MY Azalea is a 21m liveaboard with a 5m beam, operating low budget diving cruises to Tubbataha - the Philippines’ premiere dive destination - as well as Apo Reef, the famous wrecks of Coron, and dugong tours. The boat was built in 2017 by a group of dive buddies that fell in love with Palawan and decided to set up business there.
Azalea accommodates a maximum of just 10 divers, in 5 air-conditioned cabins with en-suite bathrooms. Space onboard is utilised very well, and you will never feel crowded by fellow guests when exploring the beautiful reefs of the Philippines. On the main deck, there is an indoor air-conditioned saloon where meals are served, and a dive deck with a kit up area, space for equipment storage, and bathroom for post-dive necessities. There is also a small area at the bow of the boat where you can catch the sun. The upper deck is a space dedicated to relaxing and socialising. Here you can sun bathe or snooze to recharge your energy levels between dives. In the evenings, you can enjoy a chilled beer and discuss that day’s exciting marine encounters.
Azalea has twin 6 cylinder Hinoy diesel engines and cruises at a perky 13 knots, using outriggers for greater stability. There are 2 compressors onboard and diving is conducted from a 30 HP motorised rigid tender. The crew are very passionate about diving and about the underwater world of the Philippines. So if you’re looking for a no-frills diving safari to explore the Coral Triangle, M/Y Azalea could be your best bet.
There are 2 twin bunk bed cabins on the lower deck and 2 more on the main deck. There is also a Master double bed cabin on the lower deck. All the cabins have ensuite bathrooms.
All the cabins have:
- Individually controlled air conditioning
- Portholes (lower deck) and windows (main deck)
- Private bathroom with toilet, hand basin, shower and towels
- Cabinet, mirror
- Storage for luggage
- Reading lights
- Bedding
- Life jackets
- 220V electricity supply with round 2-pin sockets - available 24-hrs per day
No. of bathrooms / showers - 6 / 7 - cold water
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (7 Days / 6 Nights - 20 Dives)
Trip highlights: shark action, great macro life/ marine diversity, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, cage diving, caverns, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, very popular, wall diving, wreck diving
Dive sites and activities: Tubbataha - North Atoll: Malayan Wreck, Shark Airport, Terraces, Jessie Beazley Reef; South Atoll: Ko Ok, Delsan Wreck, Lighthouse, Trigger Fish City, Black Rock
Day 1
You will be met at Puerto Princesa Airport and transferred to the port for boarding at 2 pm. Azalea will depart from port at 5 pm bound for the famous Tubbataha National Park. There will be a boat briefing and a discussion on the plans for the coming days. Dinner will be served as you make your way across the Sulu Sea.
Days 2-6
Tubbataha is a World Heritage Site and is considered part of the 7 Wonders of Nature in the World. Located in the center of the Sulu Sea, it is made up of the South and North Atolls, and the nearby Jessie Beazley Reef. You will find one of the most pristine coral reef systems in the world and it is home to a great diversity of marine life. Whales, dolphins, reef sharks, turtles and Napoleon wrasse are among the key species you can see. The spectacular reefs are home to 300 coral species, 400 fish species, and numerous bird life.
You will make up to 4 dives per day. A typical day begins at 6 am with a wake-up call, coffee and snacks. After Dive 1, breakfast will be served at 8 am. Dive 2 is at 9:30 am and lunch is served at 12 noon. After a longer surface interval, Dive 3 takes place at 2 pm. There are snacks at 3:30 pm then Dive 4 at 5:30 pm. Finally, dinner is served at 7 pm. Food is a mixture Filipino dishes and European style, and meals are served in the air-conditioned saloon.
On Day 6 you will make 4 dives, then the boat will depart back to port.
Day 7
The boat will arrive at Puerto Princesa around 7 am. After breakfast, the crew will transfer you to the airport or nearby hotel at 10 am.
[Information is best estimate in ideal circumstances and subject to changes beyond our control. The itinerary is a guide only and may be adapted to best suit the weather, tides, currents, availability and other prevailing events. Price is for the cruise, not for an exact number of dives].