Houston's Premier Scuba and Dive Shop Oceanic Ventures Inc.

(713) 523-3483 (dive)
5808 Newcastle Drive
Houston, TX 77401

Pacific Travel

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Philippines – Malapascua & Visayas Liveaboard 2024

Philippine Liveaboard

September 21 to September 30, 2024

Overview

The Visayas region is home to some of the best diving in the Philippines, with its nutrient rich water supporting a variety of eco-systems & a wide diversity of marine life. Sites range from steep coral covered walls to gentle sloping reefs and muck diving hotspots. During the tour we visit and dive the islands of Cebu, Cabilao, Panglao, Balicasag and Pescador. Along with Apo Island marine sanctuary and critter hot spot Dauin.  There is reef diving, muck diving, huge schools of fish, pelagic, macro and more!! On this 10-night liveaboard trip we will also stop at the remote island of Malapascua whit its world famous and unique dive spot “Monad Shoal” the only dive spot in the world where thresher sharks are constantly seen.  This is one of Eric and Ann’s favorite trips and routes; amazing bio-diversity and relaxing diving..

What is included?

  • * 11 days/ 10 nights/9 days of diving 
  • * Taxes
  • , full board accommodations based on double occupancy
  • * Meals while on boat, including water, tea, coffee, juices and soft drinks
  • * transfers on arrival if traveling with the group

May I use my rebreather?

This is a rebreather friendly trip ! There will be an additional charge for rebreather cylinders, oxygen fills, and sorb.  Rebreather divers need to notify us as soon as possible to make sure the boat brings the sorb and cylinders to the boat. Helium will be available to qualified rebreather divers but subject to local availability and cost.  So, yes, you may use your rebreather.

May I sidemount dive?

This is a sidemount diver friendly vessel! You will need to bring your own hardware.

Special Oceanic Ventures Connoisseur Club Benefit

  • * trip brochure and packet,
  • * trip shirt, and travel leader.

Other activities that can be arranged… 

Shopping in town, City and cultural tours

What is not included?

Airfare, airport tax, marine park fee ($156 est.), nitrox, fuel surcharge, hotels in transit, tips for local dive staff, sorb, diving equipment other than cylinders and weights, rebreather cylinder rentals, mixed gasses, decompression gasses, meals and drinks in transit, extras listed above and shopping.

How do I get there?

There are several options; but the best is on Eva Air direct and non-stop Houston to Taipei (16 hrs.) then Taipei to Cebu (4 hrs.)  We have a wholesale contract to be able to do agent wholesale tickets and the economy plus seating area is wonderful. Also, with these fares you may be able to earn either Star Alliance miles or United miles. Ask your tour professional for recommendations.  ann@oceanicventures.net

Embarkation – Be Resorts, Mactan Island, Cebu @ 13:00pm (subject to change)
Disembarkation – Be Resorts, Mactan Island, Cebu @ 10:00am (subject to change)

What is the boat like?

The Cabins –  8 large aircon cabins,  Individual aircon control,  Personal audio/video system,  Ensuite bathroom with hot water,  Overhead reading lights,  Lockable safety box,  Cupboards for personal items,  Bath & hand towels, Bathrobe

The Diving –  Shaded dive deck,  Individual dive stations,  Personal storage drawers,  12L Aluminum Tanks, weights & belt,   Personal Diving/Deck Towel,  Free Nitrox refills,  Diving courses (charges apply)

The Boat –  Aircon lounge/cocktail bar, Comfortable lounge sofas,42″ Flatscreen TV,  Library of movies, books & games,  Covered outdoor dining,  All meals served buffet style,  Self-service drinks & snacks*, Sundeck (8 cushioned loungers),  2 high powered RIBs, 

The Extras (some charges apply) –  Same day laundry,  Massage (available 3 hours/day- some charges may apply),  Yacht boutique (Equipment/Merchandise- charges apply),  Kayak usage, some wine and beer cost extra

  • Dive Deck
  • Lounge
  • Dining
  • Deluxe Double Cabin
  • Premium Twin Cabin
  • Deluxe Upper Cabin

What other things should I be aware of?

  • Local taxes and port fees must be paid in advance and are added to your final payment.  (Estimated $250 USD)
  • Nitrox is $250 per person per charter, paid in advance and added to your final payment..
  • Advanced Open Water and 40 logged dives are recommended for this route. See Ann if you are interested in the trip but do not at this time meet the requirements.
  • Fit to Dive: all guests must complete a fit to dive form www.masterliveaboards.com/forms
  • COVID 19 Vaccination: At this time there is a vaccine requirement to enter the Philippines. 
  • Air Schedules:  air schedules have not been published but it most likely we will need to do a contract charter in order to get all of guests to Honiara and back to meet the vessel’s schedules.  At this time it is probably not possible to use miles for your trip.  Plan to budget apx $2500 for air.  We will negotiate the best contract possible and there should be options for upgrade to business class service.
Dive Mom – “Tell Me More!”

COVID Information

The Philippines requires proof of a COVID vacination. The traveler must be free from COVID before departure. A COVID test is required before departure and a test is required to return to the United States. These requirements are subject to change

The Fine Print…

Please see the Terms & Conditions page for a listing of our travel policies. Additionally, please see the Master Liveaboard terms and conditions. By depositing on the trip, you agree to both sets of terms and conditions. All prices are subject to change until booked and ticketed. All moneys are due in full on deposit even if not paid in full and some penalties may ably for cancellations based on the operators policies and group penalties.  As with most small island properties and vessels, cancellations are more of an issue so they have limited ability to fill unused spaces.  We highly recommend trip insurance to help avoid any unnecessary problems and should be purchased within 14 das of the initial deposit to receive the most benefit.  No refunds for missed flights or changes in plans. Trip insurance and diving insurance can be found at http://oceanicventures.net/travel-insurance/.  Both Dive Assure/DAN and Travel Guard have a family plan.  Diving Accident and Medical Insurance is required. Vessel and OVI travel releases are required.  Please plan to bring a copy of your logbook, c-card, and diving insurance.  

Passport must have a minimum of 6 months validity prior to passport expiration.  No refunds for missed flights or boats.

Note: All guests spaces are reserved upon deposit.  But unless a minimum number of guest sign up for the trip by the deadline dates, an Oceanic Ventures trip leader will not be attending.

Adventure Date

September 21 – 30, 2024

Airfare

Airfare is not included in this trip. Your destination is Cebu

It is best to fly with the group so please let us help you plan this part of the trip. The air schedules for this trip have not been set yet so air will require some patience.

Transit Arrangements

Depending on your air schedule, 1 night in a transit hotel may be necessary. Please contact Dive Mom for assistance.

Fare

All per person double and Club membership. First booked, first choice. Only 15 guest spaces available

  • * $4,480 pp
  • * $4,350 pp/dfc/Club

Deposit & Final Payment

  • * $500 pp early bird special After 2/3 vessel is sold or January of 2023, $1,500 pp and completed trip application is required. 
  • * $1,500 plus trip insurance
  • * Final payment due – January 1, 2024
  • * Deposit and Completed Trip Application are required to hold your space and cabin selection.
Tell me More!

Travel Notes

  • * An Oceanic Ventures Application/Travel Release is required at time of booking
  • * A boat Release is required by the final payment date
  • * We cannot guarantee a roommate unless you are booking together with someone, so plan on a single supplement
  • * As with most small liveaboard operations, cancellations are more of an issue so they have limited ability to fill unused spaces. We always recommend trip insurance to help avoid any unnecessary problems. There are no refunds for missed flights or changes in plans. Travel Insurance (ie: comprehensive accident, medical, baggage and trip cancellation and interruption insurance) purchased at the time their reservation is made, may help protect guests from financial disappointment if they are prevented from making their scheduled trip due to illness or family illness, or in the event that unforeseen circumstances prevent the airline or yacht from making its scheduled trip.
  • * The United States is requiring a COVID test prior to re-entering the country. The boat will handle getting everyone COVID tested prior to boarding your return flight.
  • * Passport must have a minimum of 6 months validity prior to passport expiration
  • * We require diving accident insurance. For your convenience below are links to Dive Assure . Both organizations offer Travel Insurance and Dive Accident Insurance and be purchased via our web site at https://oceanicventures.net/travel-insurance/.  Both Dive Assure and Travel Guard have a family plan. Dive Assure is diving insurance and also has a travel insurance option.

Travel Insurance

We highly recommend travel insurance to help cover you for unknown events that may occur. You should purchase it within 14 days of your deposit to receive the most benefit from the policy. We also recommend that you have coverage to help you in the event you need to leave for weather or other emergencies.

Thank you for letting us assist you with your family’s diving adventures!

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Hello from Kosrae, Scuba Diving in Micronesia, Update 7

We left Chuuk five days ago and already the memories of ship wreck diving have faded, replaced by visions of fish and corals. We are staying at the Kosrae Village Eco Resort. It is definitely different coming from a live aboard dive boat to a land based resort and then throw in the Eco-lodge aspect and we have had a big shift.
The diving is done off small catamaran style boats that are 10 minutes away in the harbour (not a big one since there is only room for about 8 boats). Kosrae has a system of buoys around the island which is a mixed blessing. On one hand it has helped to minimise the damage to the reef from anchoring but on the other, it makes,it easier for the fisherman to tie up and fish on the reef. As a result, the reefs, especially those near the harbour are devoid of fish life. This is not to say that there are no fish but there are no large fish not schools of fish other than some very small ones.
Moving away from harbour, the fish populations increase but there are still no large fish in many spaces. We only spotted one large grouper. Thankfully there were sharks, barracuda, small jacks and wahoo on the reefs away from the harbour.
The one thing that really sets Kosrae apart from other Pacific destinations are the hard corals. Large stands of stag-horn coral, lettuce corals, pillar corals and other species cover the reefs as far as the eye can see. From twenty feet to one hundred twenty feet the corals are alive, healthy and growing.
Life here is pretty simple but the meals are not. Locally grown or locally produced is the key. Fresh tuna sashimi and salads with mangrove crab are beautiful additions to the grilled wahoo and tuna. The smoked fish is different but is perhaps a little “too smoked” because it over powers the delicate tastes of the fish.
Thursday was a big day in the restaurant… The frozen food container had arrived and was unpacked. Bacon, ham and beef were now available for meals. But the big thing was that ice cream was once again available! Hot fudge Sundays were back on the menu as was Rocky Road ice cream, Bruce’s favourite flavor.
Everyone has had a surprise or two in their cottages. Spiders and geckos are the norm but there were some unusual findings as well. I found that small ants like to shave, having attacked my shaving oil; Eric found that the small crabs really like having their mouths washed out with soap especially the melon soap from Chuuk. On another night he found his bathmat alive and moving as a hermit crap snuck under it and was lurking about the bathroom. During one shower, Cheryl found herself as an exibitionist for a large land crab who seemed intent on joining her in the shower.
Of course nothing can top Susan’s story. It seems she was joined in her bathroom by a large fruit bat. Known locally as flying foxes, Katrina describes them more as the flying monkeys from the Wizard of Oz. Imagine the surprise of stumbling into the bathroom in the middle of the night and finding a nocturnal visitor come through the door. Yes, the bat was so startled by Susan’s appearance that it hid in the shower stall until she left. It was then able to sneak out and flee. To warn his friends, he left the bathroom light on in unit three so no other bat would have to be scared.
We have only a few more days of diving here but we also have some adventures coming up. Two trips by canoe through the biosphere region, some archeological site tours and some handicraft shopping.
So, until the next update…