Set sail on a rare 10-day, 9-night voyage aboard Solitude One from Tubbataha to Cebu. This crossing bridges two of the Philippines’ most captivating dive regions—beginning in the UNESCO-protected Tubbataha Reefs and journeying through the remote southern Visayas. From dramatic walls teeming with life to hidden sites known only to seasoned explorers, each dive reveals a new layer of the archipelago’s underwater story. With an attentive crew, experienced dive guides, and moments of serenity between the currents, this is more than a dive trip—it’s an expedition across some of the richest seas on Earth.
Solitude One Itinerary: 10 days & 9 nights Tubbataha to Cebu.
Embark on a rare 10-day diving expedition with Solitude One, crossing from Puerto Princesa to Cebu. This journey blends protected marine sanctuaries, untouched reefs, muck dives, and pelagic encounters—revealing the Philippines’ incredible underwater diversity.
- Day 1: Puerto Princesa – Embarkation (No Diving)
Board Solitude One in the afternoon at Puerto Princesa Harbour. After a warm welcome, orientation, and registration, the vessel sets sail at sunset towards the UNESCO-listed Tubbataha Reefs.
- Days 2–4: Tubbataha Reefs National Park (3–4 Dives/Day)
Spend three days immersed in the heart of the Coral Triangle. Expect dramatic drop-offs, abundant reef life, schooling fish, turtles, and regular sightings of reef and pelagic sharks. All dives here are daylight drift dives due to strong currents.
- Day 5: Cagayancillo (3–4 Dives)
Venture off the beaten path to this secluded reef system rarely visited outside of transition crossings. Healthy coral and rich marine life await.
- Days 6–7: Dauin & Balicasag
Two days of contrasting diving—black sand muck dives in Dauin offer rare critters and macro life, while Balicasag delivers classic coral walls and schooling fish action.
- Day 8: Southern Leyte (3–4 Dives)
Explore this remote region known for both macro subjects and pelagics amid vibrant, healthy reefs—often far from the crowds.
- Day 9: Monad & Kimud Shoals (2–3 Dives)
Rise early for a chance to witness thresher sharks at cleaning stations before the day boats arrive. This final day of diving ends with ample surface interval before flying.
- Day 10: Cebu City – Disembarkation (No Diving)
Wake up in Cebu City and bid farewell to your Solitude One crew. Disembarkation is between 8:00 and 11:00 AM, with transfers available to Mactan-Cebu International Airport.
Full itinerary
Discover the detailed day-by-day schedule of our exciting 10 days & 9 nights Tubbataha to Cebu journey.
Day 1 Puerto Princesa – Embarkation (No Diving)
Upon boarding Solitude One in the late afternoon at Puerto Princesa Harbour, a warm welcome from our crew awaits. After orientation, registration, and a safety briefing, you’ll settle in and enjoy your first dinner on board as we set sail at sunset. Solitude One begins her overnight crossing toward the remote atolls of Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site at the heart of the Sulu Sea.
Day 2–4 Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
Gives the opportunity of a possible 3–4 dives each day
Choice of Sites: Amos Rock, Washing Machine, Black Rock, Delsan Wreck, Malayan Wreck, Jessie Beazley Reef, Shark Airport, and more.
Over the next three days, explore the pristine and remote atolls of the Tubbataha Reefs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Each dive reveals a different underwater scene—steep walls blanketed in coral, schools of jacks and barracuda, numerous shark species, and macro life such as pygmy seahorses and nudibranchs.
All dives are conducted during the day and are typically drift dives due to consistent currents. No night dives are permitted within Tubbataha for safety reasons.
Day 5 Cagayancillo
Gives the opportunity of a possible 3–4 dives
Choice of Sites: North Wall, East Reef, and other off-the-chart coral gardens and drop-offs.
A true gem of the crossing route, Cagayancillo is rarely visited and remains one of the last frontiers for adventurous divers. Dive untouched reefs, rugged drop-offs, and coral-covered slopes with excellent fish life. This is an “only-on-the-crossing” kind of day.
Day 6-7 Dauin & Balicasag
Gives the opportunity of a possible 3–4 dives each day
Choice of Sites: Masaplod, Mainit, San Miguel, Balicasag Marine Sanctuary, Diver’s Heaven, Cathedral Wall
Two very different diving environments await. First, Dauin delivers black sand muck diving heaven—hairy frogfish, mimic octopus, flamboyant cuttlefish, ghost pipefish, and other elusive critters dwell here. Then, over in Balicasag, glide along pristine coral walls teeming with reef fish, turtles, and schooling jacks. It’s a classic macro-to-wide-angle dream.
Days 8 Southern Leyte
Gives the opportunity of a possible 3–4 dives
Choice of Sites: Napantao, Limasawa Island, Tangkaan Point, and other sites selected for conditions and sightings.
Today we dive Southern Leyte, a lesser-known region with exceptional reef health and biodiversity. The sites here host both macro species and large pelagics, making it an ideal location for all dive interests. Expect everything from soft coral gardens to whale shark potential, depending on the season.
Day 9 Monad Shoal / Kimud Shoal
Gives the opportunity of a possible 2–3 dives
Choice of Sites: Monad Shoal, Kimud Shoal
An early start places us on site at Monad Shoal, famous for thresher shark encounters at their morning cleaning stations. With Solitude One’s timing, you’ll often have the site before the land-based crowds arrive. Kimud Shoal, a nearby seamount, offers more pelagic sightings and stunning topography.
Diving concludes today to observe our 18-hour no-fly surface interval.
Day 10 Cebu City – Disembarkation (No Diving)
No Dive Day
Wake up to your final morning aboard Solitude One as we berth in Cebu City. After a hearty breakfast, take time to relax, pack, and soak in your last ocean views.
A check-out briefing will be conducted before lunch to go through your onboard account. We accept USD cash (preferred) or major credit cards for final settlement. Kindly let the cruise directors know your preferred payment method on Day 9, so we can ensure a smooth and efficient check-out.
Disembarkation is scheduled between 08:00 and 11:00 AM. If you require a late check-out, it may be arranged until 23:59 on the same day, subject to availability and an additional fee, which also includes dinner. Please enquire with the team in advance should you wish to extend your time onboard.
As you step ashore, you leave with more than memories—you carry the essence of an ocean-spanning journey through the Philippines’ most extraordinary underwater realms.
** Route Itinerary subject to change due to inclement weather, sea conditions, and/or restrictions posed by local authorities.
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About Solitude One
Solitude One
THE PHILIPPINES
Embark on an unforgettable journey with Solitude One, exploring the Philippines. This 52-meter vessel features refurbished cabins, delectable dining, and state-of-the-art diving amenities. Enjoy pristine waters, vibrant marine life, and exceptional service.
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Other Itineraries
Discover more exciting dive trips with Solitude One’s diverse itineraries.
