Busuanga diving safari
Busuanga Island is the biggest island in the Calamian Group, between Palawan and Mindoro, which consists of several hundred islands, all easy to reach from Pandan Island.
It is amongst these islands the Japanese support fleet of the 'Invasion of Leyte' was hiding, when they were spotted by American reconnaissance planes from 'Task Force 38' on the 24th of September 1944 and attacked shortly after.
More then 20 ships were sunk in this attack; about half of them are interesting to dive on. As the maximum depth between the islands does not exceed 40m (130 ft) and some of the wrecks are as shallow as 8m (25 ft), the Busuanga Safari is interesting for all divers, be advanced or just recently certified. However, good buoyancy control and finning technique are an asset, as the visibility tends to be between 10 - 15m only( 30 - 40 ft), and some wrecks (in channels) are exposed to tidal currents. These are actually a lot of fun, as the dive guide knows the routes in the lee sides of the wrecks and will use the currents to drift back to the mooring line.
Akitsushima
Irako
Another high-light on this safari is the dive in Coron lake, a fresh water lake 15 minutes from the sea. It sports two thermoclines (25C - 35C - 28C), special flora and a unique atmosphere - also for European lake divers! During the 4 or 5 days safaris normally 8 - 16 dives can be made (including night dives), depending on the weather, the beer consumption, the stamina and enthusiasm of the divers....
The safari boat is a 18m banca (local trimaran), which sleeps 8 guests plus 1 guide. Although accommodation is basic, amenities onboard feature a large sun deck, a big table for meals, a kitchen and a comfort room. With a cruising speed of over ten knots she guarantees fast and safe journeys from one destination to the other. A SCHIFAUER ASTRA V32 compressor (265 l/min), a battery charging station, oxygen and all necessary dive equipment is on board.