Luxury diving trip Philippines: Negros – Salaya Beach & Manami
Dive the rich underwater world of Negros, combining colorful reefs with extraordinary macro life. Stay in atmospheric resorts right by the sea.
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Luxury diving trip in Negros, Philippines - Salaya Beach & Manami
This trip to the Philippines takes you to two beautiful locations on the island of Negros, located in the Visayas, the central part of the archipelago. The island offers an impressive variety of underwater landscapes and above water a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful places to stay. The trip will introduce you to macro and muck diving as well as colorful reefs and steep walls, making each day a new discovery.
You will start in Dauin, a quiet diving village on the east coast of Negros, where you will stay at Salaya Beach Houses. The resort is right by the sea and close to the dive center, making it easy to do several dives a day. Dauin is known for its muck diving, with sandy patches, soft corals and a wide variety of small marine animals such as shrimp, crabs and nudibranchs. At the same time, there are also colorful coral gardens and wrecks to explore, making for a varied underwater adventure.
After a few days, you’ll travel on to Sipalay, where you’ll stay at Manami Resort, a small hilltop resort with stunning sea views. From here you quickly reach the dive sites of Sipalay and Hinoba-an, known for their healthy reefs, steep walls and abundance of tropical fish. Again, the dive sites are close to the resort, allowing you to effortlessly make several dives a day and fully enjoy both relaxation above water and impressive underwater world.
Best travel time for a diving vacation to Negros
The best time to dive in Negros is from November to May. You then dive in the dry season. By the way, it is warm and tropical all year round. In the other months, however, you should expect more rainfall and storms.
Average temperatures
Wetsuit advice for the Philippines
We recommend a 3mm year-round.
What will you experience on this trip?
View itinerary here
Day 1 & 2 | The journey to Manila
Today the journey to the Philippines begins. You will fly to Manila, the country’s capital. Depending on your departure airport, you will have a transfer in Taipei, Singapore, Hong Kong or Dubai. In total, you’ll be on the road for about 18 hours before you reach the Philippines.
On Day 2, you will arrive at the Manila airport. This is where the Filipino adventure really begins. Instead of traveling straight through, you first stay one night in a hotel near the airport. This way you can relax after the long trip and get back on the plane the next day to your dive destination.
Day 3 | From Manila to Damuguete
In the morning you will be picked up at the hotel and taken to the airport for the domestic flight to Dumaguete. This flight takes about an hour and a half and before you know it you are on the island of Negros. At the Dumaguete airport, a transfer will be waiting for you to take you in about half an hour to Salay Beach Houses, the resort where you will be staying for the next week.
Your stay is in Dauin, a popular diving destination known for its impressive muck diving. Think extraordinary macro life, black sandy bottoms and surprises on every dive. The resort is right on the beach and the dive center is also on site. That means you can start your dives every day relaxed, after a delicious breakfast. Everything here is about enjoyment above and below the water.
Day 4 to 8 | Diving around Dauin & Apo Island
For the next few days, you will dive around Dauin. This place is known for the fantastic muck dives, where you look for the tiny creatures in black sand. These dives are very different from the first week of the trip, which is what makes it so fun and varied. You make 2 dives daily.
Around Dauin and nearby Apo Island you will find an impressive variety of dive sites. Off the coast at Dauin, there are numerous dive sites with sandy bottoms, reefs and colorful marine life. The area is known for its rich macrofauna and unusual underwater inhabitants, making each dive a kind of voyage of discovery where you really have to take the time to look closely. In fact, some animals are so small that you really have to stop to look. The dive center’s experienced guides also help you find the most beautiful spots and animals.
A short boat ride from Dauin is Apo Island, surrounded by one of the healthiest coral reefs in the region. Here you will find vast coral gardens, steep walls and vibrant fish communities, including turtles and numerous reef dwellers. Dives range from calm reefs to drift dives along spectacular wall formations.
Day 9 | Transfer to Sipalay City
Today you will say goodbye to Dauin and travel on to Sipalay City. This place is on the same island of Negros, but on the west coast. You will be picked up by car in the morning and spend about three and a half to four hours on the road. The route goes along the south coast of Negros and along the way sea views and small villages alternate, making the drive a pleasant introduction to the island.
Upon arrival in Sipalay City, check in at the Manami Resort, a small and cozy resort right by the sea. Sipalay is known for its peaceful atmosphere, pristine beaches and excellent dive sites, where colorful reefs and abundant life can be found. Above water, it is also a nice place to slow down and enjoy local life. Manami Resort is a comfortable base for the next few days, with attention to personal service and relaxation, and an ideal place to combine diving in Sipalay with time to just be.
Day 10 to 14 | Diving around Sipalay & Hinoba-an
For the next five days you will dive around Sipalay and nearby Hinoba-an, one of the most diverse and pristine diving areas in the Philippines. Each day you will make two dives, giving you plenty of opportunity to explore the underwater world. The dive sites consist of a mix of boat and house reef dives, allowing you to explore impressive reefs and steep walls as well as quieter spots right off the beach.
The area is known for its enormous biodiversity. From colorful coral gardens and gentle slopes to steep drop-offs and surprising structures, every dive reveals something new. With more than five hundred different marine species, you can continuously discover small critters or enjoy schools of tropical fish and turtles. The variety of underwater scenery, combined with the tranquility and relative undiscovered nature of the region, makes it perfect for underwater photographers and divers who like to take the time to observe details.
The real highlight of diving in Sipalay and Hinoba-an is the balance between accessibility and variety: you get to the best dive sites quickly and experience something different every day. Thanks to short boat trips and proximity to the resort, you can fully immerse yourself in the underwater world without wasting time on transfers. Each day thus offers new discoveries, making the five days feel like one succession of memorable dives.
Day 15 | Excursion over water
On day 15, you can leave the underwater world for a while and focus on the natural environment around Sipalay. From Manami Resort, you can take several nature excursions where the rich biodiversity above the water is as enchanting as the one below. For example, you can glide by kayak or paddleboard through the peaceful mangrove forests, exploring an ecosystem of great importance to the coastline and marine life. A boat trip to Tinagong Dagat will take you past jagged islets and allow you to swim or snorkel in secluded bays with colorful fish and coral formations. Those who prefer to explore nature by land can follow a mangrove trail or plan a picnic at a hidden beach, accompanied by a Nature Butler who will be happy to tell you about the flora, fauna and local stories. For something unique, you don’t even have to leave the resort: in the middle of the property is a cave you can explore, with surprising spaces and views that show a different side of the natural environment.
Day 16 & 17 | Return home
After one last morning to enjoy the views and tranquility at Manami Resort, it’s time to say goodbye to Sipalay and Negros. You will be picked up for transfer to Dumaguete Airport, where you will fly back to Manila. Depending on your international flight, you will depart the same day or stay briefly in a hotel near the airport. Here ends your trip, full of memories of colorful reefs, fascinating macro life and the beautiful nature of the Philippines.
Highlights of this trip
What can you expect from the underwater world in Negros?
Muck & macro in Dauin
Dauin is known for its unique muck diving, where black sand, soft corals and hidden micro-life come together. Small, colorful critters such as harlequin crabs, unusual octopus and unusual nudibranch are found in abundance here and make every dive a voyage of discovery. The variation in underwater scenery from sand flats to small rock formations ensures that no dive is the same. With the house reef right at the resort, you can enter the water at any time and explore the fascinating world of macro life.
Diving around Apo Island
Diving with thresher sharks is a unique experience to be had in Malapascua. These elegant sharks with their distinctive long tails cannot be seen anywhere else with as much certainty as here. In the early morning, they migrate to cleaning stations on the Monad Shoal reef, where small reef fish remove parasites from their skin. Divers wait silently on a plateau about 30 meters deep while the thresher sharks swim slowly by. It’s a magical and serene moment, where you can admire these shy, deep-sea dwellers up close.
Diving in Sipalay
Sipalay offers a totally different diving experience with colorful reefs, steep walls and an abundance of tropical fish. Large schools of barracudas, turtles and predatory fish make the underwater world here dynamic and vibrant. The dive sites are a short boat ride away and are suitable for both relaxing and challenging dives. Variation in depth and scenery, combined with clear water and healthy coral formations, makes for a varied and impressive diving experience that appeals to beginners and experienced divers alike.
The accommodations
The stay and surroundings
Salaya Beach Houses, Dauin
Salaya Beach Houses is a small-scale boutique resort in Dauin, just south of Dumaguete. With only twelve rooms, there is a relaxed and personal atmosphere, where everything is about comfort and tranquility. Located right by the sea, the resort features a pool overlooking the water, a restaurant, pool bar, yoga studio, spa and gym. The dive center is also on site, making it effortless to combine your diving with relaxation above water.
On the culinary front, you are more than in the right place. The Dahon restaurant works with fresh, local ingredients and features refined Eurasian fusion cuisine. You can enjoy your meals in the restaurant, at the pool bar, on the beach, in your room or on your own balcony overlooking the sea. Dietary requirements and special dietary needs are taken care of with attention, so everyone can enjoy carefree meals.
Salaya Beach Houses offers four different room types, each with its own character and great attention to comfort and space. The Deluxe Garden Rooms are located in the tropical garden and are a peaceful retreat. The Deluxe Ocean View Rooms offer ocean views and are ideal for those who want to wake up to the sound of the waves. For extra space and luxury, there are the One Bedroom Ocean View Suites, with a separate living area and panoramic views. Most exclusive is the Penthouse, with plenty of privacy and impressive ocean views, perfect for those who want to give their stay that extra touch.
Manami Resort, Sipalay City
Manami Resort is an attractive and quiet resort in Sipalay, right by the sea. Its location on a green hill overlooking the water provides a beautiful panorama and a sense of space and privacy. Here everything is about relaxed enjoyment, in an environment where nature and comfort come together. The resort has a restaurant, a spa and several places to unwind overlooking the sea. Between dives, this is a nice place to relax by the pool, book a massage or just enjoy the silence and the view.
The restaurant serves flavorful dishes with both local and international influences. Fresh ingredients and a relaxed setting make each meal a moment in itself. Whether you want to dine elaborately or reminisce quietly overlooking the sea after a day of diving, comfort and personal attention are key at Manami Resort.
Manami Resort offers five different room types, ranging from comfortable suites to spacious villas. All accommodations are stylishly furnished and designed with privacy and tranquility in mind. There are ocean view rooms, where you overlook the sea and wake up in the morning to the sound of the waves. The villas offer extra space and a more exclusive feel, ideal for those seeking just a little more comfort during their stay. Whichever room you choose, a relaxed atmosphere is central throughout and the natural surroundings are an important part of the experience.
The diving school
The diving schools & facilities
Salaya Beach Houses Dive Center
At Salaya Beach Houses, diving is literally at your doorstep. From the dive center, you can plan both boat dives and house reef dives, and more than fifteen different sites are within reach. The dive center at Salaya is well equipped for both novice and experienced divers. VIP service means the days are comfortable and well cared for, with small groups and plenty of attention to personal guidance. There are special facilities for underwater photographers, including a separate camera room with charging stations, lockable storage and a digital room for viewing and discussing images.
Salaya offers not only fun dives, but also a wide range of courses and specialties. You can go there for SDI and TDI courses, from beginner to advanced programs. In addition, there are numerous specialty courses such as Nitrox, sidemount diving and even unique specialty courses developed by the dive team itself. For those who want to advance in technical diving or refine specific skills, technical diving programs are also available, from introductory to extensive decompression techniques and more.
Balas Experience & Dive Center
At Manami Resort, you dive with Balas Experience & Dive Center. This SDI and TDI dive center is professionally set up and offers guidance for a variety of diving experiences, from relaxed fun dives to more challenging deeper dives on impressive reefs and drop offs. The dive sites around Sipalay and Hinoba an are known for their healthy corals, wide variety of fish species and varied underwater landscapes. Thanks to its location on the south coast of Negros, many dive sites are accessible by boat in a short time, so you will be underwater without long boat times.
The dive center works with small groups and pays great attention to personal guidance and safety. Both beginners and experienced divers can come here for training and specialties within the SDI and TDI system. Even if you want to further develop your skills or gain additional experience in specific circumstances, the instructors are happy to think with you.
Travel costs
What is included
This dive vacation to the Philippines is available from US$ 3.464 per person based on two people in one room. The diving trip can be expanded as desired. A number of things are included by default 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 know more about the possibilities? Get in touch with us!
Included in this trip, from €2,995 p.p.
- Salaya Beach Houses
- 7 nights in a Deluxe Garden Room
- Stay on a bed & breakfast basis
- Dive package with 10 dives
- Nitrox for certified divers
- Manami Resort
- 7 nights in an Oceanview Suite
- Stay on a bed and breakfast basis
- Dive package with 10 dives
- General
- 1 night in hotel near Manila airport
- Return transfers
- VZR & Administration fee
Excluding
- Return flight to Cebu from US$ 1.041 p.p.
- Domestic flight to Cebu from US$ 58 p.p.
- Marine Park Fee Bohol (200 PHP per day) = €15 for 5 days
- Marine Park Fee Dauin, ±US$ 5 per dive
- Marine Park Fee Dauin, ±US$ 9 per night dive
✈︎ 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
- Nitrox at Manami Resort (54 USD per week)
- Rental diving equipment (30 USD per day)
- Night dive (85.80 USD per dive)
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Frequently asked questions about this diving vacation
Diving general
Amun Ini: Most dive sites are between 10-15 minutes of boating.
Atmosphere: most dive sites are a short boat ride away. There are 3 boats, 2 of which are speedboats. The longest distance is to Apo Island, this is usually done with the larger boat which is slightly slower, but more comfortable. There are also shore dives.
Amun Ini: this depends on the dive package chosen. Basically there are 4 day dives daily, 1 mandarin fish dive at 17:00 and a night dive at 18:00.
Yes, in both places it is possible to make night dives.
There is no house reef in Bohol; there is a house reef in Dauin.
Yes definitely, SDI and TDI courses are offered at both places.
Diving schools are located in the resort itself.
Diving equipment
Both tanks are present.
Yes, the additional cost for this is $3 per tank.
Salaya: the use of nitrox is free for certified divers.
Manami: the additional cost for using nitrox is $6 per tank or $54 extra for the 10-dive package.
It is possible to rent diving equipment at both places. We list here the price of a full set, but it is also possible to rent individual items.
Salaya: cost to rent a full set costs $30 per day. A set includes mask, fins, wetsuit, BCD and regulator. Renting a dive computer costs $7 per day.
Manami: Cost to rent a full set costs $30 per day. Renting a computer costs $18.
Other activities & excursions
There are lots of things to do for non-divers, the scenery on both islands is beautiful. We have provided tips for excursions in the description on days 8 and 15. Feel free to ask at the resort what there is to do and what suits your interests. You can book excursions directly here.
Accommodation
Yes
Yes, both accommodations have swimming pools.
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