By: Torben Lonne
One of our top picks for liveaboard diving in the Philippines, Master Liveaboards’ Philippine Siren lives up to the company’s reputation for great service, comfortable boats, and exciting itineraries. Depending on the time of year, guests will visit many of the island nation’s best dive sites. Tubbataha National Park from late February to June, with the rest of the year spent around Malapascua, the Visayas, and Leyte. Highlights include everything from baby frogfish to majestic thresher sharks, with a side of pristine coral reefs and abundant turtles thrown in for good measure.
Beginning operations in 2010 in the Philippines, the Siren was replaced in 2014 with a brand-new vessel as part of a fleet shuffle. The 130-foot (40 m) phinisi was built on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, handcrafted from ironwood and teak. Favorite features include the outdoor dining area, an expansive dive deck, and exploring under sail.
This ship departs from several locations and offers itineraries from six to 13 nights. Depending on their itinerary, divers can expect approximately 15 to 34 dives including night dives.
Let’s dive into our review of the Philippine Siren…
Our Overall Review
Things we like:
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Helpful, friendly staff -
A huge variety of marine life
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On-board massage facilities
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Lots of repeat guests means happy divers
Things we don't like:
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Some cabins can be a tight fit -
Both masts were broken in a 2021 typhoon and have not been replaced
Diving on the Philippine Siren
Explore Tubbataha Reef and visit some of the nation’s most iconic sites and delicate reef systems, with over 600 different marine species and 300 types of coral. Tubbataha divers can expect sheer vertical walls and shallow reef tops covered in coral, busily attended by the local reef fish. Highlights include Moorish idols, fusiliers, jacks, snappers and friendly sweetlips. A variety of rays and juvenile reef sharks are also common, along with green and hawksbill turtles.
Visayas visitors will dive the islands of Cabilao, Cebu, Balicasag and Pescador, as well as Apo Island marine sanctuary and macro hotspot Dauin. Frogfish, ghost pipefish, octopus, and pygmy seahorses all make regular appearances.
Highlights
- Up to 34 dives per trip
- Marine life can include everything from thresher sharks to pygmy seahorses
- Nitrox is available, although it is not included
Onboard the Philippine Siren
Expect a warm welcome from the staff with refreshments and snacks upon boarding. This luxurious liveaboard can accommodate a total of 16 passengers in eight elegant cabins located on the lower deck. All cabins have individual air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and entertainment systems.
In the lounge, you’ll find AC, audio, and an extensive collection of movies. The library is filled with magazines and marine life books suitable for children and the young-at-heart. Relax on the sundeck’s cushioned sun loungers, the perfect place for sunbathing and sunset viewing. You’ll also find a charging station for underwater cameras and equipment.
The spacious dive deck offers room for up to 16 divers and their gear, with individual stations and personal gearboxes for equipment. A separate rinse tank for cameras and other electronic devices keeps them away from other salty gear. In the main lounge, you’ll find a camera and video station for professional photographers.
Highlights
- Kayaks, laundry, and massage services onboard
- Designated areas for charging and preparing camera equipment
- Dive gear is available for rent
Dining onboard the Philippine Siren
The Siren’s professional chef and cooking staff will ensure that you don’t go hungry, even for a moment. Divers will enjoy delicious local and international cuisines with fresh ingredients from the local market. Chefs will happily cater to dietary requests and needs—just mention your preferences at the time of booking.
Meals are served buffet-style, with complimentary non-alcoholic drinks and snacks available throughout the day. Meals are served outdoors, though guests can choose to dine inside if they wish. Alcoholic beverages are available for an additional fee.
Highlights
- Excellent food
- Outdoor dining
- 24/7 snacks and beverages
- Alcohol available from bar for an extra charge
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