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Philippines Diving Liveaboards

Tubbataha Reef Liveaboards and much more!

We work with the best diving liveaboard boats in the Philippines. Trips can fill up far in advance, and it can be a challenge to find something to work for your dates, so let us do the heavy lifting!

Scuba Diving Trips

We work with various liveaboard companies and will work for you to find the best for you. The most popular trip is to Tubbataha Reef, a truly spectacular destination with world-class diving. Trips fill up far in advance, though do have last-minute cancellations, so do reach out even if it is close to your dates and we will try and find you something. We book only reliable and safe boats; this is vitally important for Tubbataha as the weather can be rough and you are far from land. Some of the boats we use:

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  • The Philippine Siren

  • The Philippine Aggressors I & II

  • Solitude One

  • Discovery

  • Atlantis Azores

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The Tubabataha season is short and runs from Mid March to Early June. Boats depart from Puerto Princessa., which has an airport. The first and last trip of the season may embark/disembark from a different port as it goes on to its next destination. 

For the rest of the year, you can choose from liveaboard running to different locations, all around the Philippines. 
 

Contact us for more info. 

Exciting news from the Aggressor Fleet

Philippines Aggressor II

The new Philippines Aggressor II is an elegant 26-passenger liveaboard dive yacht offering seven, ten and 11-night all-inclusive excursions exploring the amazing reefs and atolls of the Visayan and Sulu Seas in 2024.

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On 6 April 2024, the Philippines Aggressor II begins her inaugural ‘Tubbataha Reef’ itinerary charters, which depart from Puerto Princesa, Philippines. These seven and ten-night excursions dive the Tubbataha Reefs National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, through June 2024.

 

In June, the yacht journeys to the Visayan Sea. Guests may join this unique transition charter diving both Tubbataha and the Visayas region.

 

June through February, the Philippines Aggressor II – and her sister ship, the Philippines Aggressor – dive sites near Cebu, Malapascua, Apo and Bohol Islands during ‘Best of Visayas’ and ‘Visayas South’ itineraries. Visayas charters depart from Mactan, except on special occasions, they depart from Dumaguete.

 

“With such high demand for this extraordinary destination, we are pleased to launch a second yacht in the Philippines,” says Chairman and CEO Wayne Brown. “The diversity of the marine life in the Philippines is simply unparalleled. Manta rays, thresher sharks, whalesharks and other pelagics make your adrenaline levels surge, while the profound macro creatures provide awesome photo subjects. The Visayan and Sulu Seas are home to pygmy seahorses, frogfish, ornate ghost pipefish and countless other-worldly, tiny, marine creatures.”

 

Built by Almaroon Yacht Builders, the new yacht is 43 metres long, and eight metres wide with four spacious decks. Five upper-level staterooms feature balconies, which provide panoramic views of south Pacific sunsets. Eight deluxe lower-level staterooms include twin berths and ample personal storage. All staterooms are equipped with a media player, climate control, and ensuite full bathroom.

 

Other amenities include a hot tub and wet bar on the fly bridge, indoor lounge, restaurant serving delicious, chef-prepared meals, and state-of-the-art scuba facilities, including nitrox tank fills and two dive tenders.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Malapascua Island

When is the best time to see thresher sharks in Malapascua?

Thresher sharks are present year-round at Kimud Shoal. Dawn dives (5-6am) give the highest sighting rates, typically above 90%. Visibility is best from March to June, but sharks are there every day of the year.

What certification do I need to dive with thresher sharks?

The cleaning station at Kimud Shoal is at 20-25 metres depth. PADI Advanced Open Water (or equivalent) is recommended. If you only have Open Water, we can upgrade you with an Advanced course on-site in two days.

How do I get to Malapascua Island?

Fly to Cebu, then take a 3-4 hour drive north to Maya port, followed by a 30-minute boat crossing. PDT arranges all transfers as part of your package.

What other marine life can I see at Malapascua?

Beyond thresher sharks, Malapascua offers mandarin fish at sunset, pygmy seahorses, ornate ghost pipefish, and beautiful coral gardens. The Lighthouse dive site is one of the best muck dives in the Visayas.

Frequently Asked Questions: Moalboal & Pescador

Is the sardine run in Moalboal seasonal?

No. The sardine school at Panagsama Beach is resident year-round. You can snorkel or dive with millions of sardines any day of the year, right from the shore.

Can I snorkel in Moalboal without a dive certification?

Yes. The sardine run, sea turtles, and house reef are all accessible by snorkelling. No certification needed. Pescador Island boat trips also include snorkelling options.

What is the Cathedral Cave at Pescador Island?

The Cathedral is an underwater cave formation inside Pescador Island with a chimney that lets light filter down from above. It is one of the most photographed dive sites in the Visayas and accessible to Advanced Open Water divers.

Frequently Asked Questions: Whale Sharks Oslob

Do I need to know how to dive to swim with whale sharks in Oslob?

No. The whale shark interaction in Oslob is done by snorkelling in shallow water. No diving certification is required. Non-swimmers can also watch from the boat.

How long does the whale shark encounter last?

Each session is approximately 30 minutes in the water. The whole visit including briefing and boat transfer takes about 1-2 hours. Early morning visits (6-7am) are recommended for fewer crowds.

Are whale sharks in Oslob available year-round?

Yes. Unlike Donsol where whale sharks are seasonal, the Oslob whale sharks are present every day of the year. The interaction site operates daily from around 6am to midday.

Frequently Asked Questions: Dauin & Apo Island

What makes Dauin muck diving special?

Dauin's volcanic black sand creates a unique habitat for rare critters found nowhere else in the region. Expect blue-ringed octopus, mimic octopus, flamboyant cuttlefish, painted frogfish, and dozens of nudibranch species. It is considered one of the top muck diving destinations in the world.

Can I see turtles at Apo Island?

Yes. Apo Island's marine sanctuary is home to a large population of green sea turtles. Sightings are virtually guaranteed on every dive, and snorkellers can also see them in the shallow reef areas.

Frequently Asked Questions: Donsol

What is the difference between Donsol and Oslob for whale sharks?

Donsol offers wild, free-swimming whale shark encounters with no feeding involved. Oslob whale sharks are fed to keep them in one place. Donsol is seasonal (November to June) while Oslob operates year-round. Donsol is snorkel-only with stricter environmental guidelines.

When is manta ray season at Ticao Island near Donsol?

Manta rays are typically present at Ticao Island cleaning stations from November through May, with peak sightings from January to April. Ticao is a short boat ride from Donsol and can be combined with whale shark snorkelling.

How many days should I spend in Donsol?

We recommend 3-4 days minimum. This gives you two mornings for whale shark encounters, a day trip to Ticao Island for manta rays, and an evening firefly river tour. Longer stays allow for repeat encounters and relaxation.

Frequently Asked Questions: General Packages

What is included in a Philippines dive package?

Our packages typically include airport transfers, accommodation, daily diving (boat and shore dives), equipment rental, and meals. Specific inclusions vary by package level. We offer budget, standard, and premium options for each destination.

When is the best time to dive in the Philippines?

The Philippines offers year-round diving. The dry season (November to May) generally has the best visibility and calmest seas. Whale sharks in Donsol peak from February to April. Thresher sharks at Malapascua are year-round. Each destination has its own peak season.

Do I need to be an experienced diver?

Not at all. We cater to all levels from complete beginners to technical divers. Non-divers can learn to dive with PADI courses at any of our destinations. Many of our best experiences, including whale sharks and sardine runs, are accessible by snorkelling.

Can I visit multiple dive destinations in one trip?

Yes. Our multi-destination packages are our most popular option. Common combinations include Malapascua plus Moalboal, or Malapascua plus Donsol. We handle all inter-island transfers so you just enjoy the diving.