Crew vacation!

 

Yachting in the Philippines is great and it’s hard to beat a country with over 2000 islands. The Philippines is safe as long as you stay away from the most southern Muslim islands. The rest of the country is populated by happy Christian fellows. The reason I write this small article is not really for yachting but more for Yachties looking for a different place to go on vacation.

 

I recommend Cebu Island. They have an international airport and is easy to get to. Airlines flying direct to Cebu are:

www.singaporeairlines.com and then www.silkair.com to Cebu

www.qatarairways.com

www.cathaypacific.com

www.malaysiaairlines.com

www.cebupacificair.com Hong Kong – Cebu

 

 

Last time I flew it was 1300US$ return from Florida on a seaman’s ticket.

 

For a good vacation: On the southwest side of Cebu there’s Moalboal a small sleepy fishing village that has turned into a diving Mecca. Some of the world’s best diving can be had there. From big whale-sharks to small mandarin fish, wonderful healthy coral and wall diving.

 

I’m an engineer myself and joined my first yacht in Antigua back in 1994. I now own a bar in Moalboal, Chili Bar, and that’s why I’m trying to drum up some business. Chili Bar is by far the busiest bar on the beach but there are plenty of other bars and restaurants there as well. www.chili4fun.com

 

Moalboal offers more than diving and beer (in case you by chance are not happy with just that). Volcano climbing, repelling, horse back riding, river climbing, beach, mountain biking or motorcycle rental just to mention a few.

 

I would recommend Nelsons dive shop for diving, http://www.ibara.ne.jp/~bitoon/index.htm , 15US$ for a dive or about 60US$ for 3 meals, accommodation and 2 boat dives. I work there as instructor sometimes.

 

To get to Moalboal, just take a taxi from the airport, about 2000 pesos / 3h.

 

Weather, November is when high season starts and typhoon season ends. 28 C day time and 25 in the evening.

April, low season starts, 30 C day time, 28 C in the water and that’s when diving is at its best in my opinion.

June, rain in the afternoon and low season,  July a lot of European college students arrive.

Aug-Sept, typhoon season but good weather between depressions.

 

 

Ps, in Cebu City you can do an internationally valid basic STCW 95 (OK with MCA) for less than 100 US$. Classes are in English.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited by yotcruforum - 08 Aug 2008 at 2:05am