Durée
6 jours
Cabines dispo.
6 / 6
Capacité
6 plongeurs
Opérateur
Philippines Explorer
Inclus
Suppléments obligatoires
Options en supplément
Certification
OWD or equivalent
Plongées min.
30 enregistrées
Check-in
14:00–
Please pay attention to your departure port, as this itinerary may be operated in reverse. Follow one of the Philippines' most fascinating marine corridors on this six-night voyage from Malapascua Island in Northern Cebu to Donsol in the Bicol Region of Southern Luzon. Beginning with the thresher sharks of Kimud Shoal, the journey gradually leads north through remote island groups, productive reef systems, and the pelagic-rich waters of Ticao Pass. Along the way, encounters may include reef sharks, manta rays, schooling fish, and, season permitting, whale sharks. The route combines some of the Philippines' most rewarding marine life experiences with remote islands, quiet anchorages, and cruising through regions rarely visited by traditional dive itineraries. Philippines Explorer II is designed as an expedition yacht rather than a traditional liveaboard. Diving remains at the heart of the experience, but there is also time to enjoy the journey itself whether that means exploring a remote island, relaxing on deck between dives, or simply watching the scenery change as we travel through the archipelago.
Welcome aboard Philippines Explorer II. Please arrive at Maya Port by 2:00pm (14:00), where the crew will welcome you aboard and assist you with settling into your cabin. Following a vessel orientation and safety briefing, we begin our journey. A late-afternoon check dive provides an opportunity to become familiar with the boat and equipment before settling into life at sea. This evening we anchor near Malapascua in preparation for tomorrow's diving.
Before sunrise, we head to Kimud Shoal, arriving just as the first light reaches the water. Here, divers have the opportunity to encounter the thresher sharks that visit the cleaning stations each morning. Later, we continue to nearby Chocolate Island. In contrast to the open-water encounters of Kimud, the reefs here offer colourful corals, fascinating macro life, and excellent opportunities for underwater photography. Following the day's diving, we begin our journey south through the Visayas.
Today we explore the waters surrounding Gato Island, a protected marine sanctuary off the northern coast of Cebu. Known for its dramatic underwater topography, Gato offers a mix of swim-throughs, walls, coral-covered boulders, and rubble slopes. One of the highlights is the Tunnel, a natural passage beneath the island that provides a unique diving experience. The reefs support a wide variety of marine life, from reef fish and macro subjects to occasional shark encounters, making Gato one of the region's most diverse dive destinations.
As we continue north through the Philippine Pelagic Corridor, today's diving takes place around the islands of the Maripipi Archipelago. The reefs surrounding Sambawan offer healthy coral growth, schooling fish, and the possibility of encounters with larger species carried by the nutrient-rich currents that flow through the area. Between dives, enjoy the scenery of one of the most attractive island groups in the central Philippines as we continue towards the Bicol region.
Today we enter the waters surrounding Ticao Island, a region known for strong currents, productive reefs, and exceptional marine biodiversity. Diving around Tatus Island provides a rewarding mix of coral gardens, reef fish, and pelagic activity. Above the surface, volcanic landscapes, remote coastlines, and small fishing communities create a very different atmosphere from the Visayas. As we continue north, keep an eye out for Catandayagan Falls, where freshwater cascades directly from the cliffs into the sea.
Today is dedicated to exploring Ticao Pass, one of the Philippines' best-known pelagic environments. Our dives focus on sites around Manta Bowl and the surrounding reefs, where manta rays are regularly encountered at cleaning stations. Schools of jacks, barracuda, tuna, and other pelagic species are frequent visitors to these nutrient-rich waters. Later, we continue to San Miguel Island, where volcanic coastlines and remote anchorages provide a fitting backdrop for the final evening of the voyage.
This morning we arrive in Donsol, known for its seasonal whale shark encounters. Following breakfast, guests have the opportunity to join local interaction boats and spend the morning searching for whale sharks in the waters of Donsol Bay. Encounters here take place under carefully managed ecotourism guidelines, offering a respectful and natural way to observe these remarkable animals. After the excursion, the voyage comes to an end and it is time to disembark. From the thresher sharks of Malapascua and the reefs of Northern Cebu to the manta rays of Ticao Pass and the whale sharks of Donsol, this route showcases some of the most rewarding marine environments in the Philippines. We look forward to welcoming you aboard and sharing this journey through one of the country's most fascinating pelagic regions.
Prix par personne
3 000 $US
Toutes taxes comprises
Charter complet à partir de 19 800 $US
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