The Visayan sea is rich in nutrients and plankton that supports a variety of important ecosystems. There are several areas of protected mangroves and much of the region is protected by marine sanctuaries. Fishing is still a staple means of income for many Filipinos however, marine sanctuaries such as those enforced at Apo Island, have spurred islanders to protect their marine habitats. Underwater the topography of dive sites varies from shallow sandy fringing reefs to steep walls dotted with seafans and sponges, whilst a couple of small plane wrecks and cars have formed artificial reefs. Marine life is diverse however common sightings include green and hawksbill turtles and schools of barracuda and jacks, whilst redtooth trigger fish, pyramid butterfly fish and blue lined fusileers are seen on almost each dive in huge numbers. Smaller creatures such as frogfish, ghost pipefish, octopus and pygmy seahorses are found at several of the dive sites and of course a wide range of nudibranchs, shrimps and crabs can be found on each reef.

Diving Highlights…

**PLEASE NOTE** All dives sites are subject to weather conditions and the those visited are at the absolute discretion of the captain and dive guides.

Cogon / Mamsa Point – Apo Island: A speedy drift can be expected at this site with its slopes and reef walls rich with hard and soft corals, sponges and sea fans. Named for the huge school of jacks, ‘mamsa’ that can regularly be seen here but also expect to see turtles, frogfish, triggerfish and if you get the chance to stop, many crustaceans and molluscs.

Pescador Island – off western Cebu: You will dive here for the schools of sardines that bring with them the hunting thresher sharks. Walls covered with sponges are where giant frogfish can be found along with many other macro subjects. Whale sharks have also been known to put in an appearance in an attempt to steal the lime light!

Black Forest – Balicasag: Typically with stronger currents than most dives during the trip, Black Forest is a sloping wall where schools of jacks and chevron barracuda are frequently seen. No dive here is complete without seeing a few hawksbill turtles which are usually found in the shallower seagrass beds and soft coral garden – a perfect place for the safety stop where you can hang out and watch the turtles feeding.

‘The Cars’ – Dauin: The dark sand slope leads down to two sunken Volkswagens, covered with corals and sponges and home to schooling lionfish. The cars are just one feature of the site however, as over the slope you will also find microscopic frogfish, skeleton shrimps, cockatoo waspfish, pipe horses and mimic octopus. A true macro critter playground.

The S/Y Philippine Siren has been built by divers for divers and every thought has gone into making her a yacht aboard which divers will be comfortable. Relax in the convenience of a highly experienced crew who work tirelessly to ensure your diving vacation is second to none.
Features of the S/Y Philippine Siren liveaboard include:

8 large air-conditioned cabins each with their own personal audio-visual entertainment system and ensuite bathrooms with hot water through our centrally ehated system. Overbed reading lights and individual controls for your air-conditioning unit are provided for your convenience, as well as several cupboards for clothing and personal items, an in-cupboard safety box and a hairdryer. Each guest is provided with 1 bath & 1 hand towel and a cotton bathrobe for use in the cabin
Expansive shaded diving deck area, with individual stations and personal storage drawers. Guests are provided with a 12l aluminim tank, weights & belt. Basic Aqua Lung scuba equipment rental (BCD, Regulator, 3mm wetsuit, mask & fins) and SMB (safety sausage) are provided FREE of charge. Sizing requests can be submitted via the online application form when confirming your booking. For your convenience each guest is provided with a numbered deck towel and more towels are available upon request
Spacious air-conditioned lounge with cocktail bar, sofas, 42 inch flatscreen & movie network and library of books & games
Covered outdoor dining and refreshment area. All meals are served buffet style and guest may help themselves throughout the day to all soft drinks & snacks that are available
Un-shaded Sun Deck with 8 cushioned loungers
Enriched Air Nitrox is FREE for all certified Nitrox divers. If you are not a certified Nitrox diver all our instructors can certainly teach you the Enriched Air Diver Specialty during your liveaboard trip
2 high-powered Ridged-Hulled Inflatable Boats accompany the S/Y Philippine Siren
Laundry Service – our housekeeper will launder your clothes and return to you the same day (0.50 euro per item)
Massage Service – available for 3 hours daily* for 25 Euro/ hour
Yacht Boutique, which includes a range of Siren Fleet clothing, reef hooks and nudi-pointers
Kayaks, for guest use FREE of charge
* Excepting arrival and departure days

Specialised features for Underwater Photographers & Videographers include:

Indoor & outdoor workstations for the preparation and maintenance of cameras and equipment
Large storage drawers for your peripheral items
Numerous charging points, adapters available (sockets are 2-pin European style)
Large rinse tanks with fresh water solely for camera and video equipment.
See pictures of Phillippine Siren