 | | | | OUT OF THE BLUE and Action Divers announce new strategic partnership... read more TRIP ADVISOR: Action Divers rated #1 for "Things to Do" in Puerto Galera... read more PADI ASIA PACIFIC: Action Divers receives outstanding service award... read more VISION DIVERS: "Look out Action Divers: We'll definitely be back"... read more DESERT DIVERS: "One of our very best dive trips ever"... read more | |
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| | | | Out of the Blue Private VillasIf you're into the highest standard of excellence in scuba diving holidays, dive in to Action Divers for fun diving and dive course packages that feature luxury villa accommodation at Out of the Blue. Situated just off the beach above and behind Action Divers, Out of the Blue boasts breathtaking views of Verde Passage, a beautiful pool and rooms that open onto spacious tiled balconies through wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling folding glass doors. read more | |
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 Portofino Resort & Action Divers - One of our best trips ever!
by Mandy Gowers, Desert DiversLast October 25, very excited members of Mildura Desert Divers headed off on their journey to the Philippines. And to be honest it was with a little trepidation as there had been quite a few reports about insecurity and violence in the country. But we were determined to have a great time and not cower at home when there are so many beautiful spots to dive in the world that we have not seen. As it was it was like saying "don't go to Sydney as there is a problem in Melbourne". The known trouble areas are a long way from Puerto Galera. A fantastic flight commenced and the flight attendants kept the drinks up to our group at a steady pace. The flight passed in no time and as the land came into sight all eyes were glued to the windows as the sights unfolding before our eyes were unbelievable rice farms, fish farms and so much water. A very beautiful place from the air. Customs was kind of slow (or were we just eager). Then through the glass doors and Captain Roscoe Thompson of Action Divers and the bus were there waiting for us. They loaded all of us from ages 10 - 63 and our gear onto a bus and headed off out of town. We had decided that as Manila was supposed to be a "Hot Spot" we would go straight to our island home,and that we did. Three hours on the bus and a wonderful hour by boat on a beautiful balmy summer evening with a few coldies on the way had us arrive at our destination to be greeted by the staff with fruit punch and refreshments. The accomodation at the Portofino was superb, far better than we have had on other dive trips. All rooms had private facilities, air conditioners and fans. We all had an early night and came out to the most magnificent view from Portofino looking out over the sea from our breakfast tables. Absolutely panoramic view of boats, bluest of seas and the other islands in the distance - pure heaven. The meals were superb, the drinks fantastic and both were so very cheap. The staff could not have been nicer, all the people we met were just lovely. Roger and Gina the managers of Portofino went out of their way to arrange tours, cooking demonstrations and theme dinners for us. And the food was so good we spent most of the time there. We unpacked and lazed around for the first morning then at 3 in the afternoon had our first dive. WOW what a dive and they said it would only get better, AND IT DID! In all I had 17 dives (others did up to 22) while at Portofino and every single one of them was exceptional. Drift dives, cavern dives, ship wrecks, reef and walls and drop offs, even a shark cave. Our deepest dive was to 45 metres but there is just so much to see anyone would be happy in 18 - 20 metres. Millions of different fish and the most amazing array of nudibranches, soft corals and feather stars I have ever seen. The colours were amazing and every dive a wonderful experience. Although we are Desert Divers and our Club are 400 kilometres away for the closest sea we have done a fair amount of overseas diving like Honiara and Gizo in The Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Santo, Papua New Guinea aboard The Febrina, Phuket in Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore so we have been to some pretty exotic destinations. The diving here was incredible and many of us will certainly go back to relive that experience over and over again. Of the 25 that went only 16 were divers BUT we came home with another 3 divers who chose to do their dive course while they were there. Action Divers did a great job, the new divers were just so confident that they finished the remainder of our dives with us. So our already strong club of 129 current financial members all had a small influx of new recruits. The non-divers were completely happy as well. They would shop or catch a boat to one of the other beaches, relax by the pool and sip cocktails. It was never a problem to keep entertained. We all believe it was one of the best holidays of our lives to date..............but we don't intend to give up. Action Divers headed by Roscoe were just amazing, nothing was too much trouble. With Jojo, Klaus and Simon and the boat crew they just made diving so easy. Talk about being pampered! Action Divers is just two doors away from Portofino so at about eight every morning we would just go down, attach our BC's to the tanks and the crew would load them on board. At the most it would be 10 minutes to the dive site, a nice easy backward roll into the water and you're in heaven. A nice leisurely dive and then back to Portofino for a coffee, munchies and pleasant relaxation before the next dive at 11. With all the gear still on board and ready to go, it was easier still. What a great team! Just a magnificent bunch of professionals who know exactly what divers are looking for. Most days we had the afternoons off to explore. The shopping though limited is very, very cheap (DVD's, beads, sarongs and T-shirts, bags and shoes.) The bars and night life is there if you want it and it's well worth seeing. There is also karoke and many excellent restaurants and cafes. Security was never a problem. We left our ten-year-old nephew at Portofino while we dived and his mother shopped. It was never a problem. He played on the beach and went snorkeling. Lone women walked to the money exchange daily and there was NEVER any issue. We walked to and from the nighclubs and felt completely secure. On the morning we left there was many a damp eye amongst us and it was like leaving life-long friends. So many wonderful times and beautiful memories. Many of us are already dreaming about our return trip! | 
