Itinerary: Best of Visayas

Overall Conditions: 
Water temperature throughout the trip ranged from 80 to 84 Fahrenheit. A rash guard or 3 mm wetsuit was recommended for comfort.

Guests:
Alexander, Michael, Dirce, John, Sharon, Pamela, Ralph, Jennifer, Bethany, Eric, Edith, Kent, David, Donna, Denise, Eric, Stella, Alberto, Carla, Michael, Ronald, and Karyn

Staff Onboard: 
Captain: Dennid
Cruise Director: Moustafa
Chief Mate: Neil
Skiff Drivers: Jamesray and Paulo
First Engineer: Warlito
Second Engineer: Marwin
Oiler: Gervie
Electrician: Jonathan
Chefs: Ronie and Momen
Stewards: Gemma, Arnel, and Reza
Divemasters: Juff, Jay, Kennt, and Kervie

January 18, 2025
The first full dive day set the tone for an action packed adventure as guests explored the legendary waters of Malapascua.

Dive 1 – Kimud Shoal
The trip opened with an exhilarating dive at Kimud Shoal. Strong currents brought nutrient rich water sweeping across the seamount, attracting one of the ocean’s most iconic predators. Multiple thresher sharks appeared, their long tails trailing gracefully behind them as they circled in the blue. Schools of barracuda hovered nearby while surgeonfish filled the reef below. Octopus were spotted tucked into crevices, adding an exciting macro contrast to the pelagic action.

Dive 2 – Kimud Shoal
Returning to Kimud Shoal delivered even more dramatic encounters. Thresher sharks passed exceptionally close, offering incredible photo opportunities. Large barracuda cruised past in formation, while octopus emerged from the reef to hunt. The strengthening current added intensity to the dive, making every moment feel alive and dynamic.

Dive 3 – Deep Slope, Malapascua
The afternoon dive shifted focus to macro life at Deep Slope. Divers explored sloping terrain rich with critters, discovering thorny seahorses clinging to coral, zebra crabs hidden among sea stars, ornate ghost pipefish swaying with the current, and an array of colorful nudibranchs. Shrimp and crabs filled the reef, rewarding those with a keen eye for detail.

Following the final dive, the yacht began its overnight transit toward Anda, Bohol, allowing guests to relax, review photos, and share stories from an unforgettable first day.

January 19, 2025
Dive 1 – Secret Site, Anda Bohol
The morning began with a fascinating muck dive at a little known site in Anda. The sandy bottom revealed a surprising abundance of life, with photographers kept busy spotting rare and unusual creatures. The highlight of the dive was an incredible seven seahorses, each displaying unique colors and textures against the substrate.

Dive 2 – Virgen Point
This dive showcased a pristine reef system bursting with life. Healthy corals provided shelter for countless reef fish, while turtles stole the show. More than 25 turtles were observed gliding effortlessly along the reef, resting on ledges, and surfacing for air.

Dive 3 – Snapper’s Cave
A dramatic wall dive led guests to the famous Snapper’s Cave. Inside the cavern, dense schools of snappers packed together in shimmering layers, creating a breathtaking underwater spectacle. Along the wall, divers encountered turtles, nudibranchs, and vibrant reef growth.

Dive 4 – Magic Ocean House Reef (Night Dive)
Calm conditions made this the perfect setting for a night dive. As darkness fell, the reef came alive with activity. Frogfish sat patiently on the reef, octopus prowled the sand, and nudibranchs and shrimp glowed under dive lights, bringing the day to a magical close.

January 20, 2025
Dive 1 – Apo Island Rock East
The morning started with a relaxed and scenic dive at Apo Island Rock East. The reef was exceptionally healthy, with expansive hard and soft corals forming colorful underwater landscapes. Reef fish filled every level of the water column, making this a peaceful and visually stunning dive.

Dive 2 – Apo Island Chapel
Divers continued exploring Apo Island at Chapel, where the reef delivered a mix of large and small marine life. A massive stonefish blended seamlessly into the reef, while nudibranchs, flatworms, slugs, frogfish, and egg cowries rewarded careful observation.

Dive 3 – Silver Reef, Dauin
The afternoon dive brought moderate current and exciting encounters. Guests spotted seahorses holding fast to coral, colorful nudibranchs scattered across the reef, and a turtle cruising calmly through the site.

Dive 4 – Thalatta House Reef (Night Dive)
The night dive at Thalatta House Reef was rich with macro life. Divers found an impressive variety of brightly colored nudibranchs, three frogfish, razor fish gliding through the water, and numerous shrimp hiding among coral heads.

January 21, 2025
Dive 1 – Oslob
One of the most anticipated experiences of the trip took place at Oslob, where guests had the extraordinary opportunity to dive with whale sharks. At least seven whale sharks were observed during the one hour dive, each passing slowly and gracefully through the water, creating an unforgettable and humbling experience.

Dive 2 – Sumilon Island North
The second dive was a scenic drift at Sumilon Island North, part of the first marine protected area in the Philippines. Divers drifted effortlessly over coral slopes teeming with reef fish, while three blacktip sharks cruised past in the blue.

Dive 3 – Sumilon Marine Protected Area
Returning to the protected area delivered consistent shark action, with reef sharks appearing once again. Large schools of jacks moved together in tight formations, and the coral structures remained vibrant and healthy throughout the site.

Dive 4 – Sumilon South
The final dive of the day featured both blacktip and whitetip sharks, along with an impressive aggregation of jacks. The combination of sharks, schooling fish, and dramatic reef scenery made this an exciting end to another outstanding dive day.

January 22, 2025
Dive 1 – Cabilao Lighthouse
This diverse site delivered a wide range of marine life. Guests encountered yellow giant frogfish, large sea turtles, giant barracuda, cuttlefish, nudibranchs, and sweeping schools of Moorish idols moving across the reef.

Dive 2 – Cabilao Gorgonian Wall
A stunning wall dive featuring large gorgonian fans and vibrant reef life. Divers spotted sea spiders, snappers, orangutan crabs, colorful nudibranchs, and a variety of reef fish nestled among the corals.

Dive 3 – Zi’s Corner
Known for excellent muck diving, Zi’s Corner did not disappoint. The highlight of the dive was a perfectly camouflaged pygmy seahorse, a rare and exciting find for guests.

Dive 4 – Pangangan Island (Night Dive)
The final night dive of the trip offered calm conditions and a beautiful reef environment. Crabs, shrimp, nudibranchs, and octopus were all spotted, providing a fitting finale to the underwater adventure.

January 23, 2025
Dive 1 – Kontiki
The final dive took place at Kontiki, a site famous for sardine runs. Guests enjoyed excellent conditions with almost no current, allowing for a relaxed and visually stunning dive as massive schools of sardines shimmered in unison.

Due to poor visibility and strong current, the final scheduled dive of the trip was canceled to ensure guest safety.

January 24, 2025 - Disembarkation
Guests disembarked after an incredible journey through the Philippines, taking with them unforgettable memories of shark encounters, vibrant reefs, rare critters, and exceptional diving.