Congratulations on your decision to join us on the Azores; we look forward to personally welcoming you soon. We would like to take this opportunity to make your pre-trip planning a little easier by answering some of the questions you may have.

Pre Arrival

What’s included in your package: Please email us for details if they are not shown here. Typically the boat package includes accommodation, all meals, diving and the boat open bar. If you are not traveling with a group or tour leader please ensure you have the resort contact details with you. Airport maps and details of how and where to contact our service providers are available from our reservations team.

What’s NOT included in your package: International Airport departure tax of PhP750 collected at the airport in Peso cash or USD (equivalent) (For guests using the domestic airport in Manila to Puerto Princessa, Dumaguete or Legaspi there is a domestic terminal fees of PhP200 in Manila and around PhP30 at provincial airports). These fees are subject to change. There are charges on board for Marine Park Fees ($75), equipment rental, Nitrox fills ($125) and land excursions.

Travel Documents: Please ensure your passport is valid for at least six months and that you have an onward or return ticket with you. U.S. and European nationals automatically receive a 21 day tourist visa on arrival. For guests staying longer or with other passports please either contact the boat or see www.immigration.gov.ph.

You are required to fill out both the trip application and liability release at least 30 days prior to departure. Please also bring copies of your diving and travel health insurance with you.

Transfers

TRIP 1 - Travel to/from Puerto Galera (Anilao Safari):
Port: Atlantis Puerto Galera

• Two hour van/bus ride to the city of Batangas followed by an hour’s Bangka (large outrigger boat with inboard diesel, seats approximately 20-24 persons comfortably. Boats are private) ride to Puerto Galera.
• Once you meet your driver (usually with a sign with guest or group name) upon exiting baggage area, your luggage will be loaded by our staff.
• The van or bus will usually stop at a service station for refreshment. Please note that neither the beach/pier in Batangas where you meet the boat or the boat itself have toilets.

TRIP 2 - Travel to/from Tacloban (Visayas Southern Leyte Safari):
Port: Padre Burgos

• A 60 minute domestic flight from Manila (PAL Terminal 2) to Tacloban (Airbus A320 or similar).
• We recommend taking the 1pm flight from Manila to Tacloban so your arrival to the boat is at our scheduled boarding time of 5 PM.
• Once in Tacloban, there is a 3 hour air-conditioned van ride to Padre Burgos pier.
• For the return journey to Manila you leave the boat at approximately 8am and arrive in Tacloban at lunchtime. Lunch is in a mall at your own expense. The flight to Manila is at approximately 3pm arriving in Manila by 4pm.

TRIP 3 - For guests traveling to/from Puerto Princesa (Tubbataha Safari)
Port: Puerto Princessa

• A 60 minute domestic flight from Manila (PAL Terminal 2) to Puerto Princessa (Airbus A320 or similar).
• We advise traveling on the afternoon flight from Manila to Puerto Princessa; arrival of this flight is close to the boarding time for the vessel. Early arrivals will not be permitted to board the Azores until boarding time due to the short turn-around time of charters.
• 15 to 20 minute air conditioned van ride from the airport to the Pier.
• Depart the boat at approximately 8am for the 10.20am flight to Manila. Arrive in Manila by 11.30am.

TRIP 4 - Travel to/from Dumaguete (Visayas Bohol Safari):
Port: Atlantis Dumaguete

• A 60 minute domestic flight from Manila (PAL Terminal 2) to Dumaguete (Airbus A320 or similar).
• In Dumaguete please walk through the arrival building to the Atlantis representative and give him your luggage tickets; do not try and retrieve your own luggage.
• The drive to the resort is about 30 minutes.
• If you are arriving via Cebu or are making other travel plans please contact us.
• Depart the boat at 7am for the 8.45am flight to Manila. Flight arrives in Manila approximately 10am.

TRANSITION TRIPS A, B and C:
Please contact us for personalized transfer arrangements and details.

Diving

Unlimited Diving Rules: Typically five dives a day are arranged on the liveaboard trips; this may vary slightly on some itineraries and due to weather or other concerns. Currents, conditions and logistics require that all dive groups stay together at all time. Typical dive time is 50-60 minutes with a maximum depth of 100 feet (30m) (as general policy Open Water Divers will only be allowed on dives below 60feet (18m) or night dives if they can show proof of previous experience and exhibit adequate in-water skills, adventure training dives are available).

As at the resorts we require divers to exhibit good buoyancy control at all times, to respect the underwater environment and not wear gloves.

Liveaboard diving can be more demanding than typical resort weeks and we highly recommend taking a refresher course prior to your trip if you have not been in the water for a while.

Rental Dive Equipment: Is only available with prior arrangement (see trip application form).

Dive Computers: Please note that the use of dive computers is mandatory on the Azores

Visual and Audible Signaling Device: Every diver must have their own visual (e.g. signal tube) and surface audible (e.g. whistle (not tank banger or underwater device)) signaling device while diving aboard Azores.

Cameras: The Azores features a large camera table and rinse tanks.

Diving Documents: Please bring your certification card and log book; if you require Nitrox please bring a Nitrox certification card; if you plan to do technical dives please bring appropriate documentation with you. All divers are asked to sign a waiver on arrival. Please ensure that any diving medical concerns are addressed before you travel.

Nitrox: Is available on all trips for an additional fee.

For technical/Rebreather divers: Please clarify your equipment requirements and dive plans with the boat prior to arrival.

Tanks: The boat has 40 x 80cf/11l tanks with DIN / Yoke Valves and 10 x 100cf/15l tanks with DIN / Yoke Valves.

Dive Courses: The Azores caters for a wide variety of PADI specialty courses including Nitrox and Underwater Photography as well as the PADI Adventure or Advanced Ratings. If you plan to take any course other than these please contact us prior to your trip to check prices and arrangements.

Aboard Azores

Room amenities: All staterooms have climate controlled air conditioning, a hairdryer and en suite facilities.

Towels: Bath towels are provided in rooms and dive towels are available on the dive deck.

Internet Access and Phone Calls: Please check for details and rates; wireless internet connection and cell phone coverage is available on many trips.

Clothing and what to bring: Dress is very casual and traveling light is recommended – swimsuits, shorts, t-shirts and possibly a sweatshirt or light jacket for the evenings. There is no specific dress code. Hat, sunglasses and sun screen/protection are of course highly recommended as the sun is very intense even on partially cloudy or cooler days. Please note that no form of wet clothing or dive equipment is allowed inside the living areas of the boat.

Electricity and Charging: Power on board is 110V. Transformers and a charging station are available. Sockets are flat two pin (American style).

Food/beverages: If you have special dietary requirements please contact us or your group leader ahead of your arrival.

We offer a wide range of alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages throughout the day (diving is prohibited after drinking alcohol). You can contact us for a full list and/or you are welcome to bring your own drinks or wine to consume on the boat; please note that this is NOT allowed at the resorts.

Boutique: Selected T-shirts, caps and other souvenir items are available from the boutique.

Entertainment: Enjoy a wide selection of games and movies on our PS3 and wide screen TV; evening marine life and other presentations are also available along with a small library and selection of board games & cards.

Other Common Questions

Children: Children under the age of 15 years are not allowed on Azores dive charters.

Weather (approximate averages):

Currency and Money: The local currency is the Philippines Peso (PhP). You may change USD, UK Pounds and other major currencies for PhP on board. USD cash may be accepted at some local establishments where there is an opportunity for land excursions. You may settle your bill on the boat for incidentals such souvenir items with USD cash, Peso Cash, (other major currencies in cash), USD travelers cheques (please bring the receipt of proof of purchase), VISA, MASTERCARD or AMERICAN EXPRESS (there are no charges for using credit cards).

Medical: The boat has comprehensive medical plans for diving and non-diving emergencies and has first aid kits, oxygen and defibrillators available. Emergency plans vary from itinerary to itinerary but you should consider that you might be many hours away from medical care or a recompression facility. Local Hyperbaric chambers do not accept Dan insurance but will give receipt for chamber sessions for you to submit to your insurance company.

Historically we have not had a problem with Malaria but inoculations for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Polio and Tetanus are recommended along with consulting your physician with regards to other questions you may have about traveling to the tropics. We strongly recommend drinking plenty of water and other non alcoholic fluids during your trip.

Trip Insurance: In addition to medical and diving health insurance we also highly recommend each guest purchases trip cancellation and interruption insurance; this will protect you from financial disappointment in case unforeseen circumstances prevent you from making your trip. Or the unlikely event your trip is cut short or interrupted due to storms or medical emergencies.

Gratuities: Gratuities are not included in your package and are not mandatory. If you feel the Atlantis Azores Team helped make your trip enjoyable may we suggest a gratuity of approximately 10% of your package price; envelopes are provided in your stateroom at the end of the trip. All crewmembers share equally in your tip.

Pleas ensure you have also received our detailed ‘Trip Info Sheet’ and the ‘Trip Application Form’