Atlantis Adventurer Liveaboard overview

By
Sarah Turnbull
Contributor at DIVEIN.com
Sarah is a writer, PADI instructor and underwater photographer based in Mauritius. Diving across 5 continents, she has a love of all things ocean-related and an...
Rebecca Strauss
Editor at DIVEIN.com
Rebecca has been an avid traveler and scuba diver for many years. She began her editorial career by updating travel guides, which took her all over...

Renowned for diverse marine ecosystems, the Philippines features crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and a rich array of marine life. Liveaboard divers can expect a variety of thrilling dive sites, from coral walls to historic wrecks teeming with fascinating underwater history. Whether exploring dramatic drop-offs, coral gardens, or atmospheric wrecks, each dive in the Philippines is absolutely captivating.

The Atlantis Adventurer is a 108-foot (33m) private yacht, part of the Atlantis Philippines Dive Resorts and Liveaboards Group. Built in 1989 and refurbished in 2015, Atlantis Adventurer hosts 16 divers and is staffed by 10 excellent crew. Itineraries range from 6 days/5 nights to 10 days/9 nights.

Visiting Tubbataha Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site only reachable three months of the year, Apo Reef and the wrecks of Coron, Atlantis Adventurer is a premier liveaboard in the Philippines.

Let’s dive into our overview of Atlantis Adventurer.

About this review

To help you find a that will fit your needs, we’ve tested, researched, and reviewed the best ones available today.
We test both in the water, diving in various conditions - and in our lab - so we can give you accurate answers on quality, performance, and the overall value.

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Things we like:

  • Excellent choice of itineraries
  • Spectacular reefs and historic wrecks
  • Intimate atmosphere with maximum 16 divers
  • Attentive crew

Things we don't like:

  • Cabins are a little small
  • Smell of diesel when cruising
  • Boat décor is a little tired

Diving on board Atlantis Adventurer liveaboard

Atlantis Adventurer offers divers the best of the Philippines with scheduled cruises to four destinations depending on the time of year. From January through mid-March the boat visits Apo Reef and wrecks of Coron, making for a great reef and rust combination.

From mid-March to early June, divers can explore the waters of Tubbataha, a pristine UNESCO World Heritage Site located 100 miles offshore. Atlantis Adventurer visits the Visayas from June through December with two breathtaking itineraries—Bohol and Cebu-Malapascua.

Reefs, wrecks, drop-offs, and drifts abound with itineraries suitable for experienced divers of Advanced Open Water or equivalent and above. In this area there are over 600 species of fish and more than 300 species of corals. Guests may encounter thresher sharks, whale sharks, whitetips, dolphins, mantas, spotted eagle rays and hawksbill turtles.

In Coron and Busuanga, there are various wrecks averaging over 300 feet (91 m) in length, all within recreational limits, as well as views of volcanic vertical cliffs with crystal-blue water.

Atlantis Adventurer has two zodiacs and divers can expect four to five dives daily, including night dives.

Highlights:

  • Up to 25 dives
  • Spectacular array of pelagic life
  • Crystal-clear water
  • Incredible historic wrecks

Onboard the Atlantis Adventurer

The Atlantis Adventurer’s public areas are spacious and comfortable, predominantly wood-paneled, with all internal areas air-conditioned. The comfortable salon has a large flat-screen TV and a wide selection of movies, as well as an entertainment system and a well-stocked library.

In the dining room, you’ll find two long tables for communal dining, though there are several spaces on the boat where guests can dine alfresco.

One of the highlights on Atlantis Adventurer is the spectacular sundeck, which has both a covered and an uncovered area for both sun and shade seekers. The covered area features large tables for dining and comfortable chairs for drinks and socializing. Sun loungers are ideal for topping up that tan, while the hot tub is a wonderful place to take in the incredible views and spectacular sunsets.

The dive deck is specious, well-laid out and organized with individual stations and large storage lockers below the seats. There is a large, three-tiered camera table for photographers and videographers to set up their gear, freshwater rinse baths and freshwater showers. Briefings take place on the dive deck and the safety-conscious crew gives detailed briefings with excellent maps of the terrain.

Highlights:

  •  Excellent facilities for photographers
  • Safety conscious crew
  • Hot tub and large sun deck

Dining onboard Atlantis Adventurer

Dining is definitely a highlight on the Atlantis Adventurer with guests raving about the quality of the food. The meals are a mix of buffet-style and a la carte, and the boat also has a barbecue.

Food is a mix of Western and local dishes to cater to all tastes. Vegetarian and vegan options are available and specific dietary requirements can be accommodated with prior notice. Mid-morning and afternoon snacks are also provided along with coffee, tea, and soft drinks that are available all day.

All drinks on board including beer, wine and local rum are complimentary. Guests may also bring their own drinks with no corkage fee, but divers should remember that “first drink, last dive” applies.

Highlights:

  • Alcohol (beer, wine, local rum) is included
  • Excellent food quality and choice
  •  Dietary requirements accommodated

Things we like:

  • Excellent choice of itineraries
  • Spectacular reefs and historic wrecks
  • Intimate atmosphere with maximum 16 divers
  • Attentive crew

Things we don't like:

  • Cabins are a little small
  • Smell of diesel when cruising
  • Boat décor is a little tired
Key Facts
Year Built 1989
Max Divers 16
Price Range Mid-range
Trip Length 5-7 Nights
Internet No
Nitrox Yes (free)
Equipment Rental Yes ($)
Camera Station Yes
Air Conditioning Yes
Min. Logged Dives No minimum
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