Dive into paradise and swim with marine life big and small, from sea turtles to whale sharks...
by Jack Hudson
·
Thu 15 Jan 2026
With over 7,000 islands and blue-green waters teeming with marine life, it's a wonder more people don't flock to swim in the Philippines...
One of the highlights of swimming Southeast Asia is discovering the Philippines in all its tropical beauty. There are so many islands, fringed by coral reefs and beaches of pure white sand, especially in world-famous Palawan. Then, of course, the warm waters hold some of the world's most precious sites for snorkelling and diving. There's a reason we describe this as an 'underrated destination' - free from the crowds that amass in other tropical resorts.
There are so many iconic landmarks and cultural hotspots to find as you explore the islands, like Bohol's rolling Chocolate Hills, or take a boat journey on one of the world's longest underground rivers in Puerto Princesa National Park. For us, most of our highlights involve wildlife sightings - like opportunities to find big-eyed tarsiers in the southeastern Philippines, or swim among the whale sharks off the coast of Cebu Island.
In the water, you will find a diversity of coral-dwelling life unlike anywhere else in the world. While the land sprawls with rainforests and rain-soaked rice fields among the steaming calderas of a few active volcanoes. After our swims, we also relax each evening at the luxury Atmosphere Resorts & Spa on Negros Island, tucked into coconut plantations, between the mountains and ocean.
5 days of swim excursions, including Apo, Negros and Siquijor Islands (lunch included at Siquijor)
1 non-swim day to enjoy the resort and local culture
Choose from 1 of 3 extras packages provided by the resort: 4x dives along the Dauin Coast (note, guests need their own diver certification for this option); Lily Spa package and 3x group yoga sessions or 3x massages; or a combination package (1x Discover Dive/Refresher Dive, 1x Signature Massage, 1x yoga session, plus extra dive or yoga session of your choice)
Transfers to and from Dumaguete airport to the resort
"Once in a lifetime experience, 5-star resort, guides and swimmers, best trip I have done!"
- Tony (Clayfield, Australia), May 2025
Trip Highlights
There are so many we could talk about! In short, we've narrowed it down to three reasons this safari is definitely not to be missed:
Settle into life at the luxury Negros Island resort: You will learn a little more below about the stunning Atmosphere Resorts & Spa - for now, let us just say that it has an award-winning spa, offering yoga and massages to relieve any post-swim aches. It's also set in an incredible location with all our swims only a short boat ride away.
Swim around Apo Island: One of the best moments on this safari, our guests tell us, is the swim around the circumference of Apo Island. This was one of the first marine sanctuaries in the Philippines and there is an abundance of shoaling fish and coral species to spot as you thread through the water.
Discover the natural wonders of Siquijor: This island is always hard to leave and memorable for its natural beauty, displaying varieties of hard and soft corals in an eye-catching array of colours. To soak up all there is to see, we take two swims at different sites, seeing as much of this mystical island as we possibly can.
'One of the best moments on this safari, our guests tell us, is the swim around the circumference of Apo Island. This was one of the first marine sanctuaries in the Philippines...'
How The Safari Unfolds
The Itinerary may vary depending on weather conditions and other factors we can't control, but generally your days are planned out as follows:
Arrival at Atmosphere Resort (Day 1): You will be met at Dumaguete Airport and from there take a transfer to the luxury Atmosphere Resorts & Spa. When we arrive, we will gather for an acclimatisation swim and your first chance to explore your watery surrounds. Breakfast and dinner will be included for the duration of your stay at the resort.
Swimming Apo Island (Day 2): Our first day of swimming takes us to the southern reaches of Apo Island. We will take a boat escort from Atmosphere Resort and enjoy another chance to interact with the local reef-dwelling wildlife. This is the perfect opportunity to look for any species you haven't yet seen. Most of our daily swims will be along local coastlines and offshore islands.
Swimming Negros Island (Day 3): Our second day of swimming and we take a short boat ride from the resort to the nearby Negros Island. Your guides will choose spots defined by their natural beauty, including popular reefs and dive sites.
Rest Day / Activity Day (Day 4): After our first 2 days of swimming along Negros and Apo Islands, today is a chance to relax and take a day out to either enjoy what the resort has to offer (spas, diving, relaxing, local visits) or to travel to Cebu and the town of Oslob for a swim with whale sharks. Note: the excursion to Oslob is not on the OSS itinerary and is an extra excursion organised by the Atmosphere Resort at your request.
Swimming Siquijor (Day 5): On this day we will take an exciting day-long trip to the remote island of Siquijor. Lunch is included, so we will keep you well-fuelled between your salty stints of swimming. Later, we will return to the comforts of the resort in time for dinner.
Swimming the far side of Apo Island (Day 6): You might be getting used to the relaxation of island life at this point. Our fourth day of swimming takes us to the opposite side of Apo Island after the usual boat ride from our resort. We're close to the end of our trip, so this is also a great chance to make more lasting memories together.
Final reef swims (Day 7): Our final day of swimming to local spots along the reef, a last chance to take in the rich and diverse marine life before returning to the resort for an afternoon to relax.
We leave the island (Day 8): Sadly, it's time to leave the island and return to our respective home countries around the world - unless you wish to extend your trip. We take our transfer back to the airport, provided by Atmosphere Resorts & Spa.
"Inclusive fun people who love the joy of swimming together over colourful reefs & sharing the sea with amazing turtles, fish & beautiful coral."
- Val (Belmont, Australia), May 2025
Where We Stay
Welcome to paradise! Staying at the Atmosphere Resorts & Spa is undoubtedly one of the highlights of this trip. As you can see from the photos below, taken in 2025, this luxury resort experience brings you right to the seafront. You will receive the warmest island hospitality, combined with first-class amenities and services, surrounded by coconut plantations and close to the sea at all times.
The award-winning spa at the resort is ideal for recovering after our swims. You can enjoy massages and yoga sessions as part of our Philippines safari 'extras' package, alongside dive excursions. Explore the detail in our booking options to learn more.
Getting To Negros Island
We gather in the southern Philippines to start our trip at the Atmosphere Resorts & Spa on Negros Island. You can get there either by plane, ferry or overland. We recommend spending a night in Manila and taking an early flight with Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific direct to Dumaguete. This takes just over one hour.
Transit from Dumaguete to the resort is included in the cost of your safari package. We will coordinate transfers to the resort once we confirm your travel arrangements. Negros Island can also be reached by road from Cebu City. This involves a 5-6 hour car ride to the southern tip of Cebu Island. After that you can take a ferry which is around 30 minutes. Then transit to the resort is another hour or so.
