Philippines Dive Retreat
Puerto Galera and Dumaguete
May 8-18, 2027
A Small-Group Philippines Dive Trip Designed for Depth
The Philippines lies within the Coral Triangle and is widely considered one of the most biodiverse scuba diving destinations in the world. This Philippines dive trip explores Puerto Galera and Dumaguete, two of the country’s most recognized dive regions.
This small-group Philippines dive trip is designed to make a big international adventure feel clear, supported, and seamless from start to finish.
May 8–18, 2027, we will explore Puerto Galera and Dumaguete on a women-centered retreat with partners and family invited. Organized by Rise & Dive and led by PADI instructor and trauma-informed coach Nicole Harrison, this small-group experience is intentionally structured with steady leadership and thoughtful pacing so you can focus on diving rather than logistics.
From vibrant reef systems in Puerto Galera to macro-rich waters around Dumaguete, Verde Island, and Apo Island, the trip balances biodiversity, immersion, and real breathing room.
Group size is intentionally limited to 16 guests, including Nicole as trip leader, to maintain a well-supported and personal experience. This small-group trip typically fills early. Secure your place now.
Get updates for future trips by signing up here.
What’s a Rise & Dive Trip Like?
A Rise & Dive trip is designed to feel steady, structured, and fully supported, especially when the destination is as expansive as the Philippines.
What makes this trip work is experienced leadership and thoughtful design from beginning to end. The retreat is personally led by Nicole Harrison, with consistent presence both on land and in the water throughout the week.
Transfers from Manila and internal transitions between Puerto Galera and Dumaguete are arranged in advance. Dive days are professionally led and intentionally paced. Group size remains limited to ensure a well-managed, personal experience. Group size is limited, including Nicole as trip leader, to ensure a well-supported and personal experience.
There is space to settle in, refine skills, and fully engage with the diving without feeling rushed.
When you travel this far, the adventure should feel expansive. The execution should feel seamless.
What’s the Diving Like on This Philippines Dive Trip?
The Philippines sits within the Coral Triangle, the global epicenter of marine biodiversity. Expect layered coral reefs, dense marine life, turtles, and exceptional macro diving.
This Philippines scuba diving retreat is intentionally structured to allow you to experience two complementary regions, each offering a distinct underwater rhythm.
If you’d like a deeper look at destinations, travel considerations, and what divers can expect underwater, explore the Philippines scuba diving guide.
See who this trip is designed for →
Puerto Galera & Verde Island
Puerto Galera offers vibrant coral reefs, dramatic walls, and more than 40 accessible dive sites just minutes from shore. The diving here is dynamic and varied, with thriving reef systems and constant marine activity.
Nearby Verde Island, often called the center of marine biodiversity, offers some of the most spectacular diving in the Philippines, with dense marine life and vibrant coral reefs fueled by nutrient-rich currents.
Dumaguete & Apo Island
Midweek, the rhythm shifts. Dauin, near Dumaguete, offers black volcanic-sand slopes and world-class macro life, where patient divers can spot rare critters and fascinating small marine species.
Nearby Apo Island delivers healthy coral gardens, sea turtles, and calm, clear water, creating a beautiful balance of macro exploration and vibrant reef diving.
Together, these regions create a Philippines scuba diving trip that blends energy and stillness, biodiversity and focus.
Who This Philippines Dive Trip Is Designed For
This Philippines dive trip is designed for women who want to travel far and feel steady doing it, with partners and family welcome to join the experience.
It is for divers building confidence in the water, returning to diving after time away, or stepping into larger international dive experiences with experienced leadership in place.
Partners and family are welcome, whether they dive or prefer to explore topside. The heart of the retreat remains women-centered, supportive, and intentionally structured.
If you are looking for a guided yet spacious international dive experience, this may be the right fit.
Pricing per person:
Deluxe Room
Double Occupancy: $4821 USD
Single Supplement: + $750 USD
*Non-diver rates available upon request
Included
- 11 days / 10 nights at Atlantis Philippines Dive Resorts In Puerto Galera and Dumaguete
- Deluxe room accommodations
- All meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner (chef-prepared breakfast and three-course gourmet lunch & dinner)
- Unlimited coffee, tea, and iced tea each day
- Italian coffee at breakfast each day
- Unlimited scheduled boat diving (up to four day dives + one night dive per day for a total of up to 40 dives for the trip)
- One-day trip to Apo Island (up to 3 dives)
- One-day trip to Verde Island (up to 3 dives)
- Round-trip transfers from Manila to Puerto Galera
- Round-trip transfers from Manila to Dumaguete
- Tanks and weights
- Rise & Dive trip t-shirt
- Somatics group coaching
- Discover mermaid session
- One-hour online trip prep or coaching session with Nicole
- Pre-trip online group trip meeting
Not included
- International flights to/from Manila
- Dive accident insurance is required for this trip. We recommend Divers Alert Network (DAN).
- Trip insurance (strongly recommended)
- Personal and/or rental dive equipment
- Nitrox
- Gratuities
- Tourist tax in Puerto Galera (approximately $4 for entire stay)
- Marine park fees in Dumaguete (per dive, approximately $24 per day assuming 5 dives per day)
- Dive certifications
- Land or additional water excursions
- Oslob Whale Shark Snorkeling Tour
- Hotel spa services
- Overnight hotel stay in Manila if needed (recommended for 8am transfer to Puerto Galera on May 8)
Payment Options
Option 1
Pay In Full At Sign Up
Option 2
Deposit + 3 Payments
- $750 Deposit due at sign up
- Payment 1 Due May 6, 2026: 1/3 of remaining total due
- Payment 2 due August 22, 2026: 1/3 of remaining total due
- Payment 3 due December 9, 2026: 1/3 of remaining total due
Option 3
Deposit + Monthly Payment
- $750 Deposit due at sign up
- Remaining balance is divided into equal monthly payments after the deposit and continues until the final payment due date
- (final payment will be February 9, 2027)
If you sign up after the payment due dates, you will pay the amount owing as of the date of signing up to bring your account up to date.
The final payment amount depends on the rooming arrangement you signed up for.
Travel Overview
The trip runs May 8–18, 2027. International arrivals are into Manila (MNL), and arrival the day before departure is recommended to ensure a smooth start. Guests may choose to stay at the Belmont Hotel near the airport, where Nicole will also stay the evening of May 7. The overnight stay at the Belmont is not included in the trip price.
Travelers should ensure their passport is valid for at least six months beyond their travel dates, which is required for entry into the Philippines.
On May 8, the group departs at 8:00 AM for Puerto Galera. All internal transfers between regions, as well as return transportation to Manila on May 18, are included.
Approximately six months and three months prior to departure, group Google Meet sessions will review travel details and answer questions. Each guest also receives two one-on-one online coaching sessions that can be used for trip planning, dive preparation, or personalized guidance.
Nicole and the Rise & Dive team remain available via email throughout the planning process to ensure you feel prepared and supported before the adventure begins.
Philippines Dive Trip FAQs
Is the Philippines good for beginner divers?
The diving in Puerto Galera and Dumaguete offers a wide range of sites suitable for both newer and experienced divers. Calm reefs, excellent visibility, and instructor-led diving make this Philippines dive trip accessible for many certification levels.
What certification level is required?
Open Water certification is required at minimum for diving. The diving in Puerto Galera and Dumaguete is accessible and well suited for both Open Water and Advanced divers. With instructor-led dive days and thoughtful pacing, this Philippines dive trip accommodates a range of experience levels while maintaining steady support in the water. If you are not certified please reach out to Nicole to discuss OW certification.
Can partners and family join?
Yes. Both diving and non-diving partners and family members are welcome.
Are transfers included?
Yes. Transfers from Manila and internal transfers between Puerto Galera and Dumaguete are included as part of the trip. International airfare is not included.
Do I need insurance?
Dive accident insurance is required. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. DAN offers policies covering both.
Is equipment included?
Tanks and weights are included. Rental equipment and Nitrox are available for an additional fee.
What if I need to cancel?
Deposits and payments are non-refundable. Please review the full Terms & Conditions. Travel insurance is recommended.
Cancellation Policy
Deposits and payments are non-refundable. Trip insurance is highly recommended. Please find detailed terms and conditions for Rise & Dive trips here.
If you sign up for a Double Occupancy room without a roommate, Rise & Dive will attempt to find one for you. If we are unable to find a roommate, the individual will be required to pay the Single Occupancy rate. Changes to the package and cancellation penalties do exist.
Ready to join this Philippines dive trip?
This Philippines scuba diving retreat brings together two of the country’s most celebrated dive regions in one thoughtfully guided experience. If it feels aligned, reserve your spot or reach out with any questions. I’m happy to walk you through the details and help you decide if this trip is the right fit for you.