🐢 PHILIPPINES: TURTLES & CORAL OF APO ISLAND

📅 Fixed Date: April 12 – 24 (13 Days / 12 Nights)

📋 EXPEDITION OVERVIEW

Apo Island is a global symbol of marine conservation success. This volcanic island in the Negros Oriental region features pristine coral gardens that host a massive population of resident Green Sea Turtles and Hawksbill Turtles that are completely accustomed to human presence. Combined with the black volcanic sand coast of Dauin—internationally celebrated as the "Muck Diving Capital" for rare critters—this expedition offers the ultimate contrast between vibrant coral reefs and otherworldly macro photography. We stay in a luxury beachfront resort in Dauin, providing a tranquil oasis and premium wellness experiences throughout the journey.

• Rendezvous Point: Dumaguete Airport (DGT) via Manila (MNL) or Cebu (CEB)

• Diving Logistics: 20 reef/wall/muck dives (All experience levels welcome)

• Group Size: Maximum 12 guests

🗺️ DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

🛫 DAY 1: Arrival in the Macro Sanctuary

• For Everyone: Arrive at Dumaguete Airport (DGT). Our team greets you at the terminal and provides a private VIP air-conditioned transfer directly to our luxury beachfront spa resort in Dauin.

• Evening: Settle into your premium room, followed by an evening briefing and a welcome dinner featuring a fusion of European and traditional Filipino organic cuisine by the sea.

🐠 DAY 2: Volcanic Sands Check-Dive & Volcanic Clay Spa

• Divers (2 Dives): Morning check-dives at the Dauin House Reef. Explore the unique black volcanic sand slope, home to specialized marine life, perfectly designed for fine-tuning your buoyancy and camera gear.

• Non-Divers (Snorkel & Spa): Guided snorkeling over the resort’s shallow reef, followed by your first premium body treatment—a signature Volcanic Clay Spa ritual using locally sourced mineral mud.

🐢 DAY 3: The Green Giants of Apo Island

• Divers (3 Dives): Our first crossing to the legendary Apo Island. Diving Rock Point East and Chapel Wall. Experience sheer vertical walls draped in healthy hard corals, surrounded by swarms of colorful reef fish and massive sea turtles.

• Non-Divers (Snorkel & Spa): Guided snorkeling in the protected shallow sanctuary of Apo Island. You will swim alongside dozens of giant, peaceful green sea turtles grazing on the sea grass just a meter below the surface.

🦐 DAY 4: The Weird and Wonderful – Dauin Muck Diving

• Divers (3 Muck Dives): Diving the famous Cars and Sanctuary sites. An absolute playground for underwater photographers, searching for bizarre critters like Frogfish, Ghost Pipefish, Blue-Ringed Octopuses, and Seahorses.

• Non-Divers (Snorkel & Spa): Guided sea kayaking and paddleboarding session along the calm, dark volcanic coastline of Dauin. Afternoon relaxation by the resort's infinity pool.

🌋 DAY 5: Terrestrial Adventure – The Twin Lakes of Balinsasayao

• For Everyone (Joint Terrestrial Day): We take a break from the ocean and venture into the lush mountain highlands. An off-road 4x4 excursion leads to the stunning Twin Lakes of Balinsasayao, two ancient crater lakes surrounded by dense rainforest. We enjoy a scenic paddleboat ride across the misty waters and a traditional lunch served in the jungle.

🌀 DAY 6: High-Energy Currents at Mamsa Point

• Divers (3 Dives): Returning to Apo Island to dive Cogon and Mamsa Point ("Mamsa" means Jackfish in the local language). We experience thrilling currents while watching a permanent, massive tornado of thousands of schooling Bigeye Trevally jacks.

• Non-Divers (Snorkel & Spa): A second boat trip to Apo Island for a relaxing beach day on its white sands. Shallow snorkeling in the island's sheltered lagoons, followed by a second traditional Hilot massage in the evening.

🌊 DAY 7: Geothermal Springs & Coastal Reefs

• Divers (3 Dives): Diving Mainit (meaning "Hot" in Cebuano), where you can feel the hot underwater geothermal sulfur springs bubbling out of the black sand. Followed by Masaplod North.

• Non-Divers (Snorkel & Spa): Private Filipino cooking masterclass with the resort’s head chef, learning the art of making fresh Adobo and coconut-infused local desserts.

🏝️ DAY 8: The Dramatic Drop-offs of Rock Point West

• Divers (3 Dives): Exploring the western tip of Apo Island (Rock Point West and Largahan), featuring dramatic underwater rock topography, swim-throughs, and healthy hard coral fields.

• Non-Divers (Snorkel & Spa): A full day of pure luxury and pampering at the resort’s award-winning spa center, including a traditional herbal bath and a third deep-tissue massage.

🐬 DAY 9: Open Ocean Explorer

• Divers (3 Dives): Diving the artificial reefs and coral pyramids of Sahara Deep, focusing on macro and juvenile fish life.

• 🎒 Premium Add-on: Tañon Strait Dolphin Safari. A private speedboat expedition into the nearby Tañon Strait, a major marine mammal highway, to track and observe massive resident pods of wild Spinner and Bottlenose Dolphins.

🛑 DAY 10: Final Macro Photography Session

• Divers (2 Dives): Two final morning dives at the beautiful Dauin North sanctuary to capture final macro shots. At 1:00 PM, the diving program officially ends, marking the start of the safe 24-hour No-Fly window. Gear washing and drying.

• Non-Divers: A relaxed day at the resort, ending with a final sunset yoga and meditation session on the beach.

• For Everyone: Praznicна farewell dinner—an authentic Filipino Boodle Fight feast served on long banana leaves by the oceanfront.

🏙️ DAY 11: Travel Back to Manila or Cebu

• For Everyone: The mandatory No-Fly window concludes. Private transfer back to Dumaguete Airport for our domestic flight to Manila (MNL) or Cebu (CEB). Check-in at a premium 5-star hotel in the city.

🏛️ DAY 12: Mandatory Terrestrial Day – Cultural Heritage Tour

• For Everyone: A relaxed city day exploring the country's rich cultural heritage. Enjoy an afternoon of luxury shopping for famous South Sea pearls, local textiles, and high-end souvenirs. Final group dinner at a fine-dining rooftop restaurant.

🛫 DAY 13: Homeward Bound

• For Everyone: Private transfer to the international terminal for your flights back home to Europe. End of services.