Accommodation: Cabilao at Pura Vida Resort and Dauin at Pura Vida Homes with Sea Explorers

I’m a Sheep Herder

by
Shaun the sheep, kids sea camp

Herding Sheep at Kids Sea Camp. “Shaun the Sheep”

Shaun the sheep, kids sea camp, kids and divingI’ve been obsessed with photographing sheep since seeing Dr. Alex Mustard’s famous photograph. I booked my Kids Sea Camp Philippines trip with Margo and Tom Peyton in 2020. When I learned that “Shaun the Sheep” could easily be found on most dives, I was excited about shooting this little sea slug. The guides at Amunini are incredible, and you can find almost anything you ask for, including the sheep! (Shout out to Reggie and Dave.) Finding Shaun the Sheep underwater is fun, but capturing a photo of one of the critters you could imagine is quite the challenge.

They are among the most difficult to capture because they live on a single green leaf growing on the sandy bottom. Furthermore, they tend to blend in with their environment, namely, the leaf they’re trying to eat.

Be patience

On the first dive, Reggie, my guide from Amuni Ini Divers, was excited because he found me one. Reggie pointed to a leaf with a green blob. I thought to myself, “Is that it? That can’t be it?” But it was!

After several shots, I finally saw the creature when I zoomed in on the viewfinder. It was tiny, green, and cute. I kept taking photos, but it was time to move on. A few seahorses, pygmy squid, and nudibranchs were nearby; if I have to give one piece of advice, it is to have patience and more patience! You must stop and take a decent photo of a sheep.

I’m a sheep herder

Upon finding Shaun, I spent 30 minutes on one leaf on my second dive! Kim, my lovely dive buddy and wife, was gone when I looked up. She finally decided to join another group, leaving me with Dave, my excellent Amun ini guide. Finally, Dave wrote on his slate, “Have you had enough of Shaun the Sheep?” Onto the seahorses we went. In the end, I ended up with some excellent photos. Nothing like Alex’s masterpiece. But it’s a work in progress.

I look forward to our next trip to Lembeh in January with Margo and Tom, with Family Dive Adventures and Murex Divers. Just call me the Sheep Herder of Indonesia.

By Marcio Curvello

 

What are sheep?

by
Shaun the sheep, Kids Sea Camp, Margo (eyton

Counting Sheep and falling asleep

Sea slugs, Kids Sea Camp, diving with Kids, diving with family
Shaun the Sheep by Margo Peyton

I have been to the Philippines many times. It is my favorite place in the world to dive for many reasons. One is that I have the world’s best dive buddy who can spot almost any alien! Tom has become a treasure hunter, and at the end of most trips, everyone is following him. The Philippines is the #1 spot for finding Aliens. Another reason is that my sister, Biggsy, lives there, and she introduced me to my first muck dive and showed me my first sheep. Lastly, in all my 35 years of diving and traveling the world, it’s the only place I have fallen asleep and dreamt about. Now I fall asleep counting sheep.

What are sheep?

Last summer, we arrived at Amunini, and Marcio was chatting about this funny little sheep named Shaun. After the first day, Kewin also seemed to be all over that topic. “Sheep,” I said. “What are sheep?” Tom’s ears perked up, too. Biggsy and I buddied up on my first sheep dive, and she quickly waved me over. She pointed out a green leaf the size of a rose petal. Was that the sheep? She pointed to the leaf. I could see nothing with my naked eye. It looked like sand stuck to the leaf. I peered through my 60mm Macro lens and saw it. Shaun the Sheep. It was so tiny that it was gone if you did not remain perfectly still, and you had to reset again.

The size of a grain of sand

A single grain of rice was adult-sized. What’s so special about that? A flea is the same size, but this little guy was adorable. It had rosy cheeks, funny, wobbly ears, and it was green or white with pink. Kewin found one that was yellow and blue. This was incredible! We were all counting and herding sheep. I did find the same leaf in Roatan in August, and I found the cousin. (See the Gallery)

I am looking forward to my panda finding me some sheep.

Margo Peyton

Pura Vida Beach & Dive Resort with Sea Explorers

by
Pura, Whale sharks, The Philippines, kids sea camp

Introduction

This enchanting island is celebrated as a premier “muck” diving destination

Vida Homes and Pura Vida Homes are situated on Negros, the second-largest gem in the Visayas region, which is truly a diver’s paradise. This enchanting island is celebrated as a premier “muck” diving destination, rich in soft sands and home to rare and fascinating critters. Surrounded by stunning marine reserves, Negros boasts over 30 thrilling dive sites, including the renowned Apo Island. Spanning 72 hectares, Apo Island features extraordinary volcanic rock formations and supports an incredible diversity of life with 650 documented fish species and more than 400 coral varieties. It’s no wonder that Sport Diver Magazine recognized it as one of the top 100 diving spots in the world back in 2008, and it still holds that esteemed reputation today!

More Info

Right next door, you’ll find the Sea Explorers Dive Center nestled within our partner resort, Pura Vida. Conveniently located on the beach, our well-equipped dive center has four top-notch dive boats ready to whisk you away to various dive sites and exhilarating day trips. Each boat accommodates 10-16 divers and includes essential safety gear such as oxygen equipment, a First Aid kit, spare dive gear, and practical communication tools to ensure a secure and memorable diving experience. Explore the underwater wonders with us!

Rates, Prices & Specials

Pricing ranges from $2,880 to $2,300 dbl occ

2026

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Packages

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Pricing ranges from $2,880 to $2,300 dbl occ (call us for the complete package)

Accommodations

Pura Vida Beach & Dive Resort

Pura Vida Beach & Dive Resort has 27 rooms surrounded by a tropical garden. There are five different room categories: suite rooms, family deluxe rooms, deluxe rooms, and standard rooms. The standard rooms in the back of the resort have a beautiful garden view. All the other rooms are in the front part, nicely arranged around the pool area near the beachfront. The restaurant is directly at the beach, atop the Sea Explorers dive center. The beach bar and the extended restaurant are just beside the dive center near the pool area.

We have blocked several villas at Pura Vida Homes. This resort offers luxurious one, two, or three-bedroom villas that can easily accommodate families of 3 to 6. Oceanfront villas are crafted from rich hardwoods and offer majestic views. One master bedroom has a king bed, and a second bedroom has two single beds. Each of the 2-bedroom Villas has a similar setup. Full kitchens and a living room with a balcony spanning the entire villa. Each overlooks a beautiful beach or two pools. There is a gym, spa, and wedding chapel available for those with other agendas.

Suite Rooms: The two suite rooms are located on the first floor of the two-story buildings behind the deluxe rooms. The oversized balcony equipped with a small mini-bar, refrigerator, and two sunbeds offers a lovely view over the tropical garden towards the pool. The suite rooms feature a living room with a beautiful set of high-quality bamboo furniture. In the bedroom, you will find a large matrimonial bed, a flat-screen TV, and a split air conditioner to cool the suite to your preferred temperature. The spacious bathroom features a hot & cold water bathtub with a whirlpool, a shower, and a double basin sink.

Deluxe Rooms: The 12 deluxe rooms comprise 5 double bungalows and 2 single bungalows, situated around the pool, and one double bungalow located on the beachfront. The rooms feature split air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and a minibar refrigerator. 10 of the 12 rooms are furnished with two comfortable single beds, which can be set up as a matrimonial bed; the other rooms have one double bed. The bathrooms feature a walk-in closet and a hot & cold shower. A relaxing garden or beach view is available from the terrace of each deluxe room.

Family Rooms: The resort offers three different family deluxe rooms, allowing families to enjoy their vacation together. Each room features a lovely terrace, hot & cold showers, air conditioning, a minibar, a refrigerator, and a TV. Two rooms are located directly behind the deluxe rooms on the ground floor of the suite room buildings. The Dolphin room is a single, spacious room furnished with two single beds, a matrimonial bed with a partially open partition, and a bathroom with a shower. The Blue Ring / Moorish Idol room is two rooms with a connecting door. Each room has its own bathroom. Moorish Idol has one big bed, while Blue Ring is furnished with two single beds. The Hammerhead room is in a single bungalow in the back of the resort. The big room offers a bar, desk, and two single beds. Almost any room request can be equipped with an additional single bed for a third person.

Standard Rooms: In the back of the resort, you can find the ten standard bamboo cottages. All the standard rooms are arranged in a U-shape, offering a nice view from their balcony over the beautiful garden in the center. The rooms feature either double or single beds and include air conditioning, a TV, a safety deposit box, and an optional mosquito net. All the bathrooms are concrete and feature a hot & cold shower.

Vida Spa: Get your body pampered after a day of diving in the resort Vida Spa. Choose one of the eight different massage treatments, along with a manicure and pedicure. Chill out and enjoy the relaxing ambiance during your treatment. The Spa also offers a sauna and a steam bath. You can have your treatments booked at your preferred time. There are also daytime specials; inquire at the reception.

Vida Fit Gym and Fitness Center: Be fit with a smile is the slogan of our newly built fitness center in Dauin. Equipped with state-of-the-art gym equipment from Technogym, the gym also features air conditioning, a shower, and a changing room. For those who feel the need to engage in cardio exercises, weightlifting, or simply stretch, the Vida Fit Gym and fitness center is complimentary for all our Pura Vida Beach Resort guests.

Diving / Diving Site(s)

Diving with a smile with Sea Explorers

The Diving

The Diving

We dive with the best for family, and that is with Sea Explorers, a PADI 5-Star IDC. The Sea Explorers dive team is with us throughout our entire stay in the Philippines. They provide top-notch service. This operation has plenty of smaller gear and tanks for adults and certified kids. The dive staff is well-trained for all levels of divers. They accommodated prominent rig photographers and first-time divers alike.

Each boat offers hot coffee and tea, warm face cloths, fresh fruit, and baked bread when you return from your dive. And to top it all off, you don’t even have to touch your gear except to put it on and take it off. It is rinsed and perfectly adorned atop your Nitrox tank, awaiting your return — Heaven!

Nothing makes the staff happier on this trip than seeing the smiles on your faces, and I guess that’s why their tagline is “Dive with a smile,” because they certainly do.

Sea Explorers

Sea Explorers

The Sea Explorers PADI 5-Star CDC Dive Centers are situated on three beautiful islands in the Philippines: Negros (Pura Vida Beach and Dive Resort), Malapascua (Ocean Vida and Buena Vida Resorts), and Bohol (Amuni Ini Resort). Sea Explorers provides well-equipped facilities, including a small retail shop at each location. Dive with a smile! There is little doubt that the Philippines offers some of the best diving experiences for the money in the world. It is one of the few places where you can encounter both the smallest Frogfish and the largest fish on the planet, the whale shark. The service both on land and underwater consistently deserves a 5-star rating.

Whale Shark, Kids Sea Camp, Margo peyton, Kids and divingScuba diving has been the passion of Sea Explorers Philippines since 1989. Sea Explorers Philippines is one of the most established scuba diving companies, dive centers, and dive operators in the Philippines. The team consists of experienced and ambitious divers, hosts, and travel specialists. Be convinced of their professional services and dive with a smile! The two owners, Tom and Margo Peyton, make an effort to dive in the Philippines whenever they can.

Looking for Aliens

Looking for Aliens

The dive guides at Sea Explorers are among the best dive professionals in the world, especially here in the Philippines. Brad Holland, who spent two weeks diving with Sea Explorers, remarked, “I don’t know how those guides see or find all those critters underwater.” If you have a specific creature in mind, ask, and you might be surprised. Whether you’re looking for a Blue Ring Octopus, a hairy frogfish, or even a Giant Frogfish, just stay with the guide, and you could see all three during a single dive—all within an hour!

Dining / Restaurant(s)

The European Filipino Fusion Feast

Pura Vida Restaurant: In the overlooking restaurant at the beach, the resort is serving its breakfast buffet. Pura Vida has also set up tables and chairs as well as a big group table at the beach where you can enjoy your lunch or a romantic dinner under the starry sky. The menu offers a wide range of meals from local menus through different Asian and European kitchens.

Pura Vida Beach Bar: At the Pura Vida Beach bar you can enjoy a wide range of tropical drinks and order some snacks. Directly beside the pool and at the beach, the staff will follow up on your order and serve it while you enjoy your time on the sunbed.

Activities

Other things to do in the Philippines

  • Photography
  • Fish ID
  • Diving
  • Spa
  • Village tour
  • Culinary classes
  • Snorkeling
  • Volleyball
  • Site seeing
  • Gym
  • Yoga
  • Learn to dive

Know Before You Go

Flying to Dauin

When you fly into Manila in 2026, you’ll need to get used to a new terminal setup at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL).

Major Airlines & Routes

  • If you’re flying direct from the USA, Philippine Airlines offers nonstop flights from Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), and New York (JFK). United Airlines also has a nonstop flight from San Francisco. There’s also a new nonstop route from Chicago (ORD) to Manila that may start in summer 2026.
  • If you need to connect, popular hubs from the USA include Tokyo (JAL/ANA), Seoul (Korean Air/Asiana), Taipei (EVA Air/China Airlines), and Hong Kong (Cathay Pacific).
  • If you’re coming from Europe, Air France has a direct Paris–Manila flight, but starting May 2026, it will only run in the winter. In the summer, most travelers connect through Amsterdam (KLM) or Middle Eastern cities like Dubai (Emirates) or Doha (Qatar Airways).
  • From Australia, Jetstar and Philippine Airlines fly direct from Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane.
Getting to Pura Vida Beach & Dive Resort in Dauin, near Dumaguete, is straightforward. The best route depends on whether you’re coming from Manila If you’re traveling from Manila, this is usually the fastest and easiest option:t option):
The simplest way is to fly straight to Dumaguete (Sibulan Airport, DGT).
  • The flight takes around 1 hour and 25 minutes.
  • Both Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific offer several direct flights each day.
  • After you land, it’s a 30 to 45-minute drive south to the resort. Pura Vida can arrange an airport shuttle for about PHP 1,200.

If you’re coming from Cebu (the scenic route): If you’re already in Cebu, you have two main options:

  • You can take the OceanJet fast ferry from Cebu Pier 1 to Dumaguete.
  • The trip takes about 5 hours and usually includes a short stop in Tagbilaran, Bohol.
  • From the Dumaguete pier, it’s a 20 to 30-minute drive to the resort.
Arrival Coordination: We will arrange the Meet & Greet for the resort’s shuttle to take your family to Pura Vida Beach & Dive Resort.

Passports and Documentations

All travelers must have a current passport, adequate funds to support themselves, and a return airline ticket to depart the USA. Travelers must have a passport valid for 6 months from the date of entry into any foreign country. It is the traveler’s responsibility to ensure they have the proper documentation to travel into each country on their itinerary, as well as for re-entry and return to their country. Please check with the appropriate consulate and your chosen airline to ensure you have the proper documentation. Always check your passport and visa requirements. US citizens may go to the US Department of State website at www.travel.state.gov for more information. The website also has information for consulates by country to assist with requirements. There are special requirements for children leaving the US, and many countries have adopted special requirements for the protection of children. If you are traveling with a child that is not your own, a single parent with a child, a child with a different last name, or traveling without both natural parents of the child, you will require documentation proving your right to travel with children. Since regulations vary by country, contact your consulate or embassy and visit the immigration site of the country you are traveling to for the requirements. The Kids Sea Camp Reservation Office and staff will not assume responsibility for passengers who do not have the required documentation.

For those families who cannot avoid a stayover in Manila, Philippines, on the way into or out of Dumaguete, or Amun ini, our counterpart Bigs Eggert in the Philippines highly recommends the following hotel options.

We are all super excited to welcome you to the hidden paradise with Sea Explorers in the Philippines. The best choice for hotels close to the airport is the Marriott, as well as the stunning new complex called City of Dreams, which includes the Hyatt and the Nobu Hotel (located at the City of Dreams. We will have our meet-and-greet person to welcome you on your international flight and transfer you to the hotel. We can also arrange the pickup in the morning to connect with your domestic flight to Dumaguete or Amun-in for Kids Sea Camp and Family Dive Adventures trips.

Please make your reservation at one of the hotels listed above and let us know which one you choose. We will then get transfers organized for you. Please feel free to contact us at any time if you need any additional information

Your 2027 Philippines Adventure awaits

by
Top 5 dives for family, The Philippines, kids Sea Camp, kids and diving

Dates

Introduction

Unleash Your Family’s Inner Explorer in the Philippines: A Dive Adventure Like No Other

Why the Philippines?

Imagine diving amidst a kaleidoscope of marine life, from the tiniest pygmy seahorses to the majestic whale sharks.

The Philippines offers it all:

  • Muck Diving: Unearth hidden treasures in volcanic sands, encountering rare and unusual critters like flamboyant cuttlefish and mimic octopuses.
  • Macro Diving: Marvel at the intricate details of pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, and a myriad of other miniature wonders.
  • Big Animal Encounters: Swim alongside gentle giants like whale sharks and marvel at the grace of manta rays.
  • Unique Biodiversity: Discover species found nowhere else on Earth, like the vibrant mandarin fish and the elusive hairy frogfish.

More Info

A dive adventure that has it all!

Join Kids Sea Camp on a custom-designed family dive vacation expertly curated by Sea Explorers. Our journey takes you to some of the most captivating dive destinations in the Philippines:

  • Cabilao: Ocean Vida is a beautiful boutique resort just sitting on the water’s edge. Enjoy spectacular dives in less than 7 minutes. Tabletops and large schools of fish.
  • Dauin: Discover the underwater wonders of Apo Island and Oslob, home to stunning coral gardens and diverse marine life.
  • Malapascua: Witness the mesmerizing dance of thresher sharks at Monad Shoal aboard the Gypsy luxury eight-pax liveaboard for 7 nights. Departure August 18. Add an unforgettable chapter to your Philippine adventure by visiting Malapascua Island. Here, you’ll have the rare opportunity to dive with pelagic thresher sharks at Monad Shoal, a renowned cleaning station. Witness these magnificent creatures as they gracefully glide through the water, a truly awe-inspiring spectacle.

These 5-star PADI resorts offer exceptional service, delectable cuisine, and a welcoming atmosphere for families. As a special bonus, a professional photographer will capture your family’s unforgettable moments throughout the trip, providing you with cherished memories to last a lifetime. Dive into the Philippines with Kids Sea Camp, the experts in family dive travel. Call us today to start planning your adventure: 803-419-2556

All travelers are required to purchase CFAR trip insurance. CFAR stands for Cancel for any reason. Yes, it’s real, and yes, it’s needed.

2027 Rates & Prices

These are the rates for the multi-island 2027 KSC trips in the Philippines. Please note: International service fees are included in the following rates

Malapasca

Room TypesMalapascua, Ocean Vida 3 night
Ocean Front, (single Occupancy)$2,500
Ocean Front, (Double Occupancy)$2,150

Cabaliao

Room TypeAdult Non-diver deduct $200
Double (Occ)$2,050
Triple (Occ)$1,950
Single (Occ)$2,500
Cliff side Suite Room(Double Occ)$2,450
Cliff side Suite Room(Triple Occ)$2,350
Cliff side Suite Room( Single Occ)$2,900
SASY, SEAL, JOW, Kids age 11 and under in same room as parents$2,050

Dauin

Dauin, Pura Vida7 nights and 6 days of divingDauin, Vida Homes<7 nights and 6 days of diving
Room TypesAdult Diver & Child Diver
rates 		Room TypesAdult Diver & Child Diver
rates
Non-diver deduct $300
Non-diver deduct $300
Deluxe Room (Single occ) $4,300
One bedroom, Condo (Single occ)$5,700
Deluxe Room (Double occ)$3,600
One bedroom, Condo (Double occ)$4,600
Honeymoon Suite Room (Single occ)$5,500
One bedroom, Condo (Triple occ)$4,400
Honeymoon Suite Room (Double occ)$4,200
Two bedroom, Condo (Double occ)$5,100
Family Room (Double occ)$4,000
Two bedroom, Condo (Triple occ)$4,600
Family Room (Triple occ)$3,900
Two bedroom, Condo (Quad occ)$4,100
Family Room (Quad occ)$3,900
Two bedroom, Condo (Quad occ)$4,100
SASY, SEAL, JOW
Kids age 11 and under in same room as parents		Three bedrooms, with pool Condo (Triple occ) $5,400
Three bedrooms, with pool Condo (Quad occ) $5,000
Three bedrooms, with pool Condo (Quint occ) $4,600
Three bedrooms, with pool Condo (Sextuple occ) $4,300
SASY, SEAL, JOW
Kids age 11 and under in same room as parents		$4,300

Package Includes

The World Best Package in The Philippines:

Cabilao: Pura Vida and Sea Explorers, 4 nights
  • 4 nights’ accommodation in an Ocean View Room with a king bed or two twin beds
  • 3 days of diving (incl. guides, tanks, weights, private boats, and up to 3 scheduled day boat dives daily)
  • All meals included (breakfast, 2-course lunch & 3-course dinner), snacks between dives on the boat
  • Airport and resort transfers
  • One-way transfer from TAG airport to Pura Vida Cabilao
  • Meet and greet in Manila with assistance getting to the domestic terminal from the international terminal (domestic flights not included)
  • One-way escorted transfer from Cabilao to Dauin
Dauin, Pura Vida Homes Resort & Spa, 7 nights 
  • 7 nights accommodation at Pura Vida or Vida Homes in Dauin
  • 6 days of diving (incl. guides, tanks, weights, private boats, and up to 3 scheduled day boat dives daily) including 1 Apo Island Excursion and 1 day trip to Oslob to dive/snorkel with the whale sharks
  • All meals included (breakfast, 2-course lunch & 3-course dinner), snacks between dives on the boat, juices at meal times
  • Airport transfer to DGT airport on departure day and transfer between airport terminals in Manila
  • Sanctuary fees around Dauin and hotel tax
Diving essentials
  • Daily diving as specified above for certified divers
  • SASY (For kids 4-7): All rental gear, daily snorkeling, and the SASY program using the SASY unit. Fins, mask, & snorkel for them to KEEP (shipping only included within the continental US, only kids’ sizes included in the giveaway)
  • Seal Team (for kids ages 8-9): All rental gear and daily Seal Team aqua missions. BCD, fins, mask, & snorkel for them to KEEP (shipping only included within continental US, only kids’ sizes included in giveaway)
  • Jr. Open Water (For kids 10-17): All rental gear, 5 confined dives & 4 open-water dives; instructor continues to dive with them once the course is completed. BCD, fins, mask & snorkel for them to KEEP (shipping only included within continental US, only kids’ sizes included in giveaway)
  • Rental gear equipment for kids (age 4-17)
  • 1 Night Dive (kids age 12+ with at least 20 logged dives)
Fun stuff
  • Activities may include basketball, volleyball, karaoke, trivia, marine presentations, and more
  • Local music and cultural presentations
  • Karoake
  • Trip to the local market for shopping
  • Special Beach BBQ night in Dauin
  • KSC Giveaways (may include stuffed animals, shirts, hats, bags, mask straps, etc)
  • Photos available for free download at the end of the week at gallery.familydivers.com
Free stuff
  • Complimentary internet
  • Complimentary unlimited filtered drinking water
  • Complimentary coffee and tea in the room
  • Complimentary use of resort facilities (such as pools, kayaks, paddleboards, gym in Dauin, etc)
Not included
  • Service charge and gratuities for dive and resort staff
  • Other meals, dives, or activities not specified above
  • Extra nights
  • Round-trip airfare (into CEB if starting in Malapascua, into TAG if starting in Cabilao and departing from DGT after Dauin)
  • Adult dive gear rental. You get a great deal if you purchase your dive gear from Kids Sea Camp. 
  • Adult dive courses or continuing education courses for kids or adults. It must be requested at the time of booking and will not be confirmed until 1-2 months before the trip. 
  • Dive lights for dusk and night dives

Schedule

10-night trip with Sea Explorers: Cabilao, Pura Vida  (5 nights), 20th -24th. Dauin, Pura Vida Homes Resort & Spa, 5 nights June 24th-July 1st.

Additional nights can be added to either location, or extensions can be added to Amun ini Resort or Malapascua.

Sample schedule of the Kids Sea Camp Philippines. (See link)

Accommodations. A great dive resort on every island

Cabileo, Pura Vida

  • Pura Vida Cabilao offers 14 well-appointed rooms surrounded by lush gardens and a relaxed island atmosphere. Guests enjoy direct access to the dive center, swimming pool, beach restaurant, and bar — making it an ideal base for both relaxation and adventure.
  • Deluxe rooms contain either 1 king or 2 twin beds. A third rollaway twin bed can be added to select rooms on the property for families of three.
  • The Cliffside Suite contains 1 king bed and 1 sofa bed, ideal for families of three. 

Dauin, Villas at Pura Vida Homes

  • This resort offers luxurious one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas that can comfortably accommodate families of 2 to 6. These villas are crafted from rich hardwoods and offer majestic views. Bedding accommodations vary between units.
  • Fully equipped kitchens, living area, TV, A/C, and a private balcony. Each overlooks a beautiful beach or a pool.
  • Select villas also have their own private pool- inquire for availability.
  • There is also a gym, spa, and even a wedding chapel.

Dauin, Villas at Vida Homes

  • Deluxe Rooms: The 13 deluxe rooms are hotel-style rooms with A/C, a flat-screen TV, a terrace, and a minibar refrigerator. Units come with either 1 queen bed or 2 twin beds. The view from the rooms is of the beach, the garden, and/or the waterfall. Maximum of 2 people per room. No connecting options available, but adjacent room options are available. 
  • Family Rooms: The resort offers three different family deluxe rooms, allowing families to enjoy their vacation together. Each room features a lovely terrace, A/C, a minibar refrigerator, and a TV. 
  • The Dolphin room is a single, spacious room furnished with two single beds, a queen bed with a partially open partition, and a bathroom with a shower. The Blue Ring / Moorish Idol room consists of two rooms connected by a door. Each room has its own bathroom. Moorish Idol has one large bed, while Blue Ring has two single beds. The Hammerhead room contains 4 single beds. The large room features a bar, a desk, and two single beds. Almost any room request can be equipped with an additional single bed for a third person.

Pura Vida Beach & Dive Resort, Dauin

The Diving

The Diving

Dive with a smile

We dive with the best for family, and that is with Sea Explorers, a PADI 5-Star IDC. The Sea Explorers dive team is with us throughout our entire stay in the Philippines. They provide top-notch service. This operation has plenty of smaller gear and tanks for adults and certified kids. The dive staff is well-trained to accommodate divers of all levels. They accommodated both prominent rig photographers and first-time divers.

Each boat offers hot coffee and tea, warm face cloths, fresh fruit, and baked bread when you return from your dive. And to top it all off, you don’t even have to touch your gear except to put it on and take it off. It is rinsed and perfectly adorned atop your Nitrox tank, awaiting your return — Heaven!

Nothing makes the staff happier on this trip than seeing the smiles on your faces, and I guess that’s why their tagline is “Dive with a smile,” because they certainly do.

Dive Training

Dive Training

  • PADI SASY program: 6 mornings of activities from 8 am -1 pm daily. SASY kids keep fins, mask, and snorkel, rental gear included
  • PADI SEAL TEAM: 6 daily morning activities from 8 am-1 pm, including all 5 aqua missions. Dive rental gear provided
  • PADI Open Water: All dives needed for certification (eLearning is not included. For eLearning, use the link provided and pay the fee directly to PADI. E-learning needs to be completed prior to arrival.)
  • PADI Dive Master course: RSVP 12 DAYS REQUIRED $1275 add-on to package price/Contact Margo at 803.419.2556 for more information. PADI C Card, E: learning, and Crew Pack included
  • PADI Dive Rescue Diver: RSVP $450 add-on to package price/Contact Margo at 803.419.2556 for more information. PADI C Card, E: learning, and Crew Pack included.
  • KSC certification: PADI has approved its first Kids Sea Diver Specialty course. The certification developed by PADI and KSC founder Margo Peyton is designed to make families that dive together become better dive buddies. The certification is to assist parents and other adult family members who want to update and refresh some of the introductory skills divers learned during previous dive training. The program provides education for those wishing to become more aware of environmental issues and concerns impacting the regions they are currently diving.
  • A KSC reboot: by going through the course, a new Kids Sea Camp Diver will demonstrate mastery in both diving and be a well-trained, confident parent-and-child buddy team. Divers will have training and education in environmental stewardship and watermanship. There will be an emphasis throughout the course on safety, teamwork, and conservation.

The goals of the Kids Sea Camp Diver’s distinctive specialty training:

  • Reinforcement of the “Good Buddy” principles and practices for adults and kids diving together.
  • Refresh divers with basic signs and skills learned in open-water courses, and update them on any skill and technique changes since their certification.
  • Educate parents and adults about the benefits of continuing education in diving.
  • Encourage interest in leadership roles that promote responsible diving and safer dive planning.
  • Discuss local eco-issues, concerns, customs, and traditions, and how these have impacted local environments. Examples: Overfishing, land run-off, plastic introduction, depletion of marine animals.
  • Identify local environmental issues, discuss solutions, and create awareness.

Digital photo course: $225 + e: learning. Underwater photography is one of the most popular diving specialties. With so many underwater cameras, it has become easier and more fun than ever to capture images of your underwater scuba adventures. The PADI Digital Underwater Photographer course gets you going quickly, whether you use a point-and-shoot camera or a sophisticated DSLR like the pros. PADI (Junior) Open Water Divers who are at least ten years old can take the Digital Underwater Photographer course. Because underwater photography is also popular with snorkelers, there is an option for avid snorkelers and skin divers to complete the course.

Nitrox course: $75 + e: learning. The PADI Enriched Air Diver course is PADI’s most popular specialty scuba course. Why? Because scuba diving with enriched air nitrox gives you more no-decompression time, especially on repetitive scuba dives. If staying down longer and getting back in the water sooner sounds appealing, then don’t hesitate to become an enriched air diver. If you’re a PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver who is at least 12 years old, you can enroll in the Enriched Air Diver Specialty course. Note that in some regions the minimum age is older than 12. You’ll learn why diving with air that has higher oxygen and lower nitrogen content gives you more bottom time, along with enriched air equipment considerations. During a practice session and two optional (or required) scuba dives, you’ll:

  • Discuss managing oxygen exposure.
  • Practice analyzing oxygen content in your scuba tank.
  • Set your dive computer for enriched-air nitrox diving.

You may be able to get college credit for the PADI Enriched Air Diver course – ask your instructor to learn more.

PADI Whale Shark Aware certification: $125. Whale sharks are the largest fish in the sea, yet they are known as gentle giants, with little known about their activities or population size. Research and monitoring programs are helping fill these knowledge gaps. Learn about whale shark biology, behavior, and distribution. Practice passively observing these large creatures during two scuba dives or snorkeling excursions.

PADI Shark Aware certification: $125. Sharks are crucial to marine ecosystems, yet sharks are declining globally. Learn about the value of sharks and the causes of the rapid loss of shark populations. The course may include two scuba dives or be presented as a non-diving education program. The first dive of this distinctive specialty course may count as an Adventure Dive toward your Advanced Open Water Diver certification – ask your instructor about earning credit.

See more about the Kids Sea Camp dive training.

Dining / Restaurant(s)

The Filipino feast

Pura Vida Restaurant

In the overlooking restaurant at the beach, the resort is serving its breakfast buffet. Pura Vida has also set up tables and chairs, as well as a big group table at the beach, where you can enjoy your lunch or a romantic dinner under the starry sky. The menu offers a wide range of dishes from local cuisines and various Asian and European kitchens.

Pura Vida Beach Bar

At the Pura Vida Beach bar, you can enjoy a wide range of tropical drinks and order some snacks. Directly beside the pool and at the beach, the staff will follow up on your order and serve it while you enjoy your time on the sunbed.

Activities

Other things to do in the Philippines

  • Photography
  • Fish ID
  • Diving
  • Spa
  • Village tour
  • Culinary classes
  • Snorkeling
  • Volleyball
  • Site seeing
  • Gym
  • Yoga
  • Learn to dive

Know Before You Go

Passports and documentation

Update your passports

All travelers must have a current passport, adequate funds to support themselves, and a return airline ticket to depart the USA. Travelers must have a passport valid for 6 months from the date of entry into any foreign country. It is the traveler’s responsibility to ensure they have the proper documentation to travel into each country on their itinerary, as well as for re-entry and return to their country.

Please check with the appropriate consulate and your chosen airline to ensure you have the proper documentation. Always check your passport and visa requirements. US citizens may go to the US Department of State website at www.travel.state.gov for more information. The website also has information for consulates by country to assist with requirements.

Kids’ documents are important

There are special requirements for children leaving the US, and many countries have adopted special requirements for the protection of children. If you are traveling with a child that is not your own, a single parent with a child, a child with a different last name, or traveling without both natural parents of the child, you will require documentation proving your right to travel with children. Since regulations vary by country, contact your consulate or embassy and visit the immigration site of the country you are traveling to for the requirements. The Kids Sea Camp Reservation Office and staff will not assume responsibility for passengers without the required documentation.

Stay over in Manila?

For those families who cannot avoid a stayover in Manila, Philippines, on the way into or out of Dumaguete, or Amun ini, our counterpart, Bigs Eggert, in the Philippines, highly recommends the following hotel options.

Manilla Hotels

We are all super excited to welcome you to the hidden paradise with Sea Explorers in the Philippines. The best choice for hotels close to the airport is the Marriott, as well as the stunning new complex called City of Dreams, which includes the Hyatt and the Nobu Hotel (located at the City of Dreams. We will have our meet-and-greet person to welcome you on your international flight and transfer you to the hotel. We can also arrange a morning pickup to connect with your domestic flight to Dumaguete or Amun-in for Kids Sea Camp and Family Dive Adventures trips.

Please make your reservation at one of the hotels listed above and let us know which one you choose. We will then get transfers organized for you. Please feel free to contact us at any time if you need any additional information

Counting Shaun the sheep at Kids Sea CAMP

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shaun the sheep, kids sea camp

Shaun the Sheep, a tiny sea slug, has been discovered.

Destination: The Philippines with Sea Explorers, Amun ini, and Kids Sea Camp. Neither my wife nor I had ever been to the Philippines before. Margo and Tom Peyton, fellow dive industry friends, had invited us multiple times. Tom talked about a strange alien life he found mesmerizing and how incredible it would be to experience. It’s just impossible to describe, he said, but mindblowing and life-changing, a world you will become obsessed with exploring.

My first muck dive in the Philippines: Marcio, another guest, fellow photographer, and avid, loyal Kids Sea Camp adventurer, spoke of a sheep. I was curious; he had my attention. The guides you see can show you almost anything you request, but who knows what to request in a land of aliens? Marcio named the critter focus of this trip for himself and piqued my curiosity: Shaun the Sheep.

As I descended below the surface of the clear Philippine water, I was not fooled by the desolate, grey, bare sand. Tom Peyton said, “This is the home for some of the most incredible creatures I will ever see.” With all the colors of the universe residing on the most minuscule of animals, like the hundreds of nudibranchs found here or pygmy squid, and then there are the mesmerizing colors of the mandarin fish. Tom was so correct. The obsession began as I saw the true master of camouflage, the pygmy seahorse. While the Philippines’ underwater world is nothing short of a new planet, one critter in particular stole my heart even before we met: Shaun the Sheep. Marcio showed me a photo from his dive, and I was hooked.

Keep in mind my wife, Cristina Zenato, and I dive with sharks for a living, so it was pretty interesting to watch myself get so excited about a creature I could barely see with the naked eye. When you see how cute this little guy is, you will understand why.

What is Kleptoplasty?

A tiny leaf slug (Costasiella Kuroshimae) that grows to a length of 7 millimeters. They graze on algae, suck up their chloroplasts, and retain them within their tissues, allowing them to supplement their diet through photosynthesis. This process is called kleptoplasty.

How could I not become obsessed with an animal the size of a grain of rice capable of using photosynthesis? To feed my obsession, I needed to learn more. Shaun has multiple siblings, like the Bumblebee-looking (Costasiella Sp), and distant cousins living in the Caribbean.

But how do you find something so small in the vastness of the ocean?

In the same way, you find any small creature in the Philippines, you find its home. Shaun the Sheep lives on a specific algae called Avrainvillea. Find the algae, see Shaun the Sheep. Rest assured, my quest for Shaun the Sheep is not over. I am looking forward to seeing and photographing its Caribbean cousin.

By Kewin Lorenzen

Family diving in the Philippines; Malapascua, Cabilao & Dauin

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Thresher sharks, Philippines, kids and scuba scuba diving children, family dive vacations, Family Dive Adventures, Scuba Diving

The owner’s favorite destination to dive

The Philippines is hands down my favorite place for diving over the past 30 years. I personally feel it’s perfect for kids of all ages. We work only with Sea Explorers, as I feel they are the only kid-friendly, safest operator for kids in the Philippines. Most of their Philippines staff are parents, and they just really get the concepts of Kids Sea Camp. 

Malapascua is Thresher’s heaven

This destination is an add-on pre-trip to our Kids Sea Camp main week. We are here specifically to dive with the Thresher sharks that come up from the deep each morning to a cleaning station at 70ft. It’s one of the most humbling and majestic dives I have ever done. Watching these beautiful sharks with tails as long as their bodies, shimmer through the water as they pass overhead. This dive is a WOW for anyone who loves sharks. 

Diving in Malapascua is not for little kids to dive. Having said that, we can and do arrange for younger kids to be watched while parents are diving. We offer Malapascua for 3 nights, with a 2-day add-on. The resorts are located in a beautiful village on an amazing white-sand beach. Pura Vida Resort and Buena Vida Resort are the two resorts we use. Buena Vida Resort is a luxury Spa and offers vegan and Paleo foods, yoga, etc. and is located in the Village and a 3 min walk to the beach. Ocean Vida Malapascua Resort in the Philippines is oceanfront and features the Sea Explorers dive show on-site, with 1 restaurant. 

Kids can be accommodated with child care at either resort while parents are diving. Diving here starts at 5 AM in the morning. We put Malapascua first because jet lag is a bonus here, as most people are waking up around 4 am.  So, diving for kids age 12+ and adults starts at 5 A.M., out to Monad Shoal for 2 dives, and back by 9 A.M. for breakfast. The rest of the day is spent enjoying the beach and village, etc. There is no pool at this resort.

Amun ini is in Ando on the island of Bohol 

This is a beautiful boutique resort with a large beach and an infinity pool. It is a 5-star resort about 2 hours from Cabilao, and TAG is the airport to fly into for both this property and Cabilao.  Amun ini mostly features macro diving. The rarest of nudibranchs, octopus, and pygmy seahorses are the norm to see on dives.

Dauin Pura Vida Homes and Pura Vida Resort with Sea Explorers

We will include a trip to Oslob to snorkel and dive with whale sharks. Little kids will be supervised and allowed to come and snorkel. We also have a dive excursion to Apo Island and a tour to the Mountain Village School. Dauin is our main Kids Sea Camp event, and we have a lot going on there from SASY to Seal Team (in the ocean), Jr. Open Water courses, specialty courses, Whale Shark Aware, and even a Dive Master program. Families from all around the world attend, bringing kids ages 5 to 18. The younger kids’ programs here are heavily supervised with 1 instructor to every 2 kids in the water. The rooms offered are 1,2- or 3-bedroom villas with ocean and garden views at Pura Vida Homes. These are the luxury rooms in a private area we have chartered, featuring private pools, a swim-up bar, and beach access. 

Some guests can also choose to stay at the sister property just next door, attached to Pura Vida Homes, called Pura Vida Resort. This resort offers lower-priced hotel rooms. Guests can stay longer, arrive earlier, or even visit Dauin Kids Sea Camp. There are lots of options. We can also arrange individual trips outside our Kids Sea Camp events year-round and create a custom family trip for you on other dates that better fit your schedule.

I hope this information helps you decide whether to travel with us to the Philippines this year.
Margo Peyton

Philippines: The jewels of the visayas sea

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Kids Scuba, Family Scuba Diving Adventures, Kids Sea Camp, Margo Peyton, Whale Sharks, Family Scuba Diving Vacations, Family Dive Adventures, The Philippines

Welcome to the jewel of the Philippines

Our children’s world has become much larger as today’s technology helps us to engage “virtually” in ways we never dreamed possible. However, beyond our smartphones, there is still a big, beautiful, real world out there. It’s filled with the kind of learning and adventure that expands our hearts and minds in a way technology cannot. The adventure in the Philippines is a jewel of a diving vacation.

When we travel with our children, we provide them with personal experiences that they’ll carry with them for the rest of their lives. If you’re eager to plan your next scuba diving adventure as a family, here is the latest off-the-beaten-path treasure that Tom and I have just explored and that Kids Sea Camp has approved.

Islands in the Visayas Sea

Upon landing on the main island, Cebu, we were met with friendly smiles and helpful hands. Biggs Eggert with Sea Explorers provided us cool face cloths, bottled water, and hugs. We quickly headed to board a Banca boat, which reminded me of a giant bamboo water spider; it was spacious and smooth sailing, like a mystical chariot to our first dive location.

Malapascua has become well known as a premier dive destination fairly recently

This tiny island, just a little more than a mile long, is home to several villages that exist either directly or indirectly to support the growing dive tourism industry.

I have read that Malapascua is the only known place on Earth where one can dive with the endangered thresher sharks and, as I prefer, in a natural setting on seamount cleaning stations at Monad Shoal. Biggs said we would dive with the sharks at sunrise, and as crazy as that sounds, it was not hard at all. Jet lag combined well with the time lag, and we were wide awake and ready to dive at 5 A.M.!

Thresher sharks

Thresher sharks have been on my wishlist for many years, and seeing them on every dive far exceeded my expectations. The shoals also attract devil rays, pelagic fish, and hammerheads; more than enough to thrill any diver. Families can enjoy diving the coral gardens, coral walls as well as further-out sites including Gato Island and Kemod Shoal.

Malapascua has at least 20 dive operations and hotels situated along Bounty Beach; however, Tom and I found only two properties we would deem as family-friendly. Ocean Vida and Buena Vida both have connecting rooms, family-friendly food, and kid-friendly staff. Ocean Vida is oceanfront, and Buena Vida is right in the middle of the local village, hosting an amazing spa and restaurant that would please any palette. Gourmet breakfasts, vegan and vegetarian dishes and fresh seafood are featured.

Sea Explorers a PADI five-star IDC

Sea Explorers, a PADI five-star IDC, is our No. 1 pick for diving and island hopping throughout the islands of the Visayas Sea. Exceptional service and knowledge, smaller dive gear, tanks sized for kids, and a well-trained staff for all levels of divers. They easily accommodate big-rig photographers, single families, and large groups like ours. Each Banca boat offered hot coffee or tea, warm face cloths, fresh fruit, and baked bread upon returning from our dives. To top it all off, I never touched my gear; it was rinsed and set up perfectly adorned atop my nitrox tank, awaiting my return. Heaven! I have to say, nothing made the staff happier than to see the smile on our faces, and I guess that’s why the Sea Explorers’ tagline is “Dive with a smile,” because we certainly did.

Negros Island was our next stop

We were beyond surprised when we arrived at Pura Vida Homes. Fourteen luxurious two-bedroom villas are handcrafted with rich hardwoods and have breathtaking views of the mountains and sea. The resort sits on a beautiful beach with three infinity pools, a restaurant, a gym, a spa, and a wedding chapel.

Being that it was our 10th wedding anniversary, we could not resist the opportunity to renew our vows at sunrise. Owner Chris Heim was delighted to give me away. Biggs accepted as my maid of honor, and the local pastor presided, as his lovely daughter sang. I have no words for how special Sea Explorers made us feel throughout our trip. They treat everyone like family.

There were mountain villages to explore, and infinite pristine reefs teeming with fish to dive, like Apo Island, which provided endless views of colorful soft corals, punctuated with my favorite, turtles! We could have stayed a month and not been bored.

Whale sharks

On our way to Bohol aboard our Banca boat, Dako, we were able to dive in 35 feet of warm, clear water and observe these gentle giants feeding on krill. I had only been diving with whale sharks in the Galapagos, and it was fabulous in these much warmer waters. Kids and families can snorkel or dive anytime during their stay.

Amun Ini is a small 16-room, five-star dive resort and the most luxurious little gem we found yet. Family-owned and family-run.  Amun Ini means “This is mine,” and I can understand why, as anyone would want to claim it for themselves. A beautiful, private white sand beach, infinity pool, and large, spacious rooms greeted us at this eco-friendly, holistic, and organic scuba retreat.

Did I mention it’s kid-friendly?

The owner’s daughter and her husband are the gourmet chefs, who create local dishes that will tantalize your taste buds and make you feel like you’re dining in one of the top 10 restaurants in the world. Did I mention it’s kid-friendly? The chef’s two little girls, ages 3 and 5, joined us each day. I loved seeing the smiles on their faces when I told them about Kids Sea Camp and all the kids we would return with to play together in the ocean.

Beyond diving, I must mention the things Tom thought were more than noteworthy. Everyone in the Philippines plays basketball,  and they are really good at it too! Tom played a few games after diving with the dive team, and it was almost as good as the diving.

In addition, there are sunset massages, culinary classes, yoga, and kayaking. We also enjoyed the many hugs from some of the happiest children we encountered throughout our trip. These are humble people who prize family and each other above all things.

The diving had the most incredible, healthy, and vibrant reefs I have ever seen. Biggs asked me if I wanted to do some muck diving. I had read about this type of addictive diving, hunting for the tiniest of critters on the sandy bottom. I found tiger shrimp the size of a grain of rice, multicolored frogfish the size of a gumball, and pygmy seahorses, all well camouflaged to the eyes of any would-be predators.

Cabilao Island, our next stop via the Chocolate Hills

The hanging bridge and a zip line to stay at Pura Vida Cabilao. Another spectacular Sea Explorer resort with 2O spacious oceanfront suites, more breathtaking views, and completely surrounded by endless coral walls. The unlimited shore diving offered many opportunities to encounter a wide range of tiny critters, turtles, rays, sharks, and even schools of wild dolphins.

This boutique island resort offers a personal closeness that is perfect for small groups and the Kids Sea Camp. The dining offers a personalized touch with a menu prepared to please.

A welcoming, safe, and smile-driven island

All in all, we have given a good chunk of our hearts to the Philippines, as we found it to be one of the most welcoming, safe, and smile-driven places we have encountered to date. If you’re ready to take a break from your virtual world, I invite you to taste experience to the utmost, to teach your children to reach out without fear to explore a world that will bring their imagination to life.

Join us for an extraordinary journey to the Philippines. I encourage you to open your children’s eyes to humility, happiness, and a new way of looking at life that they will remember forever.

By Margo Peyton, President of Kids Sea Camp Inc.