LIVEABOARD ROUTE

Philippines Explorer II — Ultimate Visayas: Dauin to Donsol — 13 Nights

A 13-night expedition from Dauin to Donsol combining Apo Island, Central Visayas reefs, Malapascua shark sites, remote islands and Ticao Pass.
Vessel Philippines Explorer II
Country Philippines
Embarkation Dauin, Negros Oriental
View Departures & Cabins Explore the Itinerary

The route

Route Overview

A 13-night expedition from Dauin to Donsol combining Apo Island, Central Visayas reefs, Malapascua shark sites, remote islands and Ticao Pass.

No exact departure from the Inseanq recording was unambiguously linked to this logical route; it remains available by enquiry.

Wildlife encounters, exact dive sites and daily sequence are never guaranteed.

Day by day

Operator Itinerary

This is the operator’s indicative itinerary. The captain and cruise director may change the sequence according to conditions, safety and marine-park regulations.

Day 1 — Embark in Dauin.
Day 2 — Apo Island.
Day 3 — Sumilon and regional cruising; Philippines Explorer's source itinerary mentions an optional Oslob whale-shark activity, which Coral Triangle Expeditions does not promote.
Day 4 — Pescador Island and Moalboal.
Day 5 — Sipaway Island.
Day 6 — Kimud Shoal and Kalanggaman Island.
Day 7 — Kimud Shoal and Chocolate Island.
Day 8 — Gato Island.
Day 9 — Maripipi Archipelago and Sambawan Island.
Day 10 — San Vicente Island Group exploration.
Day 11 — Tatus Island and Ticao region.
Day 12 — Ticao Pass / Manta Bowl and San Miguel Island.
Day 13 — San Miguel Island.
Day 14 — Disembark in Donsol.

Diving profile

Diving Ultimate Visayas: Dauin to Donsol

Diving overview

Diving is guided from the liveaboard and/or its tender(s), with the exact number of dives and sites determined by the itinerary, conditions and safe-operating decisions.

All divers must hold a valid certification, carry a dive computer, SMB and audible signalling device, and have appropriate dive insurance and completed waivers.

Conditions and experience

Conditions vary significantly by region and season. Currents, visibility, swell and site access are assessed by the captain and dive team for each departure.

Underwater photography

Both Philippines Explorer vessels provide dedicated camera support appropriate to their size. Bring critical spares, batteries and storage media; natural encounters cannot be guaranteed.

Representative dive areas

  • Dauin
  • Apo Island
  • Sumilon
  • Pescador Island / Moalboal
  • Kimud Shoal
  • Kalanggaman
  • Gato Island
  • Maripipi / Sambawan
  • Ticao Pass / Manta Bowl
  • San Miguel Island
  • Donsol

Listed sites are representative and cannot be guaranteed for a specific departure.

Marine highlights

  • Turtles
  • Thresher sharks
  • Manta rays
  • Sardine schools
  • Macro life
  • Remote-island exploration

Wildlife encounters are natural and are never guaranteed.

Best suited to

Small groups Expedition-style travel Underwater photography Macro and pelagic variety

Plan the region

Related diving destination guides

THE VESSEL

Philippines Explorer II

A 23.9m boutique expedition yacht for only six guests, comprehensively rebuilt in 2022–2023 with gyro stabilisation, Starlink connectivity and a highly personalised dive operation.

Philippines Explorer II is a 23.9m boutique expedition yacht originally built in 2008 and comprehensively rebuilt in 2022–2023 as a long-range explorer.

The vessel combines a gyro stabiliser, upgraded propulsion, sound-shielded generators, new water-makers and modern navigation with intimate guest spaces including a saloon, al-fresco dining area, forward sun lounge and flybridge.

A maximum of six guests are accommodated across four ensuite cabins.

Operated by Philippines Explorer

Vessel type GRP expedition mono-hull; complete refit 2022–2023
Length 23.9 m / 79.9 ft
Beam 5.8 m / 17 ft
Guest capacity 6
Cabins 4

Shared spaces

Indoor saloon with books, board games and 42-inch TV, al-fresco dining area, forward sun lounge, flybridge, professional galley and multiple outdoor relaxation areas.

Dining & dietary needs

International cuisine from a professional galley. Vegetarian and selected dietary requirements can be catered for with advance notice.

Dive deck

Aft port and starboard entry points with crew assistance. Diving is conducted directly from the vessel or via a 5m tender with 85hp engine.

Dive tenders

Diving directly from the main vessel or via one 5m tender with 85hp engine.

Camera facilities

Dedicated camera rinse tank, air gun, 220V universal sockets and voltage-stabilised surge protection. No fixed camera bench; multiple tables are available for setup.

Rental equipment

Rental dive equipment is available at additional cost. Current sizes, inventory and prices are confirmed before travel.

Safety equipment

VHF/SSB radios, VSAT satellite phone/internet, AIS, EPIRB, life rafts, emergency survival equipment, semi-automated fire suppression, medical oxygen and comprehensive first aid. Each diver receives a Weatherdock AG Marine Rescue AIS.

Navigation equipment

Raymarine GPS chart plotter, long- and short-range radar, weather plotting, depth sounder and local navigation charts.

Languages spoken

  • English

ON BOARD

Vessel gallery

Open any image for a larger view.

Images courtesy of Philippines Explorer. Cabin-category crops are derived from the official Philippines Explorer II Vessel Data Sheet supplied by the operator.

ACCOMMODATION

Explore cabins and current departure rates

View cabins & departures
Philippines Explorer II

Dates, cabins and prices

Departures & Cabin Options

Choose a departure and the exact cabin or berth mix you need. You can request several cabins, individual berths and different guest allocations in one enquiry; availability and final allocation are confirmed by the independent liveaboard operator.

Departure dates are being updated

Contact us with your preferred travel window and cabin type.

Check operator availability