Bohol and the Visayas

Port of embarkation - Atlantis Dumaguete

The Visayas are one of the three island groups in the Philippines. Enjoy six fabulous days diving from the Atlantis Azores around one of the most beautiful and bio-diverse regions in Asia. Easy cruises each evening will take you from one great dive site to another. This itinerary can be easily combined with a week’s resort-based stay at the Atlantis Dive Resort in Dumaguete.

Please note that the itineraries are sample itineraries only, and will change depending on weather and logistics at the Captain’s discretion.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Dive Day 1: Sumilon
Day one is spent diving is around tranquil Sumilon Island, surrounded by crystal clear waters and pristine white sandy beaches. Look out for... Exquisite coral gardens and drop-offs; ‘might sees’ in this area include manta rays and sting rays, barracudas, sea turtles, sea snakes and very occasionally, whale sharks and hammerheads.

Dive Day 2: Cabilao
In a place where time seems to stand still, a true paradise for divers reveals itself. The drop-off which borders the island, gives the opportunity to dive some of the best spots in the Philippines. Look out for... pygmy and the thorny seahorse with occasional sightings of white and black tipped reef sharks, napoleons, and jack fish. Barracudas, turtles, frog fish and lots of different nudibranch are all common.

Dive Day 3: Balicasag Island
Balicasag is a flat island 4km southwest of the Duljo Point where the sandy coral beach is a site to behold. Look out for... jacks, mackerel and barracudas often seen in abundance as well as large groupers, napoleon wrasse and snappers hiding in the overhangs of the dramatic hundred foot vertical walls.

Dive Day 4: Panglao Island
Bohol is the tenth largest island of the Philippines, and lies in the middle of the Visayas. Look out for... turtles, whitetip and blacktip reef sharks, eagle and manta rays, schooling barracuda and trevally, frog fish, ghost pipe fish, pygmy and thorny seahorses, plus many different species of nudibranch, among dramatic walls and reefs.

Dive Day 5: Pamilican Island
The small island of Pamilacan is nestled in the heart of the Bohol Sea. Look out for... hawksbill and green turtles, whitetip reef sharks, dogtooth tuna, napoleon wrasse, trevally, wahoo, manta rays and eagle rays and numerous banded sea kraits (sea snakes). A stunning variety of hard and soft corals abound.

Dive Day 6: Siquijor
Called Isla del Fuego or the “Island of Fire” by the Spanish, this is considered by many Filipinos to be a mystical island, full of witches and other supernatural phenomena. Look out for... superb hard and soft corals, fusiliers, many nudibranch, clown fish, parrot fish, schools of juvenile barracuda and razor fish. Super pristine walls abound!

Mid-week optional land excursions:  After two morning dives you still have time take in some of the best sites of Bohol. The Chocolate Hills are probably Bohol's most famous tourist attraction - they look like giant mole hills, covered with grass, which at the end of the dry season turn chocolate brown. You will also take in the Tarsiers - the world’s smallest primate, and a unique butterfly farm. You can finish by exploring Alona Beach, famous for its coral white sand that stretches for 1.5km and ends in rocky cliffs at both sides.