Group trip in the Philippines • Island Hopping: Moalboal, Dauin, and Cabilao
Discover three of the most beautiful diving destinations in the Philippines on a unique group island-hopping tour. Dive among millions of sardines, search for unique marine creatures, and explore colorful coral reefs in the Visayas.
Travel period
Features
Starting from
Group trip in the Philippines • Island Hopping in the Visayas
- Travel dates: May 22 through June 1, 2027
- Tour guide: Margriet de Graaf
- Tour guide languages: Dutch, English & Italian
- Stay: 9 days / 8 nights, full board
- Maximum number of dives during the trip: 22 dives
- Diving level: Advanced Open Water or higher , with at least 40 logged dives
The Philippines consists of more than 7,000 islands and is one of the most diverse diving destinations in the world. During this group trip, we’ll bring together a small group of divers to explore the Visayas, a region where every destination offers a completely different underwater world. Instead of staying in one place, we’ll travel together from island to island and discover some of the most beautiful dive sites in the Philippines.
From the millions of sardines that gather off the coast of Moalboal to the unique muck dives of Dauin, where you’ll search for frogfish, seahorses, and other extraordinary creatures. Next, we’ll swap the black volcanic sand for the steep walls, colorful coral gardens, and healthy reefs of Cabilao. Each destination adds a new chapter to this journey and reveals a different side of the Philippines.
The way we travel also makes this group trip special. We have our own support boat that carries our diving gear with us, making the crossings between the islands part of the adventure. Depending on the route and conditions, we even go diving along the way on transfer days, so we can spend as much time as possible underwater.
This trip is organized only four times a year. It’s a unique opportunity to explore several of the Visayas’ top diving destinations with a small group, without having to worry about the logistics of traveling between the islands.
Overview participants
We have room for up to 12 participants on this trip.
Tour guide: Margriet de Graaf
At EWDR, Margriet is responsible for marketing, content, and the website. She has been diving since 2015 and has also been a diving instructor for several years. She brings her love for the underwater world to her work and to the group trips she leads for EWDR each year.
Average Temperatures
Wetsuit advice for the Philippines 
A 3mm or 5mm wetsuit works well here.
What will you experience on this diving vacation?
View itinerary here
Days 1 & 2 | Trip to Cebu
Saturday, May 22 & Sunday, May 23, 2027
Today marks the start of the trip to the Philippines. You’ll fly to Cebu, the island where the diving adventure begins. Due to the flight and the time difference, you’ll arrive the next day. You may be flying with other participants on the group trip, or we’ll meet up in Cebu.
Upon arrival at Cebu Airport, transportation will be waiting to take us to the first destination of our trip: Moalboal, on the island’s west coast. The drive to the hotel takes about 2.5 hours, and along the way you’ll get a first glimpse of the lush green landscape and local life on Cebu.
Moalboal is one of the most famous diving destinations in the Philippines and is world-renowned for its impressive sardine run, during which millions of sardines gather just off the coast. For the next two nights, we’ll be staying at the comfortable Dolphin House Resort, a peaceful base right on the water.
After you arrive, you’ll have time to unwind from your trip, explore the resort, or relax by the pool. Tomorrow, your first dives are on the schedule, and you’ll get to experience the extraordinary underwater world of Moalboal.
Day 3 | Diving in Moalboal
Monday, May 24, 2027
The first day of diving is entirely dedicated to one of the Philippines’ most famous diving destinations. Moalboal is world-famous for its impressive sardine run, during which millions of sardines gather in enormous schools just off the coast. Immediately after descending, you’ll be surrounded by a moving wall of silver fish—a spectacular sight that’s different every time. Tuna, mackerel, or jackfish regularly chase through the school, adding an extra layer of dynamism to the dive.
We’ll also be diving at Pescador Island, a small island with steep walls richly covered in soft corals, sponges, and colorful reef fish. Here, you might encounter sea turtles, moray eels, schools of barracuda, frogfish, and various species of nudibranchs, among other creatures. With a little luck, you might even spot a whitetip reef shark. The combination of steep wall dives, healthy coral reefs, and enormous biodiversity makes Pescador Island one of the absolute highlights of Cebu.
In addition to Pescador Island, there are various reef and wall dives along the coast of Moalboal. The reefs are teeming with macro life and colorful reef fish, and sea turtles are frequently spotted grazing peacefully among the coral. Thanks to the variety of large marine life, schools of fish, and small macro life, the dives here are interesting for virtually every diver.
After the dives, there’s plenty of time to relax at the resort or take a stroll along the lively promenade at Panagsama Beach, where you’ll find a variety of restaurants and cafés.
Day 4 | From Moalboal to Dauin
Tuesday, May 25, 2027
Today we’re traveling on to our next diving destination: Dauin, located on the southern coast of Negros Oriental. The transfer to Dauin is part of the travel experience itself. We’ll make the crossing on a traditional Filipino Bangka boat, a distinctive wooden boat with outriggers that’s commonly used for inter-island travel.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy the views of the coastline, and the best part of the crossing is that you’ll also have the chance to go on one or two dives along the way! It’s a wonderful first introduction to the underwater world of Negros.
Upon arrival in Dauin, you’ll check in at Pura Vida Beach & Dive Resort, where we’ll be staying for the next 3 nights. The resort is located right on the beach and serves as the perfect base from which to explore the unique dive sites in Dauin and the surrounding area over the next few days.
Days 5 & 6 | Diving around Dauin & Apo Island
Wednesday, May 26 & Thursday, May 27, 2027
Over the next two days, you’ll explore the extraordinary underwater world of Dauin, one of the best macro diving destinations in the Philippines. While many tropical destinations are known for their colorful coral reefs, Dauin is all about the fascinating world found on and among the black volcanic sand.
The coast of Dauin is world-renowned for muck diving. During these dives, you slowly scan the sandy slopes in search of small and unusual marine creatures that live perfectly camouflaged in this environment. Every dive is a journey of discovery where you never know exactly what you’ll encounter.
Underwater, you can look for frogfish, mimic octopuses, pygmy seahorses, pipefish, flamboyant cuttlefish, various species of nudibranchs, and countless other remarkable macro species. For underwater photographers, Dauin is an absolute dream destination, but even without a camera, these dives are extraordinary thanks to the abundance and diversity of small marine life.
In addition to the muck dives along the coast, we’ll also be diving at Apo Island, a protected marine reserve a short distance from Dauin. Apo Island is known for its healthy coral gardens, colorful reef fish, impressive reef walls, and large population of sea turtles. During dives around the island, you may encounter grazing sea turtles while schools of fish swim above the reef. There may be somewhat stronger currents around these dive sites.
After the dives, there’s plenty of time to relax at the resort, enjoy the tropical surroundings, or share the day’s experiences with the group.
Day 7 | From Dauin to Cabilao Island on Bohol
Friday, May 28, 2027
Today you’ll continue on to our next destination: Cabilao Island, a peaceful island off the coast of Bohol. After the unique muck dives in Dauin, the underwater world changes once again. Cabilao is known for its impressive wall dives, healthy coral reefs, large sea fans, and the rich biodiversity surrounding the island.
You’ll make the trip to Cabilao once again on a traditional Filipino bangka boat. There’s absolutely no need to get bored during the trip, because even today we can do 1 or 2 dives while traveling to Cabilao.
Upon arrival, you’ll check in at Pura Vida Cabilao, where we’ll be staying for the next three nights. This small-scale resort is located right on the beach and is the ideal base for exploring the unique dive sites around Cabilao.
Days 8 & 9 | Diving around Cabilao
Saturday, May 29, and Sunday, May 30, 2027
The final days of diving are all about Cabilao’s diverse underwater world. Around the island, you’ll find steep walls, colorful coral gardens, and a wide variety of marine life. The dive sites are very different from the muck dives in Dauin and offer stunning underwater landscapes featuring a mix of large and small marine life.
During wall dives, you’ll glide past impressive drop-offs teeming with soft corals, sponges, and large sea fans. In the clear water, you can encounter various species of reef fish, schools of fish, sea turtles, and—with a little luck—larger pelagic species as well.
Cabilao is also an excellent destination for macro enthusiasts. Among the coral and along the walls, you’ll find unique small species such as pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, shrimp, and other colorful creatures. The combination of healthy reefs, good visibility, and a peaceful island atmosphere makes Cabilao one of the most beautiful diving destinations in the Visayas.
Day 10 & 11 | Return home
Monday, May 31 & Tuesday, June 1, 2027
Optional: Extension to Malapascua
For those who want to extend their trip, there’s the option to spend four nights on Malapascua Island, one of the Philippines’ most famous diving destinations. The island is world-famous for the opportunity to dive with thresher sharks at the famous Monad Shoal dive site. These remarkable sharks, recognizable by their long tails, are often spotted during early morning dives as they rise from the depths toward the reef.
In addition to thresher sharks, Malapascua offers a wide variety of diving experiences. You’ll discover colorful coral reefs, steep walls, and unique dive sites such as Gato Island. Lovers of small marine life will also find plenty to enjoy here, including mandarin fish, seahorses, frogfish, and nudibranchs.
After Bohol, you’ll continue on to Malapascua instead of heading to the airport.
Highlights of this trip
What can you expect from this trip to the Visayas?
Sardine Run in Moalboal
Moalboal is one of the most famous diving destinations in the Philippines thanks to its spectacular sardine run. Millions of sardines swim just off the coast in impressive schools, making every dive a unique experience. In addition, Pescador Island offers steep walls, colorful corals, and a wide variety of reef life. From sea turtles and schools of jackfish to moray eels and nudibranchs: this diversity makes Moalboal a destination that excites virtually every diver.
Macro Diving in Dauin
Dauin is known worldwide as one of the best spots for muck diving. The black volcanic sand slopes are home to unique creatures that you’ll hardly find anywhere else so easily. With an experienced guide, you’ll go in search of frogfish, mimic octopuses, seahorses, pipefish, and colorful nudibranchs. In addition, Apo Island lies just off the coast, where healthy coral reefs and a large population of sea turtles offer a wonderful change of scenery.
Diving in Cabilao
Cabilao is a small island with a relaxed atmosphere and a surprisingly diverse underwater world. Around the island, you’ll find impressive wall dives, colorful coral gardens, and enormous sea fans that are home to a wide variety of marine life. The clear waters make it a great destination for photographers and nature lovers. Pygmy seahorses live among the corals, while sea turtles and schools of reef fish regularly pass by the walls.
The accommodation
The stay and surroundings
Sea Explorers
Travel costs
What is included
This group trip to the Philippines is available starting at US$ 2.519 per person, based on two people sharing a room. The diving trip can be extended as desired. A number of items are included as standard in this travel package.
Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates. Flights are always based on the cheapest possible booking class.
Want to learn more about this group trip to the Philippines? Contact us!
Included in this diving trip, from US$ 2.519 p.p.
- 2 nights in Moalboal in a Deluxe Room
- 3 nights in Dauin in a Deluxe Room
- 3 nights in Cabilao in a Deluxe Room
- Accommodation on full board basis
- Coffee, tea, and drinking water on board and at resorts
- Diving package with approximately 22 dives
- Sanctuary and Marine Park Fees
- SEAfari T-shirt
- Airport transfers to and from Mactan-Cebu Airport
- Resort-to-resort transfers & boat transfers
- VZR & Administration fee
Excluding
- Flight to Cebu starting at US$ 917 per person
- Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
- Dive and travel insurance
✈︎ The quoted (international) flight prices are indicative prices and based on departures from Europe. However, we can arrange flights from any location worldwide. Booking your own flights is of course also possible.
Optional
- Diving Equipment Rental (€19 per day)
Email this diving holiday
Want to save or share the details of this diving trip with someone? You can do so by sending the trip by email.
Where may we send the email to?
Frequently asked questions about this diving holiday
Group trip
For a stay of less than 30 days in the Philippines, you do not need a visa applied for in advance if you are a Dutch or Belgian citizen. Upon arrival, you will receive a stamp (Visa on Arrival) free of charge that allows you to travel throughout the country for 30 days.
The minimum group size for this trip is 8 participants; the maximum group size is 12 participants.
You can certainly participate alone! Most participants of our group trips come solo. This makes it so much fun, you get to know people and have dive buddies. Participating as a couple (or more) is also possible.
Yes, we create a group app in advance so participants can get to know each other and receive practical info.
Generally, you’ll share a room with someone of the same gender; the price of the trip is based on this. Would you prefer a private room? That can often be arranged as well. Please indicate this in your request, and we’ll be able to provide you with the adjusted price right away.
Yes, Margriet is the group leader for this trip. She is a diving instructor and often serves as group leader for our group trips. She is not the dive guide for this trip; the dives are led by local dive guides from the dive schools where we dive.
During this trip, we’ll be staying on a full-board basis, but soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are not included in the stay. This may therefore result in additional costs. The use of nitrox is also not included in the price as standard. Additional excursions may also incur extra costs.
For this trip, you’ll need at least an Advanced Open Water certification with a minimum of 40 logged dives. This is a requirement set by the dive schools. In addition, the groups underwater are small. We can split them up based on experience and diving preferences (for example, photographers in a separate group).
We have dives scheduled every day during this trip. Would you like to do a different activity? That’s fine. Just be sure to discuss it with the group leader so everyone is in the loop.
Diving in the Visayas: General Information
That depends entirely on where we are. The itinerary includes a number of muck dives and reef dives, as well as some deeper dives along walls. It’s actually a really nice mix of different types of dives.
That depends on where we are. Usually, the dive sites are nearby—no more than a 20-minute boat ride away.
- Moalboal: up to 3 dives per day
- Dauin: up to 4 dives per day
- Cabilao: up to 4 dives per day
- On the 2 travel days: a maximum of 2 dives per day
Yes, absolutely. We’ll determine during the trip which days would be best for scheduling this.
No, there will be no classes offered during this trip.
The diving school is in the hotel.
Diving equipment
Both tanks are present.
Each location has a few 15-liter tanks. Be sure to reserve them in advance. There is an additional charge for using these tanks.
Yes, that costs about €3 per tank. On travel days, we can’t dive with nitrox.
Yes, the price is 20 euros per day for the full set of diving equipment.
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