There are dive trips you enjoy… and then there are the ones that stay with you long after you’ve unpacked your gear.
This recent Philippines adventure, shared by one of our loyal returning customers, is very much the latter and was a genuine 5 out of 5 experience from start to finish.
“I had an amazing time in the Philippines, and I am very pleased with my holidays,” they told us. “I would definitely give it a 5 out of 5 rating.”
From the moment they arrived in Cebu, everything felt easy. The airport hotel was exactly what was needed after a long journey. “Good location, walking distance from the airport and great to recover before the transfer the next day.” Sometimes it’s those simple touches that set the tone for the whole trip.
Into the Heart of the Visayas
Getting to Magic Ocean Dive Resort is all part of the experience. While the itinerary suggests around four hours, the reality is closer to five or six depending on ferry timings. “It is a long day, but it can’t be avoided,” they said. One tip that proved useful along the way was to carry cash, as “there are small taxes to be paid here and there, and everything is paid in cash.”
And then, you arrive and it all feels worth it.
Magic Ocean Dive Resort: “I Fell in Love with This Hotel”
And then came the highlight.
“I fell in love with this hotel,” they said, and it’s easy to see why.
With just 16 bungalows, Magic Ocean offers a boutique, tranquil feel, tucked away within lush vegetation. “It is very quiet and well hidden… the staff were very friendly and the bungalow very spacious.” Days here were defined by relaxation, whether by the pool, in the spa, or enjoying the food. “Fresh juices every morning,” they added, a small touch that made a lasting impression.
But it’s below the surface where Magic Ocean truly shines.
“The dive centre was well organised, and we did some great dives,” they said. “I saw so many new species I had never seen.”
Among the highlights were orangutan crabs, candy crabs, nudibranchs, seahorses, flamboyant cuttlefish, octopus and frogfish, an incredible showcase of the Philippines’ macro life.
“The diving was great for macro, and we had a mix of wall dives and muck dives. The corals are in really good condition.”
Perhaps most importantly, “all the dives were easy and no stress and gave enough time to explore.”
There were a couple of minor points to note. “There is no real beach,” they mentioned, although a thoughtfully created area along the cliffs still provides a place to sit and enjoy the view. Snorkelling was also limited. “Not the best… but you can still see a few turtles.” With diving of this quality, it didn’t matter.
Exotic Island Dive Resort: Incredible Encounters
The second stop, Exotic Island Dive Resort, brought a different energy.
“The hotel was great as well,” they shared, though they noted it has a much larger capacity and “there were definitely lots more people.” Even so, the positives stood out. “The staff was very friendly, the room was great, food was good as well,” and the spa once again delivered. “The massages were great.”
Diving here offered some truly unforgettable moments.
“Gato Island dives were fantastic,” they said, but like many who visit this area, one experience stood above the rest.
The thresher sharks.
“I asked to do it again as the experience is amazing. It is a very beautiful and elegant shark.”
Seeing them in their natural environment is something special and is one of those moments that stays with you.
It is, however, a popular destination. “It is worth noting that it is a very popular place and there are a lot of divers,” they explained. At times, that meant busy conditions underwater, although guides did their best to find quieter spots away from the crowds.
They also touched on something important. During a sunset mandarin fish dive, they noticed “loads of divers were breaking corals and not respecting nature.” It’s a reminder of how important it is for all of us to dive responsibly and protect these incredible environments.
A 5 Star Experience
Yes, transfers may be long and some sites busy, but the overall experience speaks for itself.
“Overall, I was very pleased with all my dives. Both hotels were great, but Magic Ocean definitely stood out,” they told us, comparing it to another unforgettable trip we previously arranged for them in Raja Ampat.
And perhaps the best endorsement of all, “Thank you very much for organising this trip for me! Now I will have to think about which destination to try next!”
A genuine review from a loyal Ultimate Diving customer, full of honest reflections, small details and unforgettable underwater moments.
Now, the only question left is: where to next?
Ready to plan your own Philippines diving adventure? Call us now on 0208 655 6452.
