Just are warning that Oct. - Nov is still the tail end of the typhoon season but Visayas should be more protected than other parts of the Philippines.
I've been on one of the Palau ships and thought their services were good.
Compared to the Similans, you will definitely not get a scene like at Richilieu or any other Simlian site where 10+ liveaboard boats are jostling around to dump their 20-30 divers all in at once...
I think those Visayan sites are equal if not better than some of the Similan sites. The only downside is the lack of big stuff, but then again you might get threshers and mantas on Monad Shoal. No whalesharks like the Similans unless you head over to Southern Leyte...
Just had a look at the itinerary... finally someone is listening... That is a nice selection of dive spots.
"Best of the Visayas Safari ( 8 days /7 nights/6 diving days) July-February
From Mactan, Cebu the ship sails north to Malapascua, known for the Thresher Sharks, Mantas, the Gato Island Tunnel ( spectacular night dives) and the Dona Marilyn Wreck.
The ship then sales down the western side of Cebu Island to Pescador/ Moal Boal. Beautiful overhangs, large gorgonians and sea fans decorate the walls surrounding Pescador Island.
From Pescador the ship embarks for Apo Island, one of the oldest and most successful marine sanctuaries in the country. Healthy reef formations, several large schools of jacks or big eyed trevally are common here. Night dive is done just of the beach at the Bahura resort and spa and guest will have a chance to look over the grounds, enjoy the pool if they so wish.
Final stop of the trip is Balicasag Island. Another well known sanctuary where barracudas, jacks and black coral trees hold fort.
Guests arrive back in Mactan Island on the 8th day and are disembarked after breakfast at 8 am."
