and inexperienced sea turtles in addition to whitetip sharks that cruise alongside the drop-off edges.
This web site is right for evening diving as you’ll be able to usually spot moray eels, pufferfish, and different evening creatures. That is actually considered one of Tubbataha’s most fertile areas.
Washing Machine
If you happen to’re an skilled diver, the washer is the proper place for you as usually the currents can shift and are very unpredictable.
Your reward for battling the currents? It’s identified for having a number of the finest visibility (usually 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
Well-liked 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 a lot of critters take cowl. From moray eels, lobsters, massive groupers, and should you’re fortunate, you’ll be able to even spot some manta rays swimming round.
Apo 29
This web site is especially fitted 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 as a result of lack of marine life, should you’re in search of an out-of-the-world expertise, dive in Coron’s well-known barracuda lake.
Swim via massive caves and cathedral as you dive via an virtually alien-like world filled with underwater rock formations.,
WWII Shipwrecks in Coron
In Coron alone there are no less than seven shipwrecks to find, a few of that are so massive that it might simply take about two to 3 dives to completely see the world.
For underwater wreck lovers, Palawan is the proper place to find and discover.
How you can Get to the Philippines
Attending to the Philippines is comparatively straightforward as there are tons of worldwide flights that fly on to Manila each 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 nations, you might be able to get a direct flight to Cebu, slicing out Manila completely.
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 nations. If you happen to’re in Manila, Palawan can also be an affordable, fast flight away.
Many liveaboards provide an airport pickup and switch both as a part of the bundle or an add-on, so you’ll want to examine this out while you’re reserving your journey. In my view, it’s positively price it to avoid wasting your self the headache of attending to the port by yourself.
So there you’ve gotten 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 residence to a number of the finest scuba diving conceivable, topped off with heat and pleasant individuals, implausible tropical climate, and chilly $1 beers. Belief me, it will probably’t get any higher than that!
For these in search of last-minute offers, liveaboard.com and Divebooker provides vastly discounted costs which can be price 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 taking a look at diving three to 4 instances a day, that means that you may have as much as 40 dives per journey!
If you happen to’re in search of a week-long getaway, a brief journey to the Philippines is a good 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 somewhat 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 possibility to see much more of the breathtaking Philippines.
Prolonged journeys aren’t obtainable in all areas, so you’ll want to examine particular boats for updated itineraries and timelines.
Plan your dream Philippines liveaboard journey now!
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