Luxury Philippines Escape To Dumaguete 2027
Discover one of Dumaguete's best kept secrets, Salaya Beach Houses, as you explore the fascinating macro of the Dauin coastand dive the stunning reefs of nearby Apo Island.
Free Photo Workshops
Macro Critters
Luxury
Why Join This Trip
Enjoy Salaya's brand new camera room and media lounge, perfectly equipped for hosting photographers and delivering workshops
Low season dates keep trip prices down and sites uncrowded, without compromising on marine life encounters
Experience an extraordinary concentration of rare macro life, just minutes from the resort, including frogfish, flamboyant cuttlefish, seahorses, nudibranchs, and mimic octopus
Diver to Guide ratio is 4:1
25% off rental photo gear from Bluewater Photo
Fully refundable deposit until 12 months from departure
Trip overview
At Dumaguete, you can take full advantage of some of the world's best scuba diving. Rare critters and unique macro compete for attention along the Dauin coastline and the area is often frequented by underwater photographers in search of exquisitely rare shots. The world-renowned Apo Island with its walls, stunning coral, and schooling fish is a short boat ride away.
The night dives are also stunning, as are the mandarin fish dives at dusk.
Bluewater owner, Scott Gietler, says: 'July is a great time to visit Dumaguete. I've done Dumaguete twice in July and weather has been very nice - calm and not windy. You get some rain but only a brief shower which freshens the air.'
Sample Itinerary
Diving days are usually scheduled with two morning dives (departing around 8:00 AM) and one afternoon dive ( departing around 2:00 PM), allowing for a relaxed pace across six dive days. There will be one night dive offered during the trip.
Marine Life to Photograph
Dumaguete is a dream destination for underwater photographers, offering an exceptional diversity of marine life within a compact and easily accessible area. The Dauin coastline is famed for its rich muck diving, where photographers can find frogfish, flamboyant cuttlefish, mimic and wonderpus octopus, seahorses, ornate ghost pipefish, and a seemingly endless variety of nudibranchs, all thriving in shallow, calm conditions ideal for macro work. In contrast, nearby Apo Island delivers vibrant wide-angle opportunities with healthy coral gardens, schooling jacks, turtles, and reef fish set against dramatic walls, making Dumaguete a rare location where world-class macro and reef photography can be enjoyed on the same trip.
Diving Conditions
Conditions are generally calm and marine life is abundant year-round. Weather is warm and humid, with occasional tropical showers.
- Water temperature: 81-86F (27-30C)
- Visibility: 32-100 feet (10-30m)
- Depth range: 15-100ft (5-30m)
Recommended Scuba Gear
Download our full scuba gear guide to Dumaguete, Bluewater Travel guests receive 10% OFF! Click the image below to download (PDF).
Trip Inclusions
7 nights accommodation in a Deluxe Garden Room, double/twin occupancy
8 days of gourmet dining, including daily breakfast, 2-course lunch, 3-course dinner
Unlimited filtered drinking water
17 day dives plus 1 night dive (18 dives total)
Hi-speed WiFi throughout the resort
Dive guide, boat, tanks, and weights
Marine Park Fees
Nitrox for certified divers
1 full-day Apo Island trip
Use of stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and snorkeling equipment
Round-trip private transfers between Salaya and Dumaguete Airport or Dumaguete Pier
Trip Exclusions
Additional night dives other than the 1 night dive included ($73 per dive)
Alcoholic and speciality beverages
Equipment rental ($30 per day)
Flights
Staff gratuities
Airport terminal fees
Dive and travel insurance
*Prices listed in the exclusions are subject to change
Accommodation
About Salaya Beach Houses
For further details about the accommodation, visit our dedicated Salaya Beach Houses page. The Salaya Beach Houses are a luxurious and serene retreat set along the tranquil coastline of Dumaguete, offering elegant accommodations surrounded by lush tropical gardens. The resort combines comfort and style with modern amenities, including a dedicated camera room and media lounge for photographers, gourmet dining, and access to water sports such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and snorkeling.
Guests can enjoy easy access to world-class diving sites, including the macro-rich Dauin coastline and the vibrant reefs of nearby Apo Island, while relaxing in a setting designed for both leisure and photography-focused diving adventures. With attentive service, spacious rooms, and a focus on providing a refined all-inclusive experience, Salaya Beach Resort is ideal for divers, photographers, and travelers seeking a peaceful yet active escape.
Connectivity
Wi-Fi is available throughout the resort with free access in rooms and public areas and is adequate for standard online tasks such as email, browsing, and light work.
For those needing connectivity outside the resort, major carriers like Globe and Smart offer prepaid data packages with 4G/LTE coverage across most of the Philippines. You can purchase a SIM and top-up at Manila Airport (NAIA) upon arrival in Manila, at convenience stores like 7-Eleven or Ministop, or at carrier kiosks in larger cities before boarding the Siren. Just be sure your phone is unlocked and compatible with local networks before you travel.
Most major US mobile phone providers offer international bolt-on or add-on packages that let you use your phone abroad without changing SIMs. The details vary by carrier and plan.
Want to learn more? Read all about our latest trip to Dumaguete.
Trip Price
Trip starts from $2,434 per person.
Payment Schedule
- Deposit: $800 to book your spot
- Payment 2: $1,000 due 1 November 2026
- Balance: due 1 February 2027
