PELAGICS OF THE PHILIPPINES EXPEDITION

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PELAGICS OF THE PHILIPPINES EXPEDITION *

may 20-31, 2027: full expedition TUBBATAHA REEFS + MALAPASCUA ISLAND

TUBBATAHA: 7/8 SLOTS LEFT

MALAPASCUA: 8/12 SLOTS LEFT

FULL EXPEDITION: $3,950 | TUBBATAHA REEFS ONLY: $3,250 |
MALAPASCUA ISLAND ONLY: $900

JOIN THIS TRIP

A TWO-PART EXPEDITION* THAT BRINGS YOU TO THE BEST DIVE SPOTS TO ENCOUNTER PELAGICS IN THE PHILIPPINES: TUBBATAHA REEFS NATURAL PARK
& MALAPASCUA ISLAND.

*GUESTS MAY CHOOSE TO SIGN UP FOR THE WHOLE EXPEDITION OR JUST JOIN EITHER LEG.

Dates: May 20-31, 2027
Tubbataha Reefs: May 20-26, 2027 (Full Moon Trip)
Malapascua Island: May 27, 2027

Duration: 12 Days
Tubbataha Reefs: 7 Days (4 and ½ Diving days + 2 Travel)
Malapascua Island:5 Days (2.5 Diving Days + 2 Travel)

Total Dives: 28
Tubbataha Reefs: 18
Malapascua Island:10

Ports of Embarkation
Tubbataha Reefs: Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Malapascua Island: Cebu City, Cebu

Group Size
16, including expedition leader

Accommodation & Diving
Tubbataha Reefs: Liveaboard vessel, M/Y Resolute
Malapascua Island: Ocean Vida & Sea Explorers Malapascua

Rooms
Twin sharing, AC

Diving Difficulty
Beginner-Advanced

Water Temperature
29 to 31 degrees Celsius

Required Dive Certification:
Open Water (Advanced Open Water & Nitrox Recommended)

Minimum Required Number of Dives
40 (or comparable experience)

Recommended Training:
Drift dives, wall dives, deep dives, familiarity with deco dives, low-light dives, shallow penetration cave dives

Recommended Gear:
Long/freediving fins for Tubbataha, wide-angle lenses and domes, two strobes, focus light with red filter for Mandarin fish dives

TUBBATAHA REEFS NATURAL PARK

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is a a Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the heart of the Sulu Sea in the Philippines. Spanning 97,000 hectares, this UNESCO World Heritage site is located 150km southeast of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, right in the center of the Coral Triangle--the global center of marine biodiversity.

Widely-regarded as the pinnacle of diving in the Philippines, Tubbataha is made up of two coral atolls (North and South) and Jessie Beazley reef. Its surrounding waters are a haven for pelagic life such as sharks, mantas, and schools of fish, while its islets serve as a rookery and nesting site for seabirds.

Underwater scene with a large, branching sea fan coral, smaller corals, and a school of small fish swimming in the blue ocean.
Underwater scene with a spotted shark swimming near smaller fish in clear blue ocean water.
A sea turtle swimming near the coral reef on the ocean floor.
A sea turtle swimming underwater above a coral reef, sunlight filtering through the water surface.
A large school of fish swimming underwater near a scuba diver
A shark swimming underwater in the ocean with other smaller fish in the background.
A manta ray swimming underwater with sunlight shining from above.
A spotted ray resting on a coral reef in the ocean with sea fans and colorful coral in the background.
Multiple spotted fish swimming around a colorful coral reef underwater.
School of fish swimming above a coral reef in the ocean
A large school of barracuda fish swimming underwater above a coral reef.
A pod of dolphins swimming underwater in the ocean, with sunlight reflecting off the water's surface.
Underwater coral reef with colorful fish swimming among coral formations and marine life.

MALAPASCUA ISLAND


Located 45-minutes (by boat) off the northern tip of Cebu Island, Malapascua Island is world-famous for its daily sightings of the beautiful Thresher Sharks at Kimud Shoal. Early each morning, these graceful sharks known for their long caudal fins (tail fins) rise up after hunting from the depths to get cleaned by cleaner wrasse in the many cleaning stations dotting Kimud Shoal.

Divers jump in the water early in the morning to wait for the Thresher sharks to appear. Encounters with the Thresher sharks happen at all points of Kimud shoal, and the calmest, quietest divers normally get the closest encounters!

At the same time, Malapscua is also known for amazing macro dives and Mandarin fish encounters.

Malapascua offers a stunning variety of encounters that divers--especially underwater photographers and filmmakers—will surely enjoy.

PHOTO BY IVAN IGNACIO TORRES
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Whitetip Reef Shark Profile Gato Island.jpg
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LEG 1: TUBBATAHA REEFS -
M/Y RESOLUTE LIVEABOARD

The M/Y Resolute is a Philippine-registered Dive and Pleasure yacht currently cruising in the Philippines. Operating since 1998, she is currently one of the longest-running liveaboard vessels in the country with a highly experienced crew. The Resolute accommodates sixteen (16) divers plus dive masters and crew, and features an outdoor and indoor lounge and a mess hall on the deck. A smaller number of divers allows for a less-crowded experience underwater and a smaller footprint on the reef.

On the deck of a boat, there are lounge chairs, blue and yellow bean bags, and a green carpet. The boat is on open water with a view of the ocean and a cloudy sky in the background.
Outdoor dining area on a boat with wooden tables and benches, set with white plates, blue placemats, and silverware, overlooking water.
A cozy bedroom with a wooden bed frame, white bedding, a gray pillow with a geometric pattern, and a bedside table holding plants and towels. There's an air conditioner on the wall and hardwood floors.
A cozy bedroom with a top bunk bed, white bedding, rolled towels on top, black and white pillows, a small wooden ladder, a wall-mounted air conditioner, a framed fish artwork, and a small table with a plant, blanket, and rolled towel.
A cozy indoor scene with rolled white towels, a small plant in a jar with twine, and a wooden tray on a bed with a blue and white striped blanket. In the background, part of a black and white patterned pillow and a wooden wall are visible.
A bed with black and white geometric patterned pillows against a wooden headboard and white paneled wall.
View of a cozy loft space with wooden walls and modern decor, featuring bean bag chairs, a built-in window seat with cushions, and multiple pillows with geometric patterns.
Wood-paneled sitting area with patterned pillows, small windows, and a wooden floor.

LEG 2: MALAPASCUA ISLAND - OCEAN VIDA RESORT
& SEA EXPLORERS

  • Ocean Vida Beach & Dive Resort in Malapascua is centrally located and offers high standard Sea view and Garden view rooms.

    All rooms invite guests with a relaxing atmosphere, including a private terrace or balcony with cozy couches which are beautifully decorated with abaca and mahogany furniture.

    Rooms have a spacious bathroom with warm/cold showers.

    They are all equipped with air-conditioning, fan, mini bar, safety box, and fresh towels. Tea, coffee and a bottle of water are complimentary.

    Also included are daily fresh beach towels for our sunchairs located directly in front of the resort.

    The resort has free WIFI, which is based on the connection to the provider’s tower on the island. Due to different weather conditions, the connection is not always 100% guaranteed.

    Choose between rooms with beautiful sea view located right on the Bounty Beach or the quieter garden view rooms, just behind the reception. They also offer one family room: two garden rooms connected with a door.

    The maximum capacity for the “Deluxe Sea-view and Garden-view rooms” is 3 persons (either 2 adults and 1 child or 3 adults).

  • Ocean Vida Beach & Dive Resort does not have its own dive center, but instead we are partner with Sea Explorers: a PADI 5-Star dive center with 15 years of experience in Malapascua Island and more than 30 years in other locations around the Philippines, making it one of the leading dive centers in the country.

    In 2015, the dive center was nominated by the German dive magazine “TAUCHEN” as one of the top 3 dive centers in the Indo-Pacific region.

  • The easiest way to get here is by private transport. Evolution picks up the group at the airport and brings us right to the resort (arrival in Cebu by 1.30pm latest).

    The transfer starts with a van right from the CEB airport all the way north to the Maya port (3-4 hours). A boat will then take us from Maya port to Malapascua in around 45 minutes.

Beach resort with lounge chairs on white sand, palm trees, and a two-story building with balconies, under a blue sky.
Front view of two hotel or resort rooms with dark wooden doors numbered 16 and 15, surrounded by lush green tropical plants, shaded by tree canopies, with a white column between the doors, and a porch with chairs and flower pots.
A bedroom with a large bed, pink pillows, a landscape painting above, black bedside tables with lamps, a window, a sliding door leading to a balcony with outdoor seating, and tropical greenery outside.
A hotel room with a bed, two bedside tables with lamps, a large mirror on the wall, and wall art of a face. The bed has white linens, two white pillows, and brown accent pillows and runner. There are decorative yellow flower petals on the bed.
View of a tropical beach from a patio with lush green plants, a black table with a yellow table runner and rose petals, and a black sofa with orange cushions.
Beachside balcony with wicker seating, yellow and orange pillows, overlooking palm trees and ocean.
Indoor view of a retail shop with water sports gear on a display wall, including swimsuits, hats, and accessories, near a counter with books and a shelf. Outside, through glass doors, a patio with outdoor seating and a bar area is visible, with peopl
Reception area of a dive shop with a desk, logo, merchandise, and scuba equipment.
A white sea exploration boat with outriggers and a canopy, docked near a tropical beach with palm trees, under a blue sky with clouds, carrying passengers.

ITINERARY

    • Embark between 2 and 4 pm.

    • Cast off around 5 pm for the 8-12-hour journey to Tubbataha Reefs.

    • 6:00 AM: Wake-up Call, Light Breakfast

    • 7:00 AM: First Dive

    • 8:30 AM: Breakfast

    • 10:30 AM: Second Dive

    • 12:00 NN: Lunch

    • 2:15 PM: Third Dive

    • 3:00 PM: Snacks

    • 4:30 PM: Fourth Dive

    • 7:00 PM: Dinner

    • 6:00 AM: Wake-up Call, Light Breakfast

    • 7:00 AM: First Dive

    • 8:30 AM: Breakfast

    • 10:30 AM: Second Dive

    • 12:00 NN: Lunch and Cast off for the journey back to Puerto Princesa

    • Arrive in Puerto Princesa early in the morning.

    • Disembark after breakfast, at 9am.

    • Take PM flight to Cebu City (not included in package)

    • Overnight in Cebu City (not included in package)

    • 9AM: Van ride from Cebu City to Maya Port (3-4 hours)

    • Boat ride from Maya Port to Malapascua Island (45 minutes)

    • Check-In

    • Welcome dinner

    • Two (2) Early Morning Thresher Shark Dives at Kimud Shoal

    • Return to resort to change batteries & lenses.

    • 3rd Dive: Gato Island

    • Lunch

    • 4th Dive: Gato Island

    • Two (2) Early Morning Thresher Shark Dives at Kimud Shoal

    • Lunch on the boat

    • 3rd Dive: Monad Shoal

    • Two (2) Early Morning Thresher Shark Dives at Kimud Shoal

    • Lunch on the boat

    • 3rd Dive: Monad Shoal or Local Dive

    • Morning free time

    • Check out 12nn

    • Boat ride from Malapascua Island to Maya Port (45 minutes)

    • Van ride from Maya Port to Cebu City (3-4 hours)

    • Arrive Cebu City 5PM

An underwater scene showing a large school of fish swimming above a coral reef. A scuba diver in black gear is in the lower right corner, near the reef.

PRICING

FULL EXPEDITION

  • Twin sharing: US$3,950.00/person

TUBBATAHA ONLY

  • Regular Room: USD3,250.00/person* in twin sharing (7 days/6 nights)

  • Small Room: USD3,050.00/person* in twin sharing (7 days/6 nights)

malapascua only

  • Single Occupancy (solo room): PHP67,500 / U$1,100

  • Twin Sharing (sharing room): PHP55,000/ US$900

Payment Schedule

  • Non-Refundable 50% Downpayment upon confirmation

  • December 31, 2026: Remaining 50% Balance

ADD-ONS

  • 1 Day Snorkel with Whale Sharks (Puerto Princesa, before Tubbataha Leg)

  • 5 Days Anilao Macro Diving (after Malapascua)

JOIN THIS TRIP

  • TUBBATAHA

    • Full board accommodation in a twin sharing cabin

    • 4 and ½ diving days (4 dives/day with tanks, weights & belt, chase boat and dive master. (NOTE: 2 dives only on last diving day)

    • Hotel / Airport transfer to the boat

    • $100 Tubbataha Park Fee

    • $200 Fuel Surcharge

    MALAPASCUA

    • Four (4) Nights AC Deluxe Accommodation (Twin Sharing)

    • Eight (8) Local Dives (including Kimud)

    • Two (2) Gato Island Dives with lunch

    • Nitrox Tank Rentals (10 Tanks)

    • Round-trip transport as a group (guests arriving on different flights will be charged separately for their own transportation)

  • EXPEDITION

    • Domestic airfare (Manila-Puerto Princesa-Cebu-Manila)

    • Interim Hotels (Puerto Princesa & Cebu)

    • Dive, travel, and medical insurance (REQUIRED)

    TUBBATAHA

    • Drinks (soft drinks, juices, alcoholic)

    • Tips, laundry

    • Gear rental

    • Nitrox fees

    MALAPASCUA

    • Environmental Fee paid at Maya Port (P90 for Locals, P140 Foreigners)

    • Sanctuary Fee (Local Dives: P400/day, Local Dives + Kimud: P700/day). This fee may increase or decrease.

    • Porter Fee at Maya Port (P30/bag)

    • Lunch and dinner (except for Welcome Dinner and Gato Island trip, which includes lunch)

    • Equipment rentals

    • Drinks other than water, coffee, and tea in rooms

    • Certification Courses

    • Airfare

    • Gratuity

    • Pre-Trip Photography Fundamentals Virtual Session (1 half day, scheduled before the trip) (upon request)

    • Sharks / Ray Identification

    • Photo / Video Coaching/Critique

  • TUBBATAHA

    1. The boat has 8 cabins with ensuite bath and toilet. Maximum number of divers is 16 pax. Each room can only accommodate 2 divers.

    2. Nitrox (32% standard) is $150/person/whole trip (4 tanks maximum/day). Unused tanks are non-refundable.

    3. Dive and Travel insurance is required.

    4. Some dives may be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.

    MALAPASCUA

    1. Nitrox Certification is highly recommended.

    2. Guests may opt to enroll in Nitrox Certification during the trip. Message me for details.

    3. Group core dive package is pre-booked and non-transferable. Skipped dives and unused tanks are non-transferable and non-refundable.

    4. Booking the earliest flight to Cebu and a late afternoon or next day flight out from Cebu are recommended.

    5. Transportation from Cebu to Malapasca is included in package provided the guest joins the group schedule. Separate transportation will incur separate costs. Guests arriving to Cebu earlier may choose to wait for the group schedule.

    6. Travel and Dive insurance required.

    7. Dives are dependent on good weather and acceptable surface conditions. Dive spots may be switched around depending on conditions.

    8. Dives will only be cancelled due to inclement weather or force majeur and are non-refundable.

  • TUBBATAHA

    • Cancellations made 120 days or less prior to departure date, all payment is not refunded. However, substitution of passengers is permitted

    • Dive and Travel Insurances:

      • M/Y Resolute requires that agents/guests have their dive and travel insurance (including weather conditions). M/Y Resolute is not liable for cancellation of trips due to force majeure /weather or other unforeseen circumstances including medical emergencies/diving accidents. No refund and compensation to be given.

      • In case of mechanical problems or boat breakdown, M/Y Resolute will make best efforts to provide alternate accommodation. In this case, there will be no refund available.

      • M/Y Resolute will not be responsible for transportation expenses beyond what is included in the dive package. (i.e. PPS airport to Ship transfers).

    • Trip Cancellation due to weather and mechanical failure

      • M/Y Resolute is not liable for cancellation of trips due to force majeure /weather or other unforeseen circumstances including medical emergencies/diving accidents. In case of mechanical problems or boat breakdown, M/Y Resolute will try its best to provide alternate accommodation and diving services. M/Y Resolute will not refund for any unused portion of the trip.

      • M/Y Resolute will not be responsible for accommodation, transportation or other expenses beyond what is included in the dive package. (i.e. airline tickets, hotel accommodation, food & beverages)

      • Decisions on weather conditions and other matters involving the safety of the boat and everyone on it, regardless of the coast guard’s clearance to sail, are at the sole and final discretion of the captain and cruise director.

      • If a storm was declared during a trip, and the trip needs to be aborted for safety reasons, no refund will be provided.

      • Guests are not allowed to request for the cancellation and rescheduling of the trip.

    MALAPASCUA

    • Date of booking to 30 days before arrival : P2,000

    • 30-15 days before arrival: P5,000

    • 15 days up to the day of arrival: P15,000

    • Weather Conditions - Cancellation Policy:

      • No refunds will be issued if the trip is canceled (by sea, air, or road) or delayed due to weather conditions.

      • If the port going to Malapascua is closed, additional accommodation is not covered for those guests who couldn't reach the island.

      • Please bear in mind that these situations occur a few times a year, and are not a usual issue when traveling to Malapascua.

EXPEDITION REVIEWS

“

Noel is a true gem. He is genuine and giving of his time and knowledge. His style is extremely inclusive, fun and safe. I highly recommend any trip organized by him. I have done two expeditions and both were better than I could have imagined, due to Noel's generosity and personality.”

Robin Bass
Colorado, USA
2026 Guest

“

I contacted Noel, the head of Mako Expeditions after seeing his Tubbataha and Malapascua videos when I did a search to show my bf both. He replied saying he was planning to lead a trip to Tubbataha and was happy to add Malapascua onto the plan. We wrote and called back and forth for several months to work out the details. Then I joined him for both locations.

Noel helped with many of my logistics and we met during my first day in Puerto Princesa while waiting for our Tubbataha liveaboard.

Noel is patient, kind, friendly, outgoing, a skilled photographer and videographer, and was very good at making everything go smoothly during our trip.

I have already recommended him to other divers for future trips, and to at least one potential scuba student.

Noel is the kind of person everyone will like. I will continue to recommend him to people who want to be part of a group adventure trip, especially for diving.

We had an AMAZING time diving, dining and traveling with him.”

Ariane, Dimitris
Florida, USA
2026 Guest

“

We met Noel, the owner of Mako Expeditions, on a liveaboard in Tubbataha and were very impressed by his knowledge and professionalism. We were thrilled to learn that he was planning a trip to Malapascua and that we could join him. The group’s itinerary didn’t quite fit into our travel plans, but Noel organized everything so flexibly for us that we were able to join him for part of the trip. We are very grateful that Mako Expeditions gave us the opportunity to experience the beauty of Malapascua.

Highly recommended, and thank you very much. We look forward to future expeditions.”

Katharina Krusenbaum
Aachen, Germany
2026 Guest

PELAGICS OF THE PHILIPPINES EXPEDITION

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PELAGICS OF THE PHILIPPINES EXPEDITION *