Boutique resort in muck diving capital Anilao, famed for all manner of nudibranchs
Contemporary rooms and suites with sea and garden views - a range of grades for all budgets
Freshly prepared meals on a full board basis. Don't skip on the deserts!
3hr road transfer from Manila airport - no domestic flights
Muck, reef, night and blackwater boat diving with a 2:1 diver:guide ratio
Head to the massage room to ease away those travel aches and pains

Solitude Acacia Resort

Building on the award-winning legacy of Solitude One and Solitude Adventurer, Solitude Acacia Resort brings the Solitude experience ashore in the heart of Anilao. This boutique dive resort combines exceptional diving with modern comfort in a peaceful tropical setting, creating the perfect base for both divers and non-divers.

With a relaxed atmosphere, attentive service, and purpose-built facilities, Solitude Acacia invites guests to slow down, explore beneath the surface, and enjoy a seamless stay...whether your focus is macro diving, underwater photography, or simply unwinding by the sea.

The resort features 25 spacious, contemporary rooms, thoughtfully designed to sit in harmony with the surrounding gardens and natural landscape. Marvel at the enormous acacia tree in the heart of the resort. Set across four low-rise buildings, the layout ensures privacy, tranquillity, and easy access to the resortâ€™s facilities.

Sea View Suites and Sea View Deluxe Rooms are positioned at the front, and Deluxe Rooms set just behind. All rooms are fully furnished with air-conditioning, modern en-suite bathrooms, twin or double bedding, Wi-Fi, minibar, tea and coffee facilities, and a private balcony or veranda. Upper-level rooms enjoy beautiful sunset views over the sea, while Sea View Deluxe rooms offer the added convenience of being close to both the dive centre and restaurant. The spacious suites are ideal for families, non-divers, or anyone seeking extra comfort.

Dining is a highlight at the Acacia Restaurant, located on the second level and framed by striking 180-degree glass panels overlooking the ocean and pool. Open from early morning until late evening, the restaurant serves a refined fusion of Asian, local, and Western cuisine in a stylish yet relaxed setting. Guests can choose between air-conditioned indoor dining or breezy alfresco seating, with varied menus designed to satisfy divers' appetites.

Beyond the rooms and dining, Solitude Acacia Resort is designed for both relaxation and purpose-built functionality. Guests can unwind with massage treatments, enjoy the swimming pool with views over the Mabini Sea, or catch up with fellow guests at the end of the day at the pool bar. The attentive 24-hour guest service desk is always on hand for seamless support throughout.

Underwater photographers are especially well catered for, with a dedicated Camera Lounge featuring air-conditioning, dedicated freshwater rinse tanks, air guns, and spacious powered workstations, Prep equipment properly and comfortably!

At Solitude Acacia Resort, thoughtful design, attentive service, and a passion for diving come together to create a truly memorable stay.

Deluxe room

The deluxe rooms are a great combination of modern comfort, but set back from the sea view with more privacy - all at a great price.

Sea view deluxe

The sea view deluxe rooms are a worthwhile upgrade, being that bit closer to the heart of the resort

Sea view suite

The sea view suites are on the upper floor of the sea view blocks, with magnificent views. Each features the bedroom and bathroom, but with an additional lounge area for your extra comfort

Camera room and lounge

The camera room is impressive. With individual charging stations, camera towels, dedicated rinse tank and air guns, photographers and videographers will love this space. The guides will happily load your gear each dive.

All our rooms are fully furnished with air conditioning. For your additional comfort, you will also find complimentary: Internet access Universal power points A lockable safe Personal toiletries, soaps, shampoos and conditioners Amenities such as a mini bar, coffee pot, towels, hair dryer and safe Afternoon turn-down service and daily housekeeping.

Call us on 01483 411590 or email dive@scubatravel.com to book

Location

The Philippines is around 15-20 hours flight from the UK. Although composed of 7,107 islands (7,108 at low tide), with a total coastline longer than that of the USA, most of the population of the Philippines lives on just 11 islands. Most travellers will enter the Philippines through Manila (MNL) or Cebu (CEB) airports.

Weather and Climate

The dry season in the Philippines runs from December to April, making it a popular time for divers. May and November are transitional months with air temperatures climbing. June to September is the wet season, as the weather becomes stormier. The Philippines dive resorts are typically well sheltered from the worst, but you can expect to experience rain showers.

Travel

Flight options

Our holidays to the Philippines can be quoted with most major airlines. We are however able to book most major airlines. Popular options for the Philippines include Cathay Pacific, Singapore airlines, Qatar, Emirates, Malaysian, KLM and Etiad. If you would like to depart from a different UK airport (eg. Glasgow/Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham or Gatwick) or have a specific airline you prefer to fly with, simply let us know in your booking request. A supplement may apply for regional departures. Times and any applicable supplements will be confirmed by your travel consultant before you finalise your holiday. If you wish to make your own flight arrangements to the Philippines, let us know and we can remove the cost of the international flights from your quote. We are unfortunately not able to redeem airmiles on your behalf. Please do not confirm any flight arrangements yourself before your holiday is confirmed by us.

Stopovers

With a huge range of airlines to fly with, you can easily build in a stop over either on your way to or on your way back from the Philippines. Simply talk to your travel consultant about adding a stop over into your itinerary.

Arrange before you go

Regular Entry Requirements

UK passport holders are able to obtain a free 30 day visa on arrival. Do ensure your passport has 6 months validity from your return date to prevent any issues with immigration. Do ensure your passport has 6 months validity from your return date to prevent any issues with immigration. It is your responsibility to ensure your passport is valid and you fulfil entry requirements.
You must have a QR code to show that you have registered on the e-travel system within the 72 hours before your arrival in the Philippines. https://etravel.gov.ph/
Regulations can change: please review current FCO advice: click here to review

Insurance

Scuba Travel requires all of our customers to have diving insurance. Please make sure that you have appropriate cover for your diving activities. We also strongly recommend you have travel insurance. It's worth taking out travel insurance once you have paid your deposit to ensure you are covered for unforeseen events and cancellation.

Immunisations

Please speak to your local GP or check out the latest NHS advice for the required travel immunisations for your destination: click here to go to the NHS

Preparing to fly

Seating

You will also be able to manage your booking online once you have been ticketed (after you have paid your holiday balance). Most airlines will now enable you to select your seating at this point. There may be a small charge for prebookable seating before online check in opens. Please speak to the airline for more information about charges.

Check in

As you are flying with a scheduled airline, you will be able to check in online with your airline. Please visit their website for more information about when online check in opens.

Lounge

An airport lounge is a great way to start your holiday or to while away flight connections in comfort. Scuba Travel works with Lounge Pass to offer a huge range of affordable airport lounges around the world. click here for more info on Lounge Pass

Parking

Prebook your airport parking to save money! If you have a long way to travel, why not also look at booking an airport hotel. These aren't as expensive as you might think. click here for holiday extras

What happens when I arrive?

On arrival in your Philippines destination, you will need to clear immigration and collect your baggage. You will then be met outside of arrivals by a representative from your liveaboard or resort. Some reps are able to meet you airside. They will be holding a board with either your destination or your name on it. If you have any issues at all locating your rep, please contact us. We have an emergency contact, manned by a member of the team here in the UK. Please call 0044 7747 488 002. We will be able to help your rep locate you in the airport.

Transfers

If you have a hotel en route please follow any specific instructions in your travel documents. Where possible, you will be met by a representative who will assist in taking you to your hotel. If using a shuttle service, please arrange your return shuttle time back to the airport at the hotel check in. Domestic flights are common in the Philippines and run frequently. Manila airport is a large airport with several terminals. If you have to move between terminals, please allow between 30 and 60mins to allow for local traffic. Please ensure you leave plenty of time for check in or transit between flights (usually 4 hours min). Domestic flights can typically only be booked with a 20kgs hold allowance as standard. Excess baggage costs around $2-$5 per kg per way. Hand baggage limits can be strictly enforced on domestic flights. Due to local traffic and road conditions, land journey times can be difficult to predict. We recommend you take water with you and keep any essentials in your hand baggage to make your journey as comfortable as possible.

Departures

At the end of your holiday, your return transfer details will be advised locally. Depending on your exit airport, they may be a small local departure tax to pay (up to approx 800PHP)

Info

Tipping

Please ask for a quote to add international flights from the UK to your holiday. We can book most major scheduled airlines including regional UK departure points

Currency

The peso is the national currency however in resort, US Dollars, Euros, peso (local currency), Visa and MasterCard can all be used. Please be aware you may be charged a surcharge to pay by card transactions. USD notes should be in smaller denominations, new and in good condition.

Phone coverage

Phone coverage is generally very good around this area - please check with your phone provider about any applicable charges for the Philippines. Wifi is free of charge and works in most of the resort areas and rooms

Plugs and electricity

All rooms are fitted with two round pin sockets (European standard) and the electricity is 220v

Extras

Hire equipment

Kit hire can be arranged in resort and is paid for locally

Extras

PADI dive courses can be arranged - please ask for more information about pre-booking

Souvenirs

The dive centre has a small, limited shop on site

Nitrox/Gas

Nitrox is available for nitrox certified divers

Payments

Deposits and Balances

A typical deposit for a resort holiday to is 30% of your package cost, although this will depend on your exact flight option and travel class. Larger deposits may be required for some flight options (eg premium economy/business class).

Ways to pay

We accept mastercard and visa debit or credit cards. If you would like a pay by link to complete check out via email please let us know and it can be set up for you. We do not take AMEX. All non sterling card payments and UK business debit cards will be subject to the 3% surcharge. Alternatively, you are welcome to pay via bank transfer. Overseas bank transfers must add £8 to the sterling total to cover international handling fees. We are not able to accept PayPal transactions or personal cheques.

Group Payments

If you have booked as part of a group, you can still call and pay directly without needing to go via your group leader. Please have your trip reference number to hand to help us locate your holiday as quickly as possible. You will receive a transaction receipt - your group leader will forward your ATOL certificate and booking confirmation

Discounts

Repeat Guests

Are you one of Scuba Travel's repeat customers?
Over 60% of our customers trust Scuba Travel to book their next diving holiday, time after time.

And we believe you deserve a huge thanks for your ongoing support over the years, which is what our repeater discount is all about! Travel with us again in either 12 months or 24 months and you will qualify for a discount. That's all you have to do. No forms, no numbers to remember, no fuss, just a good honest price reduction.

5% off for repeat customers travelling with Scuba Travel within 24 months
Repeat discounts are not cumulative and cannot be applied to special offer prices

Included

Our standard package includes 7 nights in a twin/double deluxe room on an half board basis

18 AIR or nitrox boat dives

Return Manila airport transfers

Wifi is free of charge.

Excluded

Any additional services in resort (spa, land tours, tours, kit hire, private guides and special trips such as some of the island site or blackwater/night dives) are paid for in resort.

The resort will run a local tab for in resort and dive centre extras. There is a 300PHP local diving fee charged per day, added to your final bill

Please ask for a quote to add international flights from the UK to your holiday. We can book most major scheduled airlines including regional UK departure points

Tipping is entirely at your discretion. We do not make recommendations as to how much to tip. Should you wish to leave a tip for the staff and crew, it should reflect the level of service you have enjoyed.

With more than 40 dive sites nearby, Anilao is world-famous for its impressive variety of habitats, supporting an ever-changing cast of captivating critters, schooling fish, and gentle coral reefs. Not least are the nudis. This is perhaps the most diverse nudibranch destination, from the microscopic to rare bubble dottos and pikacus.

For your optimal comfort and enjoyment, a standard guide: diver raio is 1:2.

A typical day begins with two morning dives from the resort's dive boats. Divers then return to the resort for lunch before heading back out for a third dive in the afternoon. Night diving and blackwater diving are optional extras and can be easily arranged with your guide on board. The pace is relaxed, with dives typically lasting 60-70 minutes. Between dives, enjoy freshly baked biscuits, tea, coffee, and fruit.

Blackwater diving in Anilao in particular is a must-do. For more experienced divers, it offers the chance to encounter some of the strangest and most spectacular juvenile species and nocturnal feeders, drawn in by specialised lights suspended over deep water.

Solitude Acacia Resort's experienced dive guides actively document and track marine life activity to stay updated on where certain species are being spotted, though guests should keep in mind that nature is unpredictable and encounters can never be guaranteed.

Before every dive, guests receive a detailed briefing from one of the resort's dive guides, either at the Dive Centre by the pool or directly at the dive site from the boat. Divers with specific interests or photo goals are encouraged to share them with their guide, who will do their best to help, while also keeping the experience open to the excitement of unexpected discoveries.

Diving from Solitude Acacia takes place from traditional bangka-style boats, which are stable in the water and ideal for cruising dive sites along the coastline. For a local supplement, divers can also explore the reefs of nearby Maricaban Island - well worth including during the trip.

At the Dive Centre, the team upholds the highest safety standards that Solitude Liveaboards and Resorts are known for. Courses are conducted on-site, making full use of the surrounding calm, shallow waters as well as nearby open-water areas.

Solitude Acacia Resort is proud to be an official Avelo Dive Centre, offering guests the opportunity to experience a revolutionary way of diving in Anilao. Here, you can complete your Avelo certification and enjoy the benefits of lighter gear, effortless buoyancy, and extended dive times: all within one of the Philippines' best-loved macro diving destinations.

Cathedral

Skill level: Novice | Ave Depth: 11m | Max Depth: 18m

Cathedral has amazing soft corals and large sea fans. Pygmy sea horses can be found here with both green and hawksbill turtles often spotted. An easy dive great for those less experienced.

Twin Rocks

Skill level: All levels | Ave Depth: 12m | Max Depth: 18m

Twin Rocks, as the name suggests is focused on 2 big rocks. Macro life immerses itself around them, but also Jacks, Ribbon Eels, Devil fish and loads of different kinds of Nudibranch. Frog fish, Gobbies and Clown fish also male up the colourful life of this stunning, small dive site.

Hydees Point

Skill level: All levels | Ave Depth: 11m | Max Depth: 18m

Octopus, hairy Shrimp, montezuma shrimps, frog fish and all manner of nudibranchs make up the stunning critters found here. This gentle sloping dive site is sandy, and the ideal muck critter spotting ground

Secret Bay

Skill level: All levels | Ave Depth: 18m | Max Depth: 30m

Well known for its muck diving, Secret bay is home to some rare critters like Hairy Frog Fish, Mimic Octopus, Ghost Pipe Fish, Commensal Shrimp and Panda Clown fish. Black Coral can be seen here amongst the sandy mud bottom. Choose your depth, critters can be found at practically all levels.

Arthurs Rock & El Pinoy

Skill level: All levels | Ave Depth: 15m | Max Depth: 22m

Aactually 2 sites, these moderate drifts follow the shoreline southbound, rock and hard corals make up the landscape to about 10 meters, then it descends slowly into a sandy bottom. Often visited by turtles, schooling snappers and thousands of red tooth triggers are the perfect back drop for fining smaller critters, such as pikacu nudi! Great for wide angle, but also macro

Daryl Laut wreck

Skill level: All levels | Ave Depth: 18m | Max Depth: 25m

This small wreck is really not much more than the metal shell, but large black soft corals (look for long nose hawkfish) and sea fans have now made the structure their home. It is an incredible place for all manner of nudibranchs. Small chromis dart in and out, while larger reef fish come in for shelter. Bat fish hang out. Head to the rocky reef wall and you might even find a tiny lembeh sea dragon hiding!

Acacia Restaurant

The Acacia Restaurant is the heart of the resort, serving incredible meals all day long and late into the evening. Chose from an extensive menu of European and Asian favourites, all cooked freshly to order. The deserts must not be missed!

Pool bar

Enjoy a sundowner, popcorn and chat with your fellow diving buddies at the pool bar. Overlooking the sea and resort, it's the ideal spot to chill at the end of your day

Room service

Snacks, meals and drinks can all be delivered straight to your door! Escape and enjoy some privacy with room service