PHILIPPINES 2020 FAM TRIP (Puerto Galera & Dumaguete) - REPORT & PIX

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Ken Kurtis

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Location
Beverly Hills, CA
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We just (Feb. 1) got back from spending eight days exploring the reefs around Puerto Galera and Dumaguete in the Philippines as the guest of Atlantis Resorts. This was a FAM (familiarization) trip where the resort invites shops, clubs, etc., to see if they'd like to book groups in the future. Enjoy!!! And let me know if you have questions or comments.

PHILIPPINES 2020 TRIP REPORT

PHILIPPINES 2020 SMUGMUG PIX & SLIDESHOW
 
That was awesome. Thanks for posting.


View attachment 567267
We just (Feb. 1) got back from spending eight days exploring the reefs around Puerto Galera and Dumaguete in the Philippines as the guest of Atlantis Resorts. This was a FAM (familiarization) trip where the resort invites shops, clubs, etc., to see if they'd like to book groups in the future. Enjoy!!! And let me know if you have questions or comments.

PHILIPPINES 2020 TRIP REPORT

PHILIPPINES 2020 SMUGMUG PIX & SLIDESHOW
 
Appreciate you pointing out it was a familiarization trip, where the provider has more reason to insure happy customers, hoping you'll being in more business (a.k.a.: money) in the future. That said, judging from ScubaBoard, Atlantis has a good rep. (albeit at a price compared to some other options, IIRC?).

Some took a non-stop from LAX to Manilla, if I understood correctly, but you took a route with some stops. Why? Did you have a big chunk of money that way?

Thanks for the tip on the stairs and how that might impact disabled folks.

Since everyone had to come up when the 1st diver got low on air (note: was 750 PSI low?!?!?), did they by chance have any tanks larger than 80-cf (e.g.: 100-cf)? That helps us folks known to get low a little quicker to avoid becoming downright unpopular.

Backroll with a 6 to 8 foot drop? Whew!

You noted January may not be the best time of year to go; any thoughts on what months would be? I ask mindful that some people are largely restricted to travel certain times of the year, and that can rule out destinations when they're making choices.

Good report! Good info. I wouldn't expect to see on a vendor website and not that common in dive reports.
 
Some took a non-stop from LAX to Manilla, if I understood correctly, but you took a route with some stops. Why? Did you save a big chunk of money that way?
I flew United because I need to do X numbers of miles and segments to maintain my Premier status with them each year. Plus I get free upgrades (at least to Economy Plus - more legroom) and I use the various United Clubs along the way (LAX, HNL, GUM). Airfare was about the same, $700. Even with the layovers, total flight time was maybe 5 hours longer than the non-stop.
Backroll with a 6 to 8 foot drop? Whew!
It's not as bad as it sounds, but more than people are likely used to.
You noted January may not be the best time of year to go; any thoughts on what months would be? I ask mindful that some people are largely restricted to travel certain times of the year, and that can rule out destinations when they're making choices.
I've talked to people who have gone in late spring or summer and had better conditions. There was a LOT of rain our first two days there as well as a few days before we arrived. They said that was unusual and it certainly helped muck things up with runoff.
Good report! Good info. I wouldn't expect to see on a vendor website and not that common in dive reports.
Thanks!!
 
Not one pic of Les? I did the 2 week version of that trip two years ago. It's much better when taking your time. Nice write-up.
 
Since everyone had to come up when the 1st diver got low on air (note: was 750 PSI low?!?!?), did they by chance have any tanks larger than 80-cf (e.g.: 100-cf)? That helps us folks known to get low a little quicker to avoid becoming downright unpopular.

Rich, When I was there Oct 18 they had at least half a dozen AL100's available.

I agree with Ken about the different ambiance between the two resorts, Dumaguete feeling much more relaxing and quiet, PG a bit more party. The other big difference is the relative remoteness of the Dumaguete resort compared to PG. This could be a plus or minus depending on perspective, no street hawkers on the sidewalk trying to sell souveniers, but also you are more or less confined to the resort (I am sure you could get a cab to town, we didn't feel the need.) In PG, bars and alternate restaurants are a short walk away.

I liked it so much I will be back there in April.
 
Anilao + PG is far better than Dauin + PG diving to those seeking quality macro as well more diving time!
Transfer between Anilao and PG is no more than 3hrs depends on your mode of travelling. And the no flight penalty only applies at the end of the trip. Can’t say the same if you need to take an extra domestic flight to Dumaguete and then to Manila.

As for large tank, some dive operators have13L/15L to those who need it eg. La Laguna Beach Club and Dive Resort in PG.
 
Hi there,

With regards to the air hogs, why don't they insist on a private divemaster for the air hogs and let the rest of us dive our tanks?

Any info on Palawan? Puerto Princesa specifically Honda Bay and Coron/El Nido?

With gratitude,

Mike
 
I hope you tipped Ton ton!

I am back to PG in March for the 4th 2 week trip in a little over a year.
 
https://www.shearwater.com/products/swift/

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