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Traveling in a group of four, we agreed that
our dive vacation to the Oasis Resort / Seaquest Dive Center exceeded all of our expectations. The dive center is located on the west side of the island
of Bohol (Panglao) right on Alona Beach. For the entire two weeks, we encountered friendly and very helpful people, a great variety of delicious
fresh food both within our resorts restaurant as well as outside within easy walking distance. The prices were very affordable. A bank is within walking
distance; wireless internet access is available in the lobby area and other locations along Alona Beach. Several small stores are within walking
distance.
Travel agent -- The entire trip for four people was booked through Action Sport Philippinen GmbH & Co KG, www.action-sport.de. The cost per person for the entire trip was Euro 1,692.00 and included airfare from Munich to Manila on Etihad Airlines, continued to Tagbilaran (Bohol) on Philippines Airlines, hotel in Manila, airport transfers, breakfast and 20 dives. Action Sport provided prompt service and provided the necessary information and
documentation with proper advanced notice.
Dive Center -- Upon arrival at the Seaquest Dive Center (www.seaquestdivecenter.ph ) we were greeted by the friendly office staff with cocktails while the dive guides carried our luggage to the rooms. Our rooms were simple, clean and functional with a nice bathroom and hot shower, fully stocked refrigerator, in room safe and air conditioning. Each front entrance has a bucket filled with fresh water to rinse the sand off before entering and a large umbrella for the occasional rain shower. The rooms
were part of a new resort expansion and only a few convenient steps from the dive shop. After a brief check-in at the dive shop, we were ready to dive
within less than an hour after arrival. The beginners in our group were taken through an orientation dive. The dive shop was very accommodating
with our dive itinerary. If we wanted to do a dive at 6am, we had staff supporting us. Diving was at our pace and all dive guides were extremely
helpful in pointing out marine life. It became very obvious that there was good communication and teamwork within the entire staff. When we reserved a spot on a dive boat that left early and returned mid afternoon, the restaurant staff approached us in a cordial manner to find out if we liked box lunch prepared by the kitchen.
Food - Even though there were many places within walking distance offering great fresh fruit, seafood and European / American cuisine, we ate through
the entire menu at the Oasis restaurant and found most items on the menu very delicious. Adjacent restaurants offered daily buffet of fresh catch -
some of the most delicious seafood you will ever taste.
Diving - Water temperature was around 26 C (78F) the entire time. Visibility ranged around 15 meters (45 ft) except around Cabilao Island, located about
two hours by boat north of Alona Beach that had visibility of around 27 meters (80 ft). A rich variety of marine life that offers itself for macro
photography was present including Nudibranches in brilliant colors and shapes, Ghost Pipefish, octopus, scorpion fish, lion fish, garden eels, ghost eels, huge variety of hard and soft coral. The larger marine life
included turtles, white tip sharks, some sting rays, barracudas, jacks, large schools of sardines. Some groups encountered whale sharks around
Cabilao Island.
Dive Boats - The local reefs were visited with a small boat holding up to 8 people. The same boats were also used to shuttle divers from the beach in front of the dive shop to the larger boats. The larger dive boats had bamboo pontoons on both sides which supported the ropes for waiting divers while in the water, easy access to the dive ladder and good stability at sea. The main deck was covered with a canopy for shade. The front of the boat area
was spacious making for easy access to the dive gear.
Dive Guides - The dive shop provided large plastic crates at the beginning of our stay that were labeled with our names for easy identification. The
dive guides made sure that our crates were on the boat for each dive that we were signed up to do. All guides were friendly and helpful, assisted
whenever needed and very flexible and accommodating with our groups desires for diving. There was no rush diving and for those taking underwater pictures, it was greatly appreciated. Their knowledge of the underwater world was outstanding and they pointed out plenty of things that would have gone unnoticed otherwise. After each dive, our tanks were switched out and
the gear placed for easy access for the next dive. Fresh fruit and dry towels were offered after each dive.
Staff / Service - The owner was often visible but stayed mostly in the background. The General Manager was always around supporting his staff and
asked frequently if everything was to our satisfaction and how they could serve better; Clearly an actively managed operation with the customer in mind.
Things to do -- Dolphin watching; Bohol tour including the Chocolate Hills; Motorcycle rental; Massage on the beach; Water parks, shopping, great dining on the river boats etc.
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