- Log dives in a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Witness the world’s highest population density of coral and sharks
- Discover the second largest marine protected reef at Verde Island
- Spot sharks and schooling fish at Apo Reef
- Explore the reefs and walls around Cagayancillo Island
- Dive into the famous black sand muck diving and beautiful coral reefs at Anilao
Day 1: Puerto Princesa (Embarkation - No Diving)
Embarkation at the harbour of Puerto Princesa starts at 1400 hours. Only transfers from Puerto Princesa Domestic Airport are included in the cruise package. Hotel/resort transfers to the embarkation point can be organized by Solitude with a 3rd party transportation company and are subject to charges. You are best advised to organize with your resort/hotel to be transferred directly to the embarkation point or to Puerto Princesa Domestic Airport Terminal, where we can pick you up from 1400hrs onwards. Upon boarding Solitude One, you will be welcomed by our crew, and orientation and registration (remember your CCards and/or logbooks!) will follow. After dinner, Solitude One will get underway towards Tubbataha Reef National Park at sunset (estimated time of travel is 10 hours)
Days 2-5: Tubbataha Reefs National Park (3-4 dives each day)
As dive sites in Tubbataha Reefs are in close proximity, dive sites will be scheduled based on tides/currents as well as communicating with other liveaboards in the vicinity to avoid overcrowding a particular dive site. Tubbataha Reefs National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Dive sites are comprised of walls and slopes. The water is usually very clear, currents can be strong, and all dives are done as drift dives. The coral growth is prolific, boasting some of the most healthy coral reefs and biggest Gorgonia fans in the world. Clouds of colorful reef-dwelling fish can be seen hovering above the coral everywhere you look. Large schools of jacks and barracuda are normal sightings, along with turtles. Several species of sharks can also be seen, including whale sharks. There are also many interesting macro-organisms, including pygmy seahorses and lots of nudibranchs. All diving is done during the day; we do not do night dives in Tubbataha for safety reasons because of the potential for strong currents.
Day 6: Cagayancillo (3-4 dives)
Today we will explore the reefs and walls around Cagayancillo Island. An off-the-beaten-path destination only visited on our transition cruises. There's great coral and marine life. Enjoy!
Days 7-8: Coron (3-4 dives each day)
We’ll spend two days enjoying the diving around Coron Island. There are beautiful reefs, wrecks, and even the opportunity to see dugongs.
Day 9-11: Apo Reef (3-4 dives each day)
We’ll spend the next 3 days exploring Apo Reef Natural Park, which is the largest coral reef system in the Philippines. There are miles of beautiful reef and walls to explore, which are full of fish, sharks, and maybe even manta rays.
Day 12: Verde Island (3-4 dives)
Today we’ll enjoy some of the most vibrant coral reefs at the world-renowned Verde Island, which is positioned in the Verde Passage, one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. Strong currents feed the prolific coral and bring continuous food to the marine ecosystem there. Schools of both reef-dwelling and pelagic fish can be seen, and the currents can be exciting.
Day 13: Anilao (1-3 dives)
We’ll enjoy some of Anilao’s best diving on our second to last day of the cruise; a mix of famous black sand muck diving and beautiful coral reefs awaits. All guests are required to adhere to a minimum of an 18-hour pre-flight surface interval. We’ll arrive at Batangas port the night before disembarkation, and everyone will sleep on board.
Day 14: Batangas (Disembarkation - no diving)
Disembarkation from Solitude One is between 8 am and 11 am. We say our goodbyes, and you will be transported either to the Manila (MNL) airport, or maybe you’ll choose to visit our own Solitude Acacia Resort just around the corner in Anilao for a few extra days of pampering, amazing food, and more great diving. We hope to see you again soon!
Sample itineraries are for guidance only. Actual itineraries may differ slightly due to factors such as weather, wildlife, logistics, and local regulations.