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Diving on the Discovery Palawan liveaboard
Divers on the Discovery Palawan can expect some pristine dive sites, excellent visibility and regular encounters with large pelagics. At most dive sites, divers often see gray reef sharks and whitetips, with occasional sightings of hammerheads, whale sharks and mantas.
For wreck enthusiasts, the WWII wrecks at Coron are some of the best preserved in the world. Offering arguably the best wreck diving in Southeast Asia, there are several huge wrecks within a short space of each other, giving qualified divers excellent opportunities for penetration and some spectacular photography. Most of the wrecks are large, virtually intact, accessible to recreational divers, and contain some amazing artifacts.
Diving is done from three tenders so guests are dropped and collected for ultimate convenience. There is a good mixture of reefs and sites with stronger currents where divers may see schooling barracuda and large schools of jacks and trevally.
Diving on the Discovery Palawan is for more experienced divers with Advanced Open Water or equivalent and above. Deep and wreck certifications are advised, particularly if divers intend to visit Coron.
Itineraries have two durations—the longer 7 day/6 night trip which takes in Cebu, Malapascua, and the Visayas or Apo Reef and Coron wrecks. Divers can expect up to 18 dives on these itineraries.
Shorter trips like the 5 day/4 night “Nature Escape” take in the Batangas and Coron wrecks. Divers can expect eight to nine dives during this trip. Rental equipment is available on board and should be booked in advance.
Highlights:
- Spectacular well-preserved wrecks
- Large pelagics including whales sharks, mantas, and tiger sharks
- Excellent photography opportunities
Onboard the Discovery Palawan
The Discovery Palawan is large and comfortable with plenty of space to relax between dives. Last refurbished in 2013, the décor is a little tired, but it is clean and well-maintained. The cabins are predominantly on the lower deck, with 16 standard cabins in different configurations including double, queen double, family, and twin cabins.
All cabins have individually controlled air conditioning and ensuite bathrooms. The remaining four cabins are on the upper deck. Cabins are functional and comfortable, and benefit from housekeeping each day of the trip. The salon and dining room are on the upper deck and the salon features a large-screen entertainment center with TV and DVD player for guests to enjoy movie nights.
A highlight of the outdoor space is the ‘bar deck,’ which has a covered area and lots of tables for dining alfresco. It’s also a great place for guests and families to congregate for games or stories of the day.
The dive deck is spacious and well laid out with personal gear areas. The boat has a dedicated, air-conditioned camera room area where guests can set up and store their equipment. Fresh-water rinse bins, warm-water showers, and plenty of storage space round out the dive deck experience.
Highlights:
- Large outdoor spaces
- Comfortable air-conditioned interiors
- Functional, clean cabins with different configurations
Dining onboard the Discovery Palawan
The chefs and hospitality managers all excel on the Discovery Palawan. There is excellent quality food, lots of choice of both local and international cuisines, and lots of it. The food is almost endless with early breakfast, full breakfast, lunch, dinner, as well snacks served in the bar area each evening.
At every meal there are at least three main dishes and all the food is thoughtfully presented and delicious. Meals are predominantly served buffet-style with the occasional island barbecue. Dietary requirements can be catered to with prior notice.
Coffee, tea, water, and cookies are complimentary and are available all day. All other drinks —both soft drinks and alcoholic beverages—are available on board and charged extra.
Highlights:
- Soft drinks and alcohol available but charged extra
- Excellent quality food that tastes delicious
- Superb chef and hospitality team
Things we like:
- Excellent choice of itineraries
- Excellent quality food
- Family friendly
- Professional and friendly crew
- Amazing aquatic encounters
Things we don't like:
- Décor needs updating
- Lots of divers at one location
- Only 18 dives maximum over seven days
Key Facts
| Year Built | 1972 |
| Max Divers | 32 |
| Price Range | Mid-range |
| Trip Length | 5-7 Nights |
| Internet | No |
| Nitrox | Yes ($) |
| Equipment Rental | Yes ($) |
| Camera Station | Yes |
| Air Conditioning | Yes |
| Min. Logged Dives | No minimum |
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