Verde Island
Verde Island is an important diving destination with strong currents perfect for advanced divers.
Explore Mindoro
Diving in Mindoro offers an extraordinary journey into the vibrant underwater world of the Philippines. Known for its diverse marine ecosystems, Mindoro attracts divers from around the globe to explore its captivating sites. The island is divided into two main diving areas: the bustling Puerto Galera to the north, and the pristine Apo Reef and Pandan Island to the southwest. Apo Reef, the largest coral reef in the Philippines and the second largest in the world, is a must-see for its breathtaking coral gardens and the rich tapestry of marine life thriving within its waters.
Puerto Galera is a popular dive resort destination, offering a variety of diving experiences for all levels. Its shallow reefs and easily accessible shore entries are perfect for beginners, while the deep waters and strong currents around Verde Island and parts of Pandan Island cater to more advanced divers. The region boasts over 400 types of coral and nearly 500 species of fish, including sharks, rays, and the occasional Manta ray. These waters promise encounters that leave lasting memories, making Mindoro a standout destination for divers seeking adventure, beauty, and the thrill of discovery.
For those seeking unique dive experiences, the seasonal variations bring intriguing opportunities. Liveaboards and safaris departing from Batangas and Puerto Galera provide access to remote dive spots, offering divers the chance to immerse themselves in the awe-inspiring underwater landscapes. With accommodations ranging from luxurious to budget-friendly, every type of traveler can find their ideal base to explore the enchanting underwater wonders that Mindoro has to offer."
Places to explore
Courses and Events
Dive Activity
Diving in Mindoro
Reef diving in Mindoro is some of the best in the world as it includes the second largest reef in the world - Apo Reef. Impressive walls and drop offs surround Verde Island, sure to keep thrill seekers happy in sites such as “The Washing Machine”. There are caves, canyons and wrecks to explore too.
Liveaboards are a great way to see all the dive sites as many of them are remote, most leave out of Puerto Galera, Manila or Anilao. Dive courses are popular in resort towns like Puerto Galera (lots of dive centres) due to the gentle currents and shallow reefs.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Mindoro
With its huge variety of coral species, it only makes sense that the marine life is as impressive. Huge amounts of reef fish can be found here, making it a haven for underwater photographers. Moray eels, trumpet fish, mantis shrimp, parrotfish, octopus, cuttlefish, moorish idol, batfish, emperor fish, scorpionfish, tuna and trevally are all visible at almost every site.
The macro life is very impressive. The sharp eyed may spot one of the 200 different varieties of nudibranch. Pygmy seahorses hide in the sea fans and tiny glass shrimp burrow in the anemones.
The deep waters and strong currents that surround many of the dive sites bring in large pelagics. Common sightings include reef sharks, eagle rays, devil rays and turtles. If you’re lucky, you might even spot whale sharks, manta rays and hammerhead sharks.
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
877 Sightings
J
73
F
59
M
73
A
108
M
96
J
59
J
42
A
57
S
60
O
83
N
85
D
82
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
Green Turtle
517 Sightings
J
84
F
44
M
55
A
57
M
48
J
20
J
20
A
25
S
12
O
36
N
34
D
82
Shutterstock-Andrey Armyagov
Hawksbill Turtle
238 Sightings
J
25
F
19
M
24
A
30
M
28
J
14
J
10
A
6
S
7
O
13
N
34
D
28
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 27
iStock-Global_Pics
Barracuda
147 Sightings
J
22
F
19
M
17
A
9
M
19
J
3
J
6
A
3
S
0
O
15
N
14
D
20
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
127 Sightings
J
34
F
6
M
4
A
15
M
9
J
2
J
11
A
7
S
11
O
7
N
6
D
15
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 300
Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
Octopus
58 Sightings
J
2
F
7
M
11
A
11
M
5
J
0
J
0
A
8
S
0
O
4
N
7
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
1.1k Sightings
J
142
F
70
M
108
A
137
M
97
J
55
J
67
A
91
S
71
O
84
N
106
D
101
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
930 Sightings
J
94
F
66
M
102
A
110
M
88
J
59
J
42
A
65
S
69
O
85
N
92
D
58
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
874 Sightings
J
110
F
44
M
76
A
100
M
82
J
37
J
46
A
80
S
55
O
81
N
88
D
75
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
860 Sightings
J
110
F
50
M
80
A
94
M
80
J
44
J
44
A
74
S
53
O
75
N
82
D
74
The best Months to dive in Mindoro
Diving in Mindoro is possible all year round, the air (and water) temperature rarely drops below 26oC. November - May is the dry season and the best time for diving as the seas are calmest. The hottest months, between March and July, have the hottest temperatures and the best visibility. It is also the busiest time of year, especially at weekends and on public holidays.
The monsoon season from June to October has more unpredictable weather. Strong winds and heavy rains can prevent dive boats and liveaboards from operating. Typhoons are not a big problem as the island is relatively protected.
