MY Azalea

MY Azalea is a 21m liveaboard with a 5m beam, operating low budget diving cruises to Tubbataha – the Philippines’ premiere dive destination – as well as Apo Reef, the famous wrecks of Coron, and dugong tours. The boat was built in 2017 by a group of dive buddies that fell in love with Palawan and decided to set up business there.

Azalea accommodates a maximum of just 10 divers, in 5 air-conditioned cabins with en-suite bathrooms. Space onboard is utilised very well, and you will never feel crowded by fellow guests when exploring the beautiful reefs of the Philippines. On the main deck, there is an indoor air-conditioned saloon where meals are served, and a dive deck with a kit up area, space for equipment storage, and bathroom for post-dive necessities. There is also a small area at the bow of the boat where you can catch the sun. The upper deck is a space dedicated to relaxing and socialising. Here you can sun bathe or snooze to recharge your energy levels between dives. In the evenings, you can enjoy a chilled beer and discuss that day’s exciting marine encounters.

Azalea has twin 6 cylinder Hinoy diesel engines and cruises at a perky 13 knots, using outriggers for greater stability. There are 2 compressors onboard and diving is conducted from a 30 HP motorised rigid tender. The crew are very passionate about diving and about the underwater world of the Philippines. So if you’re looking for a no-frills diving safari to explore the Coral Triangle, M/Y Azalea could be your best bet.

Special offers: Extra terms and conditions for new bookings during the COVID reality:

• The Philippines continues to have its borders closed to foreign travellers.

Offer expires: 30 Dec 2020

Dive experience: Advanced open water divers with a minimum of 30 logged dives recommended.

Cruise price per person includes: Cabin accommodation, breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, drinking water, soft drinks, hot drinks, local transfers to and from the boat, dives (as detailed in the trips above), experienced English and French-speaking divemaster(s) (max 5 divers per DM), tanks, weights and weightbelts.

Cruise price per person excludes (mandatory, unless customer provides own): Scuba equipment rental US$ 18 per day, dive computer rental US$ 9 per day, dive/evacuation insurance.
Marine park fees (per person per trip):

• Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park US$ 100
• Apo Reef US$ 80
• Apo Reef and Busuanga Dugong MPA US$ 110

Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival (cash only).

Optional extras: Torch US$ 6 per day, 15 litre tank US$ 6 per day, alcoholic drinks. Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival.

How to get there: Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park: Departs from Puerto Princesa. You are required to book a return flight to/from Puerto Princesa on Palawan Island, from either Cebu and Manila.
Apo Reef and Coron/Busuanga: These trips depart from Coron Bay on Busuanga Island. You can fly there from Manila.
Return boat transfers to and from the local airport/hotel are provided. Boarding starts at 2 pm and the Azalea departs from port at 5 pm. The boat returns to port in the early hours of the final day, and disembarkation is at 10 am.
The last dive of the tour will be at around 5:30 pm on the second last day of the trip. Please wait at least 18 hours before flying after diving.

Non-diver rate: 20% off the published price.

Single supplement (if you do not want to share accommodation): This is optional - single travellers may choose to share a cabin or add 35% to the normal published price.

Dive clubs and group discounts: Pay for 5 guests and 1 additional person can join the cruise free of charge (total 6 guests).

Whole boat charter rate (per night): Pay for 9 guests and 1 additional person can join the cruise free of charge.

There are 2 twin bunk bed cabins on the lower deck and 2 more on the main deck. There is also a Master double bed cabin on the lower deck. All the cabins have ensuite bathrooms.

All the cabins have: No. of bathrooms / showers - 6 / 7 - cold water