Philippines Remote Reefs

Description:

The Philippines Archipelago with over 7,000 islands lies in the western reaches of the Pacific Ocean in an area known as the Coral Triangle,  one of the most extensive coral reef systems in the world. 

This new program includes searching for gentle whale sharks off Tiaco Island and Donsol combined with  spectacular snorkeling at Palawan's El Nido Marine Reserve,  known for its vast natural beauty, limestone cliffs and protected reefs teeming with marine life.   

The filter-feeding  whale sharks are found off Donsol annually and consistently.  Within the last 3 years, 136 sharks were documented in the area.  Our trip is scheduled during peak whale shark season and includes three  visits by private boat  to the whale shark site.  We  stay at an offshore resort known for its accessible  soft and hard coral gardens, and nearby we can visit Manta Bowl,  cleaning and feeding station of the Oceanic Manta.  

Palawan is the last ecological frontier of the Philippines and its most sparely populated region.  Composed of 1,780 islands, it is home to 232 endemic species and in 1967 was proclaimed a Game and Wildlife Sanctuary.  Underwater explorer Jacque Cousteau named Palawan as one of the most beautiful seascapes in the world with almost 11,000 square kilmoters of coral reefs.  El Nido, located at the northern tip,  is known for its towering karst limestone cliffs and diverse marine life including 200 species of tropical fish and more than 100 species of coral.  Our base for five days of exploration is Miniloc Island where we enjoy daily snorkel excursions by private boat in the company of our experienced marine naturalist.

This expedition is designed for enthusiastic snorkelers who enjoy exploring tropical marine reefs.  The whale shark portion of the program includes open water snorkeling best suited to intermediate skill level snorkelers while the balance of the trip can be enjoyed by beginner as well as experienced snorkelers.  Accommodations are double occupancy rooms in resort style accommodations.  Each day includes morning and afternoon snorkel excursions returning to our resort for lunch.  Excursions are by private charter boat in the company of our knowledgeable marine naturalist.

Itinerary:

Day 1-2: San Francisco/Manila. Cross the INTERNATIONAL DATE LINE (lose one day).

Day 3: Manila connect to Donsol. Arrive in Manila and board flight to for Legazpi and transfer to Donsol. Transfer to comfortable hotel. Afternoon whale shark snorkel excursion.

Days 4-5 Donsol and Tiaco Island. Locally known as "butanding", whale sharks visit the waters of Donsol from November to May annually to feed. We participate in two more whale shark excursions and then head for Tiaco Island. We can enjoy snorkelling sites right in front of the resort or other sites just a few minutes away by boat. Depending on the currents we will visit fish cleaning stations along the reef top and coral heads with likely images of sea anemones with clownfish, many crinoids and small fish such as chromis. In good conditions, we may visit the manta ray area known as manta bowl.

Day 6: Tiaco Island /Legazpi. Early breakfast and tranfer by boat for 90 minutes to Donsol, and continue to Legazpi. Tour of the town of Legazpi. Overnight in hotel.

Day 7: Legazpi/Manila/Miniloc Island. Early breakfast and transfer to airport for your flight to Manila and connecting flight to El Nido airport. Transfer to boat for a crossing to Miniloc Island. Lunch.

Afternoon snorkeling from the beach.

Day 8-12: Palawan. A narrow archipelago of more than 1,780 islands this remote region is the least populated of the Philippines and an area of vast natural beauty. The coast is notched by numerous emerald colored bays and coves while almost mythical rock and limestone formations dot azure waters. Unpopulated islets are ringed with coral reefs offering an abundance and diversity of colorful marine life. We snorkel daily in these coral gardens.

Palawan is ideal for snorkelers because the reef grows to within 10 feet of the water's surface, offering snorkelers access to an incredible array of corals and reef creatures.

Day 13 : Palawan/Manila/San Francisco. Beach snorkel and lunch at resort. Boat transfer to airport for connecting flight to Manila. Transfer to international terminal with late night departure, arriving the same day in the early evening (cross INTERNATIONAL DATE LINE (gain one day). 

Optional Extensions: