The Philippines are home to vibrant coral reefs and incredible macro life. Dumaguete is known for its world class muck diving, and divers will love searching the unique sandy slopes for crytic species like the Robust Ghost Pipefish. Some sites also have artificial structures that attract plenty of juvenile fishes. A day trip to nearby Apo Island is included and provides the opportunity to see some of the most stunning coral reefs in the Pacific. Divers and non-divers alike can appreciate the tranquility of Atlantis Dumaguete Resort by enjoying a massage at the resort spa or a delicious meal at Toko's Restaurant.
Project Focus: This purpose of this trip is to conduct fish surveys to support REEF's Volunteer Fish Survey Project. Click here to learn more about participating in fish surveys on a REEF Field Survey Trip!
Best Suited For: Divers and snorkelers.
Accommodations: Deluxe rooms have either a king bed (convertible to two twin beds) or a queen, ensuite bathroom with shower, safe, air-conditioning, tv with cable, minibar and refrigerator.
Diving: The resort offers 4 day dives and 1 night dive daily. Average water temperature is 80 degrees Fahrenheit. One day trip to dive the reefs of Apo Island is included in the package. Nitrox is available for an additional fee. Tanks, weights and weight belts are included in the cost of the package. A day trip to Oslob to snorkel with whale sharks is also included.
Pricing, Inclusions, and Other Fees
| Deluxe Room | |
|---|---|
| Diver, double occ. | $3,046 |
| Diver, single occ. | $3,618 |
| Non-diver, double occ. | $2,029 |
Your Package Includes: The trip package includes 8 nights of accommodation in a deluxe room, unlimited scheduled boat diving, day trip to dive Apo Island, day trip to Oslob to snorkel with whale sharks, all meals at Toko's Restaurant including full breakfast and chef-prepared lunch, dinner, and desserts plus speciality coffee and tea, Internet access, tanks and weights.
REEF Program Fee: A REEF Program Fee of $350 will be added to each package to cover the cost of the group leader, seminar, and REEF survey materials. The REEF Program Fee applies to all divers and any attendee age 18 or older.
Other Costs Paid to REEF: Round-trip domestic transfers between Manila and Dumaguete will be arranged by Atlantis. The transfer cost will be collected by REEF. As of June 2022, the cost has been quoted as $242 per person and is subject to change. For more information, please see the Transfers section below.
Additional Fees - Not Included: All flights and associated travel to and from the Philippines, marine park fees (subject to change; paid onsite), Nitrox, rental equipment, land tours. Gratuities are not included in the trip package and are at each individual's discretion.
Registration
To reserve your space, email trips@REEF.org or call 305-588-5869. A $1,000 per person deposit will be due to confirm your reservation. Visit our Trip Policies page for more information on deposit and payment schedules.
Philippines Travel Info
Insurance: Travel insurance is not included. REEF strongly recommends that each participant purchase adequate dive travel insurance to protect you from unforeseen circumstances. REEF partners with both DiveAssure and DAN to offer travel insurance packages specifically for divers. REEF will receive a portion of the proceeds from travel insurance purchases when you click on the following affiliate links for DiveAssure or DAN.
How to Get There: Participants should make arrangements to fly into Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Manila, Philippines. Flights should land in MNL no later than noon on August 5, and depart MNL no earlier than 2pm on August 13.
Transfers: Round-trip transfers between Manila and Dumaguete are arranged by Atlantis. The cost for these transfers will be collected by REEF. The transfers include round-trip domestic economy airfare between Manila and Dumaguete with 66 lbs of checked luggage, domestic terminal fees, private air-conditioned vehicle transfer between international and domestic terminal in Manila, round-trip private air-conditioned transfers between Dumaguete Airport and the resort, personal airport meet and greet, and luggage assistance.
Passports, Documentation and Visas: Visitors must have a current passport with enough space for an entry stamp and a valid return ticket. U.S. citizens staying in the Philippines for 30 days or less do not require a visa, however, a visa may be required for entry for longer stays and/or citizens of other countries. Please consult the appropriate consulate for specific travel regulations and to ensure that you have the correct documentation.
COVID-19 Considerations: It is the participant's responsibility to ensure that they understand and comply with all local requirements (for entry and visit as a tourist) of the host destination, and for exit and entry requirements for their home country. Be prepared for your plans to change. Be sure your travel insurance covers COVID-related issues. No travel is risk-free during the COVID-19 pandemic. Countries may further restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice, for example, due to a new COVID-19 variant. Please be aware that REEF is not a travel agent. We are doing our best to interpret the information provided by our trip vendor and the host country’s government COVID-19 webpages. We encourage everyone to do their own research, interpretation, and due diligence. Please see REEF’s COVID-19 Considerations and Vaccine Policies section in our REEF Field Survey Trips Policies page for more information.