Cebu around Christmas and new year's eve

[Nut Bubblefish]

Hello everyone,

Sorry, I have been away for a while, actually busy chatting on a French (my mother tongue) dive forum. Anyway...

My wife and I had in mind to go diving in Irian Jaya in late December, but everything is booked, or unavailable. Then, looking at a map, we realized that Philippines were so close to our place!

So the new plan is to catch a Singapore - Cebu direct flight, and to find a spot or 2 around there.
But looking at the offer, we are totally lost. There is so many!!
Do you have any place to recommend?
One important think to know however: we are travelling with our 2 daughters, who despite being divers are rather comfort-oriented. So, less than a resort with a swimming pool will be considered as an agression by them....rofl3:

An alternative would be to try the island hopping in Visayas. Does any of you experienced that before?

Thanks for your help.

PS: I'll try to hang around more now, for the diversity.

 

[clgsamson]

Panglao Island in Bohol, it's just a 1 1/2 ferry ride from Cebu City.

Malapascua Island, north of Cebu is also a good destination.

You may want to post here http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/philippine-paradise-divers/

 

[Bombarie]

Hey Nutty Bubblefish! Sorry just noticed your post. Have in the past put some itenaries on the board for island hopping in the Visayas. Definitely recommended! Do a search for bombarie or manhattandiver and it should come up. If not let me know and I retype it. In short, for two weeks, I'd say fly into Cebu, take the ferry to Tagbiliran on Bohol (not too long ferry ride) and dive Alona Beach (base for Balicasag Island - some real nice dives there) and Cabilao - both close to Tagbiliran. There is the rumor there's hammerheads in Cabilao during the Xmas season....think somebody reported seeing them on the board, in fact. On the way back go through Cebu and onward to Malapascau. You'll see the tresher sharks and because of the season, I think that there's also a decent shot at seeing some manta's (and hammerheads have been reported as well). Oh well there you have it, haha. Have fun!