Southern Visayas
Prices from:
- Lush Corals
- Great for Macro
- Pristine reefs
- Group discounts
- Stunning location
Normally the south Visayas tour starts from Cebu packed with world class reef dives. Whilst the fish remain the star of this show, the vibrant reefs come a close second. Dive on steep drop offs or muck dive amid the sand looking for rare beastiesCabilao Island, Balicasag, Sumilon, Moalboal and Pescador are the big names that will stand out in your log book for years to come. The diving from in each area is diverse as you move from current swept walls to scenic coral gardens The Southern Visayas itinerary will get you closer to a huge range of marine life. From the biggest inhabitants to the very smallest and microscopic, there is a dive along this route that will get your attention. If your passion is macro, then Cabilao will thrill, home to great gorgonian sea fans and the tiniest pgymy seahorses hiding in the fronds. Giant frogfish, a cornucopia of nudibranch and ghost pipefish are all regularly seen. Moalboal and Balicasag throng with schooling fish. From sardines to snapper and barracuda, these massive schools of fish are mesmerising. Trutles of all shapes and sizes can be found at many reefs along the route but these are not the only large inhabitants. Keep your eyes peeled for reef sharks, threshers or even a passing whaleshark if you are lucky.
The Southern Visayas itinerary dwill suit most experience levels although some dives will be speedy drifts. Dives vary in depth from shallow pinnacles to deep caves. You will rarely come across other divers on this itinerary so it is perfect for anyone looking for the ultimate dive escapism. Photographers and videographers will have no end of subjects to snap away at. The Southern Visayas are seldom seen by most divers and tourists - this is an exciting new itinerary in a secret corner of the world. Book your trip today before this secret gets out! And with all of the advantages of liveaboard diving, you can relax in the Philippines without a care in the world. Supreme diving meets utter convenience and comfort to make this itinerary a winning recipe.
Quick Facts
- Average Water Temp: 26 - 29 C
- Average Air Temp: 26 - 30 C
- Average Visability: 5 - 25m
- Good for: Macro, reefs, drift dives
- Suitable for beginners: Yes
Highlights
- The Southern Visayas tour is the best introduction to diving in the Philippines and includes some of its most famous reefs. Pristine corals and varied marine life make this a must.
Testimonials
- "Our recent trip on Philippine Siren went like clockwork. You could not fault the boat or crew - we really had a great time ."Linda Pooley and Martin Kerr
- "I had a great time, the dives and staff were brilliant, the food was excellent and the transfers went very smoothly."Geoff Polittz
This is a typical example of the Southern Visayas itinerary. The schedule is subject to change according to prevailing weather conditions and is only given as a example of what you would usually encounter during your holiday.
Day 1
On arrival you will be taken to a hotel for day use while you get ready to board the boat that afternoon at around 14:00 from Mactan Island.
Day 2
Your first day in the Philippines will focus on Cabilao Island. 3 dives are planned at sites such as Cambiquiz, great for ghost pipefish and frogfish. Paradise Wall is a gentle drift along a stunning coral reef with schooling fish. In the afternoon jump into the Lighthouse for a feast of gorgonians... can you find the pygmy seahorses? Your first day's diving is wrapped up with an optional night dive.
Day 3
Wake up in to dive Cabilao Island and Baliscasag. There are 4 dives planned at sites such as South Point, Black Forest, Sanctuary and Rico's Wall. This is a good day for reef fish - jacks, batfish, wrasse and napoleons but also white tip reef sharks that like to hide in the caverns peppering the steep coral walls.
Day 4
The first dive remains at Balicasag before the boat sails to Sumilon. 4 dives. are planned for the day and an undeniable highlight is the Cathedral, where the light bounces off massive overhangs. Inside the Cathedral you will find snapper, butterfly fish and large yellow barrel sponges.
Day 5
Moalboal is the day's action spot. This is an area to the west of Cebu and famous for the possible thresher shark sightings you can have. But even if these shy sharks are not around, there are plenty of turtles to see. Dive sites include Talisay Wall, Dolphin House, White Beach and Sunken Island.
Day 6
Pescador is the next famous area you will dive. Here great swirls of sardines form along the reef wall and on occasion a whaleshark passes through or a thresher shark rises from the deep to feast. There are 4 dives planned before the boat makes its way back to Moaboal.
Day 7
Return to Moaboal for 4 more dives in this diverse area. Dolphin House is a popular stop off and not only frequented by dolphin but masses of turtles also. This can be a fast drift. After the diving the boat returns back towards south Cebu.
Day 8
Depending on the weather, there is a chance to dive the Wall of Death! This is a steep wall where you can have very fast currents and is best suited to experienced divers. It is an excellent spot for frogfish. In the afternoon the boat will sail to Sumillon Island which is a local marine sanctuary with hard corals and vibrant fish life. Look along the sandy patches for reef sharks resting.
Day 9
The day is dedicated to Panglao Island. Arco Point is a sloping reef with a chimney that pops through. Bumphead parrott fish are seen here but also keep your eyes out for great macro sightings, including ghost pipefish, nudibranch and a resident giant frogfish. Garden Eels and Napaling are other fantastic sites on the schedule for the day. There is normally a chance too go ashore on this day for some shopping and souvenirs.
Day 10
The final day's diving returns to Cabilao for your last 2 dives (depending on your onward flight times). Coconut is a virbrant coral reef with dragonfish and black corals. You will find loads of morays of every shape and colour at Fallen Tree. This area is the irchest for pgymy seahorses and frogfish too so great for macro fiends. There is a party and BBQ on board that night.
Day 11
This is the final day of the trip and you have breakfast on the boat before heading to the airport for your international flights home.
If you would like to add an extension, combine this with another product or tweak the itinerary give us a call so we can discuss your dream diving holiday.
Photos
Philippine Siren
The Philippine Siren is a stunning boat - from the outside she looks like a traditional sail boat but inside she is a thoroughly modern vessel with all the high tech facilities you could ever want or need. From the esteemed docks ...
Sort results by:
Liveaboards are the platform for the ideal dive holiday. First class diving combined with luxurious comfort in the relaxing atmosphere of sun and sea - what more could you ask for!
Stunning resorts in all the best diving locations worldwide. Scuba Travel has hand picked the creme de la creme of resorts in each destination to ensure that our holidays give unequaled choice for families, non divers, single travelers and sun seekers
There are certain countries where the scope of activities on offer is just so immense that embarking on a diving tour or safari really is the only way to make sure you hit all the highlights.satisfy your thirst for adventure.Scuba Travel has put together a selection of tempting tour options that will get not only your dive nerves tingling but also satisfy your thirst for adventure.
Escorted Photography holidays to help you get the best out of your camera. Take home pictures your proud of
Scuba Travel offer a number of escorted wreck trips throughtout the world
Experience Tek diving in some amazing destnations, get the most out of your Tek diving
Scuba Travel understand that a family holiday is something special. Get the most out of your holiday!
Scuba Travel are dedicated to making the underwater world accessible to everybody
