Liveaboards · Philippines
Dive Liveaboards Philippines
A Philippines liveaboard takes you from ports including Puerto Princesa, Cebu, Dauin, Coron and Anilao to reefs, walls, wrecks and macro sites. Trips are commonly six nights, with some seven-night itineraries. You might see sharks, turtles, thresher sharks and rich small marine life. There are 17 liveaboards, with trips from £1,176$1,571€1,404.
Philippines liveaboard routes
The table shows departures on sale over the next twelve months, route by route, using the name of each itinerary. Prices are the lowest shown for the most common length, and the figures are refreshed every night.
| Route | Departure ports | Most common length | From | Departures | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tubbataha | Puerto Princesa or Anilao | 6 nights | £1,407$1,880€1,680 | 214 | Open Water, or Advanced Open Water with 30 or 50 dives, depending on boat |
| Visayas | Cebu or Dauin | 6 nights | £1,231$1,645€1,470 | 240 | Open Water, or Advanced Open Water with 30 or 50 dives, depending on boat |
| Coron and Apo Reef | Coron or Anilao | 6 nights | £1,176$1,571€1,404 | 114 | Open Water, or Advanced Open Water with 30 or 50 dives, depending on boat |
Price is per person, excluding flights and costs on board.
Tubbataha liveaboards from Puerto Princesa
The Tubbataha marine park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Sulu Sea, reached only by liveaboard from Puerto Princesa. The crossing takes about ten hours, and trips run only from mid-March to mid-June. Expect sheer walls, sharks and turtles, with three or four dives a day and often a night dive. Berths are limited and book up early.
Visayas liveaboards from Cebu or Dauin
The Visayas route is a macro paradise, departing from Cebu or Dauin. It can include Malapascua, where you may look for thresher sharks, as well as Moalboal, Bohol, Apo Island and Siquijor. It suits you if varied small marine life matters as much as the diving itself. Check the itinerary carefully, because the stops vary between departures.
Coron and Apo Reef liveaboards
The Coron and Apo Reef route leaves from Coron or Anilao. In Coron Bay, Japanese wrecks sunk in an air raid in September 1944 provide the main historical focus, while Apo Reef adds reef diving. These trips usually last six or seven nights. Expect a briefing before every dive, and check whether your itinerary includes the sites you most want to dive.
Philippines liveaboard special offers
−£1,194−$1,596−€1,426Philippines Aggressor
Philippines
Asia★ 8.8/10 (68 reviews)
Departs 2 Jan 2028 · 10 nights
−29%per person
£2,981 £4,175$3,985 $5,581€3,560 €4,986
and 3 more departures on offer
Discover this boat
−£1,044−$1,396−€1,247Philippines Aggressor II
Philippines
Asia★ 9.1/10 (28 reviews)
Departs 14 Jul 2027 · 10 nights
−25%per person
£3,131 £4,175$4,185 $5,581€3,739 €4,986
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Questions about Philippines liveaboards
When can I dive Tubbataha by liveaboard?
Tubbataha trips run only from mid-March to mid-June. Berths are limited, so it is sensible to look early if those dates suit you.
Which Philippines liveaboard route suits macro diving?
Choose the Visayas if you want a macro-focused itinerary, with possible stops including Malapascua, Moalboal, Bohol, Apo Island and Siquijor. Read the individual itinerary because the stops vary.
Which route is best for wrecks?
Coron and Apo Reef is the route for the Japanese wrecks in Coron Bay, sunk in September 1944. It also includes reef diving at Apo Reef.
How do I get to the liveaboard departure port?
The departure port is listed with each itinerary: Puerto Princesa, Cebu, Dauin, Coron or Anilao. Check the boat's transfer arrangements before you travel, particularly when the port is not your first stop.
What is usually not included on a Philippines liveaboard?
Marine park fees, nitrox, rental equipment, crew tips and transfers are often extra. Each boat has its own terms, so check the inclusions before paying.
How many dives do you do each day?
You usually make three or four dives a day, often including a night dive. There is a briefing before each dive, and you do not dive on the last day.
Philippines liveaboard FAQ
How much does a Philippines liveaboard cost?
Trips start from £1,176$1,571€1,404 per person for the most common length shown on this page. Check what the boat includes, as several costs are often extra.
What is the best season for a Philippines liveaboard?
Tubbataha is available only from mid-March to mid-June. The available dates and routes vary, so compare the departure table with your preferred itinerary.
What certification do I need?
Depending on the route and boat, you may need Open Water, or Advanced Open Water with a minimum of 30 or 50 dives. The individual boat page states the exact requirement.
Where do Philippines liveaboards depart from?
Departure ports include Puerto Princesa, Cebu, Dauin, Coron, Anilao and Batangas, depending on the route. Check the transfer arrangements with the boat.
How many dives are included each day?
Most itineraries offer three or four dives a day, often with one at night. A briefing is held before every dive.
What will I see underwater?
The routes cover walls, reefs, Japanese wrecks, macro life, sharks, turtles and thresher sharks. Your sightings depend on the route and conditions.
How long should I wait before flying home?
Leave at least 24 hours between your last dive and take-off. There is no diving on the last day of the liveaboard.
Do I need dive insurance?
Dive insurance is strongly recommended and is often requested at boarding. Make sure it covers diving accidents and the recompression chamber.
Are marine park fees included?
Marine park fees are often not included in the advertised price. Check the boat's terms before booking.
Is nitrox included on Philippines liveaboards?
Nitrox is often an additional cost rather than part of the package. Confirm the arrangement with the individual boat.
