Question Help with December Phillipines Dive Trip Itinerary

[shivanit]

My partner and I are both AOW divers and are going to be flying in / out of Cebu Dec 25 - Jan 6. We are focused on great diving and appreciate the large pelagic animals (not super interested in macro or much diving). Our plan would be to stay at nice resorts and spend the days diving for the most part, but bonus if we manage to get in a few other activities.

I have read a ton of trip reports and posts on here and really don't know what the best itinerary is for our short trip (I wish work allowed me more time!!). Also, I totally get that travel is slow and it take a long time to cross Cebu, I also get that ferries could cancel.

So I'm wondering what the best itinerary would be. I am interested in Sogod Bay (South Leyte) for ethical whale shark encounters, Moalboal for the sardine run, Malapascua for the thresher sharks and Bohol (Panglao/Balicasag) for turtles, etc. I know it is not feasible to get to all of these places in our short trip (11 days / 13 if you count arrival/departure day).

Can you help me with a proposed itinerary or help me narrow this down? Welcome alternative suggestions if you think I've narrowed in on the wrong area. And bonus if you have suggestions of where to stay and dive shops.

Thanks!

 

[Centrals]

@shivanit
Dec 25 - Jan 06!!! The busiest time for travelling in the country.
You really need to book AHEAD for ACCOMMODATION.
Dec 25. Stay in Cebu City.
Dec 26. Arrange transfer all the way to Malapascua.

Evolution Diving Resort in Malapascua, Cebu, Philippines

The Evolution Diving Resort in Malapascua offers amazing recreational diving, the best tech diving facility in the region, and gorgeous beachfront rooms!

evolution.com.ph

There are other reputable operators eg. Thresher Sharks Divers.
Dec 30. Leave early afternoon for Cebu City. Still have time to dive in the morning but your gear will be wet.
Overnight in Cebu City.
Dec 31. 07:00 Ocean Jet ferry from Terminal 1(ticket booth is outside the terminal) to Maasin. Public transport to Padres Bugo or your host can arrange private pick up as the ferry is only once a day.

Welcome - Peter's Dive Resort Philippines: Scuba Diving in Sogod Bay, Southern Leyte

www.petersdiveresortph.com

There are others to choose but the selection is very very limited eg. Sogod Bay Scuba Diving Resort

Jan 03. Take the afternoon ferry back to Cebu and arrange private transfer to Moalboal.

Dolphin-House – A small piece of paradise

Jan 06. Cebu or arrive on 05th, 24hrs no fly penalty.