Explore Puerto Galera

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.

Upcoming Events

    • Open Water Diver

    Open Water Diver

    This globally recognized certification program is the best way to begin your lifelong adventures as a certified scuba diver. Personalized training is combined with in-water practice sessions to ensure you have the skills and experience required to become truly comfortable underwater. You will earn the SSI Open Water Diver certification.

    Atlantis Resort Management Inc., Atlantis Azores Inc., Sabang Beach, 5203, Puerto Galera, Mindoro, PHL
    May 14, 2026 +231 More
    $497.24
    ₱30,590.00
    React Right - Course Combination (FA, CPR, AED, O2)

    React Right - Course Combination (FA, CPR, AED, O2)

    React Right is SSI’s emergency first response course and provides you with the training and knowledge you need to act as a first responder in a medical emergency. In this flexible dive program, you can choose which subjects you want to learn about, including primary assessment, first aid, CPR and primary stabilization techniques. You can also learn about oxygen administration in diving emergencies and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) basics. Using a combination of academic sessions and practical training scenarios, this program will give you the tools and confidence you need for emergency response. By the time you are certified, you will be able to act as an emergency first responder, provide first aid and CPR, administer oxygen and provide AED support in a medical emergency. Earn your SSI React Right specialty certification. Get started today!

    Atlantis Resort Management Inc., Atlantis Azores Inc., Sabang Beach, 5203, Puerto Galera, Mindoro, PHL
    June 28, 2026 +186 More
    $207.90
    ₱12,790.00
    Basic Diver

    Basic Diver

    In the SSI Basic Diver program, you will learn the skills and knowledge you need to try diving up to 12 meters deep with an SSI Professional. It is a great way to explore the underwater world more fully as you try diving. The entire Basic Diver program can be credited towards the Scuba Diver or Open Water Dive programs within 6 months, so you can take the next step in your dive adventure.

    Atlantis Resort Management Inc., Atlantis Azores Inc., Sabang Beach, 5203, Puerto Galera, Mindoro, PHL
    May 14, 2026 +231 More
    $89.24
    ₱5,490.00
    Scuba Skills Update

    Scuba Skills Update

    It is easy for dive skills to get rusty and to lose confidence when you have not dived for a while. With the SSI Scuba Skills Update, we will get you back in the water and diving with ease in no time. This scuba refresher course allows you to review and practice scuba skills you learned in your Open Water Diver program, under the guidance of an SSI Professional. This is a great course to take just before a dive holiday, so you spend less time worrying about your skills and more time admiring the marine life. If you are a non-certified Open Water Diver student, a Scuba Skills Update is ideal for practicing your dive skills before your open water training dives. With no fixed course duration, you can take your time and focus on the skills you need help with.

    Atlantis Resort Management Inc., Atlantis Azores Inc., Sabang Beach, 5203, Puerto Galera, Mindoro, PHL
    May 14, 2026 +231 More
    $56.81
    ₱3,495.00
    Basic Diver

    Basic Diver

    In the SSI Basic Diver program, you will learn the skills and knowledge you need to try diving up to 12 meters deep with an SSI Professional. It is a great way to explore the underwater world more fully as you try diving. The entire Basic Diver program can be credited towards the Scuba Diver or Open Water Dive programs within 6 months, so you can take the next step in your dive adventure.

    Arkipelago Divers, Arkipelago Divers & Beach Resort, Small La Laguna, Sabang,, 5203, Puerto Galera, Mindoro, PHL
    May 14, 2026 +286 More
    $89.40
    ₱5,500.00
    Open Water Diver

    Open Water Diver

    This globally recognized certification program is the best way to begin your lifelong adventures as a certified scuba diver. Personalized training is combined with in-water practice sessions to ensure you have the skills and experience required to become truly comfortable underwater. You will earn the SSI Open Water Diver certification.

    Arkipelago Divers, Arkipelago Divers & Beach Resort, Small La Laguna, Sabang,, 5203, Puerto Galera, Mindoro, PHL
    May 14, 2026 +286 More
    $406.38
    ₱25,000.00
    React Right - Course Combination (FA, CPR, AED, O2)

    React Right - Course Combination (FA, CPR, AED, O2)

    React Right is SSI’s emergency first response course and provides you with the training and knowledge you need to act as a first responder in a medical emergency. In this flexible dive program, you can choose which subjects you want to learn about, including primary assessment, first aid, CPR and primary stabilization techniques. You can also learn about oxygen administration in diving emergencies and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) basics. Using a combination of academic sessions and practical training scenarios, this program will give you the tools and confidence you need for emergency response. By the time you are certified, you will be able to act as an emergency first responder, provide first aid and CPR, administer oxygen and provide AED support in a medical emergency. Earn your SSI React Right specialty certification. Get started today!

    Arkipelago Divers, Arkipelago Divers & Beach Resort, Small La Laguna, Sabang,, 5203, Puerto Galera, Mindoro, PHL
    May 14, 2026 +286 More
    $162.55
    ₱10,000.00
    Find Courses & Events

    Dive Activity

    Diving in Puerto Galera

    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.

    Top Wildlife Sightings in Puerto Galera

    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 approx.: 200

    Alamy-WaterFrame
    Moray Eel

    Moray Eel
    550 Sightings
    J
    55
    F
    37
    M
    44
    A
    75
    M
    60
    J
    32
    J
    28
    A
    32
    S
    35
    O
    56
    N
    55
    D
    41
    Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
    Green Turtle

    Green Turtle
    261 Sightings
    J
    37
    F
    16
    M
    28
    A
    25
    M
    23
    J
    7
    J
    14
    A
    16
    S
    12
    O
    30
    N
    20
    D
    33
    Shutterstock-Andrey Armyagov
    Hawksbill Turtle

    Hawksbill Turtle
    107 Sightings
    J
    17
    F
    4
    M
    14
    A
    13
    M
    20
    J
    9
    J
    0
    A
    1
    S
    4
    O
    11
    N
    14
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 600

    iStock/ultramarinfoto
    Wrasse

    Wrasse
    60 Sightings
    J
    22
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    5
    M
    0
    J
    2
    J
    5
    A
    5
    S
    11
    O
    7
    N
    0
    D
    3

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 28

    Udo Kefrig
    Clownfish

    Clownfish
    788 Sightings
    J
    98
    F
    40
    M
    61
    A
    103
    M
    70
    J
    34
    J
    52
    A
    69
    S
    55
    O
    73
    N
    80
    D
    53

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 12

    iStock/cinoby
    Lionfish

    Lionfish
    676 Sightings
    J
    70
    F
    46
    M
    68
    A
    81
    M
    66
    J
    38
    J
    30
    A
    55
    S
    52
    O
    71
    N
    62
    D
    37

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 90

    Shutterstock-Rich Carey
    Angelfish

    Angelfish
    669 Sightings
    J
    79
    F
    29
    M
    48
    A
    79
    M
    74
    J
    29
    J
    37
    A
    59
    S
    43
    O
    73
    N
    69
    D
    50

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 130

    Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek
    Butterfly Fish

    Butterfly Fish
    645 Sightings
    J
    83
    F
    34
    M
    48
    A
    72
    M
    66
    J
    31
    J
    34
    A
    54
    S
    42
    O
    70
    N
    59
    D
    52

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 3000

    SSI-Peter-Schinck
    Nudibranch

    Nudibranch
    563 Sightings
    J
    68
    F
    44
    M
    47
    A
    65
    M
    57
    J
    20
    J
    33
    A
    41
    S
    36
    O
    48
    N
    62
    D
    42

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 100

    iStock-burnsboxco
    Parrotfish

    Parrotfish
    538 Sightings
    J
    68
    F
    21
    M
    49
    A
    72
    M
    60
    J
    27
    J
    29
    A
    50
    S
    42
    O
    53
    N
    34
    D
    33
    Show More

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 150

    Shutterstock-aquapix
    Sweetlips and Grunts

    Sweetlips and Grunts
    532 Sightings
    J
    57
    F
    22
    M
    39
    A
    56
    M
    53
    J
    42
    J
    34
    A
    55
    S
    47
    O
    63
    N
    30
    D
    34

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 250

    iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.
    Scorpionfish

    Scorpionfish
    530 Sightings
    J
    51
    F
    35
    M
    60
    A
    72
    M
    42
    J
    34
    J
    37
    A
    47
    S
    41
    O
    42
    N
    32
    D
    37

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 130

    AdobeStock-JirinaVFR
    Pufferfish

    Pufferfish
    469 Sightings
    J
    48
    F
    23
    M
    53
    A
    67
    M
    55
    J
    19
    J
    25
    A
    36
    S
    33
    O
    51
    N
    34
    D
    25

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 40

    iStock-wrangel
    Triggerfish

    Triggerfish
    391 Sightings
    J
    60
    F
    15
    M
    32
    A
    32
    M
    33
    J
    16
    J
    18
    A
    55
    S
    36
    O
    38
    N
    28
    D
    28

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 110

    iStock-Rainer von Brandis
    Snapper

    Snapper
    388 Sightings
    J
    40
    F
    13
    M
    29
    A
    21
    M
    47
    J
    27
    J
    20
    A
    48
    S
    45
    O
    59
    N
    23
    D
    16

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 3

    Shutterstock_Leo Lorenzo
    Trumpetfish

    Trumpetfish
    330 Sightings
    J
    39
    F
    0
    M
    37
    A
    32
    M
    33
    J
    26
    J
    18
    A
    34
    S
    23
    O
    33
    N
    22
    D
    33

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 90

    Shutterstock-Levent Konuk
    Goatfish

    Goatfish
    313 Sightings
    J
    41
    F
    3
    M
    24
    A
    43
    M
    32
    J
    17
    J
    14
    A
    30
    S
    37
    O
    34
    N
    17
    D
    21

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 8

    Alamy-Reinhard Dirscherl
    Bannerfish

    Bannerfish
    298 Sightings
    J
    46
    F
    12
    M
    23
    A
    38
    M
    22
    J
    10
    J
    14
    A
    25
    S
    27
    O
    29
    N
    25
    D
    27

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 50

    istock-atese
    Frogfish

    Frogfish
    281 Sightings
    J
    43
    F
    19
    M
    20
    A
    22
    M
    28
    J
    9
    J
    23
    A
    31
    S
    29
    O
    28
    N
    16
    D
    13

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 350

    Alamy-Andre Seal
    Damselfish

    Damselfish
    270 Sightings
    J
    43
    F
    4
    M
    19
    A
    24
    M
    22
    J
    16
    J
    16
    A
    22
    S
    28
    O
    30
    N
    26
    D
    20

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 25

    AdobeStock_Vladimir Wrangel
    Boxfish

    Boxfish
    234 Sightings
    J
    25
    F
    4
    M
    25
    A
    38
    M
    29
    J
    15
    J
    12
    A
    20
    S
    16
    O
    24
    N
    0
    D
    26

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 60

    iStock-Global_Pics
    Soldierfish

    Soldierfish
    180 Sightings
    J
    45
    F
    0
    M
    11
    A
    5
    M
    14
    J
    6
    J
    6
    A
    24
    S
    24
    O
    29
    N
    0
    D
    16

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 40

    iStock-Hoatzinexp
    Jackfish

    Jackfish
    170 Sightings
    J
    10
    F
    8
    M
    15
    A
    13
    M
    14
    J
    6
    J
    10
    A
    12
    S
    25
    O
    41
    N
    11
    D
    5

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 20

    iStock-stephankerkhofs
    Porcupinefish

    Porcupinefish
    153 Sightings
    J
    26
    F
    6
    M
    9
    A
    35
    M
    14
    J
    2
    J
    12
    A
    12
    S
    9
    O
    5
    N
    7
    D
    16

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 3400

    Shutterstock-Shane Gross
    Shrimp

    Shrimp
    142 Sightings
    J
    17
    F
    6
    M
    18
    A
    21
    M
    12
    J
    0
    J
    5
    A
    10
    S
    4
    O
    4
    N
    23
    D
    22

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 85

    iStock-mirecca
    Surgeonfish

    Surgeonfish
    141 Sightings
    J
    36
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    21
    M
    11
    J
    0
    J
    3
    A
    9
    S
    14
    O
    20
    N
    0
    D
    27

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 7

    iStock-atese
    Pygmy Seahorse

    Pygmy Seahorse
    97 Sightings
    J
    35
    F
    15
    M
    5
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    8
    J
    0
    A
    3
    S
    0
    O
    8
    N
    14
    D
    9

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 7000

    iStock-Michael Zeigler
    Crab

    Crab
    96 Sightings
    J
    12
    F
    6
    M
    3
    A
    27
    M
    6
    J
    4
    J
    8
    A
    7
    S
    0
    O
    4
    N
    10
    D
    9

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 60

    iStock-Global_Pics
    Squirrelfish

    Squirrelfish
    88 Sightings
    J
    4
    F
    3
    M
    0
    A
    10
    M
    17
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    18
    S
    17
    O
    12
    N
    0
    D
    7

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 250

    Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker
    Grouper/Basslets

    Grouper/Basslets
    62 Sightings
    J
    4
    F
    3
    M
    0
    A
    24
    M
    4
    J
    0
    J
    2
    A
    4
    S
    5
    O
    16
    N
    0
    D
    0
    AdobeStock_cherylvb
    Garibaldi Damselfish

    Garibaldi Damselfish
    48 Sightings
    J
    16
    F
    3
    M
    0
    A
    10
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    8
    S
    4
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    7

    The best Months to dive in Puerto Galera

    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.

    Dive Centers

    Arkipelago Divers, Arkipelago Divers & Beach Resort

    Arkipelago Divers, Arkipelago Divers & Beach Resort

    Small La Laguna, Sabang,, 5203 Puerto Galera, Mindoro - Philippines
    Atlantis Resort Management Inc., Atlantis Azores Inc.

    Atlantis Resort Management Inc., Atlantis Azores Inc.

    Sabang Beach, 5203 Puerto Galera, Mindoro - Philippines
    CORAL REEF SAFARI

    CORAL REEF SAFARI

    Coral Reef Safari, 5203 Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindor, Mindoro - Philippines
    MSD SCUBA DIVING, MSD 다이빙센터

    MSD SCUBA DIVING, MSD 다이빙센터

    SABANG, 5203 ORIENTAL MINDORO, Philippines

    Izakaya palm divers

    Sabang, 5203 Puerto Galera, Mindoro - Philippines

    REDSUN, REDSUN DIVERESORT

    Small Lalaguna, 5203 Puerto Galera, Mindoro - Philippines

    Campbells Beach Resort

    Big La Laguna Beach, Sabang, 5203 Puerto Galera, Mindoro - Philippines

    Smile Resort, 스마일 리조트

    Puerto Galera, 5203 Oreintal Mindoro, Mindoro - Philippines

    Dive Sites

    Virginia Scuba, 20109 Manassas
    West Escarceo <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.5)</span>

    West Escarceo (★4.5)

    This beautiful site is covered in brightly colored coral and is full of life. Weather and time of year can change this dive from a drift dive to a slow paced tour. Expect tons of fish and sea critters on this dive.
    Hans E. (#3545391)
    Alma Jane Wreck <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

    Alma Jane Wreck (★4.4)

    A 30m long cargo ship that used to carry goods around the Philippines but, upon retirement, was stripped and scuttled for divers to enjoy as an artificial reef off Puerto Galera in 2003. Its wide beam and deep draft make it ideal for swim throughs.
    SSI Service Center Philippines, 6015 Lapu-Lapu City
    Canyons <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

    Canyons (★4.3)

    A favorite dive site that is composed of three canyons running side by side. A must-dive in the area, it is for experienced divers looking for a taste of fast and furious.
    Mares, Janez Kranjc
    Giant Clams/The hill <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

    Giant Clams/The hill (★4.4)

    The name speaks for itself. This site is covered in Giant Clams. While there is some coral in the immediate area of the clams, it becomes more sandy bottom as you move away from them.
    Mares, Janez Kranjc
    Manila Channel <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

    Manila Channel (★4.3)

    Similar to the Batangas Channel but with a depth of around 26 meters. Remains of a shipwreck that caught fire and sunk hundreds of years ago can still be seen here. Also an ideal site for night diving
    Scubapro, Stephen Frink
    Sabang Point <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

    Sabang Point (★4.4)

    A beautiful dive site just outside of Sabang. Currents are present depending on the tides. Visibility is always good. You can also see sharks here.
    Aqualung
    Scandi House reef <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★3.7)</span>

    Scandi House reef (★3.7)

    Beach entry from the resort. swim about 50meters, you will reach a sandy area good for trainings. if you swim to the right side you will a nice wall.