Durée
13 jours
Cabines dispo.
21 / 21
Capacité
22 plongeurs
Opérateur
Philippines Explorer
Inclus
Suppléments obligatoires
Options en supplément
Certification
AOWD or equivalent
Plongées min.
30 enregistrées
Check-in
14:00–
Experience an extraordinary voyage from the heart of the Sulu Sea to the northern Visayas aboard Philippines Explorer I. Beginning in Campomanes Bay, this expedition heads west into the open waters of the Sulu Sea before reaching the remote reefs of Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. Along the way, traditional island communities, pristine coral reefs, pelagic encounters, and some of the Philippines' most celebrated dive sites combine to create a journey that showcases the country's remarkable marine diversity. At the heart of the expedition lies Tubbataha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site accessible for only a short season each year. Over six days we explore both the North and South Atolls together with Jessie Beazley Reef, discovering the walls, channels, pinnacles, and reef systems that have earned Tubbataha its reputation as one of the world's finest diving destinations. Leaving the remote reefs behind, the voyage gradually returns to the Central Visayas, concluding among the renowned dive sites of Apo Island, Pescador Island, Moalboal, and Kimud Shoal before disembarking in Maya Port, gateway to Malapascua. Please pay attention to your departure port, as this itinerary may be operated in reverse.
Welcome aboard Philippines Explorer I. Please arrive at the vessel by 2:00pm (14:00). Following a welcome drink, cabin orientation, and safety briefing, there will be ample time to settle into life aboard, assemble dive equipment, prepare cameras, and become familiar with the vessel before the expedition begins. As evening approaches, enjoy dinner on board while the yacht departs Campomanes Bay and begins the overnight passage towards the remote islands of the Cagayancillo group.
Land reappears on the horizon as we arrive among the isolated islands of the Cagayancillo Archipelago. Far removed from the Philippines' busiest tourism regions, these islands offer healthy coral reefs, traditional island communities, and a sense of remoteness that perfectly sets the tone for the expedition ahead. Following two or three dives, Philippines Explorer I continues westward into the Sulu Sea as Tubbataha draws ever closer.
Welcome to Tubbataha. Rising from deep oceanic waters, this UNESCO World Heritage Site protects one of the most intact reef ecosystems in Southeast Asia. Our first dives take place around the North Atoll's Ranger Station area, providing an excellent introduction to the marine park. Steep reef walls, healthy coral formations, reef sharks, turtles, and large schools of fish define the experience. Between dives, there may also be an opportunity to visit the ranger station and learn more about the conservation efforts that safeguard this remarkable marine environment.
Our attention turns to Jessie Beazley Reef, an isolated seamount northwest of the North Atoll. Surrounded by deep water and influenced by strong currents, the reef attracts an impressive variety of pelagic life. Schools of jacks, barracuda, tuna, and several shark species are regular visitors, ensuring that every dive offers something different. Depending on conditions, the day may conclude with an additional dive on the North Atoll before returning to our overnight anchorage.
Exploration continues around the North Atoll, focusing on the reefs surrounding the Malayan Wreck area. Although the remains of the vessel still rest on the reef, the thriving marine ecosystem that has developed around it is the real attraction. Sloping coral reefs, abundant fish life, and excellent visibility combine to create some of the most enjoyable dives within the marine park. It is another reminder that Tubbataha's greatest treasures are the reefs themselves.
The expedition moves south to another distinctive corner of the marine park. The Delsan Wreck area is renowned for its concentration of marine life, with schools of jacks, barracuda, and dogtooth tuna frequently gathering around the reef corner. Reef sharks and other pelagic visitors are often encountered in the surrounding blue water. Later, Southwest Wall reveals dramatic coral-covered drop-offs descending into the depths of the Sulu Sea.
Black Rock provides another opportunity to experience the dynamic nature of Tubbataha's reefs. When conditions are favourable, nutrient-rich currents attract large concentrations of reef fish while predators patrol the reef edge. Every dive offers a different perspective on the complex interactions that make this marine ecosystem so remarkable. Another unforgettable day unfolds beneath the surface before we prepare to return north.
Our final day inside Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is spent exploring the famous Shark Airport area. Named after the whitetip reef sharks often seen resting on the sandy seabed, the site combines healthy coral formations with turtles, rays, schooling fish, and frequent shark encounters. After several days immersed in one of the world's finest reef ecosystems, we begin our journey back towards the islands of the central Philippines.
Leaving Tubbataha behind, we arrive at the remote reefs surrounding Cavili and Arena Islands. Only a small number of liveaboards visit these islands each season, preserving a sense of exploration that has characterised the expedition from the very beginning. Healthy reefs, clear water, and quiet anchorages define the experience. Beyond the diving, these islands offer the simple pleasure of visiting places that remain largely untouched by modern tourism.
Our final day in the Sulu Sea is spent exploring the reefs around Calusa Island and the wider Cagayancillo island group. Following two dives, Philippines Explorer I begins the overnight crossing back towards Negros Oriental, where an entirely different underwater landscape awaits.
Landfall brings us to Apo Island, one of the Philippines' best-known community-managed marine sanctuaries. Healthy coral gardens, dramatic reef walls, schooling fish, and frequent turtle encounters create a striking contrast with the offshore reefs explored during the previous week. Depending on arrival time, up to three dives may be scheduled around the island before continuing to nearby Dauin. Guests wishing to extend the day's adventures may join an optional night dive on Dauin's famous volcanic sand slopes, where an extraordinary variety of macro life emerges after dark.
The expedition continues along Cebu's western coastline. Two dives around Pescador Island reveal steep reef walls, colourful soft corals, schooling fish, and excellent visibility, making it one of the highlights of the Central Visayas. Later, the famous sardine run of Moalboal provides a completely different experience, as millions of sardines move in shimmering formations only a short distance from shore.
Our final diving day takes place at Kimud Shoal, one of the Philippines' premier locations for pelagic encounters. An early morning start offers the best opportunity to encounter the graceful thresher sharks that regularly visit the cleaning stations before returning to deeper water. Two dives provide ample opportunity to experience this unique site before the journey draws to a close. As the sun begins to set, Philippines Explorer I makes the short cruise back towards Maya Port for one final evening aboard.
Following breakfast, we arrive at Maya Port, where it is time to disembark. Over the course of fourteen days, this expedition has connected the remote reefs of the Sulu Sea with the celebrated dive sites of the Central Visayas. From the isolated islands of the Cagayancillo Archipelago and the extraordinary reefs of Tubbataha to the coral gardens of Apo Island, the walls of Pescador, the sardine run of Moalboal, and the pelagic waters of Kimud Shoal, each destination has revealed a different chapter of the Philippines' underwater world. Combining remote exploration, world-class diving, vibrant coral reefs, pelagic encounters, and some of the country's most iconic marine environments, this voyage offers an unforgettable journey across the heart of the Philippine archipelago. We look forward to welcoming you aboard Philippines Explorer I and sharing this remarkable expedition together.
Prix par personne
8 125 $US
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