Philippine Islands Diving Adventure

Manila

Arrive in Manila, the lively capital of the Philippines. A local guide will welcome you at the airport and take you to your luxury hotel. After checking in and refreshing, head out for your first taste of Filipino food at a traditional local restaurant. This is your chance to unwind after your journey and get a feel for the city’s energy. It’s a relaxing and flavourful introduction to your Philippines adventure, offering a glimpse into the food and hospitality that will shape the days ahead.

Manila

Start the day with breakfast at your hotel before heading out for a guided city tour. Begin at Rizal Park, dedicated to the national hero Dr. Jose Rizal. Learn about his life and role in the Philippines' fight for independence. Drive through the cultural centre by the bay, where art, theatre, and music flourish. Visit the impressive Manila Cathedral, a landmark of Spanish colonial architecture. The tour gives insight into the capital’s rich history and culture. Return to your hotel in the evening to rest and reflect on the day.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Manila

Baguio

Leave Manila and drive to Baguio, stopping in Bacolor, a town partially buried by the 1993 eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. Hear stories of recovery and resilience from locals. Continue to Bale Datun for a warm welcome from artist Claude Tayag and his wife. Enjoy a meal of traditional Kapampangan cuisine surrounded by Tayag’s beautiful artwork. The journey ends in Baguio, the cool and scenic summer capital of the Philippines. Settle into the elegant Manor at Camp John Hay, your restful base for the night, nestled among pine trees and mountain air.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Sagada

Drive into the highlands towards Sagada, a peaceful mountain town known for its unique burial traditions. After arriving, take a guided hike to Sumaguing Cave, where you'll see limestone formations and ancient burial chambers. Learn about the hanging coffins and other fascinating customs of the local people. The hike is both adventurous and eye-opening. Later, check into your cosy guesthouse, offering a quiet and scenic spot to relax for the night. Sagada’s crisp air and misty surroundings provide a calm setting to end the day.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Banaue

Depart Sagada and head to Banaue. En route, stop at the Bontoc Museum, curated by Belgian missionaries, which displays local artefacts and historical photos. The museum gives an excellent introduction to the region’s indigenous culture. Arrive in Banaue and take in the view of the famous rice terraces carved into the mountains. These centuries-old terraces reflect the skill and dedication of the Ifugao people. Spend the evening relaxing at your hotel, surrounded by stunning highland landscapes and preparing for the trekking experience that awaits tomorrow.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Banaue

Banaue

Set off on a trek through Banaue’s scenic rice terraces. Hike along the ancient paths used by the Ifugao farmers and reach the village of Banga-an. Meet local residents and learn about their daily lives and traditions. See how age-old customs still shape life in these remote mountain communities. After lunch, choose to explore a traditional Ifugao market or return to your hotel to rest. This day offers a balance of light adventure, cultural connection, and time to enjoy the natural beauty of northern Luzon.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Manila

Travel back to Manila in style aboard a private helicopter. Enjoy aerial views of the lush countryside and fly over the crater of Mt. Pinatubo, an impressive sight from the sky. After landing in Manila, transfer to your hotel for some well-earned rest. Take the evening to unwind, dine at your leisure, and prepare for the sea journey ahead. This short but memorable day blends comfort, excitement, and natural beauty, marking the shift from mountain exploration to island adventure.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Manila

BATANGAS

Begin your journey to the coast with a drive to Batangas. Stop at St. Joseph’s Church for a stunning view of Taal Volcano and Lake. Enjoy lunch at a scenic local restaurant before arriving at Batangas Pier. Here, you’ll board the Discovery Fleet vessel for an unforgettable liveaboard diving experience. The cruise director, who also serves as your expert tour leader, will provide a safety briefing and introduction, ensuring you are well-prepared to explore a variety of renowned dive sites such as Tubbataha Reefs, Apo Island, and Monad Shoal. Settle into your cabin as the boat sets sail, ready to discover unique marine life and underwater landscapes. Watch the shoreline fade into the distance as you begin the sea portion of your adventure. Enjoy dinner on board and your first night at sea.

Meals Included: Breakfast

APO REEF

Dive into the clear waters of Apo Reef, one of the world’s best dive spots. Recognized as one of the best dive sites in the Philippines, Apo Reef is famous for its pristine coral, abundant reef fish, and incredible macro life. Scuba divers are drawn here for the chance to spot whale sharks and explore the vibrant underwater ecosystem. Certified divers can take part in two daytime dives and an optional night dive. A quick skills refresher, including mask clearing and buoyancy control, is provided. Non-divers can relax on Apo Mayor Island or snorkel around its vibrant reefs. Whether diving or staying on the surface, you’ll be surrounded by stunning marine life and pristine waters. This day is all about enjoying nature, exploring underwater wonders, or simply relaxing on the beach.

Meals Included: Breakfast

SIETE PECADOS

Start your morning with dives at Siete Pecados and Twin Peaks, famous for marine diversity and coral formations. These sites also offer excellent opportunities for muck diving, where you can spot unique macro species such as mandarin fish and moray eels among the vibrant underwater life. Experienced divers can explore the swim-through channels between limestone formations at Twin Peaks. Non-divers can visit Kayangan Lake, known for its clarity and breathtaking views. Later, everyone enjoys snorkelling- in the colourful waters of Siete Pecados. End the day with a trip to Maquinit Hot Springs, where a warm soak helps you unwind. The day combines adventure and relaxation in one of the Philippines’ most beautiful marine areas.

Meals Included: Breakfast

CULION

Explore underwater wrecks with three scheduled dives, including an optional night dive at Dynamite Point for certified divers. The region is renowned for wreck diving, with historical wrecks in Coron Bay being a major draw for divers seeking adventure and exploration. Non-divers can snorkel at nearby Sangat Island, known for its coral reefs and calm waters. In the afternoon, visit Culion, once a leper colony. Learn about the island’s history at the local church and museum. This visit offers insight into an important chapter in Philippine medical history. The day offers a mix of diving, history, and reflection, all in a beautiful coastal setting.

Meals Included: Breakfast

CALUMBUYAN

Today’s first dive is at the wreck of the Akitsushima, a sunken warship now home to coral and marine life. The second dive reveals the coral-covered reefs of Calumbuyan Island. Snorkellers can join in from the surface. Spend the evening on the beach at North Cay with a festive Filipino luau. Enjoy a delicious roasted pig, live music, and dancing under the stars. It’s a joyful evening of celebration, bringing together travellers, crew, and locals to share stories and create lasting memories.

Meals Included: Breakfast

DEBOTUNAY

Travel to Black Island to explore the wreck of the Nanshin Maru, a civilian tanker now home to colourful sea creatures. As you island hop between each tiny island, you'll discover unique marine encounters and the exclusive charm that these serene getaways offer. Later, dive or snorkel around Debotunay, where you may spot the elusive seacow. Non-divers can enjoy beach games or swim in the clear waters. The day ends with friendly games of basketball or volleyball between guests, crew, and local islanders. This blend of adventure and community spirit makes for a lively and engaging day, surrounded by turquoise seas and white sands.

Meals Included: Breakfast

EL NIDO

Enjoy a final dive at Tara Island’s vibrant coral reefs and a second dive at Club Paradise reef. Non-divers can snorkel, kayak, or simply enjoy the beaches. After lunch, take a speedboat to your luxury resort in El Nido. Settle in and enjoy the peace and natural beauty of this tropical paradise. El Nido is known for its stunning limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and quiet beaches, as well as its pristine coral reefs and vibrant marine life that attract divers and snorkelers from around the world. The relaxed island life here offers a tranquil escape, letting you fully immerse yourself in the authentic charm of the Philippines. The change of pace from cruise to resort sets the scene for total relaxation.

Meals Included: Breakfast

EL NIDO

Take a break from activities and enjoy a day of pure leisure. Sleep in, have a relaxed breakfast, and choose how you spend your time. Lounge by the sea, swim in the warm waters, or enjoy a massage at the resort. The natural beauty of El Nido creates the perfect setting for rest and reflection. After a busy itinerary of travel and adventure, this is your moment to unwind and appreciate the serenity of the islands.

Meals Included: Breakfast

EL NIDO

Your final day in El Nido is yours to enjoy however you like. Relax at the resort, take a walk on the beach, or go kayaking through limestone caves and clear lagoons. If you’re up for an excursion, a visit to the nearby underground river is a wonderful option. The evening brings a chance to enjoy a final meal and reflect on your journey through the Philippines—its people, nature, food, and memories that will stay with you.

Meals Included: Breakfast

MANILA - DEPARTURE

After breakfast, you’ll transfer to El Nido airport for your flight to Manila. Connect to your onward flight or international departure. Cebu Pacific offers convenient options for international flights, making it easy to continue your travels from Manila to other destinations in Southeast Asia or beyond. As your journey ends, carry with you vivid memories of mountain towns, coral reefs, hidden islands, and the warm hospitality of the Filipino people.

Meals Included: Breakfast