Introduction
Designed by Divers Built for Divers
M/Y Gypsy is probably one of the most unique vessels in the private yachting and diving industry. This 80 ft/24.3 m-long vessel sleeps 8 people comfortably and its layout is meticulously designed with comfort and space for our guests in mind.
It was completely refitted in 2021 and the changes made to her only improved the vessel’s superbness. The refit and redesign were done by Dutch boatbuilder, Frank van der Linde, together with interior designer, Simone Schuil. The two of them turned the vessel into the ultimate exploration platform. It has all the comfort needed for long trips and is designed to make you feel at home as soon as you set foot on board.
Apart from being luxurious and having one of the sexiest lines a boat can wish for, M/Y Gypsy is also a very spacious vessel, with over 250 m2 in her three decks. It has a spacious flybridge, chill’n relax areas on the bow and stern, and a massive salon with a serene dining area.
With 4 cabins consisting of 1 owner’s suite, 1 master bedroom and 2 smaller cabins with two single beds each, the vessel allows up to 8 guests to sleep and live comfortably, which is the perfect group size for you and your family, friends or your dive club/shop. We also have 2 comfortable cabins for the crew.
Designed by Divers Built for Divers
Meet Chris & Finn, two divers who love the ocean and scuba diving. Combined with nearly 50 years diving in the Philippines their passion is down under. After 3 years refurbishing M/Y Gypsy the dream came to a reality. Chris is one of the pioneers in the scuba diving industry in the Philippines, across Visayas you will find dive sites he found and named. Finn loves exploring with over 300 island under his belt.
“We wanted to make something unique, a Liveaboard with only 8 guests without sacrifing space and comfort” – Chris
“I don’t want guests to end our trips as a customer, but as a friend” – Finn
Safety & Premium Quality
Your safety is our number one priority. Oxygen tanks both on dingy and Yacht ready incase of a emergency. Smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, personal flotation devices as well crew on watch 24 hours of the day. The yacht is equipped with highest quality technology for safe cruising, everything from night vision cameras to 3d depth finders.
We take pride in our food with International cuisine serving you meals in between every dive. Light breakfast, breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner. We selected the very best crew of decades of experience cruising and diving in the Philippines. We recommend having our signature massage between dives, specialized for divers on the beam.
Reduced Seasickness with Gyro Stabilizer
Enjoy a smooth ride even with 2-meter-high waves, and a good night’s sleep on anchor even when there is a bit of a swell. This is because the M/Y Gypsy is equipped with the latest, state-of-the-art Seakeeper Gyro stabilizers. These are the Rolls Royce of stabilizers and offer comfort and extra safety in unexpected storms and rough seas. Reducing 95% of the boat rolling during a cruise.
With all the latest technology onboard, all our cabins are en-suite with shower and bathroom, equipped with individually-controlled air-conditioning, and controlled by state-of-the-art navigation equipment where safety is our priority.
Yacht Layout
M/Y Gypsy consists of 3 floors, lower-upper and a flybridge. For 8 guests the yacht is spacious and comfortable to walk around. From the floor to ceiling you never have to lower your head.
The flybridge: Multiple seating areas. A sundeck with bean bags. Chill lounge with large soft seats and a minibar. Captains secondary bridge. A perfect place to enjoy the cruise or relax in between dives.
The upper deck: From the back a dive deck, a outdoor seating and table area with dive tank holders and storages for each guest. Inside the salon a dining & seating area with a large camera station. Bar & Kitchen. At the captains bridge a stairs to the lower deck. At the bow a large sundeck area for relaxing and seating with soft cushion.
The lower deck: From the back a dive platform, showers and rinsing station for cameras or equipment. Engine room with a thick soundproof wall for quiet experience. Deluxe suites, staff rooms and master cabin.
Rates & Prices
Tubbataha (8D/7N)
| Per day | No. of nights | USD | Per person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full charter | $4,950 | 7 | $34,650 | |
| Master Cabin | $1,290 | 7 | $9,030 | $4,515 |
| Deluxe Suite Cabin | $1,220 | 7 | $8,540 | $4,270 |
Malapascua – Ticao Island & Dauin – Bohol – Camiguin (8D/7N)
| Per day | No. of nights | USD | Per person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full charter | $4,000 | 7 | $28,000 | |
| Master Cabin | $1,068 | 7 | $7,480 | $3,740 |
| Deluxe Suite Cabin | $977 | 7 | $6,840 | $3,420 |
Dauin – Moalboal – Malapascua & Dauin – Cebu – Bohol – Siquijor (8D/7N)
| Per day | No. of nights | USD | Per person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full charter | $3,500 | 7 | $24,500 | |
| Master Cabin | $930 | 7 | $6,512 | $3,256 |
| Deluxe Suite Cabin | $857 | 7 | $5,996 | $2,998 |
What’s included:
- Airport pickup (Airport – Pura Vida only)
- Shared cabin accommodation
- Full board accommodation
- 5 Meals per day
- Water, tea, coffee
- Up to 4 dives daily
- 12 litre cylinder with air fills
- Weights, weight belt and SMB
- Deck and bath towels
What’s not included:
- Flights
- Additional transfers (Cebu – Malapascua, Coron & return transfers)
- Equipment hire
- Nitrox
- Soft drinks, beer, wine and spirits
- WiFi
- On board merchandise
- Crew and dive gratuities
- Park fees
Obligatory surcharges:
Almost all of the places that (apart from the Tubbataha) we visit have no liveaboards operating in the area, this means that it is impossible upfront to tell what the surcharges like custom and immigration fees will be. M/Y Gypsy is not making any profit on any of these fees and these surcharges will be charged at the end of a trip. These and other cost like drinks, merchandise and crew tips can be paid in either cash or with credit card on the boat.
Schedule
The M/Y Gypsy Liveaboard runs all year in the Philippines, always looking for the best weather and diving spots. There are two main seasons: a short Tubbataha season in spring, and Visayas island-hopping trips for the rest of the year.
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (Mid-March to Mid-June)
- Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
- Tubbataha is a remote UNESCO World Heritage site in the Sulu Sea. You can only visit by liveaboard during a three-month period when the sea is calm.
- You can expect pristine coral atolls, steep walls, over 100 feet of visibility, and exciting encounters with manta rays, schooling jacks, and different kinds of sharks. Since the season is short and spots are limited, these trips often fill up one to two years ahead.
The Central Visayas (June through February)
- Duration: Typically 8 Days / 7 Nights (Select 10-Day itineraries available)
For the rest of the year, the M/Y Gypsy explores the heart of the Philippines with several different itineraries, such as:
- Dauin – Moalboal – Malapascua & Return
- Dauin – Cebu – Bohol – Siquijor
- Malapascua – Ticao Island & Dauin – Bohol – Camiguin
These routes give you a lot of variety. You can enjoy world-class muck diving in Dauin, see the famous Sardine Run in Moalboal, and spot thresher sharks in Malapascua, along with beautiful coral gardens and island-hopping adventures.
Accommodations
Cabins
Each cabin has its own bathroom with a hot and cold water shower. You’ll also find adjustable air conditioning, a wardrobe, reading lights, a hair dryer, a safety deposit box, and plenty of storage for your things.
- The Master Cabin (1 available) is spacious and thoughtfully designed to give you the highest level of comfort.
- Bedding: One queen-size bed, with space for a small child if needed.
- Features: Includes a private shower room and a separate private restroom.
- Deluxe Suite Cabins (3 available) are roomy and flexible, making them a great choice for dive buddies, friends, or couples.
- Bedding: Two twin beds that can be joined together to make a queen-size bed if you prefer.
- Features: Comes with a private bathroom and shower.
Diving / Diving Site(s)
Scuba Diving in The Philippines
When you dive from the M/Y Gypsy, you get a unique and personal experience. With just 8 guests on board, you can enjoy quiet dive decks and small, relaxed groups underwater.
- You can look forward to up to four guided dives each day, usually from a tender.
- The upper deck has a tidy outdoor seating area, with a spot for each guest’s dive tank and personal storage.
- If you enjoy underwater photography, you’ll appreciate the spacious camera station in the salon and a special rinsing area on the lower dive platform for your delicate equipment.
- We provide 12-liter cylinders with air fills, weights, weight belts, and SMBs. If you need to rent scuba gear, just let us know in advance.
- Nitrox is also available for an extra fee.
Water temperatures usually range from 78°F to 82°F (25°C to 28°C), so we recommend bringing a 3mm wetsuit.
The M/Y Gypsy changes its routes with the seasons to offer the best diving conditions and wildlife experiences. Here are some highlights:The Central Visayas (Dauin, Moalboal, Malapascua, Bohol)
- Dauin: Known worldwide for its great muck diving. The dark volcanic sand slopes make it easy to spot rare creatures like frogfish, ornate ghost pipefish, flamboyant cuttlefish, seahorses, and many types of nudibranchs.
- Moalboal & Pescador Island: Famous for the amazing “Sardine Run,” where millions of sardines gather in swirling groups along steep walls. You’ll also find colorful coral gardens, caves, and sea turtles here.
- Malapascua: This is a must-visit spot and one of the few places in the world where you can regularly dive with graceful Thresher Sharks at Monad Shoal’s cleaning stations.
- Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (March – June): Only reachable by liveaboard for a few months each year, this remote UNESCO World Heritage site is in the middle of the Sulu Sea. Divers enjoy clear water, steep walls, and untouched coral reefs. You can see grey reef sharks, white-tips, manta rays, and large schools of barracuda and jacks in the strong currents.
Dining / Restaurant(s)
Dining on the water
The main upper deck has a spacious, climate-controlled salon and a peaceful dining area where guests come together to enjoy meals and share dive stories.
- Menu & Meal Schedule: Our onboard chef is dedicated to keeping divers energized, offering a mix of tasty international and local dishes. There are five meals each day, timed to fit your dive schedule:
- Pre-Dive Light Breakfast: Enjoy fresh coffee, tea, and a quick snack before your first dive.
- Full Breakfast: A hearty meal served after your morning dive to help you refuel.
- Lunch: A filling midday meal with both buffet and plated options.
- Afternoon Snacks: Fresh sweet and savory treats to keep your energy up.
- Dinner: A multi-course, sit-down meal to end your day of adventure.
Dietary Needs & Drinks
- Special Diets: Our chef is happy to accommodate most dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free, with advance notice before your trip.
- Beverages: Drinking water, brewed coffee, and tea are complimentary and available all day. Soft drinks, beer, wine, and spirits can be purchased on board. There is also a minibar and lounge on the flybridge, which is a great place to enjoy a sunset cocktail after your last dive.
Activities
We are there to dive and not much else
The main focus of the M/Y Gypsy Liveaboard is to offer world-class, uncrowded diving. The vessel was carefully designed by a Dutch boatbuilder to provide a luxurious place to relax and explore between dives.
- With more than 250 square meters of living space across three decks, it’s easy to find a quiet place to relax on board.
- The flybridge has wide ocean views, plenty of lounge seating, and a minibar where you can enjoy a cocktail at sunset.
- At the bow and stern, you’ll find outdoor spaces made for sunbathing, taking a nap, or just enjoying a quiet moment at sea with a book.
- The indoor salon is a large, climate-controlled lounge with a TV, entertainment area, and camera station. It’s a great place to relax or look through your underwater photos from the day.
- There are also water and land activities for non-divers or anyone who wants to try something different between dives.
- The yacht has gear for stand-up paddleboarding and snorkeling, so you can explore calm lagoons and shallow reefs whenever you like.
- Depending on your itinerary, especially on the Visayas island-hopping routes, trips often include land excursions to visit remote beaches or experience local island culture.
Know Before You Go
Flying to Philippines
Getting to the Philippines from the U.S.
Traveling from the United States to the Philippines is now easier than ever. Many major airlines offer direct flights or simple connections. Most travelers arrive through Manila (Ninoy Aquino International Airport, MNL) or Cebu (Mactan-Cebu International Airport, CEB).
- Non-stop flights from the US to Manila (MNL) usually take about 14 to 15 hours.
- Philippine Airlines (PAL) has non-stop flights from Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), New York (JFK), Honolulu (HNL), and Guam (GUM).
- United Airlines currently has non-stop flights from San Francisco (SFO).
- Delta Airlines will start daily non-stop flights from Los Angeles (LAX) in March 2027.
- If you are not flying from a city with direct flights, you can find easy one-stop connections with top Asian airlines. Most connecting flights stop in major hubs like Tokyo (ANA, JAL), Taipei (EVA Air, China Airlines), Seoul (Korean Air, Asiana), or Hong Kong (Cathay Pacific) before heading to Manila or Cebu.
Domestic Connections for Dive Travel
- Depending on your M/Y Gypsy Liveaboard itinerary, such as Tubbataha or Dauin/Malapascua, you will probably need a short domestic flight after you arrive in the Philippines.
- For Visayas itineraries, if you arrive in Manila, you will take a short domestic flight, about 1.5 hours, to Dumaguete (DGT) or Cebu (CEB).
- For Tubbataha Itineraries: For Tubbataha itineraries, you will need to take a domestic flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa (PPS) in Palawan. Common carriers for these regional island-hoppers are Philippine Airlines (PAL Express) and Cebu Pacific
Contact Family Dive Adventures directly for current information and pricing. Pricing is not guaranteed until paid in full. Package prices may not include some or all of the following: departure tax, round-trip airline reservations, luggage fees, gov’t taxes, port taxes, fuel surcharges, and marine park fees. These conditions are beyond our control and are generally payable to the vendor directly. Family Dive Adventures and its agents act solely as a reservation service for selected suppliers and operators. It is your responsibility to provide proper documentation for international travel. Travel insurance is highly recommended for all trips. Kids Sea Camp is not an insurance company and does not collect payment for any insurance purchased with DAN, MASA, or CFAR USI. We provide links to sources that may assist you on our website www.familydivers.com.
Terms & Conditions: No refund policy applies to all payments made to Kids Sea Camp inc. This includes disruptions due to weather, illness, pandemic, epidemic, acts of God, war, government mandates, canceled/delayed flights, and all unforeseen circumstances outside of Kids Sea Camp inc control. Travel insurance is highly recommended for all trips. Kids Sea Camp is not an insurance company and does not collect payment for any insurance purchased with DAN, MASA, or USI. We provide links to sources that may assist you on our website www.familydivers.com.