Month: February 2013

Diving in Dumaguete, Negros Island, Philippines

The largest and most populous city on Negros Oriental Island, Dumaguete is the gateway to the island. Its local airport provides fast and easy access from several points including Manila and Cebu. This bustling city offers travelers easy access by air or fast ferry from Cebu. In essence Dumaguete is a collage town. Home to one of the biggest and oldest universities in the Philippines its streets are overflowing with young students from neighboring islands and countries.  There is no shortage of restaurants, bars, Internet Cafes and all other types of businesses one can look for after a long stay in a secluded island.

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Diving in Moalboal Cebu Island Philippines

Roughly 3.5hr car ride from Cebu airport MoalBoal has been in the news recently thanks to the controversy surrounding whale shark feedings by local fisherman. Having booked the trip with Sea-Explorers I chose to stay at Kasai Village resort. The resort is nicely designed with pool view and ocean view rooms. The dive shop is well equipped with a very large camera room that eliminates the need to carry your gear back and forth and provides ample outlets for battery charging.

 

All dive sites, with one exception are about 10 min boat ride from the resort. The farthest site offered is Pescador Island, famous for its resident sardine bait balls, which were out of the office during my visit. Most are sandy slopes or sandy slopes leading to a wall dive. Depths range between 12-40m with the exception of south Pescador Island. Generally speaking most dives will be restricted to 25m max depth with gentle currents.  MoalBoal boots with life. Its coral gardens are home to some of the largest sponges, gorgonians and sea fans I’ve seen.

As an underwater photography destination it offers endless Wide Angle, Close Focus Wide Angle (CFWA) and Macro opportunities. Its walls, slopes and cathedral caverns are home to some of the largest soft coral gardens with a host of sponges, gorgonians and sea fans. The area is frequented by big game such as, Whale sharks, turtles, eels, tuna and barracuda as well as a colorful variety of Macro life.

Diving Philippines’ Central Islands of Cebu, Negros and Bohol

The Philippines offer recreational divers of all skill levels endless opportunities ranging from muck to big game. For an Underwater Photographer the Philippines are probably the best value available. Year round favorable weather conditions and pleasant water temperatures ranging from 26-30C are constant draw for divers from across the globe. Whether aboard one of the leading live-aboard ships frequenting its central and western islands or island hopping, you’re set for an unforgettable tropical sensory overload. The overload starts long before jumping in the water or even boarding a plane bound for your destination; choosing your dive destinations in Philippines, among over 7000 islands, is the first challenge. With year round warm waters, numerous islands, wide selection of accommodations from Luxury liveaboards to basic huts, various must-see species (Whale sharks and Thresher sharks just to name two) and tempting prices you’re facing some very “difficult” decisions.

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