Dumaguete
Adventure Dive
Michael Freeney of Adventure Dive keeps things interesting with his tales of the Philippines and just about everything else.
You gotta love this guy because he is so full of energy and charisma.
His dive shop has its headquarters right on the main drag in Dumaguete near Happy Fred’s bar. It is kind of a combination Mexican restaurant/dive shop. It seems to work.
The shop sells Mares fins and a few other accessories which can come in handy if you want to do a little snorkeling in the area.
He does take snorkelers onboard for the trip to Apo Island for a very low fee and it is well worth the trip. A 100 peso per day user fee is collected for the Apo Island Sanctuary from all snorkelers and divers.
Adventure Dive has a beautiful piece of property just up the beach from Sea Explorers that is still being developed. The resort is under construction at this time.
Michael takes the divers out to the launching point on the beach in Dauin by car in the mornings. Don’t forget your sunglasses and sun screen lotion.
You can get very wet on the boat ride across so if there is anything you want to keep dry such as cameras be sure to bring a plastic bag to keep your stuff protected.
Some divers prefer to stay in Dumaguete at night because there is a lot to do in the evenings. It works out well.
Adventure Dive
#48 Rizal Ave
Dumaguete City
tel (063) 35-422-1781
cell 0921-227-2160
office 0910-229-0179
www.adventurediveshop.com
email mike@adventurediveshop.com
Dec 2008 - update
I stopped in to see Mike of Adventure Dive a few weeks ago. The dive shop has a great vibe even if you don’t dive.
Good food - cold beer.
These characters just came back from the parade.
Never a dull moment at Adventure Dive!
The island of Negros is a great base for exploring the Visayas.
Apo Island is a world renowned scuba diving paradise and there are waterfalls and beaches all around the island.
March 2009 update
I stopped in at the dive shop last night to get some Mexican food. Mike was in good spirits and the food was great.
Dumaguete - night waves
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_oPF_QDU2Y
Stop in and say “hi”. Even if you don’t dive the atmosphere is great and so is the food.
Here are two of Mike’s kids. The street kids that sell the peanuts on the boulevard have all been “adopted” too.
Sights near Dumaguete
Casaroro Falls
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_URrET8sAw
update - June 4 2009
I stopped in at Mike’s place for a bite to eat tonight. You gotta love this guy even if you are not big into scuba diving. It seems like he has adopted a couple dozen street kids and it is really having a good influence on them.
You really get a good feeling when you leave this place. Not only are you full with food but your spirit is lifted.
This little tiger is going to be a great diver!