The diving safari with the Atlantis Azores to the Tubbataha Reef is an absolute highlight.
The reef, located in the Sulu Sea, offers spectacular underwater landscapes and incredible biodiversity. With over 573 species of fish, 373 species of coral, as well as sharks, dolphins, whales and sea turtles, it is a paradise for underwater photographers and adventurers.
The isolation and protected status of the Tubbataha Reef make it an exclusive destination that can only be visited during a short diving season. The Atlantis Azores, a comfortable liveaboard, offers optimal access to the best dive sites, including dramatic walls, colorful coral gardens and the famous wreck diving. The adventure is rounded off by the luxury and first-class care on board, making this safari unforgettable.
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The 32.5m M/V Atlantis Azores is a premier liveaboard in the Philippines that takes divers to the best dive sites in the country. Atlantis Azores offers liveaboard cruises to four destinations.
The liveaboard also features a large dive deck, camera table, personal storage, nitrox, 2 tender boats and hot showers. Atlantis Azores offers 7 spacious cabins with private bathrooms (with shower). A luxury suite is also available that has a private bathroom, desk, window and plenty of storage space. Dive guests can watch a variety of movies on the flat screen TV or read a book from the library. There is also a semi-covered sundeck and a bar.
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Tubbataha Reef
- Day 1: Northern Tip Of North Atoll
- Day 2: Southern End Of North Atoll
- Day 3: Northern Tip Of South Atoll
- Day 4: Southern End Of South Atoll
- Day 5: Southern End of North Atoll
- Day 6: Jessie Beazley Reef
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Visayas Safari
- Day 1: Embarkation 5pm
- Day 2: Cabilao Island Bohol
- Day 3: Gato Island, Malapascua
- Day 4: Kimud Shoal, Capitancillo Islet
- Day 5: Balicasag Island
- Day 6: Panglao Island and optional Land Tour
- Day 7: Oslob And Sumilon Island
- Day 8: Disembarkation 8 am
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Apo Reef & Coron Wrecks
- Day 1 & 2 – Apo Reef
- Day 3 & 4 – Coron Wrecks
- Day 5 – Nanshin Maru & Dimipac Island
- Day 6 – Kyokuszan Maru
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Ultimate Visaya Grand Tour
trip can be extended into 12 nights.
- Day 1: Embarkation 5 pm
- Day 2: Cabilao Island Bohol
- Day 3: Gato Island, Malapascua
- Day 4: Monad shoal, Malapascua
- Day 5+6: Kimud Shoal, Malapascua, Kalanggaman Island, Capitancillo Islet
- Day 7: Anda
- Day 8: Balicasag Island
- Day 9: Panglao Island Or Land Tour
- Day 10: Oslob, Sumilon & Apo Island
- Day 11: Disembarkation 8am
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Lower Deck Cabin
2 large beds, floor, ensuite bathroom, flat screen TV, air-conditioned
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Captains Cabin
2 large beds, floor, ensuite bathroom, flat screen TV, air-conditioned
Included: VAT, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, tea & coffee, drinking water, wine with dinner, welcome cocktails, snacks, full board (all meals), dive packages, towels for deck use, cabin towels, free toiletries, beach towels.
Mandatory Extras: National park fees (100-180 USD).
Optional Extras: Travel insurance, dive insurance, tips, airport transfer, hotel transfer, rental equipment (35 USD per day), Nitrox (160-220 USD per trip), Nitrox course, private dive guide, diving courses, land excursions (55 USD).
Rental Equipment Prices:
Rental equipment is available on this vessel. Please indicate on the booking form what you need. Below are the details of what is included and the additional prices:
- 15-liter tanks included
- Regulator: 12 USD per day
- BCD: 12 USD per day
- Fins: 5 USD per day
- Nitrox tank: 180-364 USD per trip
- Dive computer: 15 USD per day
- Full equipment set (including regulator, BCD, fins, mask, wetsuit): 33 USD per day
- Wetsuit: 5 USD per day
- Air temperature: Warm year-round, with average temperatures between 27°C and 29.5°C.
- Water temperature: Stable temperatures between 26.5°C and 29.9°C, ideal for diving.
- Precipitation: Drier months from January to April; wetter period from May to December, with the highest rainfall in December.
The Philippines consists of over 7,600 islands and is located in the western Pacific Ocean. The country is divided into three main regions:
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Luzon (North)
Visayas (Central Philippines)
Mindanao (South)
The Visayas are situated in the center of the Philippines and encompass several significant islands and island groups:
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Cebu
Bohol
Negros
Panay
Siquijor
Leyte
Samar
Many of the best diving spots are located around Cebu, Bohol, Malapascua, Apo Island, and Dauin (Negros Oriental).
Population
The Philippines has over 115 million inhabitants, with the Visayas themselves having about 20–25 million. Ethnically, the majority are Malay-Polynesian with regional dialects and cultures. Official language: Filipino (Tagalog); English is widely spoken, especially in tourism. In the Visayas, Cebuano is commonly spoken.
Religions
Over 85% of the population is Roman Catholic—Christianity plays a central role in daily life. There are smaller groups of Protestants, Muslims (especially in Mindanao), Buddhists, and practitioners of indigenous religions.
Economic Situation
The Philippines is a developing country with a growing economy, particularly in the service sector. The Visayas have a mixed economy—agriculture, fishing, tourism, and increasingly IT services. In coastal regions and on the islands, tourism is a significant source of income—especially dive tourism.
Importance of the Visayas for the Philippines
Central location with good connectivity: Cebu City is a major transportation hub. The Visayas are considered a biodiversity hotspot—both on land and underwater. Tourism strengthens the local economy and employment, but there are also regional differences in development.
Economic Impact of the Diving Industry
The Visayas are a globally renowned diving region due to:
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Biodiversity (corals, fish, microfauna)
Macro diving (critters) in areas like Dauin
Large marine life sightings in Malapascua (thresher sharks), Apo Island (turtles, steep walls)
Dive centers, resorts, boat operations, and restaurants create many jobs for locals, often in smaller, rural communities. The diving industry has improved infrastructure in remote areas (e.g., roads, internet, medical care). Sustainability projects (e.g., marine parks, reef protection, waste reduction) are often implemented in cooperation with local communities and NGOs.
Why the Visayas are a Popular Destination for Divers
Exceptional biodiversity—over 500 coral species, 2,000 fish species
Top-notch macro and muck diving—e.g., seahorses, nudibranchs, frogfish
Thresher sharks in Malapascua—unique worldwide for regular sightings
World-class spots like Apo Island, Balicasag, Moalboal (sardine run), Dauin
Affordable prices for dive packages and accommodations
Friendly culture, English proficiency, good accessibility via Cebu City
Year-round diving opportunities, with the best conditions typically from November to May