Dolphin Liveaboard

Dolphin

Liveaboard · Philippines

Explore the Philippines' underwater wonders in comfort and style.

18
Philippines
1996

About This Vessel

Embark on an unforgettable diving adventure aboard the Dolphin, a comfortable liveaboard exploring the vibrant underwater world of the Philippines. Discover pristine reefs and abundant marine life in style. The Philippines is a diver's paradise, a sprawling archipelago renowned for its extraordinary marine biodiversity, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking coral formations. From the UNESCO Worl…

Upcoming Departures

Upcoming Departures

Onboard Amenities

En-Suite bathrooms
Family Cabins
Aircon Cabins
Warm Water Showers
Air Conditioned saloon
Sun Deck
Rooms with Balcony
Seaview Cabins
Paid Internet
Non-Smoking Rooms

Dining & Beverages

Fine Cuisine
Vegan Options
Vegetarian Options
Free Soft Drinks
Beer available
Wine Available
Beach BBQ
Snacks All Day
Buffet style
Western Food

Dining aboard the Dolphin is a delightful culinary journey, offering a blend of international and local flavors served buffet-style. Guests can indulge in a variety of fine dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with snacks provided throughout the day to keep energy levels high between dives. The chefs are attentive to dietary needs, offering delicious vegetarian and vegan options upon request. Complimentary soft drinks, beer, and wine are available, creating a relaxed atmosphere for socializing. Special occasions are celebrated with welcome cocktails and memorable beach BBQs, enhancing the overall liveaboard experience.

Dive Equipment & Setup

Nitrox available
Shaded Diving Area
DIN Adaptors
Tech diving
Rebreather Support
Rinse Hoses
Dive deck
Tenders for diving
Sidemount Diving

Dive Area & Sites

The Philippines offers an incredible diversity of dive sites, from the world-renowned Tubbataha Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to the vibrant coral gardens of Apo Reef and the historic wrecks of Coron. Divers can expect to encounter an astonishing array of marine life, including large pelagics like whale sharks, manta rays, and various shark species, alongside abundant reef fish, turtles, and macro critters. Visibility is generally excellent, and water temperatures are warm year-round, making for comfortable diving conditions. The Dolphin's experienced dive guides are experts in navigating these waters, ensuring guests visit the most spectacular and biodiverse locations. The vessel provides convenient tender boats for easy access to dive sites, and nitrox is available to extend bottom times, allowing divers to fully immerse themselves in the underwater wonders of the Philippines.

Important Information

What's Included

VAT · Airport Transfer

Not Included & Local Fees

Fuel Surcharge (200-500 USD per trip) · National Park Fees (100 USD per trip)

Airport Transfers

Return airport and hotel transfers are included in the trip price.

Insurance Recommendation

We strongly recommend all guests to purchase comprehensive dive accident insurance and trip cancellation insurance before departure. Dive accident insurance covers medical treatment, hyperbaric chamber costs, and emergency evacuation in the event of a diving incident. Trip cancellation insurance protects your financial investment — not only if you need to cancel or cut short your trip due to personal illness, injury, or other unforeseen circumstances, but also if the trip is postponed or cancelled by the operator due to severe weather, technical issues, or other operational reasons. In the unlikely event of operator insolvency, cancellation insurance can also help recover your payments. Please ensure your policies are valid for the entire duration of your trip and cover the planned activities.

Rental Gear

15L tanks: 5 USD per day · BCD: 10 USD per day

Accommodation

Main Deck Double | Bunk Cabins

Main Deck Double | Bunk Cabins

Double or Bunk • Main Deck

4x
👥 2 GuestsAir conditioningEn-suite bathroom
Lower Deck Twin Cabins

Lower Deck Twin Cabins

Twin • Lower Deck

2x
👥 2 GuestsAir conditioningEn-suite bathroomIndividual Climate Control
Master Cabins

Master Cabins

Double • Main Deck

2x
👥 2 GuestsPrivate bathroomMini-barAir conditioning
Lower Deck Double | Bunk Cabins

Lower Deck Double | Bunk Cabins

Double or Bunk • Lower Deck

1x
👥 2 GuestsAir conditioningEn-suite bathroomIndividual Climate Control

Booking & Travel FAQ

How does the booking process work?

Select a cabin and departure on Dolphin, and we send a real-time inquiry to the operator. After availability is confirmed, you receive a booking confirmation by email and secure your spot with a deposit.

When do I need to pay?

A deposit (usually 25-35%) is due upon confirmation. The remaining balance is typically due 4-8 weeks before departure, depending on the operator.

What documents will I receive?

After your final payment, you'll receive a travel voucher with meeting point, embarkation time, airport transfer details, packing tips, and your full itinerary.

How do I get to the boat?

Most liveaboards depart from a designated marina. Many operators offer airport pickup and transfers — details are in your voucher. We recommend arriving one day before departure.

What certifications do I need?

A valid dive certification (e.g. PADI Open Water), dive insurance, and a valid passport. Some destinations require additional permits or visas — we inform you during booking.

Can I cancel or change my booking?

Cancellation terms vary by operator and are in your confirmation. Generally, the earlier you cancel the higher the refund. Changes depend on availability — contact us as soon as possible.

Vessel Technical Overview

Vessel Specifications

Year built1996
Year renovated2017
Cruising speed8 knots
Top speed9 knots
Max guests18
Number of cabins9
Number of bathrooms10
Engines2x 500 HP Yanmar Turbo Diesel
Freshwater maker400 liters per hour
Water capacity30 tons
Fuel capacity14 tons
Tenders2

Navigation & Safety Systems

Radar
Depth Sounder
GPS
Radio VHF/DSC/SSB
E.P.I.R.B. Distress System
Emergency Rafts
Life Vests
Fire Alarm & Fire Extinguishers
Oxygen
First Aid Kits
Fishfinder
Satellite & mobile phones
Bilge pump alarm
Search light
Engine room CCTV
Crew trained in first aid
Emergency flares

What guests say online

4.5 / 5(83 reviews)
How is this overall rating calculated?

The headline score is the simple average of the category scores shown below (Boat, Crew, Value, Diving, Dive sites, etc.), each weighted equally. The review count reflects how many source reviews back the underlying analysis. When no category breakdown is available for a vessel, the headline falls back to the guest-weighted average across source platforms.

Guests generally find the MV Dolphin to be an affordable liveaboard that offers good value for money, with comfortable cabins and a friendly crew. The diving experience is often highlighted as a positive aspect.

Crew4.5
Food3.5
Value4.5
Cabins4.3
Diving4.7
Comfort4.2
Most praised
  • +Rooms are not cramped, AC in bedrooms works well
  • +Large dining area
  • +Cabins are comfortable and well-sized
  • +Delivers great value for money

Based on approximately 83 reviews. Aggregated rating based on reviews from multiple independent dive travel and operator platforms as well as on ratings from our customers. Public statements from diving forums and community platforms may also be incorporated as text into the highlighted praises and critiques. Ratings are independently calculated and are not affiliated with or endorsed by the source platforms.

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