Dolphin Liveaboard, Philippines

8.3 Very good
21 Verified Reviews 21 Verified Reviews
Nitrox available

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Join the M/V Dolphin liveaboard in the Philippines for an exciting dive trip to Tubbataha, Apo and Coron reefs. Spectacular diving in the Philippines is available year-round. The Tubbataha Marine Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and diving is only available between March - June. Home to almost 90% of the coral species in the Philippines, divers may encounter up to 11 species of shark, as well as whale sharks, manta rays, barracuda, Napoleon wrasse and Tuna. Between June and February, the Dolphin liveaboard relocates to Puerto Galera to dive Apo Reef & Coron. Coron is known to have some of the best wreck diving in SE Asia and combined with the stunning diving of Apo Reef marine sanctuary, makes for another fantastic dive trip.

Topside the M/V Dolphin Philippines caters to 18 guests in 9 air-conditioned cabins. Each cabin is carpeted with en-suite bathrooms, and the 2 VIP Cabins located on the upper deck have an extra sofa, mini-bar & TV. Social areas include the indoor salon, bar and dining area, where freshly prepared Asian-Fusion cuisine is served. There is also an open-air lounge area on the top deck, a great place to unwind after a day of spectacular diving in the Philippines.

The MV Dolphin is a fantastic option for a budget-friendly dive liveaboard in the Philippines. Call us or book online today to reserve your space.

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This liveaboard does not currently have availability online. Please contact us to check availability and rates or browse other liveaboards worldwide

2023

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2025

Included: VAT, Drinking Water, Tea & Coffee, Full-Board Meal Plan (All meals), Snacks, Diving Package, Cabin Towels.

Required Extras: National Park Fees (3,000-5,000 PHP per trip), Visas and Fees.

Optional Extras: Gratuities, Airport Transfer, Hotel Transfer, Alcoholic Beverages, Soft drinks, Rental Gear.

Book now, pay later: You can easily place your booking online. We will then hold the spaces for you and you can confirm with a payment later.

* Extra fees are shown per person.

Pay by bank transfer or online with Best Price Guaranteed

Boat features

Laundry Service
Massage
Daily housekeeping
Audio & video entertainment
Library
Air Conditioned saloon
Aircon Cabins
Sun Deck
Indoor Saloon
Non-Diver (Snorkeler) Friendly
Warm Water Showers
Custom built for diving
Charging stations
En-Suite bathrooms
Outside Showers
Kayaks On-Board
Snorkeling Equipment
Dedicated Local & International Crew
Available for Charter

Food & Drinks

Western Food
Local Food
Vegetarian Options
Buffet style
Beer available
Snacks All Day

If you have any specific dietary requirements whilst on-board your cruise, you can add this to your special requests on step 2 of the booking form. We advise limiting these requests to religious beliefs or food allergies.

Diving

DIN Adaptors
Nitrox available
Tech diving
Rinse Hoses
Dive deck
Tenders for diving
Sidemount Diving

The crew speaks English and German.

Gear Rental

There is diving gear available on this boat. Please provide your rental needs on the booking form. See below for further details on inclusions and pricing. Show prices.

Drawings & Vessel Layouts

Accommodation

Twin Shared Cabins
Master/VIP Cabins

Boat Specifications

Year built 1986
Length 27 meters
Beam 6.5 meters
Top speed 10 knots
Cruising speed 8 knots
Engines Yanmar
Max guests 18
Number of cabins 9
Number of bathrooms 9
Water capacity 40 tons
Freshwater maker 5 tons per day

Boat Navigation and Safety

Radar
Depth Sounder
GPS
Radio VHF/DSC/SSB
Life Vests
Fire Alarm & Fire Extinguishers
Oxygen
First Aid Kits
Fishfinder
Satellite & mobile phones
Bilge pump alarm
Search light

Dolphin Reviews

8.3 Very good
21 Verified Reviews

Vessel
8.1
Crew
7.1
Food
9.4
Diving
8.8
Value
8.0

10 Exceptional
Christine P
United States

Remarkable diving, even better crew

We dove Apo Reef and Coron. The diving was spectacular, much better than I expected. The visibility was the best I've seen in a long time and Apo Reef, and the marine life was stunning! The guides were very experienced and professional. The food was spectacular! So many different types of meals. Then we had a birthday on the boat on the last day, and they went above and beyond with a splendid cake and singing celebrations! The best liveaboard trip I've ever taken.

Recommended for: Food, Diving, Experienced Guides

9.6 Exceptional
Robert H
United States

Fantastic

We had a great time with the staff of the boat. The diving was great, we got lucky and experienced whale sharks on a few dives, the food was very good, the price was fair, the dive director was very professional, the dive guides were fantastic...it was just dive, eat, dive, eat, dive, eat, dive, sleep... I made a short home video that sums it all up: https://vimeo.com/339210754

Recommended for: Courtesy. Attentiveness. Safety.

9.2 Superb
Scott C
United States

Exceptional Diving and Liveaboard Experience

Naturally all of the great diving, numerous whale sharks, several mantas, lots of sharks, schools of barracuda and jacks. The crew was very good and the fellow divers were fun to know. The end of the trip barbeque on the rear deck was a hoot, live singing and just plain fun, lots of diver participation. Jan did a great job of organization.

Recommended for: The diving was well organized, the food and beverages were very good, and the crew, excellent

8.4 Very good
Robert D
United States

Great staff, always there to assist your needs

Already mentioned above, the highlight dive was on the last day. As soon as began our descent, a white tip, several great barracudas, and a school of Jack's. Of course we descended asap to deeper water and enjoyed the show.

Recommended for: Diving, staff, cabin

7.2 Good
Brent T
United States

Low value but nice diving

Beautiful weather and very fortunate sightings of whale shark, and hammerhead school.

Recommended for: Guides, pelagics, Tubbataha Reef

8.4 Very good
Kosuke F
Japan

Great adventure with wonderful mates

The last day when I saw a shark attacking a parrot fish to eat from inside of coral. I could encounter an important moment. I enjoyed converstation with other mates and crews very much. Thanks for all.

Recommended for: Sea animals,Local food speciality and Crews

7.2 Good
Alberto S
Italy

Good Value for money and friend crew

1. Good diving; 2. Satisfactory boat condition but not more than that, exhaust toilet in our cabin was not working properly during the trip, the boat is showing its age in overall; 3. Friendly crew helping us

Recommended for: Good Diving spots, friendly crew, friendship

6.0 Review score
Mariya V
Ukraine

Amazing whale sharks with very average boat

4 times a day to meet a whale shark it was amazing!!! Also schools of jackfishes, grey reef sharks - very close and beautiful...

Recommended for: Whale sharks, big fishes, phillipines crew

10 Exceptional
Eunbe K
South Korea

Wonderful experience with MV Dolphin

Tubbataha reef is wonderful place that you might see so many white tip and grey reef sharks, manta ray, tiger shark and even whale shark in one place! Corals are well protected and oceanic creatures don't be afraid of human being. It is a great place that I really want to visit again. Also, MV Dolphin is a nice ship that can serve you very well. All crews are well experienced and kind. It has relatively large room compared to its price, and beers are included in your boat fee. MV Dolphin is absolutely a good choice and value for money among 15 liveboard ships in Tubbataha reef.

Recommended for: Experienced crew, large room, free beer

8.4 Very good
Geoff B
Australia

Excellent diving at Tubbatatha Reef!!

Only 3 dive guests on board - so was very relaxing!! Reef is fantastic - unbelievable marine life !! Weather poor fist two days but then picked up and was superb!! Crew very friendly and helpful!! Free booze - outstanding!! Currents are strong, so, you need to be a fit diver!! Overall - an excellent trip for the money - do it soon - you won't be disappointed!!

Recommended for: Whale sharks, Mantas, sharks, marine life etc

7.6 Good
Victoria F
Mexico

Amazing dive adventure with friendly crew

Tubbataha is by far the best and healthiest reef I’ve ever seen! And even though we were at the end of the season, we got pretty lucky with the weather and still managed to see mantas and a whale shark among other mesmerizing creatures! Being a transition trip, the owner and family (huge family) traveled with us, giving and unexpected but very rewarding and fun turn into my liveaboard experience. Loved playing and swimming with the kids!! The crew is so friendly that I even ended up hanging out with some of them after the trip for some insider guide to Puerto Galera town. Being the only beginner diver in the boat, I experienced for the first time, a more independent way of diving, where the instructor isn’t necessarily putting his attention in one person in particular. Overall it was a great experience! The only thing I would improve is probably arranging the top deck so that there’s more space for guests to gather, since is so beautiful up there (sky watching might be the best way to finish your day)

Recommended for: The site, the crew and the weather