diving in the philippines

[gujatibi]

Hello!
Im planning a holiday trip of 20 days in the philippines.:cool2:
We would like to visit Anilao (for muck diving) and Tubbatha Reef on a liveaboard.
Any suggestions about resort/diving in Anilao and liveaboard in Tubbatha Reef?
It will be for next March.
Thanks

 

[h2odragon1]

Aquaventure Reef Clup Dive Resort :: Philippines
Arthur's place, Anilao dive resort, dive shop, scuba dive packages, padi dive courses
These place are favorites with many who dive weekly from Manila.

Tubataha is available in the summer months mainly, therte are two or three local, (philippine owned) liveaboard operations. Seaworld owns the Expidition fleet!
You'll find that 20 days is not enough time. I alway do! 4 weeks in 2002, 5 weeks in 2005, 3 weeks in 2008. NOT ENOUGH TIME!!!

 

[Karl_H]

A lot depends on budget - Aquaventure and Arthur's would be two of the best Anilao resorts and would come with high recommendations - Planet Dive is also worth a mention.

Tubbatha wise, Expedition Fleet (Scuba Diving Destinations | Expedition Fleet Liveaboards: Scuba Diving Philippines and Palau!) tend to have a bad reputation, although I went with them on the Stella Maris Explorer last year and was very impressed. My advice would be to go with this boat as opposed to one of the other three (older) boats, it's a little more expensive but is worth the extra and more importantly is a lot more reliable!

The other good option would be the Atlantis Azores (Atlantis Azores - Atlantis Dive Resorts and Liveaboards Philippines), I can't say I've been on this boat but it looks a good operation.

There's also several other smaller operations visiting Tubbatha but be warned it can get quite rough so a bigger boat is a lot more comfortable!

The season is normally March to June but leave the trip as late as you can in your trip - i.e. late March or early April, the later you leave it the more you should see. Try to plan a trip with a full or new moon if possible also, the current will be very strong but that's when you really see things there!

Karl

 

[slowhands]

You can save a lot if you go on the transition trip to Tubbataha. The boats all move from winter areas in the north (Anilao) to the reef port (Puerto Princesa) in early March, and return in early June. Cost is much less. Call and ask, it books early.