One of my favorite dive destinations. I try to have trips to the Philippines every couple of years. First of all there are 7107 Islands. Some are uninhabited just waiting to be explored while others have every amenity for tourists imaginable. Raw nature and Big city amenities. Whatever you are looking for.

The people are very kind and accommodating. They appreciate Americans and the USA. They all speak English. They do run on island time so it is best to settle in and go with the flow rather than keeping your attention to prompt schedules etc. The food is excellent and fits the pallet of most Americans (not so exotic you're afraid to try it).

But the diving is why I go. There are some challenges occasionally such as dynamite fishing is still practiced in some locations. It is illegal but like many 3rd world countries if they can get away with it they will take the easy way. Many resorts are educating the locals about the sustainability of traditional fishing practices. Actually paying them to help protect the reefs rather than blowing them up.

For the most part the diving is fantastic and not well known to Americans. So the prices are good and the US dollar goes a long way. It has many of the south Pacific critters that make a muck dive so spectacular but it is warm and clear. I have seen 5 different species of Octopus on one dive! And can I mention Whale sharks! One of my favorite dives is scuba diving, not snorkeling with Whale sharks. My 2017 trip we dove with 15 in one location. Our 2019 trip we had 5. I'm talking up close and personal.

The trip prices are very fair for what you get when you go on our Philippines trip. Just as soon as they are consistently open you can bet I'm going back!