Puerto Galera, located on northern Mindoro in the Philippines, offers a world-class diving experience that captivates both novice and seasoned divers. This Biosphere Reserve, recognized by UNESCO in 1973, boasts some of the planet's healthiest coral reefs, having thrived due to reduced fishing activities. With over 152 coral species and more than 180 varieties of nudibranchs, this dive destination promises encounters with a vibrant array of marine life, including three different kinds of endangered turtles. The area's diverse underwater environments include dramatic walls, colorful reefs, and intriguing shipwrecks, remnants from when the Spanish used Puerto Galera as a refuge during typhoon seasons.
Dive enthusiasts will find a wealth of options with over 40 dive sites around Puerto Galera, including the famous Sabang Beach area. The dive centers here cater to all levels of expertise, offering courses from major dive federations such as PADI, SSI, and NAUI. Whether you're interested in muck, drift, or technical diving, the variety is endless. The nearby Verde Island is a must-visit for its exhilarating currents and biodiversity. For those looking to extend their marine adventure, liveaboards in the region provide an unparalleled opportunity to explore the secluded coves and pristine waters of this diving paradise. With its close proximity to bustling Manila, Puerto Galera is not only convenient but also enriched with a vibrant tourist scene, making it an irresistible destination for divers worldwide.
The most famous diving in Puerto Galera is the reef diving. The gardens here are home to over 300 species of corals, as well as almost 60% of earth’s shore fish species. Night diving on these reefs, particularly around Sabang, is excellent. Muck diving lovers will love exploring the ocean floor as the night time beasties start to come out. The macro life is incredible. One highlight is found at Monkey Beach dive site with multiple pygmy seahorse found on one sea fan.
There are plenty of drift dives here, many of which are fast and strong. Some dive sites have up and down currents to contend with too - not for the faint hearted or the inexperienced! There are a few caves and swim throughs, such as the one at Hole in the Wall at 12m. There are also wrecks like the Sabang Wrecks and the Alma Jane to explore.
The wall dives found here are some of the best. Sites such as The Drop Off on Verde Island and Senandigan Wall offer dramatic descents into deep water which may be intimidating for a newbie diver. These walls are very popular with technical divers too due to the depth.
Liveaboard diving is popular in this area as there are so many dive sites. Particularly around Verde Island, you would find yourself doing multiple day trips from Puerto Galera if you wish to do more than a couple of dives. Therefore, liveaboards can be an efficient way of diving everywhere you wish to.
The corals in Puerto Galera are some of the healthiest in the world. There was a severe coral bleaching event in 1998 but they have bounced back with even greater diversity. Luckily the 2010 El Niño event left the coral gardens here largely unscathed. Its status as a marine protected area, with heavy restrictions on fishing, help to protect the corals further.
Healthy reefs mean healthy reef life. Schools of fish swarm at most dive sites - fusiliers, mackerel, moorish idols, batfish, snappers, jacks, trevally, basslets and barracuda are all common sights. Colourful reef fish like triggerfish, parrotfish, lionfish, wrasse, anemonefish, butterflyfish and angelfish are numerous.
Cephalopod lovers will be delighted at the variety; cuttlefish, squid and octopus - including the super rare blue-ringed, mototi, mimic and wonderpus varieties. Hiding in the nooks and crannies, you will find moray eels and reef sharks. Other hidden beasties include ribbon eels, frogfish, mantis shrimp, scorpionfish, leaf fish, pipefish, rhinopias, lobsters, crabs, shrimps and nudibranch in their hundreds. You might spot a black and white banded sea snake undulating through the water. If you are a photographer, the diving in Puerto Galera will quickly fill your camera reel.
Fans of larger life forms while diving will not be disappointed either. Turtles like hawksbills, green and olive ridleys are seen all over. Humphead wrasses are visible, particularly around the full moon. Verde Island has deep water and strong currents. The fast flowing water attracts big trevally and tuna, as well as occasional visits from eagle rays, marble rays, manta rays, thresher sharks, hammerhead sharks and even the occasional whale shark has been spotted here.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 200
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 600
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 27
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 28
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 90
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 12
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 130
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 3000
Diving in Puerto Galera is possible year round due to its warm, tropical climate. It is also surrounded by mountains and islands which protect it from the worst of the monsoon season - though there is still a wet and dry season.
The dry season runs from December - May, with minimal rainfall and calm winds during this time. December - February are the coldest months of the year, with water temperatures sometimes dropping as low as 23oC below the thermocline. Conversely, April - June tend to be the warmest months of the year. This is considered to be the high season, with the most tourists. Around big holidays like New Year and Easter, bear in mind that resorts may fill up far in advance.
The rainy season runs from June - November. Though rainfall tends to be higher and the winds stronger, this is often a perfect time to dive. The water is warm, the visibility can be fantastic and you can be lucky with the weather. Another benefit is that rates of some hotels decrease. The downside is that occasionally boats will be cancelled due to bad weather.
