Where to book
Diving on the Infiniti liveaboard
Diving conditions in the Philippines are generally excellent, with warm water from 81 to 84 F (27 to 29 C), good visibility from 50 to 100 feet (15 to 30 m), and incredibly diverse marine life.
Divers can expect a variety of dive conditions, including wall dives, drift dives, strong currents, reefs, walls and spectacular drop offs. The Philippines is also home to a number of wrecks, both from WWII and more recent times.
A highlight is Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a 375-square-mile Marine Protected Area in Palawan in the heart of the Coral Triangle, accessible only on a liveaboard, and only from mid-March to mid-June.
The Philippines is home to nearly 1,400 species of fish and over 500 species of hard and soft coral. Strong currents and fast-washing water create plentiful food sources and spectacular marine diversity. Of special mention is the sardine run at Moalboal, where divers can see huge bait balls and large pelagics that come to prey on the small fish.
To access the dive sites, the Infiniti has two RIBs which drop off and collect divers. There are four dives a day, including night dives. Divers are required to have PADI Open Water or equivalent, though some sites may require PADI AOW or equivalent certification.
Huge shoals of sardines, whale sharks, thresher sharks, frogfish, schooling reef fish, pygmy seahorses, turtles, and reef sharks can all be seen here.
The Philippines is excellent for underwater photographers, with opportunities for macro, wide-angle, and pelagic photography. The Infiniti’s dedicated camera room has several charging stations, plenty of counter space, shelves and drawers, plus an onboard computer with a media center. Plasma screens for viewing and editing are also available.
Highlights:
- Up to 19 dives including night dives
- Large pelagics including whale sharks and thresher sharks
- Full gear is available free of charge (except computer); must be booked in advance
- Excellent photography and videography viewing and editing facilities
Onboard the Infiniti
The Infiniti has 11 comfortable and spacious air-conditioned cabins fitted out with wood paneling. Five standard cabins on the lower deck are a mix of triples and doubles. There are four deluxe cabins on the main deck and two deluxe cabins on the upper deck. All cabins emphasize comfort. Of note are the bathrooms with full-sized showers and basins and plenty of storage.
The indoor lounge and dining room on the Infiniti is also spacious and comfortable. The lounge is equipped with a large TV, DVD player, and sound system, and a well-stocked library with books, movies, magazines, and games. Guests will also find coolers filled with refreshments and snacks. The dining area is decorated predominantly in wood and has several tables where guests can enjoy meals together. Dive briefings take place in the dining room.
Outside, there’s a huge sundeck with cushioned loungers and hammocks, as well as a shaded lounge area on the main deck with a self-serve bar where guests can put their feet up and relax while taking in the amazing views and sunsets.
The dive deck, situated on the main deck, is modern and well-equipped with plenty of space for divers to prepare. Personal dive stations have lots of storage and there are freshwater rinse tanks for equipment and cameras. After setting up equipment, all gear is transferred to the RIBs by the crew. There’s also a toilet for guest comfort on the dive deck.
Highlights:
- Spacious cabins with comfortable beds
- Large bathrooms with full-sized showers
- Lots of space for relaxation and socializing
- Well-organized dive deck
Dining onboard the Infiniti
The Infiniti serves three meals per day along with mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks. Meals are predominantly served buffet-style, with an occasional barbecue under the stars, served on the sundeck.
Dishes include both local and Western cuisines and the chef specializes in Thai, Philippino, Chinese and Indian dishes. For special holidays—such as Chinese New Year, Christmas and Easter—the chef prepares special celebration dinners.
The chef on the Infiniti is happy to accommodate special dietary requirements, though guests should notify the boat of their requirements at least two weeks in advance.
Water, tea, coffee, soft drinks, beer, and wine are available free of charge, and liquor is available for purchase onboard. Rehydration and mineral salts are highly recommended in the tropical climate and available free of charge for guests.
Highlights:
- Selection of cuisines to suit all tastes
- Beer and wine is available free of charge
- Excellent standard of cuisine
- Barbecue under the stars
Things we like:
- Dedicated camera room with media center and plasma screens
- Excellent, friendly crew of 18
- Biodiverse marine life and large pelagics
- Four dives a day including night dives
- Dive gear included free of charge (excluding computer)
Things we don't like:
- Nitrox costs extra ($125 at time of writing)
- Fuel surcharge on all trips is $100 extra
- Marine park and port fees are an extra $110 to $190 depending on itinerary
- Most trips only six nights
Key facts
Where to book
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