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Two weeks of concentrated Philippine diving: start in Puerto Galera’s coral slopes, then head to Dumaguete and Apo Island for muck dives, walls, and critter photography. Up to four dives per day make this itinerary a photographer’s and reef-lover’s dream.
Two weeks of concentrated Philippine diving: start in Puerto Galera’s coral slopes, then head to Dumaguete and Apo Island for muck dives, walls, and critter photography. Up to four dives per day make this itinerary a photographer’s and reef-lover’s dream.
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Operated by Mac's Sports · Clearwater, Florida
Headed to the Philippines for two weeks of diving? The Philippines 2-Week Getaway takes you from Puerto Galera’s shallow coral gardens to the legendary muck and walls around Dumaguete and nearby Apo Island. This trip, operated out of Clearwater, Florida, blends high-frequency diving—up to four dives a day—with local knowledge of some of the country’s healthiest reefs.
Start in Puerto Galera, on the northern tip of Mindoro, where sheltered bays open onto coral slopes, gorgonian fans, and patch reefs. Expect lively hard-corals, schooling fusiliers, and frequent visits from green sea turtles. The area is famous for accessible house reefs and steeper walls at sites such as Crocodile Island, where currents sweep nutrients along vertical faces and attract larger pelagic life.
Week two relocates to Dumaguete on Negros island and the neighboring Apo Island marine reserve. Here the underwater landscape shifts: coral terraces and dramatic drop-offs give way to muck sites and world-class critter photography. Keep an eye out for nudibranchs, ornate shrimp, and tiny seahorses that favor the fine sand and rubble. Apo Island’s community-managed reserve is a standing example of local conservation that helped reefs recover through coordinated no-take zones and sustainable fishing practices.
What makes this itinerary special is its contrast—soft, shallow coral gardens perfect for relaxed drift dives, then tight, detail-rich muck diving that rewards patient observers. With up to four dives a day, photographers and marine-life hunters can chase specific subjects at prime times. Surface intervals usually occur on small boats or beachside cafes, giving you time to compare sightings and swap photo tips.
Logistics: flights and domestic transfers are not included; departures are organized from Clearwater, Florida. The trip is ideal for certified divers comfortable with multiple daily dives and for travelers who want guided access to protected marine areas. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a reliable dive computer, and a compact camera setup for macro work.
Accommodations vary from simple beachfront guesthouses to dive resorts that offer rinse tanks, camera tables, and daily boat runs; confirm gear storage and charging before you go. Medical-evacuation services are limited on smaller islands, so buy dive insurance that covers multiple dives per day and emergency evacuation. Plan domestic connections with at least one buffer day for weather between flights. For divers seeking abundant reefs, macro critters, and community-led marine protection, this two-week route delivers sustained, varied diving and a view of reef recovery in action.
Yes—participants must be certified divers. Advanced Open Water is helpful for deeper or drift dives; bring your certification card.
No—international and domestic flights are not included. Transfers between islands are arranged separately; allow buffer days for weather delays.
Up to four dives daily, depending on the day’s itinerary and local conditions; expect a mix of boat and shore dives.
Many operators in these areas offer Nitrox; request it in advance if you are certified and want longer no-decompression time.
Common encounters include green sea turtles, schooling pelagics near walls, and abundant macro life such as nudibranchs and shrimp.
Operators promote no-touch policies and reef-safe products; Apo Island and other reserves are community-managed to support reef recovery.
Mac's Sports is a Tarpon Springs, Florida dive and charter outfitter offering guided scallop trips, dive days, seminars, and multi-day dive getaways. The company runs private half‑day scallop charters in the Gulf of Mexico — a 4.5‑hour trip with a private boat for up to six guests and personalized attention from a captain and a trained pro. Complimentary snacks, drinks, and snorkeling gear are provided on the single‑passenger half‑day scallop option, making it accessible for visitors and families. Mac's Sports also hosts free spearfishing seminars covering gear, safety, and techniques for beginners and experienced divers. Popular Florida dive experiences include night dives on freshwater rivers such as the Rainbow River, shore dives at Venice Beach for shark tooth hunting, guided dives at Devil’s Den, and two‑tank boat dives and shore exploration at Blue Heron Bridge. The operation organizes weekend wreck trips in Panama City Beach with multiple deep dives (80–100 feet) and a two‑night hotel stay geared toward Nitrox and Advanced certified divers. Day trips to iconic freshwater and cavern sites like Blue Grotto — home to the resident turtle Virgil — feature guided dives followed by group cookouts. For international travel, Mac's Sports offers an all‑inclusive week at the Mayan Princess Resort in Roatán with 16 dives, including a night dive. All offerings emphasize guided experiences, safety instruction, and organized group logistics to support enjoyable, well‑run underwater adventures. Trips accommodate divers of various skill levels with instruction and group coordination. Booking options include private charters and organized group trips today.
Book with Mac's Sports