Stops on this circuit
6 stops
- 1. Monad Shoal
Off Malapascua Island, northern Cebu.
- 2. Pescador Island
Off Moalboal, western Cebu.
- 3. Sumilon Island
Off Oslob, southern Cebu.
- 4. Cabilao Island
Outside Cebu province — located in Bohol.
- 5. Balicasag Island
Outside Cebu province — located in Bohol.
- 6. Apo Island
Outside Cebu province — located in Negros Oriental.
The Cebu Dive Safari Circuit is the ultimate, multi-day underwater expedition designed for serious scuba divers and marine enthusiasts. Typically experienced as a liveaboard cruise (a ship that acts as a mobile hotel) or an extended overland safari, this comprehensive route loops around Cebu and the neighboring Visayan islands. Ranging from 6-night to 12-night itineraries, this circuit allows guests to log up to 40 dives and experience the absolute best of the Philippines’ marine biodiversity in a single, continuous trip.
Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the safari’s key dive sites and logistics:
Key Destinations and Highlights
- Malapascua Island (North): A major anchor of the safari is Monad Shoal in northern Cebu, which is globally renowned as one of the only places where divers can reliably encounter the shy, pelagic thresher sharks on a daily basis.
- Moalboal & Pescador Island (West): Traveling down the western coast, divers plunge into Panagsama Beach to witness the famous Sardine Run. Just offshore, Pescador Island offers dramatic steep walls lined with gorgonians, where divers can spot giant frogfish, moray eels, and pelagic fish. The surrounding sites, like Tongo Point, are also excellent for swimming alongside resident green and hawksbill sea turtles.
- Oslob & Sumilon Island (South): At the southern tip of the province, the itinerary features encounters with giant whale sharks in Oslob. Nearby, the Sumilon Island marine reserve offers superb visibility, striking coral gardens, and regular sightings of blacktip and whitetip reef sharks.
- Extended Visayan Drops: Because liveaboards are mobile, the safari frequently crosses the straits to dive top-rated neighboring sites. Common stops include the gorgonian-covered walls of Cabilao Island, the black coral ledges of Balicasag Island in Bohol, and exhilarating, fast-paced drift dives (like “The Washing Machine”) at Apo Island.
Tour Logistics and Practical Tips
- Vessels and Embarkation: Safaris are primarily operated by specialized dive fleets (such as Master Liveaboards or Atlantis Dive Resorts). Embarkation and disembarkation typically take place conveniently near the Mactan-Cebu International Airport or Cebu City ports, with transfers included.
- Required Skill Level: Because this multi-day circuit accesses open-sea drop-offs and sites with medium to strong currents, it is generally recommended for experienced divers. Operators typically mandate an Advanced Open Water certification (or equivalent) and a minimum of 10 to 25 logged dives to participate safely.
- Strict Environmental Rules: Marine protection laws are heavily enforced across the itinerary. The use of a personal dive computer is absolutely compulsory on all dives. To protect the fragile reefs and wildlife, wearing gloves, using reef hooks or pointers, and utilizing strobes or flashlights (especially around whale and thresher sharks) are strictly prohibited.
- Marine Fees: Divers should budget for mandatory Marine Park and Port Fees, which are usually paid on board before disembarkation. These fees generally range from USD 75 to USD 175 depending on the length of the trip, with additional fees applied for specific encounters like the Oslob whale sharks.
- Health and Safety: Because this circuit involves multiple days of repetitive diving, safety protocols mandate waiting a minimum of 24 hours after your final dive before boarding any domestic or international flights. In the event of a severe decompression emergency, the closest hyperbaric chamber is located at the Viscom Station Hospital in Cebu City.