How to Choose Your Perfect Liveaboard Philippines Trip

Planning a Liveaboard adventure in the Philippines can be exciting! The country’s (more than) 7,000 islands and rich marine biodiversity make it a diver’s paradise. A bit of expert knowledge will help you pick the perfect trip .

The Philippines welcomes divers throughout the year. The water stays between 22-28°C (depending on the location) from July to December, offering the best visibility . You can swim with manta rays and whale sharks at Tubbataha Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that spans almost 375 square miles. The country’s world-class dive sites are best accessed through liveaboard trips. These trips range from quick 4-day getaways to extended 10-day adventures that suit different schedules and skill levels .

This guide will help you pick the right liveaboard dive trip based on your budget, skill level, and schedule. The Philippines ranks among the world’s most beloved diving spots, and we’ll show you why. Let’s take a closer look!

Understand What a Liveaboard Trip Offers

Ever thought about what makes liveaboard experiences so different from regular dive trips? A liveaboard adventure is a chance to do something special if you love spending time underwater.

What is a liveaboard dive trip?

Picture your hotel floating right above the dive sites you’ll visit. That’s what a liveaboard is – a special vessel that becomes your floating home during your diving trip. Regular day trips make you go back to shore after each dive, but a liveaboard lets you eat, sleep, and live on the boat throughout your stay.

Most liveaboard trips in the Philippines last 4 to 10 nights. You’ll fall into an “eat-sleep-dive-repeat” rhythm with 3 – 5 dives each day. Night dives are amazing and show you a completely different underwater world.
Liveaboard trips are super efficient. You’ll wake up each morning right at a new dive site. No long commutes means more time underwater. On top of that, it saves you time because your gear stays set up between dives.

Why choose a liveaboard over a resort?

The main reason experienced divers love liveaboards is getting to remote underwater paradises. Many world-class Philippine dive sites like Tubbataha Reef are too far from land. These offshore spots usually have the most pristine reefs and rich marine life and are only accessible via Liveaboard.

Liveaboards beat resort-based diving in several ways:

More dives per day: You can do 5 dives daily instead of just 3 at resorts
Greater biodiversity: You move between spots during surface intervals and see different underwater environments daily
Dive-focused experience: Everything centers on diving with quick trips to sites
Convenience: Your gear stays ready with tanks filled right where you need them

Money-wise, liveaboards often give you better value per dive compared to resorts, even though the upfront cost might seem higher.

Who should think about a liveaboard experience?

Liveaboard trips are perfect if diving is your passion. These trips match your priorities if you want to spend most of your vacation underwater with minimal distractions.

Your experience level matters when picking a trip. Beginners can visit places like Apo Island and the Visayas, but spots like Malapascua and Tubbataha Reef need intermediate or advanced skills. Most people on liveaboards are experienced divers with lots of dives under their belt.

Marine life lovers do great on liveaboards because these boats visit quieter, undisturbed sites. You’ll have better chances to see rare species. These trips are ideal if you want to photograph unique creatures or untouched reefs. Social divers love the atmosphere on liveaboards. You create special bonds while sharing meals, stories, and amazing underwater experiences with other dive enthusiasts. Many lifelong friendships start on these floating dive communities.
Photographers get great perks with dedicated camera rooms, rinse bins, and chances to learn from other photo enthusiasts throughout their stay.

Solo travelers fit right in on Philippine liveaboards because everyone shares the same passion for diving. Most boats let you share cabins to avoid single supplements, making these adventures more available for independent travelers.

Top Liveaboard Destinations in the Philippines

The Philippines archipelago holds some of the world’s most breathtaking underwater spots. Each location gives divers something special to experience. Crystal-clear reefs and historical wrecks make this island nation a diver’s paradise.

Tubbataha Reef: Remote and pristine

Tubbataha Reef National Park shines as the crown jewel of Philippines liveaboards. This UNESCO World Heritage Site spans almost 100,000 hectares of untouched reef. The site ranks among the New Seven Wonders of the World. The nearest landmass lies 10-12 hours away by boat in the middle of the Sulu Sea.

What sets Tubbataha apart? You can only reach it by liveaboard from March to June when the weather’s just right. These months let divers see amazing marine life throughout its North Atoll, South Atoll, and Jessie Beazley Reef.
The North Atoll’s northern tip features popular shark spots like “Washing Machine.” The site gets its name from its currents and attracts whitetips, blacktips, and gray reef sharks. “Shark Airport” works as a huge cleaning station where gray reef sharks, whitetip sharks, and sometimes silky sharks, guitar sharks, or whale sharks show up.

Hammerhead fans should head to the southeastern tip of North Atoll and northern area of South Atoll. The Jessie Beazley Reef northwest of the main atolls lets you spot hammerheads, gray reef sharks, silky sharks, and whale sharks among beautiful Acropora corals.

Coron: Wreck diving capital

History buffs and wreck diving fans will love Coron’s underwater museum. This Calamian group island near Northern Palawan tells a dramatic World War II story. A fierce battle between Japanese warships and American planes left several wrecks in shallow waters.

Coron Bay houses more than ten different ships—from freighters to gunboats and seaplane carriers. Most rest at recreational diving depths around 25 meters. Many divers rate the Irako, an intact Japanese refrigeration ship, as the Philippines’ best wreck.
New wreck divers can start with the Nanshin Maru. Its clear waters host plenty of batfish and groupers. The Olympia Maru also works well for beginners. Certified wreck divers should check out the Taiei Maru. Sunlight streams through torpedo holes create cathedral-like effects inside the wreck.
Diving happens year-round in Coron. The best conditions come during dry season from November through May. December through March proves particularly good. Water temperatures swing between 25°C and 31°C depending on when you visit.

Visayas: Macro life and thresher sharks

Visayas packs the most world-class dive sites in the Philippines. This central-eastern island group’s rich biodiversity makes it perfect for liveaboard trips.
Malapascua Island leads the Visayas attractions with its famous thresher sharks. These shy creatures regularly appear at Monad Shoal, especially at sunrise.

Moalboal in Cebu amazes divers with its sardine run. The massive school moves like lightning, creating different shapes. Apo Island near Negros shows how community-based marine protection works. The site boasts 100% healthy hard coral cover and lots of sea turtles.
Macro lovers should visit Dauin in Negros. This muck-diving heaven hosts cuttlefish, octopus, seahorses, and frogfish. Balicasag Island in Bohol features a marine sanctuary. Green turtles roam its seagrass meadows, jacks patrol the walls, and coral gardens burst with color.

Apo Reef: Coral walls and pelagics

Apo Reef Natural Park stands as Asia’s largest atoll and the world’s second-largest connected coral reef. Located 40 kilometers from Occidental Mindoro’s coast, this 40-square-kilometer protected area has stayed safe since 1996.
Steep walls drop 80 meters deep, while coral-covered plateaus dot the underwater landscape. Northeast walls around Apo Island draw gray reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks, turtles, barracuda, and snapper in the currents. “Shark Ridge” might surprise you with mantas and hammerheads.
Advanced divers should try the challenging seamounts. Hunter’s Rock and Merope Rock sit 10 kilometers west of Apo Island. These spots deliver amazing pelagic action with sharks, tuna, and trevallies. “Apo 29” (Barracuda Hill) rewards current-savvy divers with huge barracuda schools and plenty of sharks.

The dry season from December through May works best for visiting Apo Reef. Water stays between 26°C and 31°C. Most liveaboards combine Apo Reef with Coron’s wrecks for an unforgettable Philippines diving adventure.

How to Choose the Right Liveaboard for You

Choosing the right Philippines liveaboard means weighing several factors that will shape your underwater journey. Let’s look at what you should think over before booking your dream trip.

Budget vs luxury liveaboards

Liveaboard dive trip prices range from a few hundred dollars to over $5,000. Your budget sets the level of comfort and amenities you’ll enjoy. Take a look at the websites: LiveAboard.com and liveaboard.com and divebooker.com – they offer a worldwide Liveaboard booking and it is easy to get an overview about prices and locations.

Budget-friendly options cost under $150 daily for a 7-day trip. These boats might not have fancy extras but provide great diving experiences. You’ll find shared bathrooms, dorm-style rooms, and basic meals—great if diving matters more than luxury.

Luxury liveaboards begin at $2,000 with premium features such as ensuite bathrooms, hot tubs, massage services, and gourmet dining. Many Philippines vessels, like the Philippine Siren, give you extra comfort through spacious cabins, sundeck areas, and onboard masseuses.

Group size and onboard amenities

The number of divers aboard greatly affects your experience. Smaller boats (8-12 divers) create a cozy atmosphere with customized attention. These vessels can reach shallower sites and offer flexible dive schedules.
Larger vessels (20+ divers) usually have better facilities but might feel packed at popular spots. The Discovery Palawan fits 32 guests, making it perfect for big groups.

Key amenities you should check include:

Air conditioning (crucial in tropical weather)
Camera rooms for underwater photography fans
Nitrox availability
Communal spaces to relax between dives

Dive experience level and certification requirements

Philippines liveaboards need specific certifications and experience levels. Most ask for at least an Open Water certification, though many spots require Advanced Open Water or similar.
Challenging locations like Tubbataha Reef or areas with strong currents need a minimum of 50 logged dives. Extra certifications like Nitrox help, especially during multiple deep dives each day.

Trip length and itinerary options

Philippines liveaboard trips usually last 6-7 nights, but you can find 4-day trips or extended 10-day adventures. New divers might want shorter trips to test their sea legs. Some destinations have seasonal limits—Tubbataha Reef welcomes divers only from March to June. Year-round diving happens in Visayas or Coron.
Marine life preferences matter in choosing your trip. Each route focuses on different experiences – shark encounters or macro photography spots. Yes, it is common for boats to name trips based on their focus: “Get wrecked” for wreck diving or “Manta madness” for manta ray encounters.

When to Go: Best Seasons for Liveaboard Diving

The perfect liveaboard Philippines adventure depends on choosing the right time to visit. The right timing transforms good diving into an unforgettable experience (→ Unpacking the Philippines’ Climate).

Tubbataha season: March to June

Tubbataha Reef’s access window runs from mid-March through mid-June. The reef’s protected status means authorities won’t allow diving outside these months. Divers enjoy optimal conditions with clear skies, calm seas, and spectacular 30-40 meter visibility during this period. The short season fills up quickly, so you’ll need to reserve your spot early (→ Best Philippines Diving Sites).

Visayas and Coron: Year-round diving

The Visayas region welcomes divers all year. The absolute best diving experiences happen from October to March. Divers can expect excellent visibility reaching 30 meters. Coron’s diving stays open year-round, with the dry season from October to June offering perfect conditions. December through March brings the clearest wreck views with visibility reaching 15-20 meters.

Avoiding typhoon season

Typhoon season peaks from July through October, making it risky for Philippines liveaboards. These powerful storms can hit eastern regions like eastern Luzon, Bicol, and Eastern Visayas.

Water temperature and visibility by month

The water stays pleasant throughout the year. Temperatures range from 23°C to 30°C. Each location’s visibility changes with the seasons – from 5 meters near Manila to crystal-clear 45 meters at remote sites like Tubbataha. November to April stands out as the most reliable time for Philippines liveaboard dive trips.

Essential Tips Before You Book

The difference between a good and great liveaboard experience lies in your preparation. Let me share some simple tips to think over before you book your Philippines liveaboard adventure.

What gear to bring or rent

Your regulator and dive computer belong in your carry-on luggage along with a swimsuit. This way, delayed checked bags won’t stop you from diving. Most liveaboard trips give you tanks, weights, and weight belts. They also provide rental options for other equipment. The “sports equipment” luggage allowance might help you pack more gear—you’ll get 55kg instead of the standard 40kg.

Do you need Nitrox or Advanced Open Water?

Nitrox certification deserves your attention if you plan multiple daily dives. It helps you stay energized and safer, especially in remote locations. Advanced Nitrox requirements include a minimum age of 15 years and basic Nitrox certification with 25 logged dives. You can get certified right on board during 7-night trips for $80-100.

Travel insurance and dive insurance

Your Philippines liveaboard trip requires both travel and dive insurance. Most regular travel insurance doesn’t cover diving incidents. Look for specialized coverage from DAN or DiveAssure. The “Liveaboard Rider” option protects you against unique situations like missed boat departures due to flight delays.

Booking early vs last-minute deals

Booking early lets you pick your preferred vessel, dates, and cabin. Last-minute deals offer 10-20% savings, but usually on less popular cabins. Pick your travel dates first and plan your booking strategy from there.

Departure points and airport transfers

Puerto Princesa serves as your gateway for Tubbataha routes. Mactan (Cebu) works best if you’re heading to Visayas. Most operators throw in free transfers on the days you board and leave the boat.

Conclusion

The Philippines is a diver’s paradise that boasts rich biodiversity and world-class dive sites. This piece shows how liveaboards give exceptional access to remote underwater treasures like Tubbataha Reef, Coron’s historical wrecks, the vibrant Visayas, and Apo Reef. These floating dive hotels cut travel time between sites and maximize underwater experiences. They also create a special community of like-minded adventurers.

A perfect Philippines liveaboard exists for you, whatever your budget or experience level. Budget-friendly options begin at $150 per day. Luxury vessels offer premium amenities if you want extra comfort. Trip timing is a vital part of your experience. Tubbataha’s limited March-to-June season needs advance planning. Destinations like Visayas welcome divers throughout the year.

Note that several key points need attention before booking. Make sure you meet the minimum certification requirements for your chosen itinerary. Decide if you want to bring your own gear or rent equipment. Get both travel and dive-specific insurance to protect your investment. Book early to get the best cabin selection and dates, especially for popular destinations in peak seasons.

Without doubt, a Philippines liveaboard trip is one of the most rewarding experiences a diver can have. Pristine reefs, rich marine life, and professional crews make these adventures unforgettable. You can swim with thresher sharks, head over to WWII wrecks, or photograph rare macro creatures. These experiences are nowhere near possible on land-based dive trips.

The eat-sleep-dive-repeat rhythm of liveaboard life creates a perfect environment. You can disconnect from daily stress and reconnect with the underwater world. Nothing compares to watching the sunset from the deck after amazing dives. You share stories with new friends who love the ocean just as much as you do.

This guide should help you pick the perfect liveaboard adventure. The Philippines’ underwater wonders await. Just take the plunge!

Choosing the perfect Philippines liveaboard requires understanding your diving goals, budget, and timing to maximize your underwater adventure in one of the world’s most biodiverse marine destinations.

• Book Tubbataha trips early for March-June season – This UNESCO World Heritage Site is only accessible via liveaboard during these months with 30-40m visibility
• Match your certification level to destination requirements – Most liveaboards need Advanced Open Water with 50+ logged dives for challenging sites
• Budget $150-5000+ depending on luxury level desired – Budget options focus on diving while luxury boats offer premium amenities and gourmet meals
• Consider Nitrox certification for multiple daily dives – Reduces fatigue and increases safety during 4-5 daily dives typical on liveaboards
• Pack essential gear in carry-on luggage – Bring regulator, dive computer, and swimsuit to avoid missing dives if checked bags are delayed

Liveaboards offer unmatched access to remote dive sites like pristine reefs, WWII wrecks, and pelagic encounters impossible to reach from land-based operations. The “eat-sleep-dive-repeat” rhythm maximizes underwater time while creating lasting friendships with fellow diving enthusiasts.

FAQs

Q1. What are the advantages of choosing a liveaboard trip in the Philippines?
Liveaboards offer access to remote dive sites, more dives per day, greater marine biodiversity, and a dive-focused experience. They also provide better value for money when considering the per-dive cost compared to resort-based diving.

Q2. When is the best time to go on a liveaboard trip in the Philippines?
The best time generally depends on the specific destination. For Tubbataha Reef, the season is from March to June. The Visayas and Coron offer year-round diving, with October to March being particularly good. It’s best to avoid the typhoon season from July through October.

Q3. What certifications and experience are required for Philippines liveaboard trips?
Most liveaboards require at least an Open Water certification, but many destinations need Advanced Open Water or equivalent. For challenging sites like Tubbataha Reef, a minimum of 50 logged dives is often required. Nitrox certification can be beneficial for multiple daily dives.

Q4. How much does a Philippines liveaboard trip typically cost?
Prices vary widely, ranging from budget-friendly options at around $150 per day to luxury experiences costing over $5,000 for a trip. The cost depends on factors such as the boat’s amenities, trip duration, and destination.

Q5. What essential items should I pack for a liveaboard trip?
Pack your regulator and dive computer in carry-on luggage along with a swimsuit. Consider bringing your own dive gear or check rental options. Don’t forget to secure both travel and dive-specific insurance. Comfortable clothing, camera gear, and cash for crew tips are also recommended.

Liveaboard Philippines: How to Choose Your Perfect Trip