Philippines: Dive into Paradise

Underwater photo of orange and white spotted nudibranch in the Philippines. Photo by Meg Burke
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Dec. 9-17, 2024 Dive the wondrous coral reefs of the Philippines with Drs. Meg Burke and Terry Gosliner and get an inside look at the research they've been conducting with local partners for a combined 50 years. 

On this Academy Adventure, you will get to experience both the north and south sides of the Verde Island Passage, the “center of the center of marine biodiversity” worldwide. There will be a vast array of habitat types—hard coral and soft coral ecosystems, seagrass beds and soft bottoms—and myriad organisms to observe and learn about. Postcard-worthy sunsets are guaranteed! 

When: December 9-17, 2024
Where: Batangas Province and Mindoro Island, Philippines
Activity level: Moderate. (Note: The Philippines is a very vertical country. Our two resorts are not ADA compliant, and there will be a lot of steps to get to and from your hotel room.)
Price: $2,576-$3,181 (based on party size)

This trip is in partnership with Seacology.

Save your spot!

Waitlist only, please email us at adventures@calacademy.org to add your name to the waitlist.

Please note: You must be an Academy member or donor to register for this trip.

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Portrait of Dr. Meg Burke in Verde Island

Your Academy expert

Meg Burke, PhD, Research Associate and Emeritus Associate Dean

After 23 years at the Academy, Dr. Burke retired in July 2021 as associate dean of science operations. Now a research associate and emeritus associate dean, she has participated in Philippine coral reef expeditions since 2006, helping with the biodiversity research and conservation work, and leading the Academy’s educational outreach and community engagement efforts.

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Academy scientist Terry Gosliner holds up a new species of nudibranch

Your Academy expert

Terry Gosliner, PhD, Senior Curator of Invertebrate Zoology and Geology

Dr. Gosliner’s lifelong passion for nudibranchs and the natural world has taken him to the depths of the Indo-Pacific Ocean and into classrooms and government offices across the globe. He is a passionate advocate for increasing protections for biodiversity hotspots and raising awareness about ocean sustainability.

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Itinerary

December 9: Upon arrival, transfer by van and local boat (bangka) to the Buceo Anilao Beach & Dive Resort in Batangas Province. We will be there four nights, with our days filled with snorkeling, diving, and lectures by trip leaders and local partners.

December 13: Transfer by bangka to the Atlantis Puerto Galera Resort on Mindoro Island. Our stay here will also be four nights, with more snorkeling, diving, and lectures.

December 17: Transfer back to Manila by bangka and van in time to catch evening flights back to the U.S. or spend the night and catch a morning flight.

Pricing and what's included

Pricing:

  • Pricing ranges from $2,576 to $3,181 per person, depending on room type and single or double occupancy.

The price of this trip includes:

  • All in-country transfers
  • Four nights at Buceo Anilao Resort with full meal plan
  • Four nights at Atlantis Resort with full meal plan, diving and snorkeling

The price of this trip does not include:

  • Airfare to and from Manila, Philippines
  • Hotel and meals in Manila as needed
  • Diving and snorkeling at Buceo Anilao (separate packages available)
  • Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
  • Gratuities

Travel insurance:

We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance as the cancellation penalty listed above and in the trip registration will apply. A list of travel insurance providers made available upon request.