Question Post-Liveaboard Resort?

[cetacean]

We just booked the Philippine Siren for June 2027. It's a 7 day trip, so after we get off the liveaboard, we want to stay at a dive resort to maximize our time in the Philippines. We would do 5-7 days there. What are the best places to do this to experience more of Philippines diving? Any recommendations are appreciated!

@Cisco_Pug

Lots of opinions being put forward...I'll add the following after just returning from our 4th trip to Dumaguete.

The diving available anywhere around Puerto Princesa is a (significant) step down from what you will experience in Tubbataha. Like others have said, flying elsewhere in the Philippines is the best option.

There are (at least) 4 reaasonable options - each requires a trip back to Manila or possibly to Cebu (flight times are a wash - same flight time, just over an hour to either destination, with more options to MNL), and then for two of the options an onward flight within the Philippines is required.

Anilao - all macro, but one of the best 3-4 macro destinations in the world. Added advantage of you don't need to get on another flight from Manila - it's about a 2-2.5 hour van ride from Manila (dive resort will arrange your transfers). Also offers one of the best blackwater diving experiences available anywhere in the world.

Puerto Galera - a mix of macro and reef. Personally, I prefer the other 3 destinations... Puerto Galera is very popular for those looking to get good diving for cheap. My experience: you get what you pay for here... Added avantage of not needing another flight from Manila - it's basically a 2.5 hour ride from Manila to the port, and then a speed boat to Puerto Galera. Given what you are paying for your time on the Siren, the van ride and boat is not expensive (in relation) - there are some people on this forum that still grumble that this used to be *much* cheaper.

Dumaguete - Mostly macro, but with added option of diving Apo Island (very healthy coral, lots o' turtles, etc.). This coastline is advertised as the "frogfish capital of the world" - you will see frogfish, many different sizes, kinds, etc. on the majority of dives. They are here (all the time), along with octopus (blue ring, Mototi, coconut, etc). & cuttlefish (as well as lots of other macro critters).

Malapascua - go for diving with the thresher sharks, stay for the macro. Getting up (very) early each morning to dive with the threshers is worth it for a few days, but the surrounding macro available in the region is good (not as good as either Dumaguete or Anilao, but good).

This is going to come down to what other kind of diving you want to do (and what do you want to see). Dumaguete and Anilao are macro "heaven" - the other areas are more mixed. If you are not a macro "junky" then maybe consider one of the other destinations. In Tubbataha you are going to be looking for "big stuff" everywhere... a predominiately macro destination might make for a good balance.

To your question about Atlantis (both locations...)

I've stayed at Atlantis at both Puerto Galera and Dumaguete. For Puerto Galera I would stay somewhere else - their location (along Sabang beach) is very centrally located, but at night this area is basically a cheap dump (if you are looking for a lively bar scene, then this might be a consideration). In Dumaguete their dive resort is good, location is good, diving is very good. Atmosphere Resort (in Dumaguete) is also a great option along this coast.

 

[Cisco_Pug]

@Cisco_Pug

Lots of opinions being put forward...I'll add the following after just returning from our 4th trip to Dumaguete.

The diving available anywhere around Puerto Princesa is a (significant) step down from what you will experience in Tubbataha. Like others have said, flying elsewhere in the Philippines is the best option.

There are (at least) 4 reaasonable options - each requires a trip back to Manila or possibly to Cebu (flight times are a wash - same flight time, just over an hour to either destination, with more options to MNL), and then for two of the options an onward flight within the Philippines is required.

Anilao - all macro, but one of the best 3-4 macro destinations in the world. Added advantage of you don't need to get on another flight from Manila - it's about a 2-2.5 hour van ride from Manila (dive resort will arrange your transfers). Also offers one of the best blackwater diving experiences available anywhere in the world.

Puerto Galera - a mix of macro and reef. Personally, I prefer the other 3 destinations... Puerto Galera is very popular for those looking to get good diving for cheap. My experience: you get what you pay for here... Added avantage of not needing another flight from Manila - it's basically a 2.5 hour ride from Manila to the port, and then a speed boat to Puerto Galera. Given what you are paying for your time on the Siren, the van ride and boat is not expensive (in relation) - there are some people on this forum that still grumble that this used to be *much* cheaper.

Dumaguete - Mostly macro, but with added option of diving Apo Island (very healthy coral, lots o' turtles, etc.). This coastline is advertised as the "frogfish capital of the world" - you will see frogfish, many different sizes, kinds, etc. on the majority of dives. They are here (all the time), along with octopus (blue ring, Mototi, coconut, etc). & cuttlefish (as well as lots of other macro critters).

Malapascua - go for diving with the thresher sharks, stay for the macro. Getting up (very) early each morning to dive with the threshers is worth it for a few days, but the surrounding macro available in the region is good (not as good as either Dumaguete or Anilao, but good).

This is going to come down to what other kind of diving you want to do (and what do you want to see). Dumaguete and Anilao are macro "heaven" - the other areas are more mixed. If you are not a macro "junky" then maybe consider one of the other destinations. In Tubbataha you are going to be looking for "big stuff" everywhere... a predominiately macro destination might make for a good balance.

To your question about Atlantis (both locations...)

I've stayed at Atlantis at both Puerto Galera and Dumaguete. For Puerto Galera I would stay somewhere else - their location (along Sabang beach) is very centrally located, but at night this area is basically a cheap dump (if you are looking for a lively bar scene, then this might be a consideration). In Dumaguete their dive resort is good, location is good, diving is very good. Atmosphere Resort (in Dumaguete) is also a great option along this coast.

Thank you Cetacean. I appreciate all the info. I think we are definitely looking at Anilao, as you said to balance our the trip since Tubbataha will be more "big stuff." Now we're just down to choosing between resorts. We've been considering Crystal Blue Resort, Aiyanar, and Buceo Anilao. The decisions are endless!

 

[Centrals]

Now we're just down to choosing between resorts. We've been considering Crystal Blue Resort, Aiyanar, and Buceo Anilao. The decisions are endless!

The one with least steps to negotiate is the winner!
Enjoy your trip.

 

[cetacean]

Thank you Cetacean. I appreciate all the info. I think we are definitely looking at Anilao, as you said to balance our the trip since Tubbataha will be more "big stuff." Now we're just down to choosing between resorts. We've been considering Crystal Blue Resort, Aiyanar, and Buceo Anilao. The decisions are endless!

@Cisco_Pug

So I definitely have an opinion here...

I've been to Anilao 5+ times, with the last 4 all being at Crystal Blue (and we're returning in early June specifically for the blackwater diving). The guy who runs the resort (Mike Bartick) perfected how to do these dives and gets the most out of them (and he's now a renowned speaker/presenter on both blackwater diving and the photographing these critters).

Needless to say, I'm a big Crystal Blue fan. It's a smaller resort, there are quite a few stairs, the food is good (although not gormet) and the boat crews are great (they are employed directly by the resort and they have all been there for a while whereas a number of the other resorts use contracted guides and boat crews). Best camera room in the region (because Mike is also the photo pro).

Buceo Anilao is also very good (larger resort, a little more on the outskirts which makes it closer to some dive sites, but farther away from those across the channel). Nicer rooms (slightly larger), and nicer grounds that Crystal Blue.

Aiyanar is not a dive resort. It is a resort that offers diving, but it's not geared towards divers as much. Probably the most comfortable resort in Anilao, nicest rooms, etc. but diving feels like an afterthought. The boat crew and dive guide will likely be contractors, which just means the diving isn't as integrated into the resort schedule and flow (whereas at both Buceo and Crystal Blue the diving is central to the resort, so all the schedules, etc. line up easily).

 

[cetacean]

Thank you Cetacean. I appreciate all the info. I think we are definitely looking at Anilao, as you said to balance our the trip since Tubbataha will be more "big stuff." Now we're just down to choosing between resorts. We've been considering Crystal Blue Resort, Aiyanar, and Buceo Anilao. The decisions are endless!

@Cisco_Pug

One really small correction. At Tubbataha not "more big stuff," you will likely be focused exclusively on big stuff.

There are some nudibranchs, leaf fish, frog fish, other critters, etc. there, but it's guaranteed you'll miss this as you look for the reef sharks, the schools of fish, the turtles, and potentially the occasional whale shark or guitarshark.

It takes an immense amount of discipline (and interest) to dive Tubbataha looking down into the reef vs. out into the blue. I've seen some folks do this (I wasn't able to...), and it's hard. There is a ton of life, and it pulls your attention outwards.

 

[Blackcrusader]

For relaxed diving and a place with good restaurants I like to dive in Panglao Bohol. The airport is 15 minutes from the main places to stay and dive. You can stay at places only a few minutes walk to the dive shops.

Lots of good diving there as well.

 

[Cisco_Pug]

@Cisco_Pug

So I definitely have an opinion here...

I've been to Anilao 5+ times, with the last 4 all being at Crystal Blue (and we're returning in early June specifically for the blackwater diving). The guy who runs the resort (Mike Bartick) perfected how to do these dives and gets the most out of them (and he's now a renowned speaker/presenter on both blackwater diving and the photographing these critters).

Needless to say, I'm a big Crystal Blue fan. It's a smaller resort, there are quite a few stairs, the food is good (although not gormet) and the boat crews are great (they are employed directly by the resort and they have all been there for a while whereas a number of the other resorts use contracted guides and boat crews). Best camera room in the region (because Mike is also the photo pro).

Buceo Anilao is also very good (larger resort, a little more on the outskirts which makes it closer to some dive sites, but farther away from those across the channel). Nicer rooms (slightly larger), and nicer grounds that Crystal Blue.

Aiyanar is not a dive resort. It is a resort that offers diving, but it's not geared towards divers as much. Probably the most comfortable resort in Anilao, nicest rooms, etc. but diving feels like an afterthought. The boat crew and dive guide will likely be contractors, which just means the diving isn't as integrated into the resort schedule and flow (whereas at both Buceo and Crystal Blue the diving is central to the resort, so all the schedules, etc. line up easily).

Thank you so much! That's good information. So now it's between Buceo and Crystal Blue. I'm leaning toward Crystal Blue for the photo pro. I'm interested in blackwater diving, but also a little terrified of it!

 

[Centrals]

For relaxed diving and a place with good restaurants I like to dive in Panglao Bohol. The airport is 15 minutes from the main places to stay and dive. You can stay at places only a few minutes walk to the dive shops.

Lots of good diving there as well.

Alona Beach is history for me, made that decision well over 10yrs ago.
Do you know what the place was like 28yrs ago? What you do not know you do not know.