The Philippines is home to some of the most spectacular diving destinations in the world, and among its top regions for underwater exploration is the Visayas. Known for its vibrant marine biodiversity, pristine reefs, and world-class dive sites, the Visayas offers a unique experience called the Visayas dive safari—a multi-day diving journey that takes you across different islands and dive spots in one unforgettable trip.
What is a Visayas Dive Safari?
A dive safari is an adventurous way of exploring multiple dive sites and islands in one trip. Instead of staying in a single dive resort, divers travel by boat or a combination of land and sea transfers, stopping at various destinations along the way.
The Visayas dive safari is one of the most popular in the Philippines because it covers some of the country’s most iconic dive locations, including Cebu, Negros, Bohol, and sometimes Apo Island or even farther islands depending on the itinerary.
Why Choose a Visayas Dive Safari?
- Multiple Dive Destinations in One Trip
- Instead of limiting yourself to one area, a dive safari lets you explore several islands in the Visayas region.
- Instead of limiting yourself to one area, a dive safari lets you explore several islands in the Visayas region.
- Diverse Marine Life
- From tiny nudibranchs and colorful reef fish to pelagics like thresher sharks and whale sharks, the Visayas offers unmatched biodiversity.
- From tiny nudibranchs and colorful reef fish to pelagics like thresher sharks and whale sharks, the Visayas offers unmatched biodiversity.
- Shipwrecks and Reefs
- You’ll experience a mix of shallow coral gardens, dramatic wall dives, muck diving, and historic wrecks.
- You’ll experience a mix of shallow coral gardens, dramatic wall dives, muck diving, and historic wrecks.
- Adventure & Comfort
- Many safaris combine diving with boutique accommodations, luxury liveaboards, and eco-friendly resorts.
- Many safaris combine diving with boutique accommodations, luxury liveaboards, and eco-friendly resorts.
- Social Experience
- A dive safari is also a great way to meet fellow divers, as groups often share boats, meals, and adventures together.
- A dive safari is also a great way to meet fellow divers, as groups often share boats, meals, and adventures together.
Typical Itinerary for a Visayas Dive Safari
Depending on the package and operator, itineraries may vary. Here’s a common Visayas dive safari route:
Day 1–2: Moalboal, Cebu
- Famous for the sardine run, where millions of sardines form massive bait balls.
- Turtle encounters and colorful reefs are highlights.
Day 3–4: Dauin & Apo Island, Negros Oriental
- Dauin is known for muck diving—home to rare critters, frogfish, seahorses, and nudibranchs.
- Apo Island is one of the Philippines’ top marine sanctuaries with incredible coral walls and schools of jacks.
Day 5: Sipalay, Negros Occidental
- Wreck diving at Campomanes Bay.
- Reefs rich with marine life, great for both beginners and advanced divers.
Day 6–7: Bohol (Panglao & Balicasag Island)
- Balicasag offers crystal-clear waters and dramatic walls.
- Plenty of turtles, barracudas, and reef sharks.
Optional Extension: Malapascua, Cebu
- Famous for daily sightings of thresher sharks at Monad Shoal.
What’s Included in Visayas Dive Safari Packages?
A typical Visayas dive safari package includes:
- Daily dives (2–4 dives per day) with professional dive guides
- Diving equipment rental (or option to bring your own gear)
- Boat transfers and land transportation between islands
- Accommodation (resort stays or liveaboard cabins)
- Meals and refreshments
- PADI/SSI-certified dive centers and safety support
Some luxury safaris also include night dives, underwater photography workshops, and eco-tourism side trips.
Cost of a Visayas Dive Safari
Prices depend on the operator, length of safari, and level of accommodation:
- Budget packages: $1,000–$1,500 for a week
- Mid-range packages: $1,500–$2,500 for a week
- Luxury liveaboards: $3,000+ depending on inclusions
These prices usually cover accommodation, meals, diving, and transfers, but exclude flights to/from the Philippines.
Best Time for a Visayas Dive Safari
The Philippines is a year-round diving destination, but the best season is November to May, when visibility is best and the seas are calm. Whale shark encounters in Oslob and thresher shark sightings in Malapascua are also more frequent during these months.
Who is a Visayas Dive Safari For?
- Beginner Divers – With calm sites and training packages available.
- Advanced Divers – Wrecks, caves, and deep dives are perfect for certified divers.
- Underwater Photographers – Macro and wide-angle opportunities abound.
- Adventure Travelers – Great for those who want to explore multiple islands while diving.
Final Thoughts
A Visayas dive safari is more than just a dive trip—it’s a full journey across the most beautiful islands in the Philippines. With world-class dive sites, professional dive operators, and a mix of adventure and relaxation, this safari is perfect for divers who want to experience everything the Visayas has to offer.
Whether you dream of swimming alongside thresher sharks in Malapascua, photographing the sardine run in Moalboal, or exploring vibrant coral walls in Apo Island, a Visayas dive safari promises a once-in-a-lifetime underwater adventure.