Philippines
Coral Triangle liveaboard diving with reefs, macro subjects, thresher sharks and seasonal whale sharks.
The Visayas sit in the heart of the Coral Triangle and offer a broad mix of reef diving, macro life and larger pelagics.
Highlights include thresher sharks at Malapascua and seasonal whale sharks in Southern Leyte, combined in a comfortable liveaboard format.
Our next planned expedition will be in the spring of 2029. Please check back here or email us for the waiting list.
Overview
Animals
Accommodation
Activities
Reef Dives
Reef Dives
South-East Asia is one of the largest reef marine parks in the world. Every dive will be on lush soft and hard coral reefs. Often these reefs are on unique lime stone formations.
The diving is often at a mild drift but can also be explored leisurely without current.
Night Dives
Night Dives
On many nights the dive team will offer exiting night dive opportunities.
At night the reefs come to life with animals you do not always see during the day
Trip leader
Simon Lorenz
Simon is an award winning photographer, PADI instructor and TDI tech diver. He is the founder of Insider Divers and the main group leader on our trips. Having dived all over the world he often felt unsatisfied by the dive operations, by the background knowledge of the guides and by the inflexibility of the itineraries. This inspired him to create Insider Divers, where groups of fun international divers get the best possible itinerary.
REsponsibilities
- Briefings
- All organisation and logistics
- Wildlife presentations
- Scuba and photography coaching
- Taking and sharing professional underwater photography
Itinerary
Reviews
"I have done 5 trips with Insider Divers and already have my next one booked - this time I will swim with whales.
Simon Lorenz manages trip details thoroughly, making it as effortless as possible for the divers. The most recent trip was Galapagos, and the mix of land and sea arrangements, taking into consideration the rules and policies of the park, were quite intricate, but all we needed to do was show up (on time please!) because all of the heavy lifting was done by Simon.
It is also valuable that he is an award-winning underwater photographer so after the trip, we get pro photos to keep the memories alive for a lifetime!"
"I’ve done a few trips with Insider Divers and plan to join more. I have had so much fun every time and learned so much. Insider Divers offers detailed and catered experiences that make sure you get the most out of any destination. Also they help to make you a much better diver plus I’ve met so many awesome people from all over the world."
"Insiders Divers provides the best of the best for diving adventures. I have been diving them for the last 5 years and every time the service and quality exceeds my expectations.
The communication and customer service are exceptional. All I have to do is show up is on point and makes traveling so much less of a hassle. The diving spots that are picked give us the best possible outcomes. The boats and resorts picked are top notch. The company has proven time and time again they care about us the customers and making sure we all have the best experience and vacation possible.
It's honestly the only company I trust because I know I will have an amazing trip with amazing people."
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FAQ
What's included in the trip price?
Trip pricing typically covers your accommodation (land-based or liveaboard), all meals and non-alcoholic drinks during the trip, your diving or in-water activities with tanks and weights, professional Insider Divers guiding, and applicable park or permit fees unless noted otherwise. International flights, travel insurance, personal rental gear beyond what's specified, alcoholic drinks, gratuities, and optional extras are usually not included. A detailed what's-included list is provided for every departure once you enquire.
What experience level do I need?
Requirements vary by destination and are listed under the Overview section of each trip. As a general rule, scuba itineraries with strong currents or remote sites expect Advanced Open Water certification, at least 50 logged dives, and comfort in open water. Snorkel and whale-swim trips require no diving experience but good open-water swimming ability is important. If you're unsure whether a trip is right for you, Insider Divers will honestly advise whether a destination matches your current level.
What should I pack and bring?
Pack your passport (with at least 6 months validity and enough blank pages), travel insurance that covers diving and medical evacuation, your dive certification card and logbook, and any personal medication. For gear: mask, dive computer, reef-safe sunscreen, rashguard, and a warm layer for between dives. Depending on the destination, a wetsuit of the right thickness, nitrox certification, a dive torch, and a surface marker buoy may be useful. A full packing checklist is sent with your trip confirmation.
When is the best time to dive the Visayas?
The main season runs from October through May, with the best weather and visibility from November through April. Whale shark season in Southern Leyte and thresher shark diving at Malapascua is most reliable during this window. The typhoon season (June to September) can disrupt trips and is generally avoided.
What marine life can I expect in the Visayas?
Highlights include daily thresher shark encounters at Monad Shoal (Malapascua), seasonal whale sharks in Southern Leyte, sardine runs, frogfish and macro life around Cebu and Bohol, reef sharks, turtles, and healthy coral reefs typical of the Coral Triangle.
How do I get to the embarkation port?
Fly into Manila (MNL) or Cebu (CEB) for the easiest domestic connections. Liveaboards typically board in Cebu, Bohol, or Dumaguete depending on the itinerary. Insider Divers shares exact embarkation details and recommended routings at booking.
We’re here to help — reach out with any question you may have.