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Embark on a fun-filled adventure to the Philippines with journalist and photographer Simon Rogerson.

This itinerary focuses on two celebrated dive spots on either side of the Island of Cebu – the vibrant island of Malapascua Island in the north and Moalboal in the south, renowned for its immense shoal of sardines. Besides the opportunity to see several shark species, underwater highlights include frogfish, seahorses, colourful coral walls and atmospheric caverns.

“Join me on a very special journey to a Philippine island in the heart of the Coral Triangle. I want this to be a relaxing, informal trip, mixing with local communities, enjoying the beaches and bars. But there will also be briefings and workshops for underwater photographers of all levels, plus a few talks on the natural history of the region. The emphasis is going to be on value and variety, and we’re going to have a lot of fun!” - Simon Rogerson

Typical Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Depart the UK

  2. Day 2: Arrive & relax

    Arrive to Cebu in the Philippines later this afternoon and transfer to your overnight accommodation. The evening is yours at leisure to relax and get to know your tour leader and fellow travellers.
  3. Day 3: Travel to Malapascua

    This morning, you’re collected from your hotel and transfer north to the island of Malapascua, a journey of around three hours followed by a short boat journey.

    On arrival in Malapascua, proceed to the Blue Corals Beach Resort, your base for the next six nights on a bed and breakfast basis. Depending on your arrival time, there may be an opportunity to get in the water for your first dive this afternoon.

  4. Days 4-8 : Dive & explore

    Enjoy 12 dives during your time in Malapascua, diving with the excellent Thresher Shark Divers. Your diving package includes two trips to Kimud Shoal in search of thresher sharks, and one excursion to Gato Island. Additional diving and excursions can be booked locally.
  5. Day 9: Continue to Moalboal

    Your adventure continues today as you travel south to the second famous dive spot in this region of the Philippines; Moalboal. Enjoy five additional nights at Magic Island Resort, with all meals included.
  6. Days 10-12 : Dive Moalboal

    Enjoy six additional dives in Moalboal over the next three days, enjoying turtles, coral reefs and, with a little luck, the incredible sardine baitball experience at Pescador Island! More diving can be arranged locally.
  7. Day 13: At leisure

    Today's a day at leisure to take a local tour or enjoy more diving. Some guests may wish to visit Oslob for a unique whale shark experience.

    Tours or diving today are an additional expense to the main tour.

  8. Day 14: Depart the Philippines, or extend your adventure!

    After a leisurely morning, return to the airport in Cebu this afternoon for your flights home, or extend to continue your fun in the Philippines.
  9. Day 15: Arrive home

Please note: Diving is suitable for PADI Advanced or equivalent, minimum of 30 dives recommended.

Key info

  • Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 15 days from £2,875 pp
  • Duration and price excluding international flights: 13 days from £2,035 pp
  • Single supplement: From £395
  • Group Departures: Please contact us for departure date details.
  • Included in the price/package:
    • Flights from the UK (flight inclusive package)
    • 12 nights accommodation
    • Some meals
    • 18 dives
    • Transfers
    • Services of expert leader Simon Rogerson
  • Request a Detailed Itinerary

Expert leader

Simon Rogerson

Photo of Simon Rogerson

Simon Rogerson is an award-winning writer and photographer specialising in natural history and the underwater world.

He began his diving career in Southeast Asia in the early 1990s and has since amassed more than 3,000 dives all over the world, from Antarctica to the Sudan. Simon’s is editor of the UK’s biggest diving publication, SCUBA magazine, but he also writes for both Times and Telegraph Travel, in addition to numerous others. A patron of the Shark Trust charity, Simon’s obsession with photographing sharks has taken him to many world-class destinations. Now, he wants to share his insight and experience with fellow divers.

Featured locations:

Malapascua

Malapascua

Surrounded by white sand beaches, the little island of Malapascua has gained a reputation as one of the best places in the world for thresher shark sightings, encountered each morning at Monad Shoal. Numerous other sharks are also seen, as well as mantas. Find Out More about {acc:title}

  • Ideal for viewing: pelagic thresher shark, mobula ray, mandarin fish, giant frogfish, banded sea krait
  • Excellent for: Resort based diving, Singles diving, Group diving, Shark diving

Moalboal

Moalboal

Meaning ‘bubbling stream’, Moalboal is a small town on the island of Cebu, with around 25 recognised dive sites and more being discovered. The range of diving is excellent, with vertical walls, a cathedral like cave, healthy coral reefs and plenty of macro life. Find Out More about {acc:title}

  • Ideal for viewing: green turtle, mandarin fish, giant frogfish, ornate ghost pipefish, whale shark
  • Excellent for: Resort based diving, Group diving, Reef diving, Underwater photography
Featured accommodation: