Philippines: Further Off the Beaten Path
We’re heading back to take a deeper dive into the Coron Islands and explore an entirely new area!
Three x 10 night trips aboard Atlantis’ new Infiniti liveaboard. Join Richard and Wendy’s ‘Our Beloved Seas’ expedition to explore some of the least frequently visited areas of the Coral Triangle!
February/March 2027
As one of the six Coral Triangle countries, the Philippines boasts unparalleled marine biodiversity. We’ve explored several locations across the region, but one place truly called for a revisit: Coron.
During our February 2024 trip, we encountered all three Altricthys brooding micro-endemic damselfish species—plus, Rich discovered what is likely a new species in this genus. We also documented a dottyback that had never been photographed alive, and Wendy captured an eerie, ghost-like image of the elusive and beautiful Labracinus atrofasciatus—the only known photo of this fish in the wild.
The moment we left, we knew we had to return. So when Atlantis announced their new liveaboard, offering more space and greater comfort, we jumped at the chance to charter two more trips. This time, we’ll revisit sites in Coron and the Calamianes Islands, hoping to rediscover some of these rare fishes, while also venturing to the remote Cuyo Archipelago in search of even more new species.
We can’t wait!
Expedition Highlights:
Three Altricthys brooding micro-endemic damselfish species - all discovered in Coron waters
Likely new damselfish species discovered by Richard in the Altricthys genus
Newly described dottyback (Manonichthys scintilla) that had never been photographed alive before Rich’s image on the last OBS trips
Elusive Labracinus atrofasciatus - the only known wild photograph captured by Wendy
Remote Cuyo Archipelago exploration in search of even more new species
Expert marine biology presentations by Dr. Richard Smith
Select from three 10-night journeys aboard Atlantis' new Infiniti liveaboard, a spacious vessel that technically accommodates 25 divers but we will cap at 18 guests for extra comfort and space.
Infiniti offers enhanced comfort with a large camera room, huge comfortable salon, and superior accommodations compared to previous vessels. The intimate group size ensures personalized attention while exploring some of the least frequently visited areas of the Coral Triangle, including the Coron Islands, Calamianes Islands, and the remote Cuyo Archipelago.
Trip Details:
Trip 1
Coron return: exploring Coron and exploring the Cuyo Islands
29th Jan – 8th Feb ’27
Please contact us for prices and availability.
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Trip start: 29th January 2027
Trip end: 8th February 2027
Prices start from: US$ 7,880
Availability: Full - Contact for waitlist
Depart from: Coron
Return to: Coron -
We start and end the trip in Coron, which is a direct flights from Manila. We will explore and revisit some of the sites around Coron and the Calamianes Islands that we visited in 2024. We will then head out to the Cuyo Archipelago to really go off the beaten path we some real gems in our sights!
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Inclusions:
Food & Beverages
Nitrox
Diving
Marine life talks by Dr Richard Smith
Exclusions:
Ground transfers
Marine Park Fees (paid on board)Alcoholic beverages
Dive and travel insurance (which are mandatory)
Trip 2
Coron return: exploring Coron and exploring the Cuyo Islands
10-20th February ’27
Please contact us for prices and availability.
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Trip start: 10th February 2024
Trip end: 20th February 2024
Prices start from: US$ 7,880
Availability: Spaces
Depart from: Coron
Return to: Coron -
We start and end the trip in Coron, which is a direct flights from Manila. We will explore and revisit some of the sites around Coron and the Calamianes Islands that we visited in 2024. We will then head out to the Cuyo Archipelago to really go off the beaten path we some real gems in our sights!
-
Inclusions:
Food & Beverages
Nitrox
Diving
Marine life talks by Dr Richard Smith
Exclusions:
Ground transfers
Marine Park Fees (paid on board)Alcoholic beverages
Dive and travel insurance (which are mandatory)
Trip 3
Coron to Puerto Princesa Exploration
Please contact us for prices and availability.
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Trip start: 22nd February 2024
Trip end: 4th March 2024
Prices start from: US$ 7,880
Availability: Spaces
Depart from: Coron
Return to: Puerto Princesa -
The third trip starts in Coron, then explores around Western Coron (weather permitting) heading part Linapacan and down the eastern side of Palawan visiting some offshore islands on the way.
-
Inclusions:
Food & Beverages
Nitrox
Diving
Marine life talks by Dr Richard Smith
Exclusions:
Ground transfers
Marine Park Fees (paid on board)Alcoholic beverages
Dive and travel insurance (which are mandatory)
About Infiniti
Custom-built as a liveaboard in 2013, Atlantis Infiniti is a luxury, 39-meter-long vessel that joined the Atlantis family in Fall of 2024. Designed across four decks, it offers ample space for up to 25 guests while being equipped with world-class navigation systems and safety equipment. The liveaboard is tailored for divers seeking an exceptional experience, complete with top-tier amenities and expert-led dive excursions.
Accommodation & Comfort
There are 11 newly renovated cabins aboard Atlantis Infiniti, spread across three decks to provide a comfortable stay for all guests. The vessel features cabins with air conditioning, safety boxes, and en-suite bathrooms with hot water showers.
Living Spaces
Onboard Atlantis Infiniti, guests will enjoy a blend of comfort and functionality with spacious indoor and outdoor lounges, a library, and a large sundeck for relaxation. The indoor lounge is equipped with comfortable sofas, a large flatscreen TV, and entertainment options, including books, magazines, and board games, while the outdoor lounge and sun deck provide perfect spots to take in the stunning ocean views, enjoy a sunset drink, or participate in morning yoga sessions.
Dive Operations
Atlantis Infiniti is custom-designed for divers, featuring a spacious dive deck equipped with personal dive stations and freshwater rinsing areas. The vessel is equipped with Bauer compressors, and Nitrox is available for certified divers, with all diving conducted from the vessel's two 5-meter-long RIBs to ensure easy access to dive sites. The vessel technically accommodates 25 divers, but our expeditions are capped at 18 guests: allowing ample space.
Camera & Photography Setup
The Infiniti has a large camera room with exceptional facilities, and underwater photographers will appreciate the state-of-the-art camera room featuring charging stations, counter space, storage shelves, and a freshwater rinse tank. The vessel provides dedicated spaces for photographers to maintain and prepare their equipment between dives.
Dining & Refreshments
Dining on Atlantis Infiniti is a delightful experience, with buffet-style meals served three times daily including a hot breakfast, followed by a variety of international and local Filipino cuisine at lunch and dinner. Snacks and fresh fruits are available between dives, along with complimentary tea, coffee, water, and soft drinks, plus guests can enjoy self-serve alcoholic beverages from a refrigerator stocked with wine and beer.