Destinations - The Philippines - Puerto Galera

Exploring the Underwater Wonders of Puerto Galera

Located on the northern coast of Mindoro Island in the Philippines, is a well-known diving destination that offers a unique combination of natural beauty, vibrant marine life, and accessibility. Just a few hours from Manila, Puerto Galera is an ideal getaway for both novice and seasoned divers. With its crystal-clear waters, diverse dive sites, and rich marine biodiversity, Puerto Galera promises an unforgettable underwater adventure.

Why Dive in Puerto Galera?

Puerto Galera is part of the Verde Island Passage, one of the most biodiverse marine regions in the world. The area is teeming with coral reefs, colourful fish, and a variety of marine creatures, making it a paradise for divers. The relatively calm waters and consistent visibility year-round add to the appeal, allowing for clear and enjoyable dives.

The area also offers a wide range of dive sites, from shallow coral gardens perfect for beginners to deep walls and thrilling drift dives for the more experienced. Additionally, Puerto Galera's vibrant nightlife and stunning beaches make it a complete destination for those looking to combine diving with relaxation.

Top Dive Sites in Puerto Galera

1. The Canyons
   One of Puerto Galera’s most famous dive sites, The Canyons is a must-visit for experienced divers. This site features three deep canyons with strong currents, making it an exhilarating drift dive. The walls are covered in soft corals, sponges, and gorgonians, and the site is frequented by schools of barracudas, trevallies, and snappers. The Canyons is also known for its healthy population of sea fans, which provide a stunning backdrop for underwater photography.

 

1. Sabang Wrecks
   Located near Sabang Beach, this site is home to several small wrecks, including a wooden sailboat and an old steel yacht. The wrecks have become artificial reefs, attracting a variety of marine life, including lionfish, moray eels, and nudibranchs. The site is relatively shallow, making it accessible to divers of all levels. It’s also a great spot for night diving, where you can observe nocturnal marine creatures in action.

1. Verde Island Drop-Off
   While technically not in Puerto Galera, the Verde Island Drop-Off is easily accessible by boat and is considered one of the best dive sites in the Philippines. The drop-off features a dramatic wall that plunges into the deep blue, covered in vibrant corals and home to a myriad of marine life. Divers can expect to see everything from colorful nudibranchs and frogfish to larger pelagics like tuna and even the occasional shark. The strong currents make this site best suited for advanced divers.

1. Coral Garden
   As the name suggests, Coral Garden is a site known for its stunning coral formations. This shallow site is perfect for beginners and snorkelers, offering a vibrant array of hard and soft corals. The gentle slope is home to a variety of reef fish, including parrotfish, butterflyfish, and angelfish. It’s a great place for relaxed diving and underwater photography, with plenty of opportunities to capture the beauty of the reef.

1. Sinandigan Wall
   Sinandigan Wall is another excellent dive site in Puerto Galera, featuring a vertical wall covered in a variety of corals and sponges. The site is known for its excellent visibility and abundance of macro life, including pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, and frogfish. The wall is also home to a variety of reef fish and occasional sightings of larger species like turtles and rays. This site is suitable for divers of all levels and offers a beautiful, serene diving experience.

Tips for Diving in Puerto Galera

• Diving Season: While you can dive in Puerto Galera year-round, the best conditions are typically found between March and May when the waters are calm, and visibility is at its peak.
• Dive Shops: Puerto Galera has numerous dive shops offering PADI and SSI courses, equipment rentals, and guided dives. Many of these shops are located in Sabang, which is the main hub for diving in the area.
• Currents: Some dive sites in Puerto Galera, like The Canyons and Verde Island, have strong currents. Make sure to check with local dive operators about the current conditions and your comfort level before diving.

Beyond Diving: Exploring Puerto Galera

While diving is the main attraction, Puerto Galera offers plenty of other activities to enjoy. You can relax on the white sand beaches, explore the lush jungle trails, or visit the nearby waterfalls. The town of Puerto Galera also has a lively nightlife scene, with bars and restaurants offering everything from local delicacies to international cuisine.

Conclusion

Puerto Galera is a true gem in the Philippines' diving scene. Its diverse dive sites, vibrant marine life, and easy accessibility make it a must-visit destination for any diving enthusiast.

So, pack your dive gear and get ready to discover the underwater wonders of Puerto Galera!