We chose a liveaboard over just day trips as you can reach the most popular dive site of 'Princess Alice', its a deep ocean pinnacle that sits at 35m and attracts huge schools of Mobula, Jacks, Tuna and Barracuda, I have never seen so many fish at once in all my life! We did mostly line diving here, we saw hundreds of Mobula at once and I was lucky enough to see a whale shark here too! Then for the Blue Shark dives its line diving also and we got to dive the whole day with them. We would drop down on the line at around 8m and just sit there and watch as the Blues came up and touched us and swam between us and around us, it was amazing! Then when we got low on air we would go back to the boat and change our tanks to come straight back down when we wanted to. The shore dives were ok, but nowhere near as exciting as the deep stuff, it also got a lot colder closer to the shore, a lot of the other divers with us did love the topography of the closer sites though. I feel the cold a lot and was wearing an 8mm suit with hood and gloves (you have to wear gloves around the Blues) but next time I would bring a dry-suit! We also saw dolphins, false killer whales, turtles and a baby sperm whale from the boat which was super cool!
We climbed Pico Mountain, a dormant volcano, at the end of our trip; (don't forget your no-fly times as it sits as 2300m high). I definitely recommend going with a guide for the hike and be prepared for a long day, we took around nine hours in total and we wernt the slowest, but the view from the crater (on a good weather day) is worth it; we could see the other islands of Faial & Sao Jorge.
We hired a car to explore, as you can make it around the island in around two hours, we did it in six as we stopped at every single viewpoint and meals too. There are so many beautiful stops along the way where you can enjoy the view of surrounding islands, the Unesco heritage vineyards and the black lava that covers most of Pico.
We took another day to explore Faial, which was only a short ferry ride. Horta is the town here and is the midway point for boats when crossing the Atlantic, it was lovely to see all the different boats and to explore the streets and old buildings.
I would definitely dive the Azores again, although next time with a dry suit!

I’d definitely go back! It’s about a 4-hour drive from Cebu.

They were super accommodating with my gluten and dairy allergies—tons of tasty options to choose from. A highlight of the trip was definitely the last night when they threw a party with a live band, dancing, and a traditional Filipino feast. So much fun! The staff learn your name by the first day, which makes you feel right at home.

Diving was good; the sheer walls were nice, and catching the sardine run was a real treat. The rooms were comfy, though if you’re like me and prefer to keep the air-conditioning on all the time, you’ll have to sacrifice some natural light since you can’t open the windows.

The dive boats are nice, but be prepared to step over a few sections to reach the seating. Backwards rolls off the boat are a breeze, and the guides are incredibly helpful. There’s a small ladder to climb back on, which is manageable. The house reef where they do the mandarin fish dives is lovely.

The dive center is spacious and well-organized, with short boat rides to the dive sites—never more than 20 minutes. You can do up to 5 dives a day, which is awesome if you’re a dive junkie like me.

They’re currently renovating, so I’m looking forward to seeing the finished rooms next time. Overall, a fantastic trip, and I’m definitely planning to go back soon!

Sangat Island Resort is a true gem that far exceeds the expectations set by its photos. The resort's luxury is understated in its images, and it's a delightful surprise to experience it firsthand.

The dining experience was exceptional, arguably the best I had in the Philippines. The staff went above and beyond to accommodate my gluten and dairy allergies, ensuring I could enjoy every meal without any concerns.

For diving enthusiasts, particularly those who have a passion for wrecks, Sangat Island Resort offers a great experience. The wrecks, which are well-preserved with impressive coral growth, provide great underwater exploration. Although visibility was not optimal during my visit, I could still appreciate the wrecks' allure. Inside, you'll find an array of artifacts like tanks and other remnants, adding to the intrigue; they have Japanese gunboats, sub chasers, cargo vessels, and even a seaplane tender. The resort supports technical diving, with the wrecks ranging from shallow surface dives to depths of 42 meters. The furthest wreck is about 20 minutes away, making for manageable and enjoyable dive excursions.

The house reef is a standout feature, ideal for both snorkeling and diving, and provides a great alternative when you want to stay closer to shore. The resort itself is beautifully set, with the entire beachfront to yourself—no other resorts in sight, ensuring a private and serene environment. Just a friendly warning: there are monkeys around, so keep an eye on your belongings!

While the resort does not offer Wi-Fi (just the restaurant/receptions areas) in the rooms and cell service is limited, these minor inconveniences are outweighed by the resort's charm. A particularly charming feature is the mini island at the front of the resort, which has a bar perfect for sunset drinks.

The resort also has an additional private beach area with its own exclusive villa, providing an even more secluded retreat within the resort. This separate beachfront is perfect for those seeking extra privacy and tranquility, offering a serene escape from the main resort area. With its own villa, this secluded beach ensures an intimate and peaceful stay, making it an ideal choice for guests looking to immerse themselves in a truly private paradise.

The service is warm and welcoming, and the staff are truly lovely. The transfer to the resort is straightforward, with a short private boat ride after a 2.5-hour air/land transfer from Cebu.

Additional activities include a kayak tour through the mangroves to the hot springs, which is a unique and enjoyable experience. The resort can also arrange for a masseuse to visit, enhancing the relaxation of your stay.

Overall, Sangat Island Resort offers a unique blend of luxury, excellent dining, and intriguing diving opportunities. I would certainly return and highly recommend it to those looking for a special getaway in the Philippines.