Thresher Sharks, Lush Reefs, & Unique Macro Critters
We’ll spend 5 nights and 4 dive days in Malapascua, then transfer by land to Atmosphere resort for 7 more nights and 6 dive days. Mike will be your guide every step of the way and will assist you with UW photo techniques and image reviews to help you get the perfect shots.
Malapascua
Malapascua is about the only place in the world where recreational divers can encounter thresher sharks on a near-daily basis. There are also frequent sightings of tiger sharks, white tip and gray reef sharks, manta and devil rays, all sharing the same cleaning station, a behavior almost unheard of.
There is so much more to see on the amazing local reef sites, including Bogtong Bato, Lapus Lapus, Chocolate Island, Gato Island, and many more. Friendly, eagle-eyed guides are certain to find the reef’s most wonderful inhabitants – frogfish, seahorses, nudibranchs, octopus, and much more are regularly sighted here.
The plan is to do 12 dives in 4 days: 4 thresher shark dives, 2 dives at Monad, where you could see almost anything, 2 dives at Gato Island, and hand-pick the others based on conditions and group interest.
Evolution Diving Resort
Situated right on the beach in one of the quietest areas of the island, Evolution Diving Resort is the perfect location to relax and unwind between dives. All rooms offer AC, drinking water, and personal terraces, just steps from the water.
The Craic House restaurant is considered the best on the island. Feel the sand between your toes as you enjoy a refreshing beverage in this large open-plan restaurant.
Atmosphere Resort Dumaguete
Treat yourself to a stay at the Philippines’ finest luxury boutique resort, set amid the beautiful, exotic grounds of Atmosphere Resort and Spa.
The Dauin coastline, where Atmosphere Resort is situated, is a macro photographer’s paradise. Exquisite and rare creatures will captivate the discerning photographer through muck diving that rivals the best of the best. Nearby Apo Island will offer world-class diving on its stunning reefs and walls, blanketed with healthy corals and teeming with a profusion of fish, turtles, and other marine life. You won’t want to miss out on the critters revealed during the night dives or a mandarin fish dive at dusk.
Atmosphere Resort caters to the underwater photographer with a dedicated camera room to work on your gear. You’ll be guided by one of their expert guides and enjoy small groups of no more than 4 divers per guide. There is even an in-house Marine Biologist available to dive with guests for a small fee. Marine life presentations are held several evenings per week, giving guests insight into the incredible critters of Dauin, the history of Apo Island, and topics detailing conservation issues and efforts in the area.
Itinerary
- June 8: Arrive at Cebu airport and transfer to Evolution Diving Resort, Malapascua
- June 9-12: 4 action-packed days with 3 dives a day
- June 13: Land transfer to Atmosphere Resort
- June 14-19: 15 dive package including Apo Island
- June 20: Depart via DGT airport
Let us know if you would like to extend the trip by arriving early or staying longer.
We can assist in booking all flights, tours, transfers, and accommodations before and after the trip.
Pricing:
- $4,499 per person, double occupancy
- $5,499 per person, single occupancy
Total Package Includes:
- 12 nights accommodations
- 10 dive days, 27 planned dives
- Airport and resort transfers
Evolution:
- 5 nights in a deluxe room with breakfast
- 4 dive days, 12 dives total
Does not include:
- Lunch, dinner, drinks
- Nitrox
- Rental gear
- Additional diving
- Crew tip
Atmosphere:
- 7 nights in a deluxe suite
- 6 dive days, 15 total guided dives, including Apo Island trips
- Diver’s full board meals (breakfast, 1-course lunch, 3-course dinner)
- Coffee, tea, and water
- Nitrox
- Complimentary guided check out dive
- Complimentary 30-minute Executive back massage
- Wi-Fi
Does not include:
- Rental gear
- Additional diving
- Additional spa visits
- Crew tip
Additional costs:
- International airfare to Cebu (CEB) and from Dumaguete (DGT)
- Trip Insurance
Please note that medical evacuation insurances such as Dive Assure or Divers Alert Network (DAN) is mandatory on all trips.
Additionally, comprehensive Cancellation, Accident, Medical and Baggage insurance such as DAN, Dive Assure, or Generali Global Assistance is highly recommended.
Mike Bartick is the manager and resident photo pro at Crystal Blue Resort and is an expert on macro photography. He is uniquely qualified to show you the best of what Anilao has to offer and teach you the skills and techniques he uses to create stunning underwater images.
saltwaterphoto.com
saltwaterphoto.com
