REEF's first Field Survey to the Philippines was in April 2016, and we loved the area so much we have decided to return! Surveyors on our 2016 trip recorded an astounding 885 species throughout the two-week trip, including some previously unidentified fish! REEF surveyors joining the second Field Survey to the Philippines will be treated to an educational adventure led by REEF Board of Trustees members, Ned and Anna DeLoach, who are known for their engaging stories and talks on fish behavior. The trip begins with four nights at Atlantis Dumaguete Resort, to enjoy several days of fabulous muck diving. Wind down with a massage at the resort spa or a delicious meal at Toko's Restaurant, and then board the Atlantis Azores liveaboard to experience some of the best diving in the Philippines. The liveaboard portion of this trip features Atlantis's 10-day Malapascua-Cebu charter, with diving around Sumilon Island, Pescador Island and Cat Island. Unlimited nitrox is included as special perk for all REEF participants on this trip.
Trip Type: Fish Survey - click here to learn more!
Pricing: Deluxe Room at Dumaguete & Deluxe Cabin aboard Azores: $6,169 per person based on double occupancy.
Deluxe Room at Dumaguete & Owner's Suite aboard Azores: $6,869 based on double occupancy
Accommodations: Atlantis Dumaguete Resort: Deluxe rooms have a king bed (convertible to 2 twins) or a queen, shower, safe, air-conditioning, tv with cable, minibar and refrigerator. Atlantis Azores has 7 Deluxe Staterooms with double and single bunk-style berths, ensuite bathroom with a private head and shower; and 1 Owner's Suite, a spacious suite on the upper deck with double and single bunk-style berths and a desk, large picture windows, and extensive storage space.
Diving: Nitrox is included in the package for all dives on this trip! Atlantis Dumaguete Resort offers up to 5 dives per day. Most dive sites are within 10 minutes of the resort. Atlantis Azores offers up to 5 dives per day, with most of the diving done from two zodiac tender boats. Average water temperature is 77-82 degrees Fahrenheit. A 3mm wetsuit is recommended. You may want to bring a hooded vest for additional warmth. Tanks, weights and weight belts are included in the cost of the package.
Price Includes: The trip package includes 4 nights of accommodation at Atlantis Dumaguete Resort, 10 nights aboard the Atlantis Azores, up to 5 boat dives per day at Dumaguete including night dives, up to 5 dives per day aboard the Azores, nitrox for the entire duration of the trip, all meals at Dumaguete and aboard the Azores, local soft drinks, beer and wine aboard the Azores, 1 day trip to Apo Island from Dumaguete, tanks, weights, and weight belts.
Other Costs Paid to REEF: A REEF Program Fee of $350 per diver will be added to each package to cover the cost of the group leader, seminar and REEF survey materials. $260 per person round-trip domestic flights from Manila to Dumaguete will be booked by Atlantis and paid to REEF.
Additional Fees: The following costs are not included in the price paid to REEF. International flights to Manila, $66 marine park fee at Dumaguete (subject to change), $198 marine park fee aboard Azores (subject to change), optional rental equipment, and optional souvenir purchases onboard. Gratuities are not included in the cost of the trip and are at each individual's discretion. Insurance is not included, but medical/dive insurance is required for all guests aboard the Azores. Insurance must cover medical evacuation and dive-related accidents. REEF also strongly recommends that each participant purchase adequate dive travel insurance to protect you from unforeseen circumstances. More information about dive travel insurance is available on Dive Assure's webpage.
About the Trip Leaders: Ned DeLoach, co-founder of REEF and co-author of more than nine marine identification books, and his wife Anna are known for their devotion to studying and photographing fish behavior. Anna is an award winning videographer and she and Ned regularly write for Scuba Diver Magazine, among other reputable publications.
How to Sign Up: To reserve your space or find out more, e-mail us at trips@REEF.org, or call us at 305-588-5869. A $1,000 deposit will be collected at the time of booking. Visit our Trip Policies page for more information on deposit and payment schedules.
How to Get There: Participants should arrange to fly into Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila (airport code MNL). Depending on arrival and departure times, arrangements for hotels and/or day rooms at Midas Hotel can be made by contacting REEF. Participants are responsible for booking their own international airfare to and from Manila.
Transfers: Due to continuity and scheduling, all portions of domestic transfers must be made through REEF. Atlantis provides round-trip transfers between Manila and Dumaguete for $260 per person. The transfer includes round-trip domestic economy airfare between Manila and Dumaguete with 66 lbs/30 kg of checked luggage per person, domestic terminal fees, round-trip private air-conditioned transfers between Dumaguete Airport and resort, personal airport meet and greet and luggage assistance. This rate is subject to change to due changes in airfare.
Itinerary
October 1: Arrive in Manila by the evening on this date. Overnights hotels and transfers to and from the airport can be arranged if necessary.
October 2: Fly to Dumaguete from Manila on a morning flight. Ground transfer from airport to Atlantis Dumaguete Resort provided by Atlantis. Domestic flight will be booked by Atlantis and paid to REEF. Participants can begin diving after checking in and receiving a briefing.
October 3-5: 3 days of diving in Dumaguete.
October 6: Board Atlantis Azores Liveaboard from Dumaguete Resort.
October 7-15: 9 days of diving around Cebu and Malapascua aboard Atlantis Azores.
October 16: Azores returns to Dumaguete. Disembark boat. Transfer to Dumaguete Airport for domestic flight to MNL at 8:55am, arrive MNL at approximately 10:20am. Depart Manila airport on international flights home. Please allow at least 3 hours between flight times for transfer between domestic and international terminals in Manila.