By: Torben Lonne
The Royo was built in 2008 and it is a simple liveaboard that can accommodate up to 8-10 people. It is custom made for scuba diving and was built for backpackers in mind. They offer 6-day sea safari adventures that will both be memorable and exhilarating. The food is delicious and served throughout the day. It also has ample open space for sunbathing or relaxation.
Our Overall Review
Things we like:
-
Many people said that the liveaboard was compact and designed for divers -
Divers said they had thorough dive briefings that covered all of their concerns they had
-
The crew was always on point taking care of the needs of the guest
-
The itinerary was planned and executed
-
A couple of divers said they enjoyed the private diving experience with the limited amount of divers on board
Things we don't like:
A couple of people mentioned that the raising and lowering of the anchor was a disturbance for them- Many people were taken back by the basic nature of the bunked beds that were all together in 2 cabins
A couple of people mentioned that the raising and lowering of the anchor was a disturbance for themWhere to book:
Where to book:
Diving on the Royo in the Philippines
Royo liveaboard
The Royo has a traditional Filipino fishing boat style to it. It is custom-built for scuba diving purposes and this is why the crew are so passionate about what they do. It is designed with the simple backpacker in mind with only the necessities on board to get you through the dives. The boat is overhauled every year between the months of June & September. You will receive comfortable bunks but most people prefer to drop their mattresses on the heavy netting between the outriggers. This is a great liveaboard if you are going for a minimalistic look and amenities.
Boat interior and exterior features
The Royo has 4 basic bunks onboard and has space for two divers each. The exploratory bunks can provide accommodation to 8-10 divers. The bathroom is shared but ideal for the small number of guests. This is great if you are a group of friends seeking a budget-friendly liveaboard. There are roomy common areas that include the diving deck. On the dive deck, you won’t feel cramped for space. You will always feel safe and enjoy the experience with the knowledgeable staff and crew. There is also a shaded lounge area to catch up with fellow divers and exchange dive stories. You will also find a sun deck for some nice sunbathing.
Food on the liveaboard
You will certainly not go hungry on this liveaboard with meals being served throughout the day. Before your first dive in the morning, you will be treated to coffee/tea and biscuits/cookies on the Royo. After the morning dive, you will get your simple morning breakfast, bacon & eggs, muesli, or pancakes. After that, you will get lunch that will either be Filipino or Western dishes. When the afternoon dive is finished you will be treated with snacks like sandwiches or fruit platters. Then to cap it all off after the night dive a plated dinner will be waiting for you to enjoy. If you have a special dietary request you will have to inform the crew in advance. The Royo provides water and soft drinks and alcohol are served after the last dive of the day at an extra charge.
Itinerary
With the Royo, you will get the opportunity to explore the best dive sites in the Philippines. The 6 days sea safari will take you to the best locations in Archipelago. The boat is overhauled during the months of June – September so there will be no itineraries during that time.
Comments