marcus8
Contributor
I've searched through many old threads and found quite bit of info already, but I have some pointed questions about both Cebu and Leyte. I've only dove in Boracay before which was OK but have heard many great things about the eastern islands. I now have an opportunity to troll around a bit with my uw camera out there for 9 days in November. Not the optimal time but it is what it is.
At first I figured Malapascua would be wonderful at first glance but have read a few comments that the coral is pretty beat up. That worries me some as I had planned on combining this island with another Cebu region to the south (Moaboal or possibly even Duma). I'm sure the sea life would be amazing but I do love a pretty walls and pristine coral. I just now heard that I'll be able to visit some extended family in Leyte and did a bit of research on that region. I see southern Leyte getting some rave reviews in some older threads. This region doesn't appear to get the same amount of publicity here in the US as other PI scuba areas, but that means nothing to me if it's the right place for me and is safe.
I'm not sure I want to bounce around every few days to a different area, especially given that the travel between all of these regions appears to take some serious time and effort. I'd prefer to knock out perhaps two resorts in my 9 days giving me 4 or 5 days at each. I'm flying in and out of Cebu City. For the diving, as I say, I get quite excited seeing healthy coral, lovely walls, macro photography critters (perhaps some muck), and plenty of new fish life. I really need a shot of mandarin fish and some ribbon eels. Sure, I love seeing sharks, mantas and whale sharks but it appears as though I need to make some decisions that might preclude one or the other. Perhaps there are two areas relatively close that could combine all of these things?
It's a lot to consider and I appreciate any help. I'm a bit overloaded, as you can probably tell, so any info to narrow down the focus would be fantastic. I really don't want to try to see it all and get burned out/exhausted. I like relaxing vacations.
Thanks
Mark
At first I figured Malapascua would be wonderful at first glance but have read a few comments that the coral is pretty beat up. That worries me some as I had planned on combining this island with another Cebu region to the south (Moaboal or possibly even Duma). I'm sure the sea life would be amazing but I do love a pretty walls and pristine coral. I just now heard that I'll be able to visit some extended family in Leyte and did a bit of research on that region. I see southern Leyte getting some rave reviews in some older threads. This region doesn't appear to get the same amount of publicity here in the US as other PI scuba areas, but that means nothing to me if it's the right place for me and is safe.
I'm not sure I want to bounce around every few days to a different area, especially given that the travel between all of these regions appears to take some serious time and effort. I'd prefer to knock out perhaps two resorts in my 9 days giving me 4 or 5 days at each. I'm flying in and out of Cebu City. For the diving, as I say, I get quite excited seeing healthy coral, lovely walls, macro photography critters (perhaps some muck), and plenty of new fish life. I really need a shot of mandarin fish and some ribbon eels. Sure, I love seeing sharks, mantas and whale sharks but it appears as though I need to make some decisions that might preclude one or the other. Perhaps there are two areas relatively close that could combine all of these things?
It's a lot to consider and I appreciate any help. I'm a bit overloaded, as you can probably tell, so any info to narrow down the focus would be fantastic. I really don't want to try to see it all and get burned out/exhausted. I like relaxing vacations.
Thanks
Mark
