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Exploring Philippines

Diving the Coral Triangle

Experience the thrill of drift diving at Isla Verde near Puerto Galera and the eery WWII shipwrecks of Coron. This itinerary will take you south of Manila for a chance to see the Taal volcano before you spend your holiday diving. Puerto Galera is home to some shallow dives great for novices and those who love looking for macro life. Experienced divers can cross the channel toward Isla Verde for some roaring drift dives along a colourful coral wall to spot big schools of fish. In Coron, penetrate a number of Japanese ships sunk during WWII or try a peculiar dive in Barracuda Lake where fresh and salt water in one very warm lake may play tricks on your eyes.

Please remember this is a sample itinerary and we are happy to modify it to suit your plans. We can add or remove days and look at different places to stay.

Your Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to the Philippines

This afternoon your overnight flight arrives in Manila, an energetic city with a historic heart. Your private driver will greet you at Nino Aquino Manila International Airport and transport you to your comfortable accommodation. We’ve not planned anything for this afternoon to allow you to recover from your flight, so relax or head out for a wander.

Day 2 - Taal Volcano

Your driver and guide will collect you early this morning for the two-hour drive south to Talisay Lake. Board an outrigger boat to cross the lake to Taal Volcano and walk or ride a horse up the soft black sand to the rim of the crater. This active volcano is one of the smallest in the world and unique for being located on an island within a lake within an island. The afternoon will be yours at leisure.

Day 3 - Cross to Puerto Galera

Your private driver will deliver you to the Batangas port this morning where you’ll get a private transfer by boat to Puerto Galera. Check out the beach, walk into town, and talk to the dive team about where you’ll be blowing bubbles over the coming days.

Days 4-5 - Dive Puerto Galera

Enjoy four dives over these two days taking in the incredible diversity of marine life. For advanced divers, enquire about supplementing your itinerary to include drift dives at Isla Verde.

Days 6-7 - Day at the beach before flying to Coron

Have a “dry day” in Puerto Galera at your leisure before flying to Coron via Manila. In Coron, you’ll be collected at Francisco B. Reyes Busuanga Airport and driven about 45 minutes to d’Pearl Bay where you’ll take a 5-minute boat ride to your hilltop accommodation for the remainder of your trip. Talk to the dive team about your upcoming dives and other options for your stay.

diver-coron

Days 8-11 - Dive and explore Coron

With 12 Japanese ships sunk during WWII, the unusual Barracuda Lake, and a few relaxing reef dives, there’s more than enough to keep divers happy for days. Your location puts you as close to the wrecks as possible meaning you can be amongst the first each morning to these beautiful sites. We haven’t included the cost of dives here giving you the flexibility to add in only as many as you wish. Use your final day before flying to paddle-board, visit the beach, or simply take it easy and begin plotting your return!

Day 12 - Bid farewell to the Philippines

You’ll head back across the water and to the airport in Busuanga this morning to catch a flight to Manila and connect to your international flight home. Safe travels!

DETAILS: -

This itinerary costs from £1730 per person B&B and is based on two people sharing during the high season (Nov-May) excluding the Christmas and New Year, Chinese New Year, Easter, and other holiday periods. The price includes all private transfers and domestic travel but not international flights.

International flights can be found from £600 per person return – do ask us for advice. Alternatively we can book the flights for you but a booking fee may apply.

What's included?

INCLUDES:
  • Prices start from £1730 per person
  • Accommodation on B&B basis
  • Private transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle or by boat as indicated
  • Local taxes
  • Entrance fees
  • All excursions and activities mentioned in the itinerary
  • Internal flights
  • All trips are ATOL protected or ABTA bonded to ensure you are fully covered
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Manila
The bustling capital city is home to historic Intramuros and Rizal Park. Let us arrange a bicycle tour of the walled city so you can explore the narrow streets and learn about the nation's colonial past. More
Banaue
Ancient rice terraces in Batad, coffins mounted on a cliff in Sagada, the Cordillera is home to some of the most unique and fascinating bits of the Philippines. More
Vigan
Some of the best preserved Spanish colonial architecture in the world can be found in Vigan. Wander the cobbled streets, sample the Spanish-influenced cuisine, and relax in one of the city's historic boutique hotels. More
Boracay
Sink your toes into the white sands of Boracay. Grab a cocktail, take it easy, and watch the clear blue water lap against the shore. When night falls, join the parties of District Two or slip away to romantic Diniwid beach. More
Bohol
Chocolate hills, tiny tarsiers, Boholano art, beautiful beaches, and some lovely snorkeling and diving make Bohol one of our favorite parts of the Philippines. The gorgeous boutique resorts don't hurt, either! More
Negros Oriental
The island of Negros is home to world-class diving off the coast of Dauin and on neighboring Apo Island. Waterfalls and adventure are just a day trip away from the university town of Dumaguete. On neighboring Siquijor settle in to the tranquility of an island known for sorcery and healing powers. More
Negros Occidental
On the west coast of Negros you'll find Bacolod, the city of smiles. Sugar plantations in the area host historic mansions and in October, the streets come alive with the annual MassKara festival. More
Puerto Princesa
The gateway to Palawan, Puerto Princesa sits near one of the longest subterranean rivers in the world. Let us arrange a stay for you at a beachside hotel with mountain views just a short boat ride away. More
El Nido
When people refer to Palawan as the most beautiful island in the world, images of El Nido come to mind. Limestone cliffs jut from aquamarine water, lush jungle fills the interior, and the coasts are lined with dazzling beaches. Some of the finest resorts in the country dot the islands around this northern bit of Palawan. More
Coron
For divers, the WWII shipwrecks of Coron are one of the highlights of the Philippines. Natural hot springs, clear blue lakes, isolated beaches, and a rather surprising game reserve and wildlife sanctuary make Coron a fun destination for divers and landlubbers alike. More
Puerto Galera
Fast drift dives and schools of big fish await experienced divers in Puerto Galera while shallow macro dives make for excellent underwater photography, relaxing night dives, and the perfect place to learn or improve your dive skills. More
Tubbataha Reefs
The greatest variety of marine life in the Philippines is within Tubbataha Reefs National Marine Park; only accessible for diving mid-March to mid-June

Your adventure starts here!

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