Moalboal, Cebu, Philippines dive holidays
Magic Island Dive Resort
This small, cosy dive resort is minutes away from wonderful diving in Moalboal.
Magic Island Dive Resort is nestled amongst pretty tropical gardens in the quiet southern part of the Moalboal peninsula, on the west coast of Cebu Island.
Guests staying at this intimate resort are just steps away from the lovely house reef and discovering giant Green Sea Turtles, Frogfish and Pygmy seahorses amidst the unspoilt coral reefs.
A great choice for a relaxed, get away from it all dive holiday. Magic Island Dive Resort is also ideally combined with other resorts including its sister resort, Magic Oceans Dive Resort, on Bohol.
Hotel Services/Facilities: Activity at this warm and friendly resort is mostly centred around diving but there is plenty of space to relax around the large freeform pool, which also offers a deep end for diving tuition. If you want to soak up some sunshine or cool off at the end of the day, this is the place to be.
An onsite spa offers massages and other treatments in a room overlooking the ocean.
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the resort.
A variety of trips can be arranged for guests to explore more of the stunning Philippines.
Food, Beverage & Entertainment Facilities: Dining is a real family-style experience at Magic Island as the tables are linked together to enable everyone to swap stories of their diving day. The open view kitchen enables guests to see the chefs preparing their meals which cater to all tastes with a selection of Western, traditional and Asian specialities.
The bar is the perfect place to relax after a long day with amazing dives. Enjoy the lovely ocean views, while the bartenders make you a great mocktail or cocktail to wind down.
Transfers: The transfer to Magic Island Dive Resort takes around three hours by car from Cebu (Mactan-Cebu International Airport).
Magic Island Dive Resort has just 10 cottage-style bungalow rooms scattered amongst its attractively landscaped gardens.
Each bungalow can be arranged with either a queen size bed or twin beds. In five of the rooms, a third bed can be added if needed. All bungalows are equipped with air-conditioning and ceiling fan, private bathroom (updated 2024) with hot shower, soap, shampoo and hair dryer, mini bar and a safety deposit box. Pool and bathroom towels are provided for all guests and there is unlimited free mineral water for the duration of your stay.
Each bungalow has a private balcony with lounge chairs for relaxing and enjoying the scenic views.
Magic Island’s dive centre caters to up to 30 divers and is located right on the sea front, facing the fantastic house reef which can be dived day or night. There is plenty of space for setting up and cleaning dive gear, and each guest has their own individual post and crate.
12l aluminium tanks with either DIN or Int. connection are supplied, suitable for both air and Nitrox. A limited number of 10l and 15l tanks are also available.
Boat diving is conducted from three traditional Filipino Bangka boats. Each Bangka has a crew of two and at least one Divemaster. It is rare to exceed a ratio of 4 divers to 1 dive master to ensure the best diving experience.
Magic Island dive centre’s team members are all local and certified – the captains are licensed and the dive guides are all PADI certified Dive Masters.
The typical daily boat dive schedule is as follows:
8.30 AM – the boat leaves for 2 boat dives with the surface interval on board with coffee/tea/water and fruit snacks.
2:00 PM – the boat leaves for 1 afternoon dive, when everybody has finished their lunch.
6:00 PM – the boat leaves for a night dive (upon request).
Moalboal offers 30+ dive sites, in addition to the lovely house reef at Magic Island. A highlight of night dives here is the observance of the amazing mating ritual of the Mandarinfish – the ultimate challenge for underwater photographers! Fluoro diving is also popular.
This area has a vast array of marine life, from the tiny Denise Pygmy Seahorse, to the elegant Thresher Shark that is often spotted hunting the huge school of Sardines that reside at Panagsama Wall. The Sardine bait ball is a true spectacle, with well over a million sardines making up the school. The renowned Pescador Island is just a 10 minute boat ride away, with its 60m+ walls, covered with colourful soft corals and Gorgonian Sea Fans.
Magic Island Resort also organises trips year-round to dive and snorkel with the Whale Sharks at Oslob.
Offers
RED SEA DIVING
LIVEABOARD OFFER
24 – 31 January 2025
NOW from JUST £795pp
PHILIPPINES DIVING
2 CENTRE RESORT OFFER
02 – 17 February 2025
NOW from JUST £2495pp
GRENADA DIVING
RESORT OFFER
23 – 30 April 2025
NOW from JUST £1795pp
MALDIVES DIVING
LIVEABOARD OFFER
25 April – 03 May 2025
NOW from JUST £2095pp
DOMINICA WHALES & DIVING
RESORT OFFER
02 – 09 June 2025
NOW from JUST £1675pp
RED SEA DIVING
LIVEABOARD OFFER
06 – 13 September 2025
NOW from JUST £1499pp
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