Magic Island Dive Resort
I’d definitely go back! It’s about a 4-hour drive from Cebu.
They were super accommodating with my gluten and dairy allergies—tons of tasty options to choose from. A highlight of the trip was definitely the last night when they threw a party with a live band, dancing, and a traditional Filipino feast. So much fun! The staff learn your name by the first day, which makes you feel right at home.
Diving was good; the sheer walls were nice, and catching the sardine run was a real treat. The rooms were comfy, though if you’re like me and prefer to keep the air-conditioning on all the time, you’ll have to sacrifice some natural light since you can’t open the windows.
The dive boats are nice, but be prepared to step over a few sections to reach the seating. Backwards rolls off the boat are a breeze, and the guides are incredibly helpful. There’s a small ladder to climb back on, which is manageable. The house reef where they do the mandarin fish dives is lovely.
The dive center is spacious and well-organized, with short boat rides to the dive sites—never more than 20 minutes. You can do up to 5 dives a day, which is awesome if you’re a dive junkie like me.
They’re currently renovating, so I’m looking forward to seeing the finished rooms next time. Overall, a fantastic trip, and I’m definitely planning to go back soon!
