Did you do a trip report for Solitude Acacia? We’re toying around with ideas and wonder what it’s like. Looks great in photos!
Transportation to Puerto Galera from Manila Airport
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Hi @Kimela - I didn't but I'm probably going back next year in April 2026 before our Tubbataha trip 
It's a smaller resort on the hillside and it's as nice as the pictures show. On our boat there was just my wife, our friend and I and we had two dm's (one for me as a spotter) and one for my wife and her friend, then there was the boat captain and a helper.
It's very very well organized and the food was great as well. We never left the resort for a week, macro was incredible but we did mix it up a bit with some of their reefs there (which are surprising pretty good) for our friend. We did this before we spent a week in PG (our Tubbataha trip got cancelled so PG was easy to switch to last minute).
The AC was great, ....we definitely missed the resort after we crossed over to PG to stay at El Galleon. I'm not saying anything negative about El Galleon but there is a couple levels of difference between the places. We were actually considering doing the Solitude One for Tubbataha but Infiniti had a better room configuration for us since we typically travel as three.
It's a smaller resort on the hillside and it's as nice as the pictures show. On our boat there was just my wife, our friend and I and we had two dm's (one for me as a spotter) and one for my wife and her friend, then there was the boat captain and a helper.It's very very well organized and the food was great as well. We never left the resort for a week, macro was incredible but we did mix it up a bit with some of their reefs there (which are surprising pretty good) for our friend. We did this before we spent a week in PG (our Tubbataha trip got cancelled so PG was easy to switch to last minute).
The AC was great, ....we definitely missed the resort after we crossed over to PG to stay at El Galleon. I'm not saying anything negative about El Galleon but there is a couple levels of difference between the places. We were actually considering doing the Solitude One for Tubbataha but Infiniti had a better room configuration for us since we typically travel as three.
What time of year did you go? We were in Puerto Galera in April/May this past year and the water was ccccold (at least to me - down to 76 at many times). We loved the macro and everything indicates that Anilao is even better.Hi @Kimela - I didn't but I'm probably going back next year in April 2026 before our Tubbataha trip
It's very very well organized and the food was great as well. We never left the resort for a week, macro was incredible but we did mix it up a bit with some of their reefs there (which are surprising pretty good) for our friend. We did this before we spent a week in PG (our Tubbataha trip got cancelled so PG was easy to switch to last minute).
The AC was great, ....we definitely missed the resort after we crossed over to PG to stay at El Galleon. I'm not saying anything negative about El Galleon but there is a couple levels of difference between the places. We were actually considering doing the Solitude One for Tubbataha but Infiniti had a better room configuration for us since we typically travel as three.
We stayed at Scandi (maybe similar to El Galleon?), which is a nice operation. No complaints about the staff, crew or restaurant. But we want to upgrade from the accommodations, and SA looks soooo nice. At Scandi we were close to the pool (noisy) and there was a sewage smell most days. And the toilet was INSIDE the shower (there was a curtain, but if you forgot to draw it the toilet was also showered!). So now, when I look at room pics and details I’m trying to confirm that the toilet isn’t INSIDE the shower!!
If we’re going to travel that far we’d like to be more comfortable while there, and also stay more than a week.
I assume the Tubbataha is a liveaboard?
Thanks for the info.
We went in April and left in May as well this last year I think we went for 2.5 weeks? I was in shorts and a rashguard but I have a high tolerance, my wife was in a 5mm and our friend in a 3mm. I do remember getting chilly on some dives in certain pockets of water when the tide was moving. Sounds like we could have been there at the same time!
I think the problem is, the water starts warming up in say May/June/July but a lot of the critters start going deeper and the rainy season starts (I'm not 100% sure on this but thats what our dm's said). We did get to see a tail of a thresher on one dive when we went looking, but they said it was already getting to warm for them in PG.
Yah it sounds like the accommodations between El Galleon and Scandi are similar (very good for the price, great staff etc.) but we always prefer to spend more for a bit nicer place. Neither El Galleon or SA had toilets in the shower
I do remember where Scandi was, and I thought it was in a good spot that should be quieter than El Galleon or Atlantis, but you never know who's going to be in the pool and how late they are going to be in there for. SA should be quiet, the rooms aren't sitting on top of the pool and are up some stairs to get to the rooms...so even with a loud group it would still probably be quiet. All the food was also ale 'carte off menus...and you could basically go whenever you want to eat.
SA also handled our private transfer from manila to SA and then a fast boat transfer to PG for us so that was handy.
The only other place on my radar for our 2026 return is Dumaguete as it also has really good macro but it has access to APO Island, similar to how PG has Verde island. This does require a couple extra flights - potentially Manila to Cebu, unless I find flights that go direct to Cebu (cathay pacific) but then I'll have to leave and fly to Puerto Princesa and then back out.....which I'd have to pay attention to timings with the diving etc. I think Dumaguete (Dauin area) is probably a much better area to vacation in than PG as far as the scenery.
Tubbataha is liveaboard only, and one of the top places in Philippines to dive at...if not the world. It has a smaller window from March - June yearly that the liveaboards go there, so it sells out quicker.
I think the problem is, the water starts warming up in say May/June/July but a lot of the critters start going deeper and the rainy season starts (I'm not 100% sure on this but thats what our dm's said). We did get to see a tail of a thresher on one dive when we went looking, but they said it was already getting to warm for them in PG.
Yah it sounds like the accommodations between El Galleon and Scandi are similar (very good for the price, great staff etc.) but we always prefer to spend more for a bit nicer place. Neither El Galleon or SA had toilets in the shower
I do remember where Scandi was, and I thought it was in a good spot that should be quieter than El Galleon or Atlantis, but you never know who's going to be in the pool and how late they are going to be in there for. SA should be quiet, the rooms aren't sitting on top of the pool and are up some stairs to get to the rooms...so even with a loud group it would still probably be quiet. All the food was also ale 'carte off menus...and you could basically go whenever you want to eat.SA also handled our private transfer from manila to SA and then a fast boat transfer to PG for us so that was handy.
The only other place on my radar for our 2026 return is Dumaguete as it also has really good macro but it has access to APO Island, similar to how PG has Verde island. This does require a couple extra flights - potentially Manila to Cebu, unless I find flights that go direct to Cebu (cathay pacific) but then I'll have to leave and fly to Puerto Princesa and then back out.....which I'd have to pay attention to timings with the diving etc. I think Dumaguete (Dauin area) is probably a much better area to vacation in than PG as far as the scenery.
Tubbataha is liveaboard only, and one of the top places in Philippines to dive at...if not the world. It has a smaller window from March - June yearly that the liveaboards go there, so it sells out quicker.
@staggsSevin
You should consider Southern Leyte in winter of 26 for the whaleshark(snorkelling).
You should consider Southern Leyte in winter of 26 for the whaleshark(snorkelling).
I plan on another trip (probably same time frame if not earlier in the year) that i'm not doing a liveaboard on so I can go around to more places and just spend a few days at each one. I just hope I actually get to do Tubbataha this time around.
El Nido and the Underground River in Sabang while waiting to board the boat in Puerto Princesa.
Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park
This park features a spectacular limestone karst landscape with an underground river. One of the river's distinguishing features is that it emerges directly into the sea, and its lower portion is subject to tidal ...
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