Upcoming Overseas/Long Range Trips

Anilao, Philippines and Okinawa Dive & Eco Expedition 2023

March 13 to 20 - Philippines

March 20 to 26 - Okinawa

We have designed a special two-part dive & eco trip for spring 2020: Anilao, Philippines and Okinawa, Japan. Both parts of this expedition will be co-hosted by Ocean Safari’s resident macro photography enthusiast and nudibranch geek, Megumi Itoh. This is also one of the few resort-based dive trips for Ocean Safari, which means this would be a good trip to bring your non-diver friends and family members. Located in the Coral Triangle and having been a protected marine area since the 1970’s, Anilao is known for the 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 coral, 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. For part two of our expedition, we are returning to Okinawa for another visit to the Yonaguni Underwater Monument. After such a successful trip in March of 2019, we just had to plan a return visit to this amazing dive site. This time, our Okinawa trip will feature diving at Yonaguni and eco tours at Iriomote Island.

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. For those who are interested, Megumi will host several short nudibranch and marine biology/ecology seminars.

Yonaguni Island is the westernmost inhabited island of Japan. It is actually closer to Taiwan than Naha, the main Okinawan Island. Whether you think the enormous underwater structure is natural or man-made, you will agree that the diving there is simply breathtaking. After three days of diving at Yonaguni, we will fly and ferry transfer to Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park. Known to be home of many endemic species of plants and animals, it is often referred to as the Galapagos of the East. The eco activities at Iriomote Island include kayaking through mangrove forest, trekking tour to Pinaisara Falls, and Yubu Island village visit and culture tour by water buffalo cart. One thing that sets this trip apart from previous trip is that this time we have Megumi as our translator/host/guide. Having grown up in Japan and the United States, she is fluent in Japanese and English. With her understanding of Japanese culture and a keen interest in natural science and ecology, she will have information and insights that will enhance your experience.

Expedition Itinerary (weather permitting)

Philippines Dive Expedition Itinerary
Mar. 13 (Mon): Depart from Los Angeles in the late evening to Manila via Taipei
Mar. 15 (Wed): Arrive in Manila, transfer to Aiyanar Beach & Dive Resort
Mar. 16 (Thur): 3 dives
Mar. 17 (Fri): 3 dives
Mar. 18 (Sat): 3 dives
Mar. 19 (Sun): 3 dives
Mar. 20 (Mon): depart Aiyanar to Manila, arrive Naha via Taipei in the evening,  transfer to hotel, free program
For people who do not join Okinawa, will depart Taipei at 11:55pm and arrive in Los Angeles at 8:45pm on March 30.
For people joining the Okinawa portion, please continue below.

Okinawa Dive & Eco Expedition Itinerary:
Mar. 20 (Mon): arrive Naha via Taipei in the evening, transfer to hotel, free program
Mar. 21 (Tue): transfer to Naha Airport. Arrive Yonaguni in the morning. Upon arrival, picked up by the dive shop, 2 dives
Mar. 22 (Wed):  3 dives
Mar. 23 (Thur): 2 dives
Mar. 24 (Fri): Fly to Ishigaki Island around noon. Ferry transfer to Iriomote Island in the afternoon. Check in to a luxury hotel in the middle of the jungle, free program for the rest of the day
Mar. 25 (Sat): Eco tours at Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park – kayaking, trekking to the waterfall, water buffalo cart ride and village visit
Mar. 26 (Sun): Check out. Ferry back to Ishigaki Island in the morning, self-guided city tour. Fly back to Naha in mid-afternoon. Farewell to Okinawa, arrive in Taipei in the evening, enjoy the beautiful Taiwan international Airport for a few hours. Depart Taipei at 11:55pm and arrive in Los Angeles at 8:45pm on April 5 (same day!); home sweet home

Philippines Expedition Includes:

- 6 days 5 nights deluxe accommodations (based on double occupancy)
- 3 gourmet meals daily, orange juice with breakfast
- Tea, coffee, filtered water any time at the restaurant
- 3 guided boat dives per day (total 12 boat dives) and shore dives upon request
- Nitrox
- Tanks and weights
- Escort by Ocean Safari professional dive leader with unparalleled service

Exclusions:

- International flights
- Round trip airport to resort transfer (around $90 per person)
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Marine park fee $5 per diving day
- Massage $20 per hour (with advanced notice)
- Crew Gratuities.
- Travel and dive insurance (see below for additional information)

Okinawa/Yonaguni Expedition Includes:

- 6 night hotel accommodation based on double occupancy
- Most meals (3 dinners excluded)
- All domestic ground transportation, ferry transfers, and flights between islands
- Tour of Okinawan culture, artisan crafts, and cuisine
- Visit Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park
- Venture to beautiful & remote Yonaguni Island
- 3 days of boat diving at mysterious Yonaguni underwater monument
- Tanks and weights
- Escort by Ocean Safari professional dive leader with unparalleled service

Exclusions:

- International flights
- Few meals and drinks
- Travel & Dive Insurance (see below for additional information)
- Gratuities (tipping is not customary in Japan)

Costs:

Philippines:
Deluxe Ocean View Room, double occupancy: $1568; for single occupancy add $130

Okinawa:
Double occupancy: $2398; for single occupancy add $300; Yonaguni upgrade, add $50
(Prices based on 1 USD to 100 YEN conversion rate (selling rate). Costs may vary depending on currency exchange rate at the time of wiring.)

Payment:

* For credit card payment please add 3%         

Dive & Travel Insurance: 

Dive insurance is required to participate in this trip. Please use our links to purchase dive insurance from DAN. 

Travel insurance is optional. However, over the years, we have seen how valuable and beneficial travel insurance can be. These policies will help cover expenses when your trip is interrupted due to events such as weather, mechanical breakdowns, missed flights/connections, or when someone else has a dive/medical emergency that prevents you from diving.  

We want to help offset the cost of travel insurance and will sponsor 5% of the cost as store credit if you use the links from our website to purchase travel insurance from DAN. We highly recommend it! 

Cancellation Policy:

Before Dec. 31, 2021, 1st deposit forfeited, no refund on first deposit
After Dec. 31, 2021, no refund (unless replacement can be found then 1st deposit forfeited)

GO BACK TO TRIP OVERVIEW