Magic Island Dive Resort
Very much enjoyed my stay at this intimate resort. The staff and management were high points with fantastic, friendly service and beautiful grounds. The bungalows were tasteful with comfortable beds, nice balconies, and amenities, but could use better lighting at least for my old eyes. Dive center well managed with good procedures, could be a bit cramped if resort is full. Food was excellent and fresh; loved the fresh tuna steaks, big morning omelets, and fresh, crisp vegetables and fruit. Three boat dives and guided shore night dive offered. Mandarin fish, sardine ball dive, and Pescador Island were highlights. Unfortunately, due to severe, constant, unrelenting fishing pressure, there are few to no fish at all except for sardines and inedible puffers and scorpionfish; even Pescador Island has relatively few fish despite its being a "marine sanctuary" (along this coast these "sanctuaries" are too small and isolated to protect much at all.) I did see ghost pipefish, frog fish, and the gorgeous mandarinfish. Unfortunately, overall, I do not think Moalboal is a great location for diving.
