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Location: Tubbataha Liveaboard in the 'Galapagos of the Philippines'
Dates: May 31-June 7, 2025
- Fly to Manila 1-3 days prior to start of Puerto Galera land portion for buffer and transfer to PG
- Puerto Galera 7 days prior May 24- 31, 2025
- Puerto Galera 5 days prior May 26- 31, 2025
- Liveaboard May 31 -Jun 7, 2025
- Dumaguette 5 days after Jun 7-12, 2025
- Dumaguette 7 days after Jun 7-14, 2025
- Dumaguette 2nd Resort 7 days after Jun 14-21, 2025
- Manila 1 day to return from Dumaguette to Manila and then home
Liveaboard: Azores by Atlantis
Water Temp: 83 - 85F
Air Temp: 89 - 92F
Visibility: 50 - 90 ft
Current: Moderate to strong due to waters that bring in large marine life
Experience Level: Intermediate and beyond. A minimum of 60 dives required and an Advanced Diving Certification (anyone under 60 dives or without an advanced diving cert needs to contact us first before booking. Please email trips@singledivers.com)
Trip Highlights Include: Prime time Whale Sharks and Mantas
Instruction Available: No instruction is available on this trip as we hope you already have any needed instruction and/or enough dive experience already.
Known For: Frogfish, lionfish, wrasses, jacks, barracudas, mackerel, and large sea turtles in addition to nudies, mantas and whalesharks
Sign Up Requirements for this particular trip:
- Each liveaboard guest is required to spend at least 5 days at either PG before the trip or DGT after the trip.
- You may increase this to 7 days but will need to factor in transfer costs which will vary if everyone is not doing the same number of days
- All transfers are round trip to/from MNL and each resort as well as the liveaboard all start in MNL and return to MNL
- All internal and local flights in the Philippines must be booked by our consolidator due to the extensive logistics involved.
- All extra buffer nights in MNL prior to either PG, Tubbataha or DGT must be booked by SD.com / Atlantis as the price has been adjusted to include airport pick ups and transfer to the hotel as well as pick up for the transfers to the dive resort, dive boat and back. IF YOU BOOK YOUR OWN HOTEL the cost of non included airport transfers and getting to/from the official resort/boat transfers WILL BE BILLED TO YOU AND THEY EXCEED ANY SAVINGS YOU GAIN BY BOOKING ON YOUR OWN.
- Prices are given for 5 and 7 nights at each resort and you can do 1 or both land resorts.
- We have a very limited number of total rooms per resort of 10 rooms and of those rooms we can do a minimum of 3 single occupancy. We may be able to do more if some people are not doing a specific resort.
- We will open any remaining rooms not used by the liveabaord guests to others wanting to join the landbased part of the trip only.
- NOTE ON FLIGHTS TO PI: Please factor in at least 1 day in Manila before traveling to PG or to the boat to allow for flight delays, weather, baggage delays, etc and to just have a chance to recover a little from the international flight before we start the add'l traveling inside the Philippines. We are starting with PG because its a bit easier logistics and does not involve an internal flight inside the country like DGT does
Your Special Requirements: We are happy to help you meet all your dietary, mobility and other special needs. Please click HERE to see how we do it.
Why Tubbataha? Tubbataha Reef a UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered one of the world's best diving destinations due to its exceptional marine biodiversity, pristine coral reefs, and a high concentration of large marine life including manta rays, whale sharks, various shark species, and sea turtles. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is an isolated and protected marine park that can only be reached by liveaboard during a limited diving season, making it a unique and exclusive underwater experience
- Rich marine life: Diverse fish species like large trevally, barracuda, surgeonfish, and schools of jacks, alongside frequent sightings of sharks, rays, and turtles.
- Spectacular coral reefs: Pristine coral walls and formations offering stunning underwater scenery.
- Protected area: Strict conservation measures ensure a healthy and vibrant ecosystem.
- Limited access: Only accessible by liveaboard during a short diving season from March to June, minimizing tourist impact.
- Unique experience: Chance to see large marine animals like whale sharks and manta rays.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Recognized for its outstanding natural beauty and ecological importance.
- Tubbataha Reef, located in the Sulu Sea of the Philippines, is a diver's paradise renowned for its stunning coral walls, diverse and prolific marine life, and pristine underwater landscapes. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is accessible only by liveaboards during a limited diving season from March through June, making it one of the most exclusive and protected underwater habitats in the world.
Pricing:
Liveaboard Trip Pricing:
- Deluxe Staterooms Cabin D/O - upper bunk $4424 Credit or $4,295 Cash (with coupon) - Possibly 1 spot... email trips@singledivers.com for availability and coupon for upper bunk discount
- Deluxe Staterooms Cabin D/O - lower bunk $5454 Credit or $5,295 Cash - 1 FEMALE ONLY SPOT email trips@singledivers.com for availability and booking link
- Deluxe Owner's 'Shared Bed' Cabin D/O $5454 Credit or $5,295 Cash taxes included - 2 SHARED BED SPOTS email trips@singledivers.com for availability and booking link
NOTE: Every spot on the liveaboard will require a 5 day pre or post luxury Atlantis Land addition to include lodging d/o or s/o, all meals, coffee, tea, filtered water, unlimited wifi, unlimited boat diving up to 4 day dives & one night dive per day starting at $1665 pp d/o for 5 days
You will be able to expand the 5 day pkg to a 7 day pkg and/or add an additional -14 day extension after the trip to explore the BEST OF PI DIVING!!! Puerto Galera, Tubbataha & Dumaguete but keep in mind that all liveaboard spots must book at least (1) 5 day or longer pre or post landbased trip at one of Atlantis's luxury resorts!
*All prices are per person.
**Cash Discounted Price is given when you select e-check at final checkout.
***Please see further down the trip details for full payment terms, deposit schedule, etc.
What's Included:
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
● 7 nights' accommodation in a deluxe stateroom (double occupancy/twin share) /
● All meals and snacks on board
● Complimentary local soft drinks, beer and social servings of wine
● All diving (tanks, weights, boat and guide)
● Use of Lounge, Deck and TV areas
Options & Extras:
● Nitrox TBA
● Rental equipment*
● Marine Park Fees for 7 night charter **
● Transfers to/from embarkation/disembarkation ***
*Rental equipment is available at our resorts in Puerto Galera (Apo Reef/Coron charters) and
Dumaguete (Bohol and Cebu-Malapascua charters) but not for Tubbataha charters. NOTE: If you need rental equipment we must make special arrangements for you. So you must advise us via trips@singledivers.com asap so we can arrange for you. GEAR IS NOT KEPT ON THE BOAT.
**Marine Park Fees are mandated by local municipalities and may change at any time. Guests
are responsible for paying marine park fees at the time of their stay on their personal bill. The
current fee for 7 nights was US$150.00 the current fee = TBA per person including all taxes.
*** We provide Atlantis concierge round trip transfers which are extra between Manila and Puerto Princesa at an approximate cost of US$275 the current fee = TBA per person per person based on four (4) or more people traveling together, otherwise a higher rate applies. NOTE: We will try to have everyone arrive the same time so we can save on the transfer fees. Rate includes roundtrip domestic economy airfare between Manila and Puerto Princesa, 30 Kg/66 lbs. of checked luggage, round trip private air conditioned van between international terminal and domestic terminals in Manila, round trip transfers between Puerto Princesa airport and Azores, personal airport meet and greet, and luggage assistance.
Important Note: Due to continuity and scheduling issues, all portions of domestic transfers for Azores bookings must be made by Atlantis. We highly recommend guests arrive into the Philippines a day prior to their Azores charter departure date. SingleDIvers.com will assist with local hotel reservations in Manila or Puerto Princesa. An early arrival is especially emphasized for Tubbataha trips. In cases where guests miss flights, the charter will not wait for them and the boat will depart on schedule. NOTE: Many insurance policies are now requiring a liveaboard rider policy due to the extremely high costs of liveaboards if a total loss occurs. So check your policies carefully.
FOR TUBBATAHA ONLY:
The Tubbataha Protected Area Management Board has banned single use plastic items in the
area. PLEASE DO NOT BRING SINGLE USE PLASTIC ITEMS.ON THE BOAT.
DISCOUNTS & REBATES:
DISCOUNTS & DISCOUNT DISCLAIMER:
You must use the code when you book as they are not retroactive after you sign up UNLESS otherwise stated like the member rebate etc.
We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause but the accounting expenses of manually trying to do the discount is far exceeding the discount amount making it very prohibitive to manage this way. So please be sure to use the discount code AT TIME OF INITIAL BOOKING.
NOTE: The EBD or Early Booking Discounts can only be used as follows:
- When paying in full
- When you first sign up AND make one payment only
- By the deadline given. After that deadline they disappear and the code will not work. (So please leave a buffer if you need to xfer money or have questions.)
- Only one (1) coupon code can be used per order
- NOTE: If you forget to use your coupon when signing up we can do a manual refund of the discount for you but must charge the $50 fee it costs us to process it. So please do not forget to use your code when first signing up.
- Pay in full at time of Booking by Feb 20, 2025: to WIN a chance for a FREE Single Room Upgrade in PG or DU landbased (Prizes non-transferable)
- Book an upper bunk (limited number of spaces available) for $1000 off. the price. We will issue you a coupon to discount the trip $1000 off. Please email trips@singledivers.com to determine availability and get the coupon.l
- Social Media Discounts: 1 extra chance to win a FREE SCUBA COWBOY CD and $50 gift certificate for purchases from anyone of our Corporate Sponsors for signing up on our Facebook Trip Event for this trip AND for liking SD.com if you haven't already AND for sharing the FB Trip booking on your page! GET ADD'L CHANCES FOR EACH FB GROUP OTHER THAN SINGLEDIVERS.COM THAT YOU SHARE TOO AND DOCUMENT (Must do all three!) - To enter send an email to trips@singledivers.com with links to your postings along with TUBATAHA 2025 SOCIAL MEDIA ENTRIES in the title
- Cash Discount: Use our e-check option to pay for your trip and our RED CASH DISCOUNTED PRICES will be applied at checkout.
- Active Duty Military Discount: $25 OFF Active Duty Military Discount for any active duty military of any country that fights for freedom. Thank you for your service. (Please be prepared to provide proof of service in person at time of check in)
- Member Rebate: File for your $25 member rebate within 30 days after the trip for SD premier and above membership levels (See my forums signature for link to the forms forum or click on the green Paper Forms button at the top of the forums . If you are new to the site send an email to admin@singledivers.com to get the password. PLEASE follow the directions on the form for proper submission & processing. HAVE A GREAT TIME? CONSIDER USING YOUR MEMBER REBATE AS A GIFT BACK TO THE CLUB TO KEEP RUNNING GREAT TRIPS! We really appreciate the gesture! )
- SAVE $75 by submitting your Documents within 21 days of booking this trip. If booking within 45 days of the trip please submit your documents within 3 days. Otherwise the $75 document processing fee will be added to your final invoice
Payment Details:
PROGRESS PAYMENTS:
1. Deposit: $2060 ($2000 Cash)
2. Payment 3/1/25: $1600
3. Payment 04/1/25: $1588 + Balance + add-ons
Note: Trip must be paid in full 90 days prior to departure. Extras must also be paid in full 30 days prior i.e., Nitrox, extra nights etc. IF YOU NEED EXTRA TIME LET US KNOW! (Note that to add an extra to the trip you must pay for it when you add it).
PAYMENT OPTIONS:
SingleDivers.com uses a secure payment gateway fully integrated into our online booking system that allows you to pay for trips or merchandise using the following payment options.
For full payment information related to your transaction, our shopping cart, how to manage a failed transaction, etc click HERE . We ask that you read this as you will certify when you sign up for one of our trips that you have.
Accommodations:
ABOUT THE BOAT ATLANTIS AZORES:
The 32.5m P/Y Atlantis Azores is the Philippines' premier liveaboard. Aboard Atlantis Azores, a bluewater private yacht, scuba divers will explore some of the best diving the Philippines has to offer. With 4-5 dives per day, Azores schedules diving cruises to four destinations depending on the time of year. January through to mid-March is Apo Reef and Wrecks of Coron, a perfect reef and rust combination. From mid-March to early June, explore the pristine waters of Tubbataha. June through December divers can enjoy the Visayas, with two breathtaking itineraries, Bohol and Cebu-Malapascua. Atlantis Azores is the safest most stable private yacht in the Philippines, offering spectacular diving on beautiful reefs.
Dive amenities include a spacious dive deck, three-tier camera setup table, personal storage area, Nitrox, 2 tenders, and hot water showers. Topside Atlantis Azores features seven staterooms with a private bathroom and shower, each with its own climate control. One luxury suite is available with a private bathroom, desk, window, and ample storage. Guests can enjoy a wide selection of movies on a flat screen TV, or relax with a book from the library. There is also a partially shaded sundeck, complete wet bar, and hot tub for further relaxation.
- Party of 16 passengers minimum age is 15 years old (unless part of a full group charter).
- Atlantis Azores Tubbataha Charter carries spare dive equipment, but they do not have rental equipment available on-board.
- For charters operating out of Puerto Princesa City, rental equipment may be available through local dive operators.
- For charters our of Dumaguete and Puerto Galera guests can rent dive equipment from our dive shop in the resort for the week.
- Guests must pickup and pay for rental equipment themselves.
- Marine Park fees are subject to change.
- Point of embarkation and disembarkation is Puerto Princesa
- Embarkation date is May 31, 2025
- Disembarkation date is June 7, 2025
Travel & Transfer Details:
UPON ARRIVAL AT THE AIRPORT:
1) Submit online within 3 days of your travel date for your Entry Pass QR Code
2) Have your Passport and travel documents validated by the Bureau of Immigration (BI)
3) Claim your baggage.
4) Exit at the Arrivals Gate for airport taxi service or previously arranged pickup service with your hotel or travel agency.
5) Detailed transfer instructions will be provided within 10 days of the trip. ALL participants must use the group hotel for pre and post trip stays in order to facilitate internal airport transfers, intra country transfers, etc. All transfers and accommodations are done in conjunction with Atlantis Hotel.
ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE: Travel to Puerto Princesa is usually a 60 minute domestic flight from Manila. The yacht is usually moored at the main port which is a 15 minute drive from the airport.
Azores charters depart at 5:00 pm. Security at the port will not allow access before. For guests arriving early, staff will guide you to the local shopping mall where there is a range of restaurants and coffee shops to relax in before departure or you could opt to book a day room at our partner hotel. Atlantis staff will keep your bags secure and pick you up at an arranged time to board the boat.
Important Note: Due to continuity and scheduling issues, all portions of domestic transfers for Azores bookings must be made by Atlantis. We highly recommend guests arrive into the Philippines a day prior to their Azores charter departure date. Early arrival is especially emphasized for Tubbataha trips. In cases where guests miss flights, the charter will not wait for them and the boat will depart on schedule.
BAGGAGE:
Hand Luggage Limit 15 lbs, size 22in x 14in x 9in
Check-in Luggage - 30 kg (66 pounds)
Max number of bags - 2 - 40kg max (88 lbs)
Dive equipment - Hand/Check-in - Must fit within weight and size limits. No tanks.
Regs/Camera Equipment - Hand/Check-in - Must fit within weight and size limits. Batteries must be in Carry-on
TRANSFERS: Upon exiting the airport at Atlantis, a representative will be waiting at the designated area wearing a maroon polo shirt and holding a sign with the guest(s) or group name. Staff will assist you with your bags and direct you to the car. Car/Van - Private air-conditioned transport, the drive is approximately 15 minutes to the main port.
VISA/PASSPORT INFORMATION: All travelers must have at least 6 months on their passport before expiring to travel. Repeating...To arrive in Manila, you will need your passport with at least six months validity remaining beyond your intended stay in the Philippines, and you will also need to complete an online "eTravel" registration which requires basic personal details like your passport number, full name and travel dates before arrival.
DIVING:
Tubbataha is located in the Sulu Sea, at the center of the Coral Triangle between Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. Rarely visited due to its location and its status as a marine preserve, Tubbataha is made up of two reefs, simply referred to as the North and South Reefs. The North and South Reefs both enclose a sandy lagoon. On the Southern tip is an islet with a lighthouse. This is used as a rookery for birds and is frequented by turtles.
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is home to no less than 573 species of fish, 373 species of corals, 11 species of sharks, 12 species of dolphins and whales, nestling hawksbill and green sea turtles.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Northern Tip of North Atoll
Day 2: Southern End of North Atoll
Day 3: Northern Tip of South Atoll
Day 4: Southern End of South Atoll
Day 5: Southern End of North Atoll
Day 6: Jessie Beazley Reef
Insurance, Documentation & T&C's:
INSURANCE
DIVE Insurance is required! DIVE insurance is VERY inexpensive. Even if you have insurance that you think covers DIVING ACCIDENTS and air lifts…it is CHEAP (approx $100) to get a supplemental policy to ensure you are covered for an entire year of diving.
We recommend:
Dive Assure: for either a 'one time' policy OR an annual policy for BOTH Dive & Trip Insurance providing PRIMARY COVERAGE with excellent rates and coverage! Please reference SingleDivers.com via the drop-down menu under GLOBAL PARTNERS OR SIMPLY CLICK HERE. (If you can not find the drop down, do not reference anyone and email info@singledivers.com your policy info and we will do it for you via our Dive Assure company representative.)
TRIP Insurance is REQUIRED TRIP insurance is FAIRLY inexpensive but very cheap compared to a massive trip loss. Even if you have insurance that you think covers your trip…it is CHEAP (approx $100-$200) to get a supplemental policy to ensure you are covered for your investment in your dive trip. If you opt to not get trip insurance you are responsible for all losses related to your trip including not going for any reason. NOTE: YOU DO NOT HAVE TO ENSURE THE FULL TRIP AMOUNT. CHOOSE AN AMOUNT YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE ENSURING TO AVOID A COMPLETE LOSS VS THE PRICE OF THE POLICY. DO NOT ADD IN AIRFARE AS IT WILL NOT BE COVERED BY MOST POLICIES.
DOCUMENTATION
All SingleDivers.com trips require necessary documentation to facilitate booking your trip and/or making it a better experience for you. Once you complete your documents online our automated system will take the information from your last trip with us and fill out your new trip forms for you. You then add any missing information and/or change anything that is no longer current. You will find the forms you need to complete under MY TRIPS which you will find under TRIPS in the main menu across the top of the site. Since each trip requires a unique set of docs, please choose the correct trip from your "My Trips" drop down and then complete the forms required for that trip. Some trips will also ask you to complete the resort or liveaboard's forms as well.
The INTERNATIONAL AIR AUTHORIZATION FORM is only required when you are having SingleDivers.com book air for you but this includes air that is part of the trip pkg price.
Not all of our forms are online as they are either infrequently used or being phased out. If you need a form that is not in our online directory, simply click on DOCS & FORMS in my signature line and you'll find the form. NOTE: Email trips@singledivers.com for the password to this 'forms' forum.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
All SingleDivers.com trips require:
- You complete the necessary documentation as referenced above for each trip you sign up to take with us. A $75 document fee will be applied if you fail to submit your online and uploaded documents withing 21 days* of signing up for a trip or within 3 days if signing up within 45 days of departure. NOTE THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO AIRFARE UNLESS SIGNING UP WITHIN 45 DAYS OF DEPARTURE. *Remember the Forms can be edited at any time up to 30 days prior to departure with updates such as insurance purchase/renewal, change of address, even preferences for rooming and diving so there is no reason to delay your initial Forms submissions. This enables us to meet the reporting deadlines imposed by our suppliers.
- SingleDivers.com LLC reserves the right to refuse service to anyone.
- You read all the trip details before booking and commit to being responsible for post trip booking follow up by use of our TRIP PM, FORUM DISCUSSIONS and in some cases emails. You commit to ask us how to use these tools if uncertain and commit to keeping your premier membership dues current and email on file current so we can contact you. Our tools require your dues and email to be current to work. Any delays/expenses/issues due to lack of trip information will be borne by the trip goer and NOT SingleDivers.com as we regularly and routinely use these tools to communicate extensively with you. If you are not hearing from us it means you are not using the tools we have in place. Email trips@singledivers.com for help.
- You have read the EXPERIENCE REQUIRED & TRAINING/WORKSHOPS information in the online trip details to ensure that you are able to safely and comfortably meet the requirements of the trip. Please contact to further discuss any questions you have about attending one of our trips. We often accept students who would not otherwise meet the stated trip requirements because they are taking a class that will then enable them to meet the trip specifications and they will be diving with an instructor or dive master during the dives.
- We require Dive Insurance for all dives and trips as stated above and we STRONGLY recommend trip insurance for all dives and trips but in some cases require it due to vendor specific mandates. Please see the online trip details under INSURANCE to see if the trip has optional or mandatory trip insurance requirements.
- We require Trip Insurance during CHRONIC CRAZY TRAVEL TIMES AND/OR COVID. While we can not force you to buy it we will not help you attempt remedies from the resort, suppliers etc because you chose to gamble your dive trip investment away.
- In the event of cancellation, your trip insurance will be your first line of defense. Secondary remedies include some rights afforded to you based upon when you have to cancel your trip in writing. Please see THIS link for full additional trip cancellation details.
- Please read THIS link for our Guaranteed Double Occupancy Policy, Rooming Policies, Payment Terms, the "Ex" Rule etc