7 replies to this topic

[NitroLiq]

Just curious if anyone knows which (if any) of the local dive shops in Cebu rent uw digital camera or video setups? Looking specifically for shops around Moalboal and Mactan.

[brett]

I don't believe you will have any luck anywhere in Cebu. Have you been there before?

Mactan is an island where the international airport is located, which is connected to Cebu via a bridge. There are a number of 5 star hotels on Mactan all with diving facilities. My personal opinion is the diving there is not that crash hot.

Moalboal is pretty much off the beaten track and is more of a village than anything else. Most of the beach has been washed away but they do have some good dive spots.

Your best bet for hiring u/w photography equipment would be in Manila, try Aquaventure Philippines or Divenet Philippines, both are in Makati City (Manila's CBD).

Good luck and enjoy.

Brett

[NitroLiq]

Yeah I've actually been to Cebu a couple of times as that's where my wife is originally from. Did my ow certification there with a small dive shop, Paradive, which is in Lapu-Lapu. We did easy dives around moalboal like tambuli, tongo point, etc. Last I visited I really wanted to dive Pescador Island but I ended up getting a nasty case of food poisoning the day I was supposed to dive. Your right...the marine life is kinda beat as is the coral due to all the previous dynamite fishing. I'd still like to check out the "Cathedral" at Pescador, though.

Anyway, I kind of figured as much regarding camera rentals....I think about the only thing I could rent would be an aquashot or something. Since I have a sony digital 8 already, I may just invest in a housing for that and go the video route. I envy the folks at wetpixel that can afford all these liveaboard trips to various exotic places...at this point, I'm lucky if I get to dive once every 3 yrs....maybe I should go back to school for marine biology.

[Stewart L. Sy]

If you're in Cebu, you may want to try the Thresher sharks at Malapascua Island, also consider a trip to Bohol, where the diving is way better. I did a 3 week dive safari there 2 years ago.

I wouldn't sell the Philippines short in terms of a dive destination...I've friends who've gone with me there and say that it's as good as anything else around. You can't beat the macro life there...big stuff ain't too bad either.

Check out my site: www.final-frame.com and click on my name: Stewart Sy and go to the Philippine link...

Stu

p.s. My avatar of the pygmy seahorse was taken in Puerto Galera...

[NitroLiq]

Hi Stu,

I didn't see a "philippines" link but searched through the marine photos as well as the sunset picture....nice work! Liked the shot of the schooling barracudas. I've heard the diving is good in Bohol and Malapascua but never had the chance to do any Island-hopping when I was there. I've also heard that Cabilao Island is supposed to be good for sharks (hammerheads). Ever dive there? I'm curious about Bantayan Island as well, just north of Cebu....haven't heard much about diving there.

I wasn't really trying to sell the Philippines short...and the truth of the matter is that I'm so new to diving that I'm as happy as a clam just being able to breathe underwater and swim around, even if I don't see much. Seeing things is an added perk at this point...hehehe

[brett]

I was in Bantayan last year, only problem was there was no dive shops.

Barry Deeney owns Moby Dicks Resort and Restaurant, he can organise some tanks if you have your own gear.

Beautiful Island, the diving isn't too bad.

Brett

[Stewart L. Sy]

Hi Brett,

I think the Cabilao hammerheads are gone, well, 3 years ago they were, a Taiwanese fishing fleet came in an took them.

Bantayan is Northern Cebu, that's where Malapascua Island is located...

You can see my old website at www.geocities.com/scubastu_99

My perennial favorite is Puerto Galera, Woody Mayhew of Nexus America loves Anilao...they're only about 1 hr. apart by boat and we constantly bicker over where is best!

Stu

[NitroLiq]

Your photos are bringing back some fond memories, especially the sakayan (banca). Maybe I'll look into Malapascua next time in addition to Pescador. I had thought of treating my wife's folks to a little R&R at Bantayan but we usually end up in the south (in Ginatilan) where her Aunt and Uncle (German fellow) have a vacation home. It's pretty cool as it's right on the Tanon Strait and you can see Negros Occidental across the way. A lot of her aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins all live in that area as well as Samboan, which is close-by.

Btw, Enjoyed the Devil Ray shot....one fish I hope to see and photograph one day (along with a whale shark). Thanks again for the location tips.

Pete