What an amazing experience. I was going primarily for diving and underwater photography. Very quick trip. Last minute, my girlfriend, a non-diver, decided to join and amazingly it turned out to be perfect for both of us. I have never experienced service like that, and I have traveled in many places around the world.
Diving: Staff was amazing—basically ready to take you any time. Organized gear, gave formal and detailed briefings based on your desires, needs, and skill levels, and even carried gear to the boat. After the dive, they give you a hot towel and fresh fruit. There was a dive guide and a boat driver—I almost didn't know what to do with such great service.
The macro sites near the resort were almost shocking to me. Not huge reefs, but coral heads and rocks with the most amazing critters I have ever seen. I would not have seen most of it if it were not for the dive guides who clearly cater to photographers. They not only pointed out tiny shrimp, crabs, ghost gobies, and others, but made them accessible for pictures and got out of the way. I was stunned by it all. If you're not into macro, probably not for you—but if you are, it's off the charts and shallow, I think like 30 or 50 feet. They are very safety-conscious—checking gauges, checking with me, and doing safety stops.
Apo day trip is a must—so much fun for divers and snorkelers alike. Tons of crew and service on a really fun local-style boat. Great food, great scenery, and beautiful reefs with incredible wildlife. There were typhoons in the area, so the water was cloudy, but I still had a blast—tons of sea snakes, garden eels, etc.
Oh, that reminds me—they are so detailed that if you want to see something in particular, like mandarin gobies, they will take you out right at dusk and show you where they come out for only 15 minutes per day. Night dive right off the beach was so great—guide carried backup gear, and there was so much amazing life right there!
We did the whale shark snorkel, which I highly recommend. They drive you to a ferry, and the van goes on the ferry to Cebu—you really get a sense of being in the Philippines and seeing more than one place. The whale sharks literally bump into you, and because the fishermen feed them in the morning, they claim they are there every day. No flash allowed. I brought a big SLR housing—a mistake. I would just use a point-and-shoot or GoPro. Be warned—the place is packed with tourists and very crowded, but still worth it.
Resort facility: It is very unusual—you can tell a labor of love. Every detail attended to, and very good taste. Food and service very good. Watch out for fire ants—they are bad. It’s hot as heck, but the AC in the rooms is great. Outdoor showers very nice, and believe it or not, the internet works well in the rooms. Massages cheap and a fun experience in a beautiful setting. The adapter situation in the room is a little strange as it’s the regular two-prong but for 220V. The camera room is fantastic and has all the electrical etc. you will need.
