The Philippines are an unknown destination for a majority of American divers. On this trip we will be staying at the world-class Atlantis Dive Resort hotels in two locations:

Puerto Galera is truly one of the last undiscovered dive destinations on the planet with some of the world’s best diving. Atlantis’ beach front is the in the heart of over 10 km of marine reserves featuring pristine coral reefs. You couldn’t be any closer.

Dumaguete is a well established marine sanctuaries along the coastline: on Asia’s best “muck dives” you’ll find some of the ocean’s rarest underwater critters. Dive world famous Apo Island’s coral reefs and discover marine life truly in a league of its own; explore spectacular drop offs at Balicasac and Siquijor Islands.

Puerto Galera, Philippines

Dive Sites: For nearly 50 years Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines has attracted scientists studying the eco-structure of micro-organisms, animals and plants. The diving is famous for its diversity and divers return time after time to marvel at creatures large and small.

There are dives for all levels, from easy training dives amongst pristine coral to high-voltage drift dives. Diving is a year-round activity. The 30+ dive sites are all within a 10 to 15 minute boat ride from the beach, which makes for easy and convenient dive planning. Groups are kept to six divers or less and are always lead by Atlantis’ experienced guides. Visibility varies between 40 m/130' to 12 m/40'. Temperature is varies between 22 C and 30 C.

All the dive sites are replete with huge numbers of splendid fish (triggerfish, parrotfish, pennant fish, moray eels, surgeonfish, snappers, groupers, Moorish idol, lizardfish, gobies, batfish, lionfish, trumpet fish, puffer fish, filefish, emperors, wrasses, fusiliers and trevally). Invertebrates from the tiniest transparent shrimp and neon-colored nudibranchs to huge basket sponges adorned with hundreds of multi-colored crinoids; anemones, sea cucumbers, starfish, worms and fire corals reside with vast numbers of hard and soft corals and gorgonian sea fans. Turtles, octopus, cuttlefish, manta rays, eagle rays and sharks make guest appearances.

About The Philippines

The Philippines consists of 7,107 islands, of which only 2,000 are inhabited. Only about 500 of the islands are larger than a square kilometer and 2,500 of them are not even named. The total area of the Philippines is 299,404 square kilometers. The highest mountain is Mt. Apo, near Davao in Mindanao, at 2,953 meters.

The islands of the Philippines can be conveniently divided into three groups. First, there is Luzon, the largest and northernmost island and the site of the capital, Manila. The nearby islands of Mindoro and Marinduque are generally included with Luzon. At the other end of the archipelago is the second largest island, Mindanao. Third, there is the tightly-packed island group known as the Visayas. There are seven major islands in this group: Panay, Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, Samar and Masbate. Cebu is the central island of the group and Cebu City is a major tourist destination.

There are over 30 volcanoes in the Philippines, 10 of which are classified as being active. The longest rivers are the Cagayan River, the Rio Grande de Pampanga and the Agno in Luzon; the Rio Grande de Mindanao and the Agusan River in Mindanao.

Trip Details

WHO:
Divers & Non-divers All ages!

WHEN:
August 17–31, 2007

WHERE:
Puerto Galera, Philippine Islands

COST:
$2,395 per person double occupancy
(Price subject to change depending on deposit date. Sign up now to lock in this low price.)

COST INCLUDES:

• Round trip airfare from SFO
• Airport/Hotel transfers & taxes
• Atlantis Luxury Resort Hotel (8 days/7 nights, ocean view!)
• Boat diving: 6 days, 4 dives per day, tanks and weight belt
• Midnight Swims
• Unlimited shore diving
• Exploration of local night life

ADD ON TRIP:
We will be offering a one week add-on adventure to the Atlantis Dive Resort in Dumaguete which will give people time to explore and dive another Part of the Philippines. Cost TBA but will include air fare, food and diving.

HOW TO SIGN UP:
A non-refundable $500.00 deposit is required to hold your spot. Remaining due eight weeks prior to departure date.

TRIP NECESSITIES:
We recommend that you pack light and consider the following items:

• Dive gear (except tank & weight belt)
• Dive computer*
• Lightweight wetsuit
• Bathing suit
• Sunscreen, hat
• Sunglasses
• Mosquito repellent
• Party clothes for evening events
• Cool/comfortable clothing
• Walking shoes/sandals
• Cool comfortable clothing
• Light rain jacket
• camera, film

* Dive computers are not essential, but they are suggested because it will significantly increase your bottom time and diving flexibility. If your dive buddy is on computer, you must be also.