philippine siren – divedate | a bespoke dive travel agency

tubbataha national park – 6 nights▼

Marine Park & Port Fees: 120 USD per person (to be paid on board)

Meeting point for embarkation: Hotel Centro, Puerto Princesa at 12:30
Embarkation point: Baywalk Pier, Puerto Princesa at 13:00*
Disembarkation point: Baywalk Pier, Puerto Princesa at 10:00

*it is imperative that all guests are ready to embark at 13:00.

Day 1 – Embarkation Day:

Embarkation from Baywalk Pier at 13:00. Once on board, lunch will be served followed by a mandatory briefing from the Tubbataha Management Office and a check conducted by the coast guard before the boat can leave port.

There is no diving on embarkation day.

Day 2 -5:

Your Cruise Director will schedule up to 4 dives per day; 3 day dives and a sunset dive, typically as follows:

Light Breakfast followed by a briefing & Dive 1

Full Breakfast, relaxation followed by briefing & Dive 2

Lunch, relaxation followed by briefing & Dive 3

Snack

Briefing for Sunset dive (no night dives)

Dinner

In accordance with Tubbataha Marine Park regulations, dive times are limited to a maximum of 60 minutes.

Day 6:

Two morning dives* in Tubbataha National Park before Philippine Siren commences the 12-16 hour crossing back to Puerto Princesa.

Day 7 – Disembarkation Day:

Following breakfast on board, disembarkation between 09:30 and 10:00.

Route Highlights:

Delsan Wreck

One of the best dive sites in Tubbataha with big schools of big-eyed trevally, yellowtail barracuda, great barracuda, dogtooth tuna, and giant trevally together with grey reef sharks and white tip reef sharks.

Black Rock

There is so much to explore at this dive site that we will often spend the whole day diving here. Schools of surgeonfish, rainbow runners, and sweetlips are a common sight. White tip and nurse sharks are found resting under huge table corals and scribbled filefish, box fish and leaf fish add to the color and spectacle of the stunning reefs; a great site for spotting spiny lobster too!

Washing Machine

A wide variety of colorful reef fish form schools here; from big-eye jacks to tiny orange & purple anthias, all creating a welcoming atmosphere. Spot the tiny creatures including cowries wedge themselves amidst the leather and whip corals. It is a great site for turtles, and whale sharks have also been spotted here.

North East Wall

Adorned with stunning sea fans and colorful soft corals. This wall is super for wide-angle photography. Schools of bannerfish hover in the blue, turtles bumble along the wall, and from the sandy bed garden eels and gobies emerge.

Shark Airport

Many white-tip reef sharks resting at the shallow plateau are typically seen here; hence the name Shark Airport. Dog tooth tuna, schools of trevally, marble rays, eagle rays, nurse sharks, and batfish all add drama to the stunning reef. Turtles and moray eels are a common sight but divers should watch out for the triggerfish.

Amos Rock

Moorish idols, sweetlips, and snappers all form large schools here, also commonly seen are white-tip reef sharks, great barracuda, and giant trevally. When lucky, pygmy seahorses can be found in the gorgonians.

Staghorn Point

Golden, pinnate, and longfin spadefish all form schools along this fan-encrusted wall, meanwhile clouds of purple anthias hover over the fields of staghorn corals in the shallow reef top. Also, this is a good site to spy on turtles, snowflake morays, and spiny lobsters.

Jessie Beazley Reef

Huge schools of surgeon fish and unicorn fish hover over the reefs, where we commonly see numerous grey reef sharks and huge Napoleon wrasses.

Malayan Wreck

This reef is the habitat for different trevallies, barracudas, bump-head parrotfish, and juvenile grey reef sharks with the usual suspects darting around. Marbled stingrays can sometimes hang out here.

southern visayas – 6 nights▼

Marine Park & Port Fees: 75 USD per person* (payable onboard only)

Cebu to Moalboal
Meeting point for embarkation: Marina Seaview Restaurant, Mactan Island
Cebu embarkation: 13:00
Disembarkation: Moalboal Pier at 10:00

Moalboal to Cebu
Meeting point for embarkation: Moalboal Pier
Moalboal embarkation: 13:00
Disembarkation: Marina Seaview Restaurant, Mactan Island a 10:00

*Transfers to or from Moalboal for embarkation or disembarkation are not included in the liveaboard price but are offered as a shared transfer for an additional charge.

Day 1 – Embarkation Day:

Embarkation at 13:00 followed by lunch and briefings. If time allows there may be a check dive scheduled but diving on embarkation day is not guaranteed.

Day 2 – 4:

Your Cruise Director will schedule up to 4 dives per day; 3 day dives and a sunset or night dive. A typical diving day is scheduled as follows:

Light Breakfast followed by a briefing & Dive 1

Full Breakfast, relaxation followed by briefing & Dive 2

Lunch, relaxation followed by briefing & Dive 3

Snack

Briefing for Dive

Dinner

Day 5:

Usually 2 morning dives before Philippine Siren commences the cruise to port.

Day 6 – Disembarkation Day:

Following breakfast on board, disembarkation is scheduled for between 09:30 am and 10:00 am.

Route Highlights:

MOALBOAL, CEBU

If tides and weather allow the Philippine Siren will cruise to the west side of Cebu. The main attraction of Moalboal is the millions of sardines hanging out in the shallow waters. Other than that the beautiful diving around Pescador Island is just 30 minutes away.

Panagsama Beach

Along with the millions of sardines, performing an underwater ballet, giant frogfish might be found together with reef-top pipefish and ringed pipefish.

Tongo Point

Schools of razorfish, crocodile needlefish, purple, and threadfin anthias are to be found while reef squids and spade fish are making their way home. Green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles are also commonly seen here.

Turtle Bay

This site is popular for night dives where we can spot sleeping turtles along with different kinds of crabs and shrimps.

Dolphin House

Crocodile needlefish, drummers, milkfish, and yellowtail barracudas are living just under the surface while zillions of damsels and anthias are darting around the coral reef top.

PESCADOR ISLAND

Just 30 minutes away from Moalboal this island is a perfect place to explore the dramatic steep walls and the colorful and lively reef-top. Zillions of damsels, anthias, and chromis are darting around while schools of fusiliers, red tooth triggerfish, surgeonfish, long-jawed mackerel, juvenile convict fish, and big-eyed trevallies are filling the blue. Pescador Island is also home to a couple of giant frogfish. The big cave on the northwest side of the island is a nice gimmick for the dives.

OSLOB

The optional whale shark encounter, where the whale sharks are hand fed, can be done by diving or snorkeling, subject to additional fees payable at the destination. Please be advised it is not allowed to use strobes and/or flashlights here.

APO ISLAND

Apo Island Marine Reserve is one of the most successful marine sanctuaries established in the Philippines. Reef hooks and gloves are not allowed and night diving is unfortunately not permitted. The order of dives will be based on the currents and conditions of the day choosing from:

Coconut Point

An often fast-paced drift brings divers over the sloping coral reef wall. Along the way giant trevally, blackfin barracuda, big school of big-eyed trevally, and plenty of sea snakes can be encountered.

Rocky Point West

Just beyond the chapel opposite the marine park warden’s office, Rocky Point West offers some of the most stunning hard corals to be found in the region with endless patches of leather corals on the top. The steep reef walls support numerous colorful reef species – pyramid butterflyfish and red-toothed triggerfish are here in their hundreds, and frogfish, cuttlefish, banded sea snakes, and hawksbill turtles are amongst the common sightings.

Cogon

The colorful bottom divided by sand channels is the place to find a big school of big-eyed trevally, huge brown marbled groupers, and sea snakes.

DAUIN, NEGROS

Dauin, with its black volcanic sand, is famous for muck diving. Depending on the season, different types and sizes of octopuses, sea horses, (baby) frogfish, and a variety of ghost pipefish, and flamboyant cuttlefish can be found.

The Cars

Between 25-30m (80-100ft), car parts forming an artificial reef attract porcelain crabs and different kinds of shrimps amongst the many weird and wonderful creatures found at this site.

Secret Corner

This sand and pebble dive site is the perfect habitat for the smallest, weird and unexpected creatures such as cockatoo waspfish, short-fin lionfish, and snake and garden eels.

Ceres

Named after the local bus company that donated its tires to create an artificial reef that attracts schools of reef fish. Different kinds of shrimps live on this reef together with a variety of juvenile reef fish.

Mainit

A mix of black volcanic sand and coral boulders with soft corals. Due to the currents, all fish are very active which makes this dive very lively and exciting ending in an area with hot sand at the bottom, hence the name Mainit meaning ‘hot’.

BALICASAG ISLAND

The small island of Balicasag, just off the tip of Panglao, is characterized by its many turtles, coral gardens, and steep walls which provide overhangs, cracks & crevices in which to search for a variety of marine species. This area has become a marine protected area since July 2017 and allows two dives per day only with valid permits.

Divers Heaven

The main attraction of this beautiful dive site is the green sea and hawksbill turtles in the shallow waters. The reef-top edge is a nice habitat for schools of colorful damsels and anthias, and when lucky also for giant frogfish.

Black Forest

Once famed for its black coral is where we encounter schools of jacks, long-jawed mackerel, red tooth triggerfish, and different kinds of fusiliers.

CABILAO ISLAND

There are several interesting wall and coral garden dives around the island of Cabilao and we choose from the following:

Gorgonian Wall

Provides a gentle drift along a fantastic coral reef with schooling fish and plenty of macro life in the shallow water, including the possibility of spotting a Denise’s pygmy seahorse.

Lighthouse

Sloping walls full of sponges and gorgonian fans. This is a great place to dive with large green turtles. Also being seen are giant frogfish which can be spotted resting on sponges and numerous cowries hiding amidst the stunning hard coral garden.

Talisay Tree

Beautiful wall with gorgonians where bubble coral shrimps and orangutan crabs can be found in the bubble corals. The shallow grassy garden with its elephant ear sponges and barrel sponges is a perfect spot for wide-angle photography.

Cambaquiz

A fantastic spot where we often make night dives. A gently sloping reef and sandy bottom to 20m – soft corals and sea pens can be found dotted over the sand; also a great site for sightings of bottom dwellers. The grassy top is a favorite crab hideout.

southern visayas – 7 nights▼

Marine Park & Port Fees: 100 USD per person* (payable onboard only)

Meeting point for embarkation: Marina Seaview Restaurant, Mactan Island
Embarkation: 13:00
Disembarkation: 10:00

Transfers between Mactan-Cebu International Airport or local hotels and Marina Seaview Restaurant are provided free of charge on embarkation and disembarkation day. Transfers to hotels and resorts outside of the Mactan Island and Cebu City areas can be arranged for an additional charge.

Day 1 – Embarkation Day:

Embarkation at 13:00 followed by lunch and briefings. If time allows there may be a check dive scheduled but diving on embarkation day is not guaranteed.

Day 2 – 6:

Your Cruise Director will schedule up to 4 dives per day; 3 day dives and a sunset or night dive. A typical diving day is scheduled as follows:

Light Breakfast followed by a briefing & Dive 1

Full Breakfast, relaxation followed by briefing & Dive 2

Lunch, relaxation followed by briefing & Dive 3

Snack

Briefing for Dive

Dinner

Day 7:

Usually 2 morning dives before Philippine Siren commences the cruise back to the marina.

Day 6 – Disembarkation Day:

Following breakfast on board, disembarkation is scheduled for between 09:30 am and 10:00 am.

Route Highlights:

MOALBOAL, CEBU

If tides and weather allow the Philippine Siren will cruise to the west side of Cebu. The main attraction of Moalboal is the millions of sardines hanging out in the shallow waters. Other than that the beautiful diving around Pescador Island is just 30 minutes away.

Panagsama Beach

Along with the millions of sardines, performing an underwater ballet, giant frogfish might be found together with reef-top pipefish and ringed pipefish.

Tongo Point

Schools of razorfish, crocodile needlefish, purple, and threadfin anthias are to be found while reef squids and spade fish are making their way home. Green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles are also commonly seen here.

Turtle Bay

This site is popular for night dives where we can spot sleeping turtles along with different kinds of crabs and shrimps.

Dolphin House

Crocodile needlefish, drummers, milkfish, and yellowtail barracudas are living just under the surface while zillions of damsels and anthias are darting around the coral reef top.

PESCADOR ISLAND

Just 30 minutes away from Moalboal this island is a perfect place to explore the dramatic steep walls and the colorful and lively reef-top. Zillions of damsels, anthias, and chromis are darting around while schools of fusiliers, red tooth triggerfish, surgeonfish, long-jawed mackerel, juvenile convict fish, and big-eyed trevallies are filling the blue. Pescador Island is also home to a couple of giant frogfish. The big cave on the northwest side of the island is a nice gimmick for the dives.

OSLOB

The optional whale shark encounter, where the whale sharks are hand fed, can be done by diving or snorkeling, subject to additional fees payable at the destination. Please be advised it is not allowed to use strobes and/or flashlights here.

APO ISLAND

Apo Island Marine Reserve is one of the most successful marine sanctuaries established in the Philippines. Reef hooks and gloves are not allowed and night diving is unfortunately not permitted. The order of dives will be based on the currents and conditions of the day choosing from:

Coconut Point

An often fast-paced drift brings divers over the sloping coral reef wall. Along the way giant trevally, blackfin barracuda, big school of big-eyed trevally, and plenty of sea snakes can be encountered.

Rocky Point West

Just beyond the chapel opposite the marine park warden’s office, Rocky Point West offers some of the most stunning hard corals to be found in the region with endless patches of leather corals on the top. The steep reef walls support numerous colorful reef species – pyramid butterflyfish and red-toothed triggerfish are here in their hundreds, and frogfish, cuttlefish, banded sea snakes, and hawksbill turtles are amongst the common sightings.

Cogon

The colorful bottom divided by sand channels is the place to find a big school of big-eyed trevally, huge brown marbled groupers, and sea snakes.

DAUIN, NEGROS

Dauin, with its black volcanic sand, is famous for muck diving. Depending on the season, different types and sizes of octopuses, sea horses, (baby) frogfish, and a variety of ghost pipefish, and flamboyant cuttlefish can be found.

The Cars

Between 25-30m (80-100ft), car parts forming an artificial reef attract porcelain crabs and different kinds of shrimps amongst the many weird and wonderful creatures found at this site.

Secret Corner

This sand and pebble dive site is the perfect habitat for the smallest, weird and unexpected creatures such as cockatoo waspfish, short-fin lionfish, and snake and garden eels.

Ceres

Named after the local bus company that donated its tires to create an artificial reef that attracts schools of reef fish. Different kinds of shrimps live on this reef together with a variety of juvenile reef fish.

Mainit

A mix of black volcanic sand and coral boulders with soft corals. Due to the currents, all fish are very active which makes this dive very lively and exciting ending in an area with hot sand at the bottom, hence the name Mainit meaning ‘hot’.

BALICASAG ISLAND

The small island of Balicasag, just off the tip of Panglao, is characterized by its many turtles, coral gardens, and steep walls which provide overhangs, cracks & crevices in which to search for a variety of marine species. This area has become a marine protected area since July 2017 and allows two dives per day only with valid permits.

Divers Heaven

The main attraction of this beautiful dive site is the green sea and hawksbill turtles in the shallow waters. The reef-top edge is a nice habitat for schools of colorful damsels and anthias, and when lucky also for giant frogfish.

Black Forest

Once famed for its black coral is where we encounter schools of jacks, long-jawed mackerel, red tooth triggerfish, and different kinds of fusiliers.

CABILAO ISLAND

There are several interesting wall and coral garden dives around the island of Cabilao and we choose from the following:

Gorgonian Wall

Provides a gentle drift along a fantastic coral reef with schooling fish and plenty of macro life in the shallow water, including the possibility of spotting a Denise’s pygmy seahorse.

Lighthouse

Sloping walls full of sponges and gorgonian fans. This is a great place to dive with large green turtles. Also being seen are giant frogfish which can be spotted resting on sponges and numerous cowries hiding amidst the stunning hard coral garden.

Talisay Tree

Beautiful wall with gorgonians where bubble coral shrimps and orangutan crabs can be found in the bubble corals. The shallow grassy garden with its elephant ear sponges and barrel sponges is a perfect spot for wide-angle photography.

Cambaquiz

A fantastic spot where we often make night dives. A gently sloping reef and sandy bottom to 20m – soft corals and sea pens can be found dotted over the sand; also a great site for sightings of bottom dwellers. The grassy top is a favorite crab hideout.

malapascua & visayas – 10 nights▼

Marine Park & Port Fees: 155 USD per person* (payable onboard only)

Meeting point for embarkation: Marina Seaview Restaurant, Mactan Island
Embarkation time: 13:00
Disembarkation: 10:00

Day 1 – Embarkation Day

Embarkation at 13:00 followed by lunch and briefings. If time allows there may be a check dive scheduled but diving on embarkation day is not guaranteed.

Days 2-9:

Your Cruise Director will schedule up to 4 dives per day; 3 day dives and a sunset or night dive. A typical diving day is scheduled as follows:

Light Breakfast followed by a briefing & Dive 1

Full Breakfast, relaxation followed by briefing & Dive 2

Lunch, relaxation followed by briefing & Dive 3

Snack

Briefing for Dive

Dinner

Day 10:

Usually 2 morning dives before Philippine Siren commences the cruise back to the marina.

Day 11 – Disembarkation Day:

Following breakfast on board, disembarkation is scheduled for between 09:30 and 10:00.

Route highlights:

MALAPASCUA ISLAND

Monad Shoal

One of the few dive spots in the world where the shy pelagic thresher sharks may be seen on a daily basis. Divers rest at approximately 25m (90ft) on the sandy bottom to watch the sharks approach and be cleaned. Diving with Nitrox is recommended to enjoy the extended bottom time. Please be advised it is not allowed to use strobes and/or flash lights here.

CHOCOLATE ISLAND

The topography of this little island is typical of the area around Malapascua with shallow reef tops full of soft corals and algae that are home to a variety of nudibranchs as well as eels and sea snakes. The shallow bottom of a maximum 16 m (50ft) around this island is the perfect spot for odd-shaped bottom dwellers like bearded scorpionfish, devil scorpionfish, and dwarf cuttlefish but also many different kinds of sea stars, sea urchins with their urchin clingfish inside, black velutina and ringed pipefish can also be found.

GATO ISLAND

The island of Gato, located less than 2 hours away from Malapascua, provides a diverse range of marine life; cuttlefish can be seen performing their mating rituals when it is the right season. White tip reef sharks seek shelter under bommies and a plethora of macro critters command the sea floor. There are several sites around the small island and we choose from the following:

White Tip Alley

As the name suggests provides an almost guaranteed sighting of white-tip reef sharks that enjoy their rest on the sand tucked under rocks and coral bommies. Other species found here include scorpion fish and seahorses. Whip coral shrimps that cling to the colorful whip corals adorn the overhangs of this Alley.

Nudibranch City

Rubble, rocks, sponges, and corals provide a perfect habitat and create an “Undersea City” for a wide variety of nudibranchs and flatworms. Blue dragons, chromodoris, hypselodoris, and flabellinas.

The Tunnel

Running underneath Gato Island at a depth of approximately 10 meters, the 30 meter long tunnel takes divers from one side of the island to the other. Keep a lookout for resting whitetip sharks or use your light to search for lobsters and crabs that like to dwell within the cavern.

MOALBOAL, CEBU

The main attraction of Moalboal is the millions of sardines hanging out in the shallow waters. Other than that the beautiful diving around Pescador Island is just 30 minutes away.

Panagsama Beach

Along with the millions of sardines, performing an underwater ballet, giant frogfish might be found together with reef-top pipefish and ringed pipefish.

Tongo Point

Schools of razorfish, crocodile needlefish, purple, and threadfin anthias are to be found while reef squids and spade fish are making their way home. Green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles are also commonly seen here.

Turtle Bay

This site is often scheduled for night dives where we can spot sleeping turtles along with different kinds of crabs and shrimps.

Dolphin House

Crocodile needlefish, drummers, milkfish, and yellowtail barracudas are living just under the surface while zillions of damsels and anthias are darting around the coral reef top

PESCADOR ISLAND

Just 30 minutes away from Moalboal this island is a perfect place to explore the dramatic steep walls and the colorful and lively reef-top. Zillions of damsels, anthias, and chromis are darting around while schools of fusiliers, red tooth triggerfish, surgeonfish, long-jawed mackerel, juvenile convict fish, and big-eyed trevallies are filling the blue. Pescador Island is also home to a couple of giant frogfish. The big cave on the northwest side of the island is a nice gimmick for the dives.

DAUIN, NEGROS

Dauin, with its black volcanic sand, is famous for muck diving. Depending on the season, different types and sizes of octopuses, sea horses, (baby) frogfish, and a variety of ghost pipefish and flamboyant cuttlefish can be found.

The Cars

Between 25-30m (80-100ft), car parts forming an artificial reef attract porcelain crabs and different kinds of shrimps among the many weird and wonderful creatures found at this site.

Secret Corner

This sand and pebble dive site is the perfect habitat for the smallest, weird and unexpected creatures such as cockatoo waspfish, short-fin lionfish, and snake and garden eels.

Ceres

Named after the local bus company that donated its tires to create an artificial reef that attracts schools of reef fish. Different kinds of shrimps live on this reef together with a variety of juvenile reef fish.

Mainit

A mix of black volcanic sand and coral boulders with soft corals. Due to the currents, all fish are very active which makes this dive very lively and exciting ending in an area with hot sand at the bottom, hence the name Mainit meaning ‘hot’.

San Miguel

A relatively shallow dive site with sandy slopes and seagrass beds, San Miguel is another critter wonderland! This is the place to find all your favorites including a variety of nudibranchs, ghost pipefish, tiny juvenile frogfish, and even the possibility of finding Pygmy Squid.

APO ISLAND

Apo Island Marine Reserve is one of the most successful marine sanctuaries established in the Philippines. Reef hooks and gloves are not allowed and night diving is unfortunately not permitted. The order of dives will be based on the currents and conditions of the day choosing from:

Coconut Point

An often fast-paced drift brings divers over the sloping coral reef wall. Along the way, giant trevally, blackfin barracuda, big school of big-eyed trevally, and plenty of sea snakes can be encountered.

Rocky Point West

Just beyond the chapel opposite the marine park warden’s office, Rocky Point West offers some of the most stunning hard corals to be found in the region with endless patches of leather corals on the top. The steep reef walls support numerous colorful reef species – pyramid butterflyfish and red-toothed triggerfish are here in their hundreds, and frogfish, cuttlefish, banded sea snakes, and hawksbill turtles are among the common sightings.

Cogon

The colorful bottom divided by sand channels is the place to find a big school of big-eyed trevally, huge brown marbled groupers, and sea snakes.

OSLOB

The optional whale shark encounter, where the whale sharks are hand fed, can be done by diving or snorkeling, subject to additional fees payable at the destination. Please be advised it is not allowed to use strobes and/or flash lights here.

BALICASAG ISLAND

The small island of Balicasag, just off the tip of Panglao, is characterized by its many turtles, coral gardens, and steep walls which provide overhangs, cracks & crevices in which to search for a variety of marine species. This area has become a marine protected area since July 2017 and allows two dives per day only with valid permits.

Divers Heaven

The main attraction of this beautiful dive site is the green sea and hawksbill turtles in the shallow waters. The reef-top edge is a nice habitat for schools of colorful damsels and anthias and when lucky also for giant frogfish.

Black Forest

Once famed for its black coral is where we encounter schools of jacks, long-jawed mackerel, red tooth triggerfish, and different kinds of fusiliers.

CABILAO ISLAND

There are several interesting wall and coral garden dives around the island of Cabilao and we choose from the following:

Gorgonian Wall

Provides a gentle drift along a fantastic coral reef with schooling fish and plenty of macro life in the shallow water, including the possibility of spotting a Denise’s pygmy seahorse.

Lighthouse

Sloping walls full of sponges and gorgonian fans. This is a great place to dive with large green turtles. Also being seen are giant frogfish which can be spotted resting on sponges and numerous cowries hiding amidst the stunning hard coral garden.

Talisay Tree

Beautiful wall with gorgonians where bubble coral shrimps and orangutan crabs can be found in the bubble corals. The shallow grassy garden with its elephant ear sponges and barrel sponges is a perfect spot for wide-angle photography.

Cambaquiz

A fantastic spot where we often make night dives. A gently sloping reef and sandy bottom to 20m – soft corals and sea pens can be found dotted over the sand; also a great site for sightings of bottom dwellers. The grassy top is a favorite crab hideout.

southern leyte & visayas – 7 nights▼

Marine Park & Port Fees: 100 USD per person (payable onboard only)

Meeting point for embarkation: Marina Seaview Restaurant, Mactan Island
Embarkation time: 13:00
Disembarkation: 10:00

Day 1 – Embarkation Day:

Embarkation at 13:00 followed by lunch and briefings. If time allows there may be a check dive scheduled but diving on embarkation day is not guaranteed.

Day 2-6:

Your Cruise Director will schedule up to 4 dives per day; 3 day dives and a sunset or night dive. A typical diving day is scheduled as follows:

Light Breakfast followed by a briefing & Dive 1

Full Breakfast, relaxation followed by briefing & Dive 2

Lunch, relaxation followed by briefing & Dive 3

Snack

Briefing for Dive

Dinner

Day 7:

Usually 2 morning* dives before Philippine Siren commences the cruise back to the marina.

Day 8 – Disembarkation Day:

Following breakfast on board, disembarkation is scheduled for between 09:30 and 10:00.

Route highlights:

Whale Sharks in Southern Leyte

Whale sharks have been visiting the coast of Pintuyan for decades. In 2007, small-scale community-run ecotourism started out of the village of Son-ok through a People’s Organisation called KASAKA. In 2009, the municipality passed an ordinance to regulate ecotourism activities and minimize any potential disturbance to the whale sharks, trying to ensure a long-term sustainable livelihood for the community of Son-ok.

The whale sharks come to Pintuyan and Liloan to forage on zooplankton blooms that happen close to shore, normally copepods or sergestid shrimps (krill-like shrimps). If there is enough food for them, the whale sharks tend to stick around for a while. Some of them even stay for the entire season (that can last for 1 to 6 months). Other whale sharks might migrate in and out during the season.

SOGOD BAY

Napantao Fish Sanctuary, San Francisco

Arguably, this is one of the best dive sites in the Philippines. This long-established (since 1996), community-enforced marine protected area hosts a rich selection of marine life. Hard and soft corals make up the slope to the reef wall. The wall drops down to about 50 meters. Large quantities of fish of all colors can be seen here; anthias, damsel fish, and various kinds of wrasse.

Moreover, there are hunting trevallies, some resident hawksbill turtles, giant frogfish, some white-tip reef sharks under big coral structures, and occasionally, whale sharks swim by the wall during their season in the area.

Santa Paz Sanctuary

This rocky and dark sand muck dive is full of critters. Robust pipefishes, ornate ghost pipefish, and hairy frog fishes are found here on the dark sandy substrate. Although cephalopods can be seasonal, coconut, mimic and wonderpus octopuses can be found here. The last one is a night predator so keep an eye out for them on a sunset or night dive.

Son-ok Point, Pintuyan

Son-ok is 15 km south of Napantao. This point is rich in soft corals and some hard coral cover can still be found. The currents can be strong during tidal changes, but when there is current, fish are swarming everywhere. Frogfish and hawksbill turtles are found here along the reef’s edge at 12 – 15 m. Like in Napantao, when it is the season, you may be lucky enough to snorkel or dive with whale sharks in their natural habitat.

PADRE BURGOS

Maureen’s Place

A small banca wreckage (i.e. a traditional Filipino boat) can be found in the shallow waters whilst the reef slopes down to a whip coral-covered wall where schools of snappers and banner fish hang out in the gentle currents. Different colored pygmy seahorses can be found in the gorgonian fans and stingrays can be seen hiding beneath the table corals.

Padre Burgos Pier

At just 6m divers could spend hours at this wondrous site and still not find all of its hidden gems. Freckled frogfish, stargazers, seahorses, ghost pipefish, blue ring octopus, pleurobranchus, nudibranchs all muddle together on the soft coral and sponge laden pier supports. Juvenile batfish can also be seen mimicking leaves in the shallow water, meanwhile at sunset the mandarin fish come out to play; definitely a spot for the weird and wonderful.

LIMASAWA ISLAND

History was made on this island. In 1521, it was here that the conqueror of the Philippines first made contact with Filipinos. We can organize a visit to the island.

Gunter’s Wall

Covered with green tree corals and barrel sponges, the wall here is a great place to spot nudibranchs and crustaceans such as pink squat lobsters. Turtles and sea snakes are also common and the shallow coral gardens are a superb place to hunt for leaf fish, robust ghost pipefish and seahorses.

Limasawa Pier

A superb place to find the small macro species – finds include frogfish and cowries. Whale sharks do come into this area at night to feed on plankton.

Adrian’s Cove

Divers will often find xeno-crabs clinging to sea whips at this dive site, as well as many sand dwelling fish such as gobies, jawfish and moray eels.

Lighthouse

A little wall that ends into a shallow bottom, where hundreds of fire urchins provide housing to Coleman shrimps and zebra crabs. The top of the reef is adorned with gorgeous hard and soft corals; an easy and nice drift dive along the margin.

BALICASAG ISLAND

The small island of Balicasag, just off the tip of Panglao, is characterized by its many turtles, coral gardens, and steep walls which provide overhangs, cracks & crevices in which to search for a variety of marine species. This area has become a marine protected area since July 2017 and allows two dives per day only with valid permits.

Divers Heaven

The main attraction of this beautiful dive site is the green sea and hawksbill turtles in the shallow waters. The reef-top edge is a nice habitat for schools of colorful damsels and anthias and, when lucky, also for giant frogfish.

Black Forest

Once famed for its black coral is where we encounter schools of jacks, long-jawed mackerel, red-tooth triggerfish, and different kinds of fusiliers.

BOHOL ISLAND

Offering mostly diving along gorgeous walls, Bohol features some amazing dive sites.

Coco White

A nicely populated wall where you may find giant shells, lots of sergeant majors, nudibranchs, Spanish dancers, and barracudas.

Snappers Cave

An attractive steep wall from 4 down to 30 meters and a wide cave at 27 meters. Bringing your torch is recommended.

Paradise Gardens

Another beautiful wall dive with gorgeous corals, a resident turtle, and loads of other marine life. Search for seahorses at around 20-30 depth.

CABILAO ISLAND

There are several interesting wall and coral garden dives around the island of Cabilao and we choose from the following:

Gorgonian Wall

Provides a gentle drift along a fantastic coral reef with schooling fish and plenty of macro life in the shallow water, including the possibility of spotting a Denise’s pygmy seahorse.

Lighthouse

Sloping walls full of sponges and gorgonian fans. This is a great place to dive with large green turtles. Also being seen are giant frogfish which can be spotted resting on sponges and numerous cowries hiding amidst the stunning hard coral garden.

Cambaquiz

A fantastic spot where we often make night dives. A gently sloping reef and sandy bottom to 20m – soft corals and sea pens can be found dotted over the sand; also a great site for sightings of bottom dwellers. The grassy top is a favorite crab hideout.

visayas, southern leyte, & malapascua – 10 nights▼

Marine Park & Port Fees: 155 USD per person* (payable onboard only)

Meeting point for embarkation: Marina Seaview Restaurant, Mactan Island
Embarkation time: 13:00
Disembarkation: 10:00

Transfers between Cebu Airport or local hotels and Marina Seaview Restaurant are provided free of charge on embarkation and disembarkation day.

Transfers to hotels and resorts outside of the Cebu City area can be arranged for an additional charge

Day 1 – Embarkation Day:

Embarkation at 13:00 followed by lunch and briefings. If time allows there may be a check dive scheduled but diving on embarkation day is not guaranteed.

Day 2-9:

Your Cruise Director will schedule up to 4 dives per day; 3 day dives and a sunset or night dive. A typical diving day is scheduled as follows:

Light Breakfast followed by a briefing & Dive 1

Full Breakfast, relaxation followed by briefing & Dive 2

Lunch, relaxation followed by briefing & Dive 3

Snack

Briefing for Dive

Dinner

Day 10:

Usually 2 morning* dives before Philippine Siren commences the cruise back to the marina.

Day 11 – Disembarkation Day:

Following breakfast on board, disembarkation is scheduled for between 09:30 and 10:00.

Route highlights:

MALAPASCUA ISLAND

Monad Shoal

One of the few dive spots in the world where the shy pelagic thresher sharks may be seen on a daily basis. Divers rest at approximately 25m (90ft) on the sandy bottom to watch the sharks approach and be cleaned. Diving with Nitrox is recommended to enjoy the extended bottom time. Please be advised it is not allowed to use strobes and/or flashlights here.

CHOCOLATE ISLAND

The topography of this little island is typical of the area around Malapascua with shallow reef tops full of soft corals and algae that are home to a variety of nudibranchs as well as eels and sea snakes. The shallow bottom of a maximum of 16 m (50ft) around this island is the perfect spot for odd-shaped bottom dwellers like bearded scorpionfish, devil scorpionfish, and dwarf cuttlefish but also many different kinds of sea stars, sea urchins with their urchin clingfish inside, black velutina and ringed pipefish can also be found.

Whale Sharks in Southern Leyte

Whale sharks have been visiting the coast of Pintuyan for decades. In 2007, small-scale community-run ecotourism started out of the village of Son-ok through a People’s Organisation called KASAKA. In 2009, the municipality passed an ordinance to regulate ecotourism activities and minimize any potential disturbance to the whale sharks, trying to ensure a long-term sustainable livelihood for the community of Son-ok.

The whale sharks come to Pintuyan and Liloan to forage on zooplankton blooms that happen close to shore, normally copepods or sergestid shrimps (krill-like shrimps). If there is enough food for them, the whale sharks tend to stick around for a while. Some of them even stay for the entire season (that can last for 1 to 6 months). Other whale sharks might migrate in and out during the season.

SOGOD BAY

Napantao Fish Sanctuary, San Francisco

Arguably, this is one of the best dive sites in the Philippines. This long-established (since 1996), community-enforced marine protected area hosts a rich selection of marine life. Hard and soft corals make up the slope to the reef wall. The wall drops down to about 50 meters. Large quantities of fish of all colors can be seen here; anthias, damsel fish, and various kinds of wrasse.

Moreover, there are hunting trevallies, some resident hawksbill turtles, giant frogfish, some white-tip reef sharks under big coral structures, and occasionally, whale sharks swim by the wall during their season in the area.

Santa Paz Sanctuary

This rocky and dark sand muck dive is full of critters. Robust pipefishes, ornate ghost pipefish, and hairy frog fishes are found here on the dark sandy substrate. Although cephalopods can be seasonal, coconut, mimic and wonderpus octopuses can be found here. The last one is a night predator so keep an eye out for them on a sunset or night dive.

Son-ok Point, Pintuyan

Son-ok is 15 km south of Napantao. This point is rich in soft corals and some hard coral cover can still be found. The currents can be strong during tidal changes, but when there is current, fish are swarming everywhere. Frogfish and hawksbill turtles are found here along the reef’s edge at 12 – 15 m. Like in Napantao, when it is the season, you may be lucky enough to snorkel or dive with whale sharks in their natural habitat.

PADRE BURGOS

Maureen’s Place

A small banca wreckage (i.e. a traditional Filipino boat) can be found in the shallow waters whilst the reef slopes down to a whip coral-covered wall where schools of snappers and bannerfish hang out in the gentle currents. Different colored pygmy seahorses can be found in the gorgonian fans and stingrays can be seen hiding beneath the table corals.

Padre Burgos Pier

At just 6m divers could spend hours at this wondrous site and still not find all of its hidden gems. Freckled frogfish, stargazers, seahorses, ghost pipefish, blue ring octopus, pleurobranchus, nudibranchs all muddle together on the soft coral and sponge laden pier supports. Juvenile batfish can also be seen mimicking leaves in the shallow water, meanwhile at sunset the mandarin fish come out to play; definitely a spot for the weird and wonderful.

LIMASAWA ISLAND

History was made on this island. In 1521, it was here that the conqueror of the Philippines first made contact with Filipinos. We can organize a visit to the island.

Gunter’s Wall

Covered with green tree corals and barrel sponges, the wall here is a great place to spot nudibranchs and crustaceans such as pink squat lobsters. Turtles and sea snakes are also common and the shallow coral gardens are a superb place to hunt for leaf fish, robust ghost pipefish and seahorses.

Limasawa Pier

A superb place to find the small macro species – finds include frogfish and cowries. Whale sharks do come into this area at night to feed on plankton.

Adrian’s Cove

Divers will often find xeno-crabs clinging to sea whips at this dive site, as well as many sand dwelling fish such as gobies, jawfish and moray eels.

Lighthouse

A little wall that ends into a shallow bottom, where hundreds of fire urchins provide housing to Coleman shrimps and zebra crabs. The top of the reef is adorned with gorgeous hard and soft corals; an easy and nice drift dive along the margin.

BALICASAG ISLAND

The small island of Balicasag, just off the tip of Panglao, is characterized by its many turtles, coral gardens, and steep walls which provide overhangs, cracks & crevices in which to search for a variety of marine species. This area has become a marine protected area since July 2017 and allows two dives per day only with valid permits.

Divers Heaven

The main attraction of this beautiful dive site is the green sea and hawksbill turtles in the shallow waters. The reef-top edge is a nice habitat for schools of colorful damsels and anthias and, when lucky, also for giant frogfish.

Black Forest

Once famed for its black coral is where we encounter schools of jacks, long-jawed mackerel, red-tooth triggerfish, and different kinds of fusiliers.

BOHOL ISLAND

Offering mostly diving along gorgeous walls, Bohol features some amazing dive sites.

Coco White

A nicely populated wall where you may find giant shells, lots of sergeant majors, nudibranchs, Spanish dancers, and barracudas.

Snappers Cave

An attractive steep wall from 4 down to 30 meters and a wide cave at 27 meters. Bringing your torch is recommended.

Paradise Gardens

Another beautiful wall dive with gorgeous corals, a resident turtle, and loads of other marine life. Search for seahorses at around 20-30 depth.

CABILAO ISLAND

There are several interesting wall and coral garden dives around the island of Cabilao and we choose from the following:

Gorgonian Wall

Provides a gentle drift along a fantastic coral reef with schooling fish and plenty of macro life in the shallow water, including the possibility of spotting a Denise’s pygmy seahorse.

Lighthouse

Sloping walls full of sponges and gorgonian fans. This is a great place to dive with large green turtles. Also being seen are giant frogfish which can be spotted resting on sponges and numerous cowries hiding amidst the stunning hard coral garden.

Cambaquiz

A fantastic spot where we often make night dives. A gently sloping reef and sandy bottom to 20m – soft corals and sea pens can be found dotted over the sand; also a great site for sightings of bottom dwellers. The grassy top is a favorite crab hideout.

tubbataha & more – 13 nights▼

Marine Park & Port Fees: 160 USD per person* (payable on board only)

Puerto Princesa – Cebu

Meeting point for Puerto Princesa embarkation: Hotel Centro at 12:30
Puerto Princesa embarkation: Baywalk Pier, Puerto Princesa at 13:00*
Cebu Disembarkation: Marina Seaview Restaurant, Mactan Island at 10:00

*Transfer from Puerto Princesa Airport and local hotels to Hotel Centro, and from Hotel Centro to Baywalk Pier are provided free of charge on embarkation day. Transfers from hotels and resorts outside of the Puerto Princesa city area can be arranged for an additional charge. Transfer from Marina Seaview Restaurant to Mactan-Cebu International Airport or hotels within the Mactan Island / Cebu City area is provided free of charge upon disembarkation at 10:00.

Cebu – Puerto Princesa

Meeting point for Cebu embarkation: Marina Seaview Restaurant, Mactan Island
Embarkation: 13:00
Disembarkation: Baywalk Pier, Puerto Princesa at 10:00

*Transfer from Mactan-Cebu Airport and local hotels to Marina Seaview Restaurant is provided free of charge on embarkation day. Transfer from Baywalk Pier to Puerto Princesa Airport or hotels within the Puerto Princesa city boundaries is provided free of charge upon disembarkation at 10:00. Transfers to hotels and resorts outside of the Puerto Princesa area can be arranged for an additional charge.

Day 1 – Embarkation Day:

Embarkation at 13:00 followed by lunch and briefings. There is no diving on embarkation day.

Day 2-12:

Your Cruise Director will schedule up to 4 dives per day; 3 day dives, and sunset or night dive. A typical diving day is scheduled as follows:

Light Breakfast followed by a briefing & Dive 1

Full Breakfast, relaxation followed by briefing & Dive 2

Lunch, relaxation followed by briefing & Dive 3

Snack

Briefing for Dive 4 (sunset dives only in Tubbataha)

Dinner

In accordance with Tubbataha Marine Park regulations, dive times are limited to a maximum of 60 minutes.

Day 13:

Usually 2 morning* dives before Philippine Siren commences the cruise to port.

Day 14 – Disembarkation Day:

Following breakfast on board, disembarkation is scheduled for between 09:30 and 10:00.

Route Highlights:

TUBBATAHA

Delsan Wreck

One of the best dive sites in Tubbataha with big schools of big-eyed trevally, yellowtail barracuda, great barracuda, dogtooth tuna, and giant trevally together with grey reef sharks and white tip reef sharks.

Black Rock

There is so much to explore at this dive site that we will often spend the whole day diving here. Schools of surgeonfish, rainbow runners, and sweetlips are a common sight. White tip and nurse sharks are found resting under huge table corals and scribbled filefish, box fish and leaf fish add to the color and spectacle of the stunning reefs; a great site for spotting spiny lobster too!

Washing Machine

A wide variety of colorful reef fish form schools here; from big-eye jacks to tiny orange & purple anthias, all creating a welcoming atmosphere. Spot the tiny creatures including cowries wedge themselves amidst the leather and whip corals. It is a great site for turtles, and whale sharks have also been spotted here.

North East Wall

Adorned with stunning sea fans and colorful soft corals. This wall is super for wide-angle photography. Schools of bannerfish hover in the blue, turtles bumble along the wall, and from the sandy bed garden eels and gobies emerge.

Shark Airport

Many white-tip reef sharks resting at the shallow plateau are typically seen here; hence the name Shark Airport. Dog tooth tuna, schools of trevally, marble rays, eagle rays, nurse sharks, and batfish all add drama to the stunning reef. Turtles and moray eels are a common sight but divers should watch out for the triggerfish.

Amos Rock

Moorish idols, sweetlips, and snappers all form large schools here, also commonly seen are white-tip reef sharks, great barracuda, and giant trevally. When lucky, pygmy seahorses can be found in the gorgonians.

Staghorn Point

Golden, pinnate, and longfin spadefish all form schools along this fan-encrusted wall, meanwhile clouds of purple anthias hover over the fields of staghorn corals in the shallow reef top. Also, this is a good site to spy on turtles, snowflake morays, and spiny lobsters.

Jessie Beazley Reef

Huge schools of surgeon fish and unicorn fish hover over the reefs, where we commonly see numerous grey reef sharks and huge Napoleon wrasses.

Malayan Wreck

This reef is the habitat for different trevallies, barracudas, bump-head parrotfish, and juvenile grey reef sharks with the usual suspects darting around. Marbled stingrays can sometimes hang out here.

APO ISLAND

Apo Island Marine Reserve is one of the most successful marine sanctuaries established in the Philippines. Reef hooks and gloves are not allowed and night diving is unfortunately not permitted. The order of dives will be based on the currents and conditions of the day choosing from:

Coconut Point

An often fast-paced drift brings divers over the sloping coral reef wall. Along the way giant trevally, blackfin barracuda, big school of big-eyed trevally, and plenty of sea snakes can be encountered.

Rocky Point West

Just beyond the chapel opposite the marine park warden’s office, Rocky Point West offers some of the most stunning hard corals to be found in the region with endless patches of leather corals on the top. The steep reef walls support numerous colorful reef species – pyramid butterflyfish and red-toothed triggerfish are here in their hundreds, and frogfish, cuttlefish, banded sea snakes, and hawksbill turtles are amongst the common sightings.

Cogon

The colorful bottom divided by sand channels is the place to find a big school of big-eyed trevally, huge brown marbled groupers, and sea snakes.

DAUIN, NEGROS

Dauin, with its black volcanic sand, is famous for muck diving. Depending on the season, different types and sizes of octopuses, sea horses, (baby) frogfish, and a variety of ghost pipefish, and flamboyant cuttlefish can be found.

The Cars

Between 25-30m (80-100ft), car parts forming an artificial reef attract porcelain crabs and different kinds of shrimps amongst the many weird and wonderful creatures found at this site.

Secret Corner

This sand and pebble dive site is the perfect habitat for the smallest, weird and unexpected creatures such as cockatoo waspfish, short-fin lionfish, and snake and garden eels.

Ceres

Named after the local bus company that donated its tires to create an artificial reef that attracts schools of reef fish. Different kinds of shrimps live on this reef together with a variety of juvenile reef fish.

Mainit

A mix of black volcanic sand and coral boulders with soft corals. Due to the currents, all fish are very active which makes this dive very lively and exciting ending in an area with hot sand at the bottom, hence the name Mainit meaning ‘hot’.

BALICASAG ISLAND

The small island of Balicasag, just off the tip of Panglao, is characterized by its many turtles, coral gardens, and steep walls which provide overhangs, cracks & crevices in which to search for a variety of marine species. This area has become a marine protected area since July 2017 and allows two dives per day only with valid permits.

Divers Heaven

The main attraction of this beautiful dive site is the green sea and hawksbill turtles in the shallow waters. The reef-top edge is a nice habitat for schools of colorful damsels and anthias, and when lucky also for giant frogfish.

Black Forest

Once famed for its black coral is where we encounter schools of jacks, long-jawed mackerel, red tooth triggerfish, and different kinds of fusiliers.

CABILAO ISLAND

There are several interesting wall and coral garden dives around the island of Cabilao and we choose from the following:

Gorgonian Wall

Provides a gentle drift along a fantastic coral reef with schooling fish and plenty of macro life in the shallow water, including the possibility of spotting a Denise’s pygmy seahorse.

Lighthouse

Sloping walls full of sponges and gorgonian fans. This is a great place to dive with large green turtles. Also being seen are giant frogfish which can be spotted resting on sponges and numerous cowries hiding amidst the stunning hard coral garden.

Talisay Tree

Beautiful wall with gorgonians where bubble coral shrimps and orangutan crabs can be found in the bubble corals. The shallow grassy garden with its elephant ear sponges and barrel sponges is a perfect spot for wide-angle photography.

Cambaquiz

A fantastic spot where we often make night dives. A gently sloping reef and sandy bottom to 20m – soft corals and sea pens can be found dotted over the sand; also a great site for sightings of bottom dwellers. The grassy top is a favorite crab hideout.

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