Ultimate Philippines Snorkeling

Join veteran WT Trip Leader and marine biologist Lee Goldman, a coral reef specialist, for his “no-holds-barred, snorkel-till-you-drop” underwater safari! The more than 7,000 islands of the Philippine archipelago define the northern portion of the famed Coral Triangle, the world’s most biologically diverse marine region, and our special expedition takes place in the Central Visayas, which showcase some of the healthiest and most productive reefs in the world. Traveling to off the beaten path islands Lee has specially selected for our journey, we snorkel amid an underwater ballet of extraordinary marine life. Our explorations begin at Sogod Bay on Leyte Island, a strong contender for the title of “Whale Shark Capital of the Philippines.” Each year dozens of these gentle giants venture into Sogod Bay to feed and socialize, and we will search for them to have a chance to snorkel with these creatures of the sea, the largest living fish species in the world. Other snorkeling opportunities bring us among schools of brilliant fish including damselfish and purple queen anthias, technicolored nudibranchs, and shallow coral gardens populated by vivid sea stars. A special bonus is dolphin- and whale-watching at Bohol Strait, the best place in the Philippines to see a variety of marine mammals. Accommodations are in lovely beachfront lodges and resorts, and in the evenings, Lee’s informal talks on marine biology and coral reef conservation offer us an ongoing natural history education from a man who knows these waters well. We offer a post-trip extension to Dimakya Island, with its distinctive reefs and the chance to glimpse the shy and endangered dugong.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-5
Manila / Sogod Bay, Leyte / Whale Shark Encounters / Snorkeling

From Manila, we fly to Leyte Island and transfer to Sogod Bay. Whale sharks migrate here to feed and socialize, and we head out by boat for a chance to swim among these gentle giants. On snorkeling excursions we encounter colorful anthias and damselfishes that hover above lush coral gardens, and we explore the rich reefs of Limasawa Island, a Marine Protected Area with vibrant corals and sea stars.

Days 6-9
Cabilao Island / 3-Coco / South Point

Snorkeling forays at Cabilao include Lighthouse Reef, where gentle currents waft us over fields of soft corals and lush sea grass beds that shelter a diversity of fish not normally seen on coral reefs; 3-Coco, where huge schools of purple anthias and horse-eye jacks number in the thousands; and South Point, known for its huge table corals.

Days 10-13
Cabilao Island / Panglao Island

Philippine tarsiers, endemic to only a few of the islands in the archipelago, are among the world’s smallest primates. After visiting the Tarsiers Sanctuary, we head to Panglao Island and delight in dolphin and whale watching in Bohol Strait. We fly back to Manila on Day 12 and depart on Day 13, or extend your trip snorkel at Dimakya Island.

For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary

What the Trip is Like

This trip is rated Level 3, Moderate. Because the primary focus of the trip is snorkeling, we require that trip members know how to swim, and we strongly recommend you bring your own good quality, well-fitted equipment with you, including mask, snorkel, and fins. Try out your gear in a swimming pool before you go to make sure that it works for you and is comfortable. There is ample time for both scheduled snorkels and free snorkeling, and for the most part the water time is “at your own pace.” We will have a “refresher” snorkel in calm waters at the beginning of the trip, and there will be several drift snorkels (with some current) during the trip. We usually have two to three snorkeling adventures each day, and we also have shore excursions on various islands with optional hikes. Our landings will be via Zodiac and right onto the beaches; snorkeling is also done via the Zodiacs, which have ladders to aid in getting on and off. Keep in mind that on any trip of this nature, it is impossible to predict what the weather will have in store and activities often vary with each day.

Explanation of Trip Levels