Northern Visayas Liveaboard Diving

Upon arrival at the airport, you'll be met by a guide and will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free at your own leisure.

• Hotel Description

After breakfast and check-out, you'll be transferred to the airport for your domestic flight to Dumaguete. Upon arrival, transfer to Atlantis Dumaguete Resort on the Dauin coast of Negros Oriental. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. (B,D)

• Hotel Description

Board Atlantis Infiniti at Atlantis Dumaguete Resort, located on the Dauin coast of Negros Oriental. This part of the Philippines is well known among divers for its easy access to some of the best sites in the Visayas. Once on board, the crew will introduce the vessel and the plan for the week ahead. The yacht departs in the evening and cruises overnight to the first dive destination. This allows you to settle in and start the trip properly the following day, already positioned at one of the region’s key dive areas. (D)

The first dive day takes place around Pamilacan Island in Bohol. The reefs here slope gradually into deeper water and support a mix of hard and soft corals. The island is also known for its marine sanctuary, which has helped maintain healthy reef conditions and strong marine life populations. Divers often see large schools of fish along the reef edge, with the possibility of barracuda, manta rays and even dolphins in the surrounding waters. (B,L,D)

Today’s dives take place around Anda, on the quieter eastern side of Bohol. This area has developed a strong reputation for macro diving, with sandy slopes, coral gardens and reef walls that support a wide range of smaller marine life. Divers often spend time searching the reef for pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs and frogfish, along with schools of reef fish moving across the coral sections. Anda is known for clear water and relatively undisturbed reefs compared with some of the busier areas in the region. It is a good place to slow down and focus on the smaller details that make Philippine diving so rewarding. (B,L,D)

Continue to Sogod Bay in Southern Leyte, a marine protected area established in the 1990s. The protection measures have helped rebuild fish biomass and maintain strong coral growth, making it one of the more successful conservation areas in the region. The dive sites around Napantao feature coral walls that drop into deeper water, while the shallows are filled with hard coral and active reef life. Turtles, trevally, frogfish and whitetip reef sharks are all possible sightings here. (B,L,D)

Today focuses on two of the most recognised dive sites in the northern Visayas. Kimud Shoal is a submerged plateau that rises from deep water and is known for regular sightings of thresher sharks. The site sits along a deep trench and can also attract manta rays, devil rays and larger pelagic fish. Nearby Gato Island offers a very different type of dive, with tunnels and rock formations that create shelter for marine life. Whitetip reef sharks often rest inside the caverns, while sea snakes and reef fish move through the surrounding coral areas. (B,L,D)

Dive around Malapascua Island, one of the Philippines’ most established diving destinations. The surrounding reefs offer a mix of coral gardens, sandy areas and rock formations that support both macro species and larger fish. Whitetip sharks and bamboo sharks are regularly seen around the tunnels and reef structures. At the same time, the coral sections host pygmy seahorses, frogfish and nudibranchs. The combination of reef life and larger marine encounters is what has made Malapascua popular among divers for many years, and it remains one of the highlights of this itinerary. (B,L,D)

The final dive day takes place at Capitancillo Islet, a small coral island marked by a historic lighthouse. The reef drops away into deeper water and is known for its large gorgonians, sea fans and extensive coral growth. The deeper sections attract schooling fish and larger species such as jacks, groupers and yellowfin tuna. Capitancillo offers a different underwater landscape compared with the previous days, with strong reef structure and good pelagic activity. It provides a fitting final dive location before the yacht begins its return journey. (B,L,D)

Return to Atlantis Dumaguete Resort and disembark after a week of diving in the northern Visayas. You’ll spend the night at the resort, giving time to relax after the liveaboard and settle in before your flight. Dumaguete is a practical base with access to world-class shore diving and nearby Apo Island. This overnight stay also provides a safe surface interval after your final dives, ensuring you’re ready for travel. (B,L,D)

• Hotel Description

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK. (B)