Good Negros Diving and Snorkeling?

[paperdesk]

I just got back from a busy and enjoyable trip to Negros. We traveled all around Negros Occidental, but unfortunately didn't get to Oriental. I did one dive and snorkeled at Sipalay, and visited San Carlos, but didn't make it out to Sipaway.

I'll be coming back next year with a group of about 20 or so. We'll be staying at a beach resort somewhere for a couple days where the group can enjoy snorkeling, and whoever wants to can take a discover dive. Only 2 or 3 of the group are certified divers. Where would you recomend we go? This will be a quiet group that prefers to be away from lots of noise and partying. We've gone to Coco Loco Coco Loco Island Resort, Palawan, Philippines - palawan-resort.com in Palawan a number of times and absolutely loved it!

I'm thinking that Robinson @Cruise in Sipalay or maybe Whispering Palms in Sipaway will work, but I'm anxious to hear any other suggestions.

Thanks,

Ted

 

[jigo]

how about sogod bay? check threads here about the place. the place is very remote and quiet.

 

[prandyulo]

Sogod Bay is in Leyte. I will dive again Danjugan next to Sipalay next month and will post my report. I reported one last year also. You can't go wrong in Sipalay but I heard most if not all dive resorts are European owned and euro denominated. But then again I can be wrong. I count myself as one of the Negros pioneer divers way back in the 70's.

 

[paperdesk]

Sogod Bay is in Leyte. I will dive again Danjugan next to Sipalay next month and will post my report. I reported one last year also. You can't go wrong in Sipalay but I heard most if not all dive resorts are European owned and euro denominated. But then again I can be wrong. I count myself as one of the Negros pioneer divers way back in the 70's.

Right, we were looking for something in Negros, though I'd love to go to Leyte! I'm really interested in hearing your report! I think Robinson might be locally owned, though I don't know for sure. I liked their setup, a little smaller and more authentic.

Ted

 

[eagerbeaver]

I liked their setup, a little smaller and more authentic.

Ted

Hi Ted,

I'm intrigued by your last statement. If you don't mind I'm interested to know what you mean by this.

Smaller I obviously understand, but authentic...do you mean natural materials? Local staff and no expats? local meals? or no power, fresh water or refrigeration?

Would appreciate you expounding on what makes a place authentic.

Many thanks,

Matt.

 

[paperdesk]

Hi Matt,

Yes, I meant native materials and no expats I don't know who owns the resort, but it was run by Filipinos. It just felt more secluded than some of the other big resorts. They have AC, water, etc., even have a pool. I didn't stay there, but stayed at Easy Divers, which I have to say was very nice in it's own right, just not really what we were looking for for the group.

 

[paperdesk]

Anyone been to Sipaway? I didn't get the chance to go there. The only dive report I've read so far was somewhat negative http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/philippine-paradise-divers/319012-better-late-than-never-trip-report.html

Ted

 

[ridgey]

Did you check out Takatuka and Bermuda beach?
What was the diving like. I'm off there next month

 

[paperdesk]

I went to Takatuka but didn't dive there. They use the same dive sites as Sipalay Easy Diving, for the most part. There is no shore diving/snorkeling at Takatuka, it's quite sandy close to shore.

Ted

 

[slowhands]

I just got back from a busy and enjoyable trip to Negros. We traveled all around Negros Occidental, but unfortunately didn't get to Oriental...

I'll be coming back next year with a group of about 20 or so. We'll be staying at a beach resort somewhere for a couple days where the group can enjoy snorkeling, and whoever wants to can take a discover dive. Only 2 or 3 of the group are certified divers. Where would you recomend we go? This will be a quiet group that prefers to be away from lots of noise and partying. ...
Ted

Check out the Dive Resorts at Dauin Beach. Excellent diving, close to Dumaguete for shopping and easy transportation by sea or air. I'd check:

Mikes Dauin Beach Resort - Dumaguete, Philippines
Pura Vida Beach Dive Resort Dumaguete Philippines Diving Tauchen Padi Philippinen
El Dorado Beach Resort