Join us onboard the Atlantis Azores Liveaboard as we cruise between the serene islands exploring a diverse collection of reefs and walls in the heart of the coral triangle. We’ll be diving the Visayan Islands in the central region of the Philippines, an area that boasts clear waters, vibrant marine life, and healthy coral reefs.
After 6 nights onboard the Atlantis Azores Liveaboard, and an evening spent at the Atlantis Resort, you will then travel to Cabilao island for 4 nights in a lovely dive resort- Pura Vida- and 3 days of stunning diving on healthy colorful reefs and walls. Aside from days spent diving the reef, there is an optional land tour on Bohol Island to see the Chocolate Hills and other topside highlights, which will be offered once you are settled into the resort on Cabilao. For those that want to maximize their snorkel time but would like to see the country topside, there will also be beach time and trips to the islands between snorkel sessions
Marine Life Guide
Additional information
| Duration | 11 nights |
|---|---|
| Month | Jun, Jul, Sep |
| Max Group Size | 18 People |
*Kindly note that this is just a sample itinerary. All of our Safari Tours can be tailor-made to fit everyone’s individual schedules.
Day 1 - Arrive in Manila and travel to Dumaguete
Arrive at Manila International Airport (MNL) and fly to Dumaguete. Upon arrival you will meet the Atlantis Azores representative and transferred to Atlantis Azores Liveaboard for boarding, safety briefing, and dinner.
Day 2 - 7- Diving from the Azores Liveaboard
The day-to-day on the liveaboard will look something like this- wake up to a cooked breakfast to enjoy before heading off for a dive site briefing and the first dive of the day.
After the dive you’ll return to the boat for hot drinks and baked snacks and relax for a while before preparing for the next dive.
Upon your return, a two-course lunch will be served followed by some post-lunch downtime, an afternoon dive, more hot snacks, and refreshing beverages.
The late afternoons may include a sunset dive or night dive depending on the location and itinerary.
Dinner is then served, usually a three-course meal. Do not come on this trip while on a diet- the food is chef prepared, delicious, and plentiful. Tea, coffee, and snacks are available all day.
Evenings, when not diving, can be spent looking at fish ID books, watching a DVD, looking through your photos of the day etc.
Intended Liveaboard Itenary
The cruise itinerary may change slightly depending on weather and sea conditions, but this is the planned itinerary.
Sail from the dock towards Moalboal. Your first dives will be here, among schooling fish like trevally and snapper, clown fish and turtles are commonly seen. At Pescador Island, a well-known sea mount plunging into the ocean depths with coral-covered walls – you may see reef sharks alongside a diverse abundance of tropical fish. At Panagsama Reef there is a resident shoal of sardines which is absolutely massive. Watching these fish, moving in unison in huge shiny groups as the hunting trevally chase them is truly a spectacular sight.
You then head towards Panglao / Bohol/ Alona Beach and Balicasag area. The reefs surrounding these islands are beautiful with huge old coral formations, a variety of colorful soft corals, a multitude of tropical reef fish species, turtles, frogfish, and more. The waters in this area are home to pods of dolphins and you have a good chance to spot some while in this archipelago. While in the area we will make a stop at Virgin Island – a nearby sand bar and picturesque islet.
Pamilacan is a tiny island about 12KM off the Bohol coast, and is home to only 200 families who together live a subsistence fishing lifestyle and prioritize the health of the waters that support their lifestyle. Surrounded by healthy reef, you can expect to see schools of jacks and sardines, turtles, angel fish, various anemone fish, butterfly fish, nudibranchs and more. Here we will spend some time on the white powder beach and we will take a short tour around the island led by members of the community. Sumilon Island was the first marine protected area in the Philippines and was created as a marine sanctuary in 1974. The years of protection have paid off, and it boasts stunning reefs with an abundance of schooling of fish. Here you can spend some time enjoying the pristine beaches, and also enjoy a beach BBQ for dinner.
Apo Island is a small volcanic island lying 30Km’s off Negros Oriental. The marine protected area was established some 35 years ago, and is a strictly policed “no-take zone”. As a result, some of the most colorful and healthy reefs in the country are found here. We can expect to see schooling jacks, trevally and barracuda, green-sea and hawksbill turtles, and a huge variety of nudibranchs, crabs and other critters in this area.
Day 7 - Disembark liveaboard and check in to Atmosphere Resort, Dumaguete
You will disembark at Dumaguete and transfer straight from the liveaboard into Atlantis Dumaguete Resort for some beach and pool relaxation before moving on to our next destination.
Day 8 - Transfer to Pura Vida, Cabilao
This morning you will transfer to Dumaguete Pier and then take an Ocean Jet Ferry to Tagbilaran followed by a short transfer to Pura Vida Resort, Cabilao. The afternoon is spent relaxing.
Day 9 - 11 - Diving around Cabilao
Day 12- Transfer to Manila
Speak to us about extending your time in the Philippines. We can offer a variety of tailor-made travel extensions.
Atlantis Azores Liveaboard Vessel
This beautiful 107-foot yacht features 8 staterooms, 7 deluxe and one “owners stateroom”, all of which have private showers, double and single bunk-style berths. The owner’s suite is the only cabin on the upper deck and is larger than the other cabins, has a desk and large picture windows.
The dining room services freshly prepared meals and snacks. The snack and drink bar is open all day. All drinks on board including social servings of beer, wine and local rum are complimentary. You may also bring your own beverages with no corkage fee.
The Azores also boasts:
- A well-stocked library of novels and fish ID reference books
- On some evenings guests are treated to either one of Atlantis’ unique marine life presentations.
- A partially covered sun deck with chaise lounges
- Complete wet bar, hot tub, an assortment of sitting areas with tables and a large swim platform with warm freshwater showers
Most dives are done from two zodiac tender boats with a short ride to the sites. A roomy three-tier camera table is available for photographers along with a charging station. All guests have their own storage area for dive equipment and there are fresh hot water showers on the back platform.
Vessel Guide
Pura Vida Resort, Cabilao
Pura Vida is situated on the north-eastern point of the isolated island of Cabilao. The resort is multi-story and stretches from a white sandy, palm tree fringed beach up onto an overlooking cliff-side. Pura Vida has only 20 rooms, ensuring personalized service and an intimate environment. All rooms feature air-conditioning and private bathrooms.
Pura Vida has two traditional ‘Bangka Boats’ for our dive sessions. Easy to use ladders make embarkation/disembarkation from the boats easy. There are also big canopies to provide plenty of shade from the sun. We include complimentary water and juice on board.
Resort Guide
Pura Vida/Sea Explorers Dive Boat
These traditional bangka style boats are well equipped for diving. They have plenty of sun protection with the canopy, and also offer a fully covered area to store items that can not get wet. There is a marine toilet onboard as well as fresh water basins for cameras. Exit the water by wood ladders on the sides of the boat. Average travel time from the resort is about 15 minutes.
On this page you will find our tour dates, a contact form and details of payment schedule including deposit and final balance. If you have any further questions please complete the form and we will reply within 24-48hrs.
Make an enquiry
Tour Dates
2021
Philippines Liveaboard and Resort | 3rd – 14th July
2021: $4,885 / £3,908 per person (Twin/Double Share)
How to book your place?
Initial deposit to secure your booking of US$400 per person
12-months from departure: US$600 per person interim deposit
6- months before departure: US$1000 per person interim deposit
Final balance due 12-weeks before departure
Includes:
- Internal flights with 20KG checked baggage allowance, economy class, Manila – Dumaguete – Tagbilaran – Manila
- Return airport transfers
- 6 Nights accommodation on board the Azores Liveaboard, full board (all meals)
- All drinks on board Atlantis Azores including social servings of beer, wine and local rum
- Services of snorkel guides and boat skiff for multiple snorkel excursions a day.
- 1 Night at the Atlantis Resort, full board, deluxe room
- 4 Nights Pura Vida Resort, full board, 2 boat snorkeling sessions a day (for three days) and unlimited house reef snorkeling
- Accompanied by a member of the Snorkel Venture team
Excludes:
- International flights
- Snorkel gear rental
- Travel and health insurance
- Entrance fees & marine park fees – 120 USD per person
- Optional Half Day Land Tour – 75 USD per person
