Travel News
Diverse Travel expands Philippines portfolio
Dive travel experts Diverse Travel have expanded their popular Philippines portfolio with the addition of three new resorts and a new liveaboard.
Scandi Divers and Atlantis Puerto Galera Resort are now featured in world-renowned dive hotspot Puerto Galera on the island of Mindoro.
Scandi Divers Resort is located on the pristine white sand of Big La Laguna Beach. Surrounded by a tropical paradise with panoramic ocean views, this 40 room resort is a great choice for divers seeking a relaxed atmosphere with easy access to some of the best diving in the Philippines.
Scandi Divers Resort
Atlantis Puerto Galera Resort is part of the popular Atlantis Resorts group, renowned for its excellent amenities and service. The resort’s 40 rooms are attractively situated amongst lovely grounds stocked with plants and flowers, built into the hillside just steps above Sabang Beach.
Puerto Galera has evolved into one of the top diving destinations in Asia. The resort town sits in a natural harbour on the Verde Island Passage, so-called by scientists “the centre of the world’s marine biodiversity.” The waters surrounding Puerto Galera were designated a UNESCO ‘Man and Biosphere Reserve’ in 1973, offering 40+ sites with a tremendous versatility that appeals to divers of all levels. Here, divers can explore shallow coral gardens, exciting drift dives on walls and penetrable wrecks, whilst searching for everything from tiny critters in the bays, to pelagics in the stronger currents in the Passage.
The exceptional range of diving has made Puerto Galera particularly attractive for underwater photographers, and both Scandi Divers and Atlantis Resort boast bespoke camera rooms and superb facilities for photographers.
Moving onto the island of Negros, Diverse Travel is also now featuring Atlantis Dumaguete Resort. This beachfront dive resort incorporates 44 rooms built around a lush tropical garden, and features a pool, spa and waterfront restaurant, in addition to a spacious, well-equipped camera room.
Atlantis Dumaguete Resort Camera Room
Atlantis Dumaguete Resort is perfectly located for divers wishing to discover the superb diving of the Dauin and Dumaguete area, which includes a number of Marine Protected Areas. With its black volcanic sand, Dauin is known as the Frogfish capital of the Philippines, and a unique destination for critter diving. Guests can also take advantage of day trips to nearby Apo Island, Siquijor, and snorkeling with the Whale Sharks in Oslob.
Finally, the addition of the Atlantis Azores liveaboard to Diverse Travel’s programme completes the trilogy of Atlantis Resorts. This 32m dedicated dive motor yacht caters to a maximum of 16 divers in spacious comfort. Seasonal itineraries showcase the best in Philippines diving including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tubbataha Reef, Bohol in the Visayas, Apo Reef and the wrecks of Coron, and Malapascua to Cebu. For divers wishing to embrace even more diversity for a longer stay, Atlantis Azores is ideally combined with a stay on land at the other Atlantis Resorts.
Atlantis Azores Liveaboard
Diverse Travel Product Manager Phillip Connor says:
“The Philippines is a truly amazing destination that offers so much to visitors. The variety of diving experiences, incredible resorts, and legendary hospitality is a potent mix that makes for the perfect dive holiday. Expanding our programme in the Philippines is a natural response to its increasing popularity amongst UK divers. We’re very excited about opening up more opportunities for Diverse Travel guests throughout the world, so watch this space for more developments coming soon!”
Dive holiday packages to the Philippines start from £1,799pp (based on May 2023) and include return flights London to Manila with 32kgs baggage, 7 nights at Scandi Divers in a standard room with a full board meal plan, up to four dives per day incl. tanks and weights, return transfers, local taxes, plus ATOL and full financial protection as standard.
Discover more about Diverse Travel’s Philippines product range at https://www.diversetravel.co.uk/diving-holiday-destinations/philippines-diving-holidays-2/
For more information visit www.diversetravel.co.uk, call 01473 852002, or email info@diversetravel.co.uk.
Header Image: Atlantis Puerto Galera Resort
Marine Life & Conservation
Leading UK-based shark conservation charity, the Shark Trust, is delighted to announce tour operator Diverse Travel as a Corporate Patron
Corporate Patrons provide a valuable boost to the work of The Shark Trust. The Trust team works globally to safeguard the future of sharks, and their close cousins, the skates and rays, engaging with a global network of scientists, policymakers, conservation professionals, businesses and supporters to further shark conservation.
Specialist tour operator Diverse Travel has operated since 2014 and is committed to offering its guests high quality, sustainable scuba diving holidays worldwide. Working together with the Shark Trust will enable both organisations to widen engagement and encourage divers and snorkellers to actively get involved in shark conservation.
“Sharks are truly at the heart of every diver and at Diverse Travel, we absolutely share that passion. There is nothing like seeing a shark in the wild – it’s a moment that stays with you forever!” says Holly Bredin, Sales & Marketing Manager, Diverse Travel.
“We’re delighted to celebrate our 10th year of business by becoming a Corporate Patron of the Shark Trust. This is an exciting partnership for Diverse and our guests. We will be donating on behalf of every person who books a holiday with us to contribute towards their vital shark conservation initiatives around the world. We will also be working together with the Trust to inspire divers, snorkellers and other travellers to take an active role – at home and abroad – in citizen science projects and other activities.”
Paul Cox, CEO of The Shark Trust, said:
“It’s an exciting partnership and we’re thrilled to be working with Diverse Travel to enable more divers and travellers to get involved with sharks and shark conservation. Sharks face considerable conservation challenges but, through collaboration and collective action, we can secure a brighter future for sharks and their ocean home. This new partnership takes us one more valuable step towards that goal.”
For more information about the Shark Trust visit their website here.
For more about Diverse Travel click here.
Blogs
Announcing Dive Curaçao Week 2025: A Celebration of Underwater Exploration, Cultural Immersion, and Sustainable Tourism
Calling all dive enthusiasts and adventure seekers! Mark your calendars for Dive Curaçao Week 2025, set to take place at LionsDive Beach Resort from April 12th to April 19th, 2025. In collaboration with Ocean Encounters, Dive Curaçao Week 2025 promises an unforgettable diving vacation experience led by Bryan Horne, Managing Director of Dive Curaçao, and David Leander, a 36-year veteran of Curaçao dive tourism.
Participants will have the opportunity to explore the vibrant marine life and stunning coral reefs of Curaçao’s crystal-clear waters alongside expert guides. But Dive Curaçao Week 2025 is more than just diving; it’s a total immersion into the island’s rich culture and dedication to sustainable dive tourism.
Bryan Horne, Founder, and Managing Director of Dive Curaçao, stated, “Dive Curaçao Week 2025 is not just about exploring the breathtaking underwater landscapes of Curaçao; it’s a collective effort to intertwine adventure, culture, and sustainability. Our goal is to create a dive vacation experience that goes beyond the ordinary, where participants become stewards of the ocean, contributing to its preservation. This week will be a celebration of our commitment to responsible dive tourism in Curaçao. It will also be a unique opportunity for divers to connect with the heart and soul of Curaçao.”
LionsDive Beach Resort: Host Resort for Dive Curaçao Week 2024
LionsDive Beach Resort, the host dive resort for Dive Curaçao Week 2025, offers an unparalleled experience for diving enthusiasts. With a range of accommodations from luxurious suites to cozy rooms, guests can enjoy comfort with a touch of Caribbean charm.
The resort boasts four on-site restaurants serving delectable cuisine, catering to every palate. Its private beach provides a serene escape, while its proximity to the Curaçao Sea Aquarium and Mambo Beach Boulevard offers endless entertainment options.
What sets LionsDive apart is its dedication to eco-friendly practices, showcasing leadership in sustainable tourism. From harnessing solar energy to efficient recycling programs and mindful water consumption, the resort exemplifies responsible hospitality.
Welcome Happy Hour, Group BBQ, and Daily Breakfast
To kick it off, Dive Curaçao Week 2025 will commence with a vibrant welcome happy hour and conclude with a grand Group BBQ. Participants will also enjoy daily buffet breakfasts at Hemingways Beach Bar and Restaurant, providing ample energy for the day’s diving adventures.
Experience Total Immersion with Ocean Encounters in Curaçao
Participants will enjoy five days of thrilling 2-tank AM boat dives and unlimited air for shore diving with Ocean Encounters. Expert guides will tailor dives to suit all skill levels, ensuring an inclusive and unforgettable adventure for everyone involved.
Supporting Eco-Dive Tourism with Reef Renewal Curaçao
Dive Curaçao Week 2025 embraces sustainable dive tourism with a focus on supporting eco-dive initiatives like Reef Renewal Curaçao. Participants will engage in coral restoration courses and dives, actively contributing to the preservation of the local marine environment.
Lionfish Scuba Dive Experience
A unique event added to Dive Curaçao Week 2025 is The Lionfish Scuba Dive Experience, where participants will learn to safely hunt lionfish, an invasive species threatening Curaçao’s reefs. This initiative, sponsored by Dive Travel Curaçao, underscores the commitment to marine conservation.
Cultural Tourism Experience in Curaçao
Participants will also enjoy cultural exploration, including a breathtaking Sunset Cruise to Downtown Willemstad and an optional guided cultural experience at Punda Vibes, showcasing Curaçao’s rich heritage and creative spirit.
Welcome Dry Bag Sponsors and Limited Spaces Available
All participants will receive a special welcome Scubapro dry bag filled with dive goodies courtesy of the event sponsors: Dive Curaçao, LionsDive Beach Resort, Ocean Encounters, Stream2Sea Body Care products, Scubapro Curaçao, and Dive Travel Curaçao. With limited spaces available, early booking is essential.
Book Early and Save
Early reservations with a deposit made by August 31st, 2024, qualify for a 10% early bird discount, ensuring participation in this exclusive dive and cultural tourism experience.
Contact Dive Travel Curaçao
Ready to make a splash for Dive Curaçao Week 2025? Contact the reservations team at Dive Travel Curaçao for more details and to secure your spot at this once-in-a-lifetime event.
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