Crystal Blue Resort
If getting there is half the fun, then being there is worth the trip. CBR is a wonderful place to be for diving and underwater photography.
Mike Bartick (otherwise known as Sir Mike of Blackwater) and the entire staff at CBR made this a trip to remember. Mike is a super enthusiastic individual willing to share his knowledge of the local critters and underwater photography. His enthusiasm for diving extends to the entire dive team from the hard working guys on shore through to the boatmen and our dive guide (Pong).
Diving is all from boats with a maximum of four divers per boat. My wife was concerned when she saw an image of the narrow ramp to board the boat, but that concern quickly faded the first time we boarded. The boat crew handles the loading of all dive gear and camera equipment. All of the dive sites were within a 20 minute ride.
Not to be missed is the option for the Blackwater night dive. A line is extended from a surface float with lights every 15 feet down to about 75 feet. Floating in then dark of night while in sight of the line and waiting for the strange night critters is an amazing experience.
And there are lots of critters. In other places we have visited the question my wife asks is usually ‘are we going to see a frogfish and a seahorse?’ Seahorses on almost every dive. As for frogfish, it is not how many you are going to see, but how many varieties on each dive.
For underwater photographers the camera room is well laid out with a separate station for each person including ample plugs to charge batteries.
Accommodations are quite comfortable. The resort staff is extremely accommodating and friendly. Service is excellent throughout.
The food is served buffet style with plenty of fresh choices at every meal. Always a good meal to be had.
When diving is done, take advantage of the spa for a very relaxing massage.
Transportation to/from Manila airport was easy. We arrived in Manila on a 4:00 AM flight and a driver was waiting for us as soon as we exited the arrivals area. It is about 2.5 hours from Manila to the resort.
