Best place to dive near Manila- April 3-6???

[shanghaiexpat1]

Hi,

We'll be in Manila next week and want to fit in a short dive trip from Sunday, April 3rd-Wed, April 6th. We'd fly out at 4pm on Wednesday so that only gives us Monday and Tuesday morning to dive.

Any suggestions on the best places to dive and get back to Manila to catch our 4pm flights?!? Also, we heard Lake Taal is a beautiful place to visit and are wondering if we can see it on Wed, on our way back to Manila? Are we trying to fit in too much?

Also, if we rent a car or a car and driver, how much would that cost? Any drivers you recommend?

Any ideas you have would be great! Every time I plan a dive trip in Philippines I'm on this site. I love Scubaboard!!

 

[Centrals]

You can combine Anilao with Lake Taal.

 

[shanghaiexpat1]

ok, thanks! i saw some other posts about anilao, pg, and subic. just trying to figure out the best places for our timing.

 

[Searcaigh]

Subic Bay has my interest at the moment, easy access from Manila

 

[Tortuga68]

Anilao, Subic and PG are the choices as you mentioned. Anilao for macro, Subic for wrecks and PG for a bit of a mix. You should be able to get back from any of them in time to catch a 4pm flight. The incoming connection will be more of an issue - assuming you're taking the PAL direct flight from SH, it doesn't get in until 1930

Taal is beautiful but the crater is still off-limits I think - although you can still view from above. You can check the current status here: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology

My suggestion would be Anilao, you can drive straight down there Sunday night, get 2 full days of diving in, stop in Tagatay on the way back to the airport. Driver & car should be about PHP2500 each way

Or if you prefer wreck to macro, and want to save the Taal until the crater is accessible, go to Subic

PG I wouldn't recommend due to the flights/short time because you have to get a banca between Batangas & PG and they're only allowed to run during daylight hours

 

[DevonDiver]

Subic is a great option from Manila. There is a variety of diving, but the main emphasis is on the large number of terrific wrecks. Top-side, there is a wide range of activities; such as the Ocean Adventure theme park (dolphin shows etc), Tree-Top Jungle Adventure, Jungle Treks and a wide range of bars, restaurants and beaches. The area is nowhere near as commercialised and 'touristy' as other Philippines destinations like PG or Boracay. There is an hourly bus service from Manila to Subic/Olongapo, costing less than 250php each way. The journey takes approx 2.5 - 3.5 hours.

Here is my article: Wreck Dive Subic Bay

Anilao is the other diving destination that is easily accessible, by road, from Manila. This is a mecca for underwater photographers; with an emphasis on macro/much diving. It is easiest to charter a car/driver to reach the resorts in Anilao, so transportation costs are a little higher.

Here is my article: Anilao Scuba Diving

If you need any help, or advice, with planning a trip to Manila/Subic/Anilao, you are welcome to drop me a line. I live in Manila and dive in Subic/Anilao very frequently.


Cheers,
Andy

 

[timmyscuba]

dont know if time will allow...... Subic bay great wrecks WWII. 4 hrs north. Im at subicadventuredivecenter.com google it buddy. Baloy beach next to blue rock resort..

 

[Skier]

PG I wouldn't recommend due to the flights/short time because you have to get a banca between Batangas & PG and they're only allowed to run during daylight hours

Was chatting at Asia Divers this week and apparently the hotels that do privater transfer can run banca's in the dark. Much to my surprise as we had over nighted in glorious Batangas. El Galleon / Asia Divers do this for about 7000PHP including road transfer. Was quite surprised and obviously if there is a big swell it is still no go. Sure the others do as well (a friend had a VERY early arrival at Coco Beach this week). Still a bit of a thrash for two days though.

 

[Tortuga68]

Yes you're correct - I have taken a private banca at night myself a couple of times, P3500 one-way

In addition to the possibility of cancellation due to heavy seas, you also run the risk of the coast guard turning you back - not to mention getting run over by a roro or tanker because you aren't running any lights so the CG can't find you...

 

[DevonDiver]

Yep.... as is the way here in the Phils.... there is a difference between being allowed to do something, and being willing (for the money) to do it.