Taiwan and Anilao, Philippines Diving Expedition 2024

Taiwan and Anilao, Philippines Diving Expedition 2024

Ocean Safari Taiwan & Philippines Expedition 2024

March 28 to April 3 – Taiwan

April 3 to 8 - Philippines

We have designed a special two-part dive & eco trip for spring 2024: Taiwan and Anilao, Philippines. For the Taiwan part of our expedition, we will venture into the southern coast of Taiwan. This area is known for its majestic coastline butted against jagged mountains. We will take a boat to visit some pinnacles full of sea fans and corals that are unique to Taiwan’s cooler tropical waters. Among the places we will visit are the Kenting National Park, Eluanbi Lighthouse, Hengchun, and ChuHuo (Eternal Flame). We will also have a glimpse of Taipei with its rich culture and night market, known for its local cuisine.

At Anilao, we will stay at Aiyanar Beach and Dive Resort, a beautiful resort only minutes away from dive sites. Our 6 days, 5 nights stay at the resort includes 4 diving days (3 guided dives per day) and shore dives upon request. The deluxe rooms, each adorned with its own balcony area with sea views, are well furnished with all the amenities you would expect of a modern resort. Located in the Coral Triangle in a protected marine area since the 1970’s, Anilao is known for its beautiful reefs and incredible marine biodiversity. Perhaps you have heard of it being referred to as a paradise for underwater photographers. The reefs of Anilao are very healthy. At every dive site, you will find a variety of soft and hard corals, sponges, colorful reef fish, and all sorts of critters. Be ready to spot critters such as frogfish, flamboyant cuttlefish, pipefish, shrimps, and a variety of nudibranchs.

Taiwan Itinerary

Mar. 28 (Thr): Late evening departure from LAX.

Mar. 29 (Fri): Cross the International Date Line.

Mar. 30 (Sat): 5:30am arrival at Taipei. 1-hour train ride on the world-class high-speed train to Kaohsiung in business class. Transfer to charter bus for a 2-hour ride to the southern tip of Taiwan. Visit Kenting National Park. Check into an upscale ocean view boutique hotel after lunch at a local restaurant. Set up dive gear and enjoy the sunset on white sand beach. Dinner.

Mar. 31 (Sun): 2- tank boat dive in the morning. After lunch, 1-1/2 hour charter bus ride to visit the lighthouse at the southern-most point of Taiwan, Eluanbi Lighthouse. Stroll along the 100-year old town of Hengchun, witness the natural fire show at ChuHuo (Eternal Flame), just outside of Hengchun. Dinner.

Apr. 1 (Mon): 2-tank boat dive in the morning. Lunch at local specialty restaurant. 2-3 hour visit at National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium. Visit the famous Kenting Night Market (buy what you like for dinner).

Apr. 2 (Tue): After breakfast, check out and say good-bye to Kenting. 2-hour charter bus ride to Kaohsiung and 1-hour high-speed train ride to Taipei. Enjoy the famous beef noodle soup lunch, check in to a 4-star park view hotel in the afternoon. Relax with Taiwan style foot massage, visit the world’s tallest green building, Taipei 101, and enjoy the panoramic view of Taipei. Farewell dinner at special Taiwan seafood cuisine. Free program after dinner.

Apr. 3 (Wed): 6am check out, fly out to Manila at 9:20am.

Taiwan Expedition Includes:

- 3 nights stay at 4-star boutique hotel in Kenting and 1 night stay at 4-star business hotel in Taipei (based on double occupanc).

- Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner, except for expense at night market and street food on few occasions.

- All group transfers and high speed train business class fare

- 2 days of 2 tank boat dive at Kenting National Park.

- Tanks and weights

- All cultural/museum/sightseeing tours.

- Escort by Ocean Safari professional dive leader/Taiwan specialist with unparalleled service

Exclusions:

- International flights

- Few night market and street food

- Few admissions fees

- Nitrox (2 x $15 per day)

- Massage $20 per hour

- Gratuities.

- Travel and dive insurance.

Taiwan Costs:
Double occupancy: $1488; for single occupancy add $390

Payment:

PAYMENT SCHEDULE	AMOUNT	PAYMENT DUE DATE
1st Deposit	$400	Upon Reservation
2nd Deposit	$400	Nov. 3 2023
Final payment	Balance remaining	Feb 3, 2024

* For credit card payment please add 3%
(trip insurance is available thru Ocean safari, please ask)

Cancellation Policy:

Before Nov. 3, 2023, 1st deposit forfeited, no refund on first deposit.

After Nov. 3, 2023, 1st and 2nd deposit forfeited (unless replacement can be found then 1st deposit forfeited only).

After Feb 3, 2024, no refund (unless replacement can be found then 1st deposit forfeited only).

Philippines Dive Expedition Itinerary

Apr. 3 (Wed): Arrive in Manila, transfer to Aiyanar Beach & Dive Resort in Anilao.

Apr. 4-6 (Thr-Sat): 3-tank boat dives daily.

Apr. 7 (Sun): Early morning night dive, then 2 more dives in the morning. Taal Basilica Church and cultural tour in the afternoon.

Apr. 8 (Mon): Depart Aiyanar to Manila, fly back to LAX via Taipei.

Philippines Expedition Includes:

- 6 days 5 nights Casitas room accommodations (based on double occupancy), free upgrade if its available

- 3 gourmet meals daily, orange juice with breakfast

- Tea, coffee, filtered water any time at the restaurant

- Refillable water in the room daily

- 3 guided boat dives per day (total 12 boat dives) and unlimited shore dives (limitations apply)

- Nitrox

- Tanks and weights

- Taal Basilica church half-day tour

- Escort by Ocean Safari professional dive leader with unparalleled service

Exclusions:

- International flights

- Round trip airport to resort transfer ($275 per 4 pax)

- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks

- Marine park fee $5 per diving day

- Massage $20 per hour

- Crew Gratuities.

- Travel and dive insurance.

Philippines Costs:
Double occupancy: $1588; for single occupancy add $250

Payment:

PAYMENT SCHEDULE	AMOUNT	PAYMENT DUE DATE
1st Deposit	$500	Upon Reservation
2nd Deposit	$500	Nov. 3 2023
Final payment	Balance remaining	Feb 3, 2024