Welcome to Central Visayas!

This retreat takes place in the Central Visayas, a beautiful region in the heart of the Philippines known for its rich marine life, tropical islands, and vibrant local culture.

Our journey moves through three of its most remarkable destinations: Moalboal in Cebu, famous for its spectacular sardine run and sea turtles; Siquijor, an island known for its waterfalls, jungles, and peaceful atmosphere; and Bohol, home to white-sand beaches, coral reefs, and the iconic Chocolate Hills.

This retreat is designed for travellers seeking nature, adventure, and meaningful experiences — blending ocean exploration, island landscapes, and moments of deep rest along the way.

What's Included

14 days / 13 nights in private rooms across carefully selected accommodations in Moalboal (Cebu), Siquijor, and Bohol.

• 14 days / 13 nights in private rooms across carefully selected island accommodations
• Private airport transfer + all land and ferry transfers between islands
• Freediving or scuba path (intro, Level 1, progression, Open Water, Advanced, or fun dives)
• All freediving / scuba equipment (excluding nitrox)
• Underwater freediving portrait photoshoot
• Three-day ocean training block in Moalboal’s calm waters
• Shore-entry exploration of the Moalboal sardine run and sea turtle encounters
• Exploration of the Mermaid statue sanctuary in Moalboal
• Ocean session at the Five Guardians underwater sanctuary in Alegria
• Marine sanctuary exploration and freediving through the Dumanhog reef cubes in Siquijor
• Visit to Cambugahay Falls and island exploration in Siquijor
• Ocean exploration in Bohol’s coral reefs and marine sanctuaries, including schools of jackfish
• Visit to the Chocolate Hills and Bohol countryside
• Daily breakfast + several meals included during activities
• Local guides, instructors, and full retreat support

Where You’ll Stay

You’ll stay in comfortable accommodations across Moalboal (Cebu), Siquijor, and Bohol. Each guest has their own private room, with relaxed shared spaces that feel warm and welcoming. The exact properties may vary depending on availability, but the style remains the same: calm, beautiful island spaces close to the ocean, designed for rest and privacy.

What's Not Included

International flights
Travel insurance
Visa fees (if applicable)
Independent meals on exploration days
Optional nitrox fees
Spa treatments
Personal purchases or optional add-ons

Logistics

Retreat Dates
22–6 June 2026 ·
Cebu (Moalboal) → Siquijor → Bohol

14 days / 13 nights during the Central Visayas’ dry season, with ideal conditions for calm seas, vibrant marine life, and ocean activities across the islands.

Arrival

Your international flight will land in Cebu (CEB).
From there, a private driver will meet you and bring you directly to your first accommodation in Moalboal.

Please plan to arrive on 22 May 2026 by 14:00.

If you prefer a gentler arrival, you may also fly in on 21 May 2026 and stay one night in Cebu City near the airport.

Once you arrive, your private transfer to the retreat accommodation is arranged for you.

Departure

The retreat closes on the afternoon of 6 June 2026 in Bohol.

You may depart from Bohol–Panglao International Airport (TAG).

Please schedule your onward flight any time after 15:00, allowing enough time for the morning activities and transfer to the airport.

Ocean Path Options

During the retreat, you may choose the ocean experience that suits your level and interest. Everything is adapted to your comfort and guided with care.
We work with trusted partner schools offering AIDA, Molchanovs/WAVE, SSI, and PADI certifications.

The agency and level will depend on coach and school availability during the retreat dates to ensure the group trains smoothly together.
If you join a certification course, you must complete the official e-learning before arriving in Bali.

Please do not purchase e-learning on your own — your school will send you the correct link once your place is confirmed.

Freediving

• Intro to Freediving
• Freediving Level 1
• Freediving progression or coaching (if already certified)

Scuba Diving

• Intro Dive / Baptism
• Open Water Diver
• Advanced Open Water
• Fun dives (if already certified)

Next Phase of Your Journey

The Central Visayas has a way of staying with you. It’s not only the ocean — it’s the quiet islands, the waterfalls hidden in the jungle, and the warm rhythm of life across Cebu, Siquijor, and Bohol. As a solo traveller, these moments deserve to be captured with intention, so you can carry the spirit of the islands with you long after you leave.

Underwater Photography

A professional photographer joins selected moments of the retreat to capture elegant underwater portraits of each guest. You’ll return home with beautifully curated images that honour your time in Mo'orea.

Marine Sanctuaries, Sea Turtles & Underwater Statues

Glide effortlessly through vibrant marine sanctuaries, alongside curious sea turtles and schools of tropical fish, and explore unique underwater statue sanctuaries—each offering unforgettable ocean encounters and stunning photo opportunities.

For guests following the freediving path, we offer underwater freediving photoshoots that capture the calm and beauty of moving through the ocean on a single breath. In the Philippines, awra freediving is often practiced as a form of flow and self-expression — gliding, turning, and moving slowly through the water in a natural way. These sessions are not about performance, but about feeling comfortable and connected to the ocean, while creating beautiful underwater portraits to remember the experience.

Awra Freediving Photoshoots

Your Visayas Journey

Day-by-day, what they will live, feel, and experience.

Day 1 — Arrival in Cebu → Transfer to Moalboal

Arrival at Cebu International Airport.
Private transfer along the coast to Moalboal.

Days 2 & 4 – Ocean Mastery Training

• 3-day freediving course
• Sardine run sessions from shore
• Sea turtle encounters
• Freediving exploration at the Mermaid statue
• Trip to The Five Guardians sanctuary in Alegria

Days 6–9 — Siquijor

• Ferry to Siquijor
• Reef dives and freediving sessions
• Exploration of the Dumanhog cubes artificial reef
• Snorkeling in marine sanctuaries
• Visit to Cambugahay Falls
• Sunset beach evenings

Days 10–13 — Bohol

• Ferry to Bohol
• Marine sanctuary dives and snorkeling
• Opportunity to swim with schools of jackfish
• Exploration of the Danajon Bank underwater grotto sanctuary
• Freediving photoshoot session

→

→

→

→

Who This Retreat Is For

This retreat is designed to shift something inside you. Each day blends ocean training, island exploration, and the gentle rhythm of life across Cebu, Siquijor, and Bohol, helping you reconnect with yourself in a deeper way. You’ll learn from trusted instructors, explore beautiful marine sanctuaries and island landscapes, share meaningful moments with a small group of like-minded travellers, and feel supported every step of the journey. It’s a chance to grow, to breathe, and to experience the Philippines with intention.

Exploring the Ocean Sanctuaries

This journey goes far beyond the surface of the ocean. Throughout the retreat, you’ll explore unique underwater sanctuaries across Cebu, Siquijor, and Bohol—places where marine life and submerged sculptures have slowly become part of the reef. These sites are not just dive spots; they are quiet underwater spaces where coral, fish, and ocean currents have transformed them into living habitats. Moving through these environments on a single breath allows you to experience the ocean in a slower, more intentional way, creating moments of calm, curiosity, and connection with the sea.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to go to Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor?

The best time to visit this region is from December to May. From December to February, the "Amihan" winds bring cooler, pleasant temperatures that are perfect for land tours like the Chocolate Hills or the waterfalls of Cebu. March through May is the heart of the dry season, offering the calmest seas and the highest underwater visibility. While the rainy season technically begins in June, the Central Visayas often stays drier than the rest of the country, though you may encounter brief, tropical afternoon showers.

Which country do these islands belong to?

Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor are provinces of the Philippines.

Do I need a visa?

Most travelers (including the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia, and NZ) can enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days. You just need a passport valid for six months and a return or onward ticket.

The Mandatory eTravel Link:

You must register for the eTravel card within 72 hours before your arrival. This is a free government requirement and will provide you with a QR code for immigration.

• Official Link: https://etravel.gov.ph/

What currency is used?

The currency is the Philippine Peso (PHP).

Are euros or dollars accepted?

Payments should be made in local Pesos. While larger hotels and dive shops in Cebu City and Panglao accept credit cards, you must be prepared for the following:

• All islands majoritarily ask for cash only. * Siquijor has very few ATMs, and they often run out of cash. It is essential to withdraw enough Pesos in Cebu or Bohol before you take the ferry to Siquijor.

What language do they speak?

The local language is Cebuano (Binisaya), but English is an official language and is spoken fluently by almost everyone in the tourism and diving industry.

What is the weather like?

The region is warm and tropical year-round.

• Temperatures: 27–32°C.

• Water: 27–29°C.

• Ocean: Generally calm during the dry season, with nutrient-rich waters that support a massive variety of marine life.

Where do we stay?

We move between three distinct "island vibes":

• Cebu: Boutique coastal stays near Moalboal.

• Bohol: Private villas on Panglao Island.

• Siquijor: Intimate, eco-luxury beachfront cottages.

  Every guest has a private room or private-room setup.

Can I stay in my own villa or hotel instead?

Yes. If you prefer to arrange your own accommodation, we can adjust the retreat price to cover only the logistics, equipment, and activities.

Is this a resort or boutique hotel?

No. We choose small, intimate boutique villas and eco-lodges that offer a calm, authentic atmosphere rather than the busy feel of a large resort.

Are meals included?

Daily breakfast is provided. We also include lunch during our major boat expeditions (such as the trips to Balicasag or the Siquijor coastline). Dinners are left open so you can explore local restaurants at your own pace.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, it is strongly recommended. Your policy should cover medical emergencies, ferry transfers, and diving activities.

Is diving or freediving equipment included?

Yes, all standard equipment is included for your sessions.

Do I need experience to join?

No—beginners are welcome. The sites in this region are famous for "shore entries" and calm walls, making it one of the best places in the world to learn.

What if I have asthma or I can’t hold my breath?

This is very common. We focus on relaxation and safety, not records. For scuba diving, you breathe normally the whole time. If you have asthma, ensure your doctor has cleared you for gentle ocean activities and bring your inhaler.

What are the underwater sanctuaries with statues like?

These areas are more than just art galleries; they serve as artificial reefs where coral and fish can thrive. In many cases, these statues were placed to deter illegal fishing by appealing to the local culture and faith. They are usually found in shallow, clear waters (between 4 and 10 meters deep), making them perfect for both freedivers and scuba divers.

Which statues will we visit?

We include several of these "hidden" underwater monuments in our itinerary across the three islands:

• Moalboal (Cebu) - The Mermaid: Located just off the Panagsama shoreline, a human-sized mermaid statue sits in about 5 to 6 meters of water. It is a favorite for freedivers looking for "mermaid-style" portraits near the famous sardine run.

• Alegria (Cebu) - The 5 Guardians: A short trip from Moalboal, this sanctuary features five life-sized statues known as the "Guardians of Alegria," including Poseidon, Medusa, a Templar Knight, Buddha, and Mother Mary. They were placed to protect the reef and have since become vibrant homes for local marine life.

• Bohol - The Underwater Grotto: In the Danajon Bank (the only double barrier reef in the Philippines), you can find massive 14-foot statues of the Virgin Mary and the Holy Child (Sto. Niño). They were placed there in 2010 to protect the area from dynamite fishing and have successfully created a peaceful, flourishing sanctuary.

• Siquijor - Dumanhog Cubes: While not traditional statues, these large underwater concrete cubes were designed as artificial reefs. They have become a "playground" for freedivers to swim through, and are now covered in beautiful soft corals and surrounded by schools of tropical fish.

Will I see whale sharks, sardines, jack fish, or turtles?

• Sardines: Millions of sardines are found in Moalboal year-round. The best time for visibility is November to May.

• Jack Fish: In Bohol (Balicasag Island), you can see the famous "Jack Fish Tornado"—a massive, swirling school of thousands of silver jacks. This is a year-round highlight, though visibility is best from December to May.

• Turtles: Sea turtles are almost guaranteed in Moalboal and Balicasag (Bohol) year-round, with the clearest views during the dry season.

• Whale Sharks: While whale sharks are present in the region, we do not recommend or visit the tours in Oslob as the feeding practices there are non-ethical. We only support ethical, wild encounters if they happen naturally during our sessions.

What are the underwater sanctuaries like?

The sanctuaries in this region—particularly in Moalboal, Bohol (Balicasag), and Siquijor—are highly protected zones where fishing is prohibited. This has created an environment where marine life is incredibly abundant and unafraid of humans. You can expect to see massive schools of fish, thriving coral gardens, and ancient sea turtles just a few meters below the surface.

Each sanctuary typically requires a small environmental fee (usually between 100 and 350 Pesos) which goes directly toward local conservation and guarding the reef from illegal fishing.

Which sanctuaries will we visit?

We curate our route to include the most spectacular and ethically managed sites:

• Moalboal (Cebu): The entire coastline is a protected marine zone. The highlight is the "Sardine Run" at Panagsama, which is a permanent sanctuary for millions of sardines and numerous sea turtles.

• Balicasag Island (Bohol): One of the most famous sanctuaries in the world. It is strictly regulated with a daily cap on the number of divers and snorkelers. It is the best place to see "Jack Fish Tornadoes" and giant sea turtles.

• Tulapos Marine Sanctuary (Siquijor): The oldest sanctuary on the island. It is a 14-hectare paradise of mangroves and coral where you can see schools of barracuda, jack fish, and occasionally blacktip reef sharks in their natural habitat.

• Tubod & Maite (Siquijor): These are easily accessible from the shore and feature some of the most colorful "soft coral" gardens in the Philippines, teeming with macro life and vibrant reef fish.Who is this retreat for?

Solo travelers and ocean lovers who want to experience the diversity of the Philippines—from the jungle waterfalls of Cebu to the mystical beaches of Siquijor.

Can I come alone?

Yes—most guests join solo, and the group atmosphere is naturally warm and supportive.

Will I get underwater photos?

Yes. A professional photographer will take underwater portraits, particularly during the famous Moalboal sardine run.

What is the cancellation policy?

All bookings are final and non-refundable. High-quality travel insurance is essential to protect your plans.

Is there Wi-Fi?

Yes, though it is more reliable in Cebu and Bohol. Siquijor is more remote, so the Wi-Fi is best suited for light messaging and basic work.

All our ocean experiences follow strict ethical guidelines.
We work only with trusted operators who respect wildlife, avoid disturbance, and never chase or touch marine animals.

Join Us

Reserve your spot for an unforgettable 9-day Bali ocean retreat.