New Boat Options In The Philippines

08/01/2014Philippines News

With over 7,000 islands stretched over an area of nearly 300,000 square kilometres, the default mode of transport in the Philippines is on the water. Two new options have emerged to explore this expansive tropical archipelago.

For the busy traveller looking to explore as much of the Philippines as possible in a couple of weeks, slow chugging public ferries or glitzy all-inclusive cruises are often overlooked in favour of quick and easy air transfers. We have recently come across two new options to offer as an alternative.

The first is a 7 night stay on the soon-to-be-launched Discovery Fleet. Your vessel is a 40-person all-inclusive diving boat, recently purchased and renovated to a high standard by the Discovery group a successful Filipino hotel group with properties in Boracay, Tagaytay, and Manila. The week-long route takes you out of Batangas (around an hour's drive from Manila), around Pandan Island, down and around Coron and Sangat, before making headway back to Batangas. On the way you will stop at some of the world's best diving spots, included the legendary Apo Reef, as well as some of the finest examples of Philippine natural beauty. With just 40 people on board, a convivial but relaxed atmosphere is guaranteed, and your stay will be on a completely full-board basis.

The second option is a rather more upscale affair. The Hip Nautist is a private yacht available to be chartered from January to March; it sleeps up to 8 people and its destination is entirely up to you. At $50,000 per week (total for all passengers including all services) we are not expecting to be overwhelmed with enquiries for this one, but should the need take you get in touch today!