1

This time of year is perfect for the Philippines and the Maldives, whereas in Indo it is theoretically the tail end of the wet season. Philippines is much more budget-friendly though, so I would personally choose to go there. Its possible to stay in Male for Maldives and do trips from there, or in a guesthouse on some other islands and do trips from there, but the phils is much better value. March is also when the whale sharks start to appear near Donsol, i cant recommend this enough. There are countless, countless other beaches, islands and diving places to go there, here is just a selection I'd recommend: Malapascua island, Panglao off Bohol, Apo Island near Dumaguete, Moalboal, Camiguin island off Mindanao, Boracay beach and pls do not forget Donsol!

2

Philippines is less expensive than Maldives and you really get that "beach feeling" as the months of March through April are the best months to visit the country.

Beaches in Caramoan Cam Sur, Amanpulo, Pearl Farm, Guimaras, Boracay, Matabungkay are a must see beaches!

Goodluck!

3

If I go to the Philipines is it easy enough to do the diving on day trips so I don't have to book a liveaboard?

4

Definitely, every town that offers diving will have several diving shops that do day trips. Its best to stay in the town where you want to dive, to avoid expensive transport to/from. Liveaboards are mostly for more far-flung destinations that aren't accessible within a day.

5

Thanks for the advice....I think I will go to the Philipines. I have looked at the map and the places seem a bit spread out. Is the traveling between islands easy? If you had to pick a few key spots to "base" from (that had good beaches) and do good diving, what places would you pick? What dive spots would anyone recommend to make sure and do? I will do maybe 5 - 6 days of diving 2-3 dives a day.

6

Are you in the Philippines yet? You can try Malapascua or Bohol in Visayas? Malapascua has those thresher sharks. Bohol might have some nicer beaches though.

Boracay is not really known for great diving. Apo Island is not known for beaches. Donsol does not have a nice beach. Caramoan area is not popular for diving also.

Dont know about Camiguin, Moalboal, etc. Maybe Amanpulo is you have tons of $$$$. Lots of unsafe places in Mindanao. Tubattaha liveaboard might be very cool!

If you have 5-6 days maybe you can base yourself around Cebu/ Bohol and just take ferries (check the schedule) to other islands like Apo sanctuary in Dumaguete. Theres whale sharks in Oslob, Cebu but they don't have a good reputation with treatment of animals.

Good luck! Enjoy your stay!