Philippines “By Any Means” 2014 excursion was one of Toucan Dive’s best. After getting settled from the long plane ride, the Toucan Flock re calibrated to what would be up to 5 dives per day,including a night dive. Those of us with a very strong regimen did them all. Others were looking for the diving, but interested, also, in the easy lifestyle of the Philippines islands, dropped off to 3 or 4 per day. The accommodations of our resort at Atlantis in Puerto Galera were wonderful. The staff was incredible, and the food was to die for. Lastly, enough cannot be said about the afternoon massages that our group made sure to take advantage of.
Toucan Dive’s Philippines “By Any Means” Tour 2014
Philippines Diving
The diving is what continues to bring Toucan Dive back year after year to the Philippines. We saw so many interesting critters, beautiful corals, and a plethora of fish life. The diving included fantastic walls of coral, and also muck diving, which is where many of the more interesting creatures reside. Some of the more interesting creatures were the pigmy seahorses, dragon sea moths, and the electric clams and that had electrical current moving across their mouths. On two occasions, the Toucan Flock ventured to the Philippines cultural heritage site of Verde Island. Here the water was gin clear. The sheer numbers in fish, including orange anthias, and blue chromis made the experience a colorful Disney like experience. It took the diving experience to a new level. Looking at Caribbean diving verses the Philippines is like comparing a black and white television set to a technicolor movie. It is such a difference.
The Philippines Culture
The culture of Puerto Galera, and in particular the seaside port of Sabang was embraced by our divers who can’t wait to go back. The people are a very friendly to Americans. The basics are very economical and value conscious. We took a tour on a chrome Philippine bus known as jeepney which was exciting in itself, but were able to see the island, and how the people live. Puerto Galera, Philippines will be back on Toucan Dive’s radar in 2016. So start saving. This is an experience not to be missed. Check out the gallery and the video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ci70vCrebKw