eugene_k
Registered
Hi fellow divers, a first timer to Philippines asking for an advice for a last minute diving trip. I seem to have done enough homework to ask for help here.
I figured that out of 12 full days Dec 24 - Jan 4 I plan to spend two days in the beginning and two days at the end for sightseeing in Manila and around and getting to and from dive destinations. This leaves me 8 days for diving which I thought I could split between two general locations and one day of travel in between them.
Location 1: either Puerto Galera or Coron.
Location 2: Some location in the Visayas. I am lost between so many options there such as Padre Burgos, Bohol island area, Damaguete area, Moalboal, Malapascua.
My constraints:
- I need to spend first 3 days at one place so my son can finish his diving certification (I myself can do most any recreational dive).
- I am after dive site quality but also appreciate beauty and some fun activities above water. I also enjoy freediving and would value a location where I can go snorkeling the arrival/departure day or even take a rest day.
- I have not booked anything besides a flight to Manila so if some location gets fully booked around New Year I might look elsewhere.
Questions:
1) Does this make sense in general or should I stick to a single area?
2) Which location to start from so my son can certify and see some nice stuff?
3) I'd like to dive Apo reef. Do I need to book a liveaboard or it is enjoyable enough as a day trip from either Puerto Galera or Coron? In general, is it better to stay in Puerto galera or Coron given my constraints.
4) Where to stay and dive in the Visayas? This seems to be particularly hard choice for a Philippines first timer.
Thanks a bunch in advance for your input,
Eugene
I figured that out of 12 full days Dec 24 - Jan 4 I plan to spend two days in the beginning and two days at the end for sightseeing in Manila and around and getting to and from dive destinations. This leaves me 8 days for diving which I thought I could split between two general locations and one day of travel in between them.
Location 1: either Puerto Galera or Coron.
Location 2: Some location in the Visayas. I am lost between so many options there such as Padre Burgos, Bohol island area, Damaguete area, Moalboal, Malapascua.
My constraints:
- I need to spend first 3 days at one place so my son can finish his diving certification (I myself can do most any recreational dive).
- I am after dive site quality but also appreciate beauty and some fun activities above water. I also enjoy freediving and would value a location where I can go snorkeling the arrival/departure day or even take a rest day.
- I have not booked anything besides a flight to Manila so if some location gets fully booked around New Year I might look elsewhere.
Questions:
1) Does this make sense in general or should I stick to a single area?
2) Which location to start from so my son can certify and see some nice stuff?
3) I'd like to dive Apo reef. Do I need to book a liveaboard or it is enjoyable enough as a day trip from either Puerto Galera or Coron? In general, is it better to stay in Puerto galera or Coron given my constraints.
4) Where to stay and dive in the Visayas? This seems to be particularly hard choice for a Philippines first timer.
Thanks a bunch in advance for your input,
Eugene