Vessels
Abyss World Philippines Safari: Malapascua and Southern Leyte
The iconic Philippino diving vessel; the bangka boat will be your main mode of transport throughout the itinerary. (Abyss World)
The Magellan Safari is so-named in memory of Ferdinand de Magellan, famed explorer who has a large bay on the north of Mactan Island named after him. This safari is for the more experienced diver looking to dive some of the very best dives The Philippines have to offer in the less known central region of this fascinating country. For full details of the diving, please see the Frontier Philippines and Malapascua sections of our website.
Day 1: Afternoon/early evening arrival into Cebu and transfer to the Montebello Villa Hotel. Enjoy a leisurely dinner and an early night.
Day 2: Morning departure to Malapascua by Bangka, taking approximately five hours. Along the way you can enjoy the scenery of the east coast of Mactan Island. Upon arrival transfer to the Mangrove Oriental Hotel for four nights.
Day 3 – Day 5: Dive the sites of Malapascua seeking out the elusive yet beguiling Thresher Sharks each morning and enjoying the rich reefs each afternoon.
Day 6: Morning departure to Baybay, located on the west coast of the island of Leyte. The crossing will take around four hours and en route a stop will be made at Calangaman where you can visit local villages and markets. Transfer to the Palermo Hotel for one night.
Day 7: Morning departure for Padre Burgos, a journey of around four hours. Padre Burgos will serve as your jumping off point for dives in Sogod Bay, on the very southern end of Leyte. Transfer to Kuting Reef Resort for 5 nights.
Day 8 – Day 11: 4 days of diving in Sogod Bay and the marine parks of southern Leyte.
Day 12: Enjoy the final crossing of the trip, a journey of about four hours from Padre Burgos to Cebu. Spend the afternoon and evening at leisure before a final night at the Montebello Villa Hotel.
Montebello Villa Hotel, Cebu: Situated in the historical centre of Cebu, in the middle of a 5 hectare park, the Montebello is without a doubt the best way of taking in the atmosphere of Cebu while still assuring a good nights sleep. The hotel boasts comfortable air conditioned rooms with private bathrooms. There is an on-site restaurant, bar and swimming pool. The hotel is located close to the town centre for the local markets and numerous boutiques for shopping.
Mangrove Oriental Hotel, Malapascua: Nestled in a secluded cove overlooking the Visayan Sea, the resort currently offers eight elegantly designed cottages, each set amidst its own picturesque garden. Superior and standard cottages are all equipped with en-suite bathrooms and are air conditioned. One of the homeliest restaurants on the island, the Mangrove Oriental offers a sumptuous selection of local as well as Western cuisine. A Bar, a small library, games, boat trip around island, massage and laundry services are also available.
The Palermo Hotel, Baybay: The Palermo Hotel is located in the heart of the small town of Baybay, rarely visited by tourists. Without pretention but with an impeccable service the Palermo Hotel offer 32 rooms of good standing with private bathrooms and air-conditioning. The large lobby and cafeteria are open 24 hours a day.
Kuting Reef Resort, Padre Burgos: osy and charming, this beachfront hotel sits in a small palm grove. 40 rooms offer air conditioning, en-suite facilities, sea view terraces, mini-bar, and tea and coffee making facilities. A black sand beach makes for pleasant evening walks. There are 2 restaurants, a bar, a swimming pool and massage facilities.
$2995 includes: 12 nights full board accommodation on a twin/share basis; airport transfers; all road and boat transfers; minimum of 22 dives; land excursions where appropriate; dive guide. Single occupancy supplement: $935