Go off the grid! Explore the Philippine Archipelago through liveaboards!
Considered as one for keeps by scuba diving enthusiasts, liveaboards are a great way to go to dive sites that are frequently unexplored, especially those which are only reachable by boat due to its remoteness. One of the Philippines’ best diving destinations, the Tubbataha Reefs National Park, is only accessible through a liveaboard with it being in the middle of the Sulu Sea. Hence, diving by means of such is certainly the way to go; one can surely feel relaxed and enjoy the tranquility liveaboard diving can offer and literally ‘eat, sleep, dive, and repeat.’ This month, we feature some of the scuba divers’ choice of Philippine liveaboards.
Special Feature on M/Y Gypsy
One of the most unique vessels in private yachting and in the diving industry, M/Y Gypsy is an 80 ft-long vessel designed for the comfort of its guests, making space for 8 people in its 250 sqm floor area. Apart from the usual facilities its luxury rooms offer, the boat is also equipped with the latest technology to ensure its guests’ safety such as the Seakeeper Gyro Stabilizer system. As M/Y Gypsy’s priority is the comfort of their guests, they have invested in generators and engines that are nearly silent. Some of their best cruises in the Philippines to date are at Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Cagayancillo in Palawan, Malapascua and Ticao Islands, Dauin, Bohol, Siquijor, and Coron. Ask us more for M/Y Gypsy’s services.
Discovery Fleet (M/Y Discovery Palawan)
Discovery Fleet is one of the well-known luxury liveaboards that travels to Tubbataha. The same corporation that manages this liveaboard is also in-charge of the in-house dive center of Club Paradise in Coron, Palawan. They also travel to Surigao, Apo Reef, and Cagayancillo, among others. Discovery Fleet is a 43.38 meters x 8.50 meters vessel that was originally constructed in Denmark, and has 20 cabins that can house a maximum of 42 guests. Apart from scuba diving, guests can also take advantage of the in-house kayaks and snorkelling equipment available as requested.
Atlantis Azores
Owned by Atlantis Philippines which also owns Atlantis Resorts, the Atlantis Azores Liveaboard offers three distinct itineraries that showcases the beauty of the Philippines. The Azores is a 107-feet, aluminum monohull yacht that can accommodate a total of 16 guests in its 8 rooms. If you’re an experienced diver, take advantage of Atlantis Azores’ dedicated photo dives, and explore more advanced than the average, where surely more marine creatures abound. As part of its entertainment features, the yacht has a complete wet bar, and sun deck with chaise lounges where guests can laze around after a day of scuba diving.
Philippines Aggressor
Aggressor Adventures, the company in-charge of the Philippines Aggressor, not only operates in the Philippines, but they also cater to other destinations worldwide. In the Philippines, they offer Visayas and Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park as their signature itineraries. The Philippines Aggressor is a 135 feet long with a 28.5 ft. beam yacht that can comfortably house a maximum of 24 guests in its 12 rooms. The Philippines Aggressor II, which is the company’s second liveaboard dedicated to the Philippines, is slated to commence its maiden voyage on April 2024. Expect to have cruise-like services such as a salon, shaded sun deck, chaise lounges, a bar, and a grill.
Infiniti Liveaboard
A 39-meter steel vessel with 11 newly renovated guest rooms, Infiniti Liveaboard is a PADI-accredited dive establishment, and teaches dive education for their guests. The liveaboard is especially custom-made and designed by divers for divers to cater to scuba diving needs. Some of Infiniti’s trips to Apo Island, Malapascua in Cebu, Bohol, and Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. The Liveaboard also boasts of its RINA certification which certified them of unrestricted navigation in the open sea.
Solitude One
Solitude One is owned and managed by the same company that also manages Solitude Acacia Resort in Anilao, Mabini, Batangas. The liveaboard was overhauled from its original form to set new standards in hospitality; it was conceptualized with the careful consideration of the feedback from its guests. Solitude One has itineraries in the Philippines and Palau. It can cater up to a maximum of 24 guests and has 3 cabin categories to choose from in the 52-meter steel monohull boat. Due to the remoteness of the destinations this liveaboard travels to, each guest is provided with a Nautilus Marine Rescue GPS during their stay to ensure peace of mind.
*Photos of liveaboards were retrieved from their respective websites or Facebook pages