QUERY: Best Dive Resorts for Families?

[lmb.amdg]

Hello!

Just a quick background: I am a father of 7 and I am a relatively new diver, certified last December 2007. My wife, two elder sons (20, 15), daughter (13) and I were certified at the same time - just before Christmas last year. I have four younger kids - aged between infant to 8 years old. Yup... been busy!

We really enjoy diving as a family. Since being certified, we have been able to dive in Anilao, El Nido, Palawan and Duka Bay in Misamis Oriental.

We are looking for dive resorts in the Philippines that are "family friendly" as well as reasonably priced (considering our number!). I guess, by "family friendly" - I am referring to a resort that has facilities/ammenities that also cater to smaller children of varying ages. These resorts, typcially also have a fair number of non-diver clientele, families with small kids.

In particular, we are planning a 3 to 5 day vacation this coming December after Christmas, possibly in the Visayas area. At this point, we are looking at Bohol, Southern Cebu, Dumaguete area.

Anyone out there has some thoughts and recommendations, we will sincerely appreciate.

Salamat po.

Lenard

 

[fishybenjie]

Can't remember having been to any resort which has all of your requirements (either you have a reasonably priced dive resort with the barest of amenities or Cebu Shang where everyone has something to do but diving costs an arm and a leg).

I think the best thing you can do is to find a reasonably priced resort where the kids can have fun and then check out the nearest dive shop.

If you are thinking about Bohol, pick any resort along Alona Beach and then you can walk to the dive shop of your choice.

Last time I was there, I bunked with a bunch of non-diver friends at Alona Tropical and then did some diving with Baywatch Divers.

 

[bttmdwllr]

Lenard, please look at Bahura Resort & SPA - Dauin, Negros Oriental, Philippines rooms are very large, the ones on the top floor can fit 4 adults ( each with their own beds) comfortably so you'll need only 2 rooms.

 

[lmb.amdg]

dear bttmdwller,

thanks! really apprecate the feedback!

lenard

 

[Narcd_dvr]

You might wanna consider Mactan since there's a wide selection of resorts to choose from. There's Shangri-La, Hilton, Plantation Bay (4stars) to the roach-infested (Hadsan). Keep in mind that diving around Mactan is mediocre compared to Malapascua, Bohol or S. Leyte. Hope this helps.

 

[hanna_banana]

I recommend Amorita Resort or Alona Tropical in Alona Beach, Panglao Bohol. I like Bohol over Cebu or Boracay... Bohol is like Boracay sans crowds and very loud music. Diving is also very easy but nice. Saw 8 turtles in 2 dives last month.

Don't have their contact infos though.... Google them na lang.