The Northern Route – Batangas International Port- Pandan Island-Coron-Apo Reef- Batangas

The Northern Route of the Hans Christian Andersen is a showcase of what Philippine diving is all about.Colourful reefs and fishes, sheer walls, historic wrecks and a crystalline lake are on the diving menu as the ship cruises through Pandan Island, the limestone peaks of Coron , and Apo Reef National Park. Each stop is a “must see” on any serious diver’s wish list and this cruise is a convenient way of exploring  only the best sites of 3 famous destinations .

Day 1 - Departure from Batangas.
After boarding, you will be shown to your cabin and you have the rest of the day at leisure. At sunset we all gather for cocktails and a presentation of the ship and its crew. Dinner will be served on the al fresco deck while we sail into the tropical night underneath a starry sky. (D)

Day 2 - Pandan Island and Sablayan

Arrival at Pandan, "the Turtle Island", at sunrise. The coral reef and the large sea grass beds at Pandan Island attract large sea turtles and a huge variety of tropical fish. Its fringing reef is home to a myriad of colourful hard and soft corals, schools of pelagics and benthic (bottom dwelling) species. We will be doing our check out dives here.


Day 3 - Coron Bay, the Blue Lagoon and Dicalabuan Island
We recommend that you get up early this morning, so as not to miss the spectacular approach to Coron Bay. We depart for 2 wreck dives after breakfast, return to the ship for lunch and then do 1 more dive after lunch.


Day 4 - Culion and Sangat Island
We depart for 2 wreck dives after breakfast, return to the ship for lunch and then sail to Sangat Island where we will dive the upright sangat wreck. Dusk dive will be at the Sangat house reef.


Day 5 - Calambuyan Island and North Kay Island
We depart from Sangat in the morning, passing through a narrow strait with beautiful beaches on both sides. Along the route we pass by several large pearl farms, the main industry of this area. It is a 1½-hour trip to Calambuyan.

Ten minutes from where we anchor, scuba divers can explore two sunken Japanese warships, the "Akitsushima" and the "Okikawa Maru".
Lunch is served on board while we make way for the North Kay Island where more great diving awaits just off the beautiful secluded beach

Day 6 - Dibotonai Island and Talampulan Island
After breakfast, we set course for the beautiful Dibotonai Island with its lovely white sandy beach where coconut palms and bamboo huts offer plenty of shade. 2 morning dives as well as 2 afternoon dives are offered today.
After dinner on board, we make way for one of the highlights of the trip: the world-famous Apo Reef. (B, L, D)

Day 7 - Apo Reef National Park
Apo Reef National Park is located west of Mindoro Island. The reef is regarded as one of the very best diving spots in the Philippines.

Our dives will be conducted mainly around Apo Mayor Island, surrounded by sheer walls on one end and a sandy beach on the other.

Divers are in for some exciting dives in the crystal clear water. Visibility of up to 50 metres is not uncommon. The southern pt is a coral filled shallow reef where schools of rainbow runners, pyramid butterfly fish congregate at the drop off.

There will be  morning dives and 1 afternoon dive before the ship weighs anchor.

There is a good chance of seeing sharks, barracudas, turtles, and the impressive manta rays on the north wall. (B, L, D)

Day 8 - Batangas Pier
Expected arrival in the morning. Breakfast will be served on board before the crew bid you farewell.