JANUARY 2018 Mactan, Dauin, Coron, Bohol new diver itinerary

[diveRN22]

Group of 4, we all just got our SSI OW certification this week and brand new divers. Well be visiting family in CEBU January of this year and trying to plan an itinerary for 21 days to see all the amazing Philippine diving sites possible.

• The first 3 nights are Mactan and plan on getting Advanced Open Water cert/ Nitrox specialty.
• Then debating between Dauin/apo island or Bohol? for 3 nights. (Possibly obtaining a wreck certification for CORON) Heard both are amazing diving
• 3 Nights Coron- wrecks and whatever must do dive sites
• another dive location for a couple nights the choices being between (Malapascua, Bohol, Moalboal,?)

As beginner divers I understand we will be somewhat limited on sites that we can dive initially, but hoping we can get the certifications and see it all.

Any recommendations for these sites?
Thank you!

 

[xrcjdx]

What are your apré dive requirements?

 

[RoxxRN]

We’ve only had 4 dives total so not enough dives to have any preference yet, just trying to do all the “must see” dive spots... if that answers your question
Thanks

 

[Tippytoes12]

This is too many locations for such a short trip. Forget about Caron, and indeed the wreck qualification. Go to Dauin , Bohol and Malapascua and enjoy and get to know the dive shops and get some more experience. That way you won't loose too many days in transit and will avoid loosing two days before each flight.

 

[Damselfish]

3 weeks sounds like lots of time but I'd be careful of trying to do too much. 3 night stays means 2 dive days at most. You will get in more diving and actually see more by staying fewer places longer. Some of the locations you're talking about are so far flung that transiting by land/ferries is impractical, and flying means you'll have to take your no-fly time into account. If you're planning courses of any sort it's also good to have extra time. You may not be getting to actually see as much doing some courses, and sometimes stuff happens to interfere with planned class schedule.

Something like this came up recently on another thread you might want to look at - https://www.scubaboard.com/community/threads/first-visit-to-philippines.552901

 

[diveRN22]

Thank you so much for these responses! So I’m going to cut back on locations to take into account the 24hr no flights after diving.

• Coron or El Nido is already decided bc family & non-divers have picked this

How would you rate, bc weve all never been to these places, picking 1 to maximize time there:

Dauin, Bohol, or Malapascua for 4 days 3 nights diving experience?

Thank you

 

[xrcjdx]

I don't think you can go wrong with any of your choices, they all have advantages, but 4 new divers traveling together you might have a better all around time if you prioritize Alona/Bohol. You shouldn't run out of things to do above or below.

 

[diveRN22]

I appreciate it will look into Alona/Panglao thank you!

 

[Tippytoes12]

Agree , Panglao would be perfect and the diving is excellent.

 

[diveRN22]

Any recommendation on a good dive shop there for advanced open water?