Join
Mike Gerken
&
Philippines
April 12 to April 25, 2026 (2 week package)
(A Truk Lagoon Add-On is Available)
"A Dream Philippines Itinerary"
The Philippine Islands is a vast underwater playground. Whether you are a novice diver or a seasoned photographer there is something special to be found underwater there. This trip is a dream dive itinerary; a "warm-up" week at the beautiful Atlantis Dumaguete Resort followed by a week on the Atlantis Azores liveaboard to the remote and exotic Tubbataha Reef. Don't travel half-way around the world for a mere one week. Maximize your time and kill two Class A destinations with one flight.
Tubbataha is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and only accessible by liveaboard three months out of the year. These pristine reefs, located 100 miles offshore, are protected by rangers year round. Divers can experience wonderful visibility, big animal encounters on sheer walls with sharks, mantas and plentiful reef biodiversity.
Atlantis Dumaguete is located in Dauin on Negros Island. Dauin has established several sanctuaries and just one reason for the stunning marine biodiversity exhibited here within which fishing and boating is absolutely prohibited. These sites are well preserved and offer a huge variety and quantity of life forms; Blue ringed octopus, Wonderpus, Mimic octopus, Poison ocellate octopus, Ambon scorpionfish, Flambouyant cuttlefish, Bobbit worms and a wide variety of Nudibranchs are seen with regularity.
Normally I pass my time diving on wrecks and with sharks but I spent a month at Atlantis Dumaguete several years ago and fell in love with the resort and the interesting reef diving. Mother Nature created many of the critters found here during one of her more artistic moods. Don't let me forget to mention the cuisine was delicious and the environment in general very relaxing.
The Atlantis Azores was previously the Truk Aggressor II where yours truly spent three years of my life working from 2003-2006. She is a sea worthy converted gulf style crew boat that I was proud to serve on. She will be your home for 7 days while we motor out to Tubbataha Reef and search for big animals and much more. Please join me for this back to back island adventure. Read on for additional details. Email [email protected] with questions and to make reservation.
Happy Diving,
-Mike Gerken
Wrecks to Reefs
These Philippines dates happen to coincide with my Truk Odyssey Rec•Tec No.1. It's possible to dive with me for 1 and/or 2 weeks in Truk first before heading to the Philippines for a double header there. Contact me for details.
Atlantis Resort Dumaguete - April 12-18, 2026 (6 nights)
While better known as Atlantis Dumaguete, we are actually a part of the municipality of Dauin (pronounced Da-win), the epicenter of
Dumaguete’s dive scene.
With its black volcanic sand, Dauin is known as the Frogfish capital of the Philippines, and a unique destination for critter diving. Atlantis Dumaguete is located minutes away from over 20 local dive spots, most of which are marine protected areas, and offers day trips to the nearby Apo Island, Siquijor and snorkeling with the Whale Sharks in Oslob.
Our beachfront dedicated dive resort incorporates 44 rooms built around a lush tropical garden and a waterfront restaurant. We offer up to 5 guided boat dives per day, a spacious camera room, a pool and a spa, everything to create a dive vacation of a lifetime!
Atlantis Azores Liveaboard - April 18-25, 2026 (7 nights)
The Azores has set new standards in liveaboard diving in the Philippines, and as many of our guests say, in Asia. Azores is the perfect place from which to explore some of the best diving in the world. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Parks 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 turtle. Fly from Dumaguete to Puerto Princessa and embark the Azores on the 18th. There is one night crossing over to Tubbataha. Click here for Itinerary
Included
• 6 Nights Resort Accommodation & 7 Nights on Liveaboard
• Full Board Meals at Atlantis Restaurant (full breakfast and chef
prepared, three-course lunch & dinner) and Liveaboard
• Unlimited scheduled boat diving (up to four day dives and one night dive daily); excludes dawn dives and additional day trips
• Unlimited internet access
• One (1) day trip to Apo Island or similar
• Nitrox
• Domestic Air & Land Transfers - MNL to DGT & MNL to PPS return
• Marine Park Fees (excluding night dive)
• Taxes
• Photo workshops, critiques, unlimited tips & techniques from Mike
Excluded
• Hotel Layover Manila (If needed)
• Rental Equipment
• Land Tours
• Gratuities
• International Airfares
• Trip Insurance (Highly Recommended)
Packages Starting at $8460.00pp
Deposit, Cancellation & Refund Policy
Initial Deposit: A deposit in the amount of $2000 per traveler is required to confirm each booking.
Final Payment: Payment in full is required 120 days prior to commencement of travel.
Travel Cancellations:
$200 admin fee non-refundable anytime
$500 non-refundable cancellation fee 91-180 days from departure date
No refund in total within 90 days of departure
Substitutes will be accepted at the approval of admin.
Dive Insurance: We strongly recommend every passenger carry diving accident insurance such as Divers Alert Network (DAN). No Dive Insurance is included in this package.
Trip Insurance: Your tour leader hates keeping your money if you have not completed your trip. He strongly recommends every traveler purchase comprehensive accident, medical, baggage and trip cancellation/interruption insurance. The insurance will protect the passenger from financial disappointment in the event of an unforeseen circumstances. (It will also help us maintain a friendly relationship).
No trip insurance is included in this package.
Getting There: Fly to Manilla (MNL) and connect to Dumaguete, Dauin (DGT). Atlantis will arrange for transfer to the resort. Fly from Dumaguete (DGT) to Puerto Princessa on Palawan (PPS). Atlantis will arrange transfer to the boat. Fly from (PPS) to (MNL).
Here is a list of main airlines that service Manila: Air China, Korean Air, Emirates, Turkish Air, Cathay Pacific, United, Delta, Philippine Air, ANA, Malaysia Air
