Outstanding, yet accessible Philippines diving
Originally a safe harbour during typhoons, Puerto Galera has become one of the Philippines' most popular tourist & diving destinations.
Situated only 150km south of the capital Manila, the curious geography of the area has created not only a perfect natural harbour, but also many picturesque beaches and coves to enjoy.
Under the waves, about 40 dive sites have now been charted, ranging from easy dives for novices to current-swept drift dives for experienced divers looking for a thrill.
Highlights
Best diving spots
One of the most popular sites is Hole in the Wall. Stepped terraces of beautiful table corals lead down to a swim-though at around 15m, known as The Hole. The entrance to the swim through is covered in soft corals, sponges and colourful crinoids and sweepers gather for protection inside.
Swimming through The Hole brings you out onto The Canyon, a series of three current swept ravines. Here, you will be taken by the current and propelled over the ravines, through schools of Snapper & Trevally, past hunting Tuna and over bustling coral reefs. Whitetip Reef Sharks and Hawksbill Turtles can be seen here too.
If adrenaline is your thing, Fish Bowl & The Washing Machine are also a must. These are most definitely only for experienced divers as the current can take you and your bubbles in almost any direction, but you will be rewarded with prolific fish life and plenty of action. Sharks are common, including Grey Reef Sharks and large Tuna & Barracuda can be seen too. Nearby, Shark Cave is a refuge for Whitetip Reef Sharks taking a snooze. Outside the cave, Barracuda lurk in the blue. From time to time, Hammerheads and even Whalesharks are spotted here.
For novices and those who prefer their diving a little more relaxing, Coral Gardens is an easy, colourful dive that is also popular with snorkellers. Dungon Wall makes a very nice dive, with colourful corals and a profusion of reef-life, while Sabang Junk is a Vietnamese wreck sitting on a coral slope in front of Sabang Beach. Many macro delights call this wreck home, including Frogfish & Pygmy Seahorses.
There are numerous other wrecks in the area too. Monkey Wreck & Japanese Wreck are deep wreck dives for advanced divers, St Christopher is a retired Liveaboard sunk to create an artificial reef and MV Alma Jane sits perpendicular to the sea floor, making an interesting dive with a great swim-through.
Out in the channel between Mindoro & Luzon islands is a small island called Verde Island. There are beautiful fringing reefs all round the island, but the most popular site is a superb wall dive. Huge corals of every hue & colour cling to the wall and reef-life is prolific. There is a great chance to encounter larger fish here as well. Napoleon Wrasse often cruise the wall, while Tuna & Reef Sharks patrol the blue. Eagle Rays and Mantas can be seen too. In more exposed locations, currents can be fierce. This helps to create the vibrant healthy reefs, but divers should take care and take the necessary safety precautions at all times.
When to dive
The weather here falls in two main seasons - the dry season, from November to May and the wet season, from June to October. Diving conditions are generally best between February & May.
Getting there
To reach Puerto Galera take a flight to Manila, the Philippines capital. From there, head south through Luzon, either by car or bus to Batangas Pier. From here, you can take a car ferry or speedboat to Puerto Galera. Some resorts arrange transfers from Manila airport for their guests.
Activities
Away from the diving, there is plenty of activities to entertain you including lively nightlife, beautiful beaches, tours, watersports, shopping & even paintball.
Resort and liveaboard options
There are plenty of dive resorts to choose from in Puerto Galera, which is one of the most popular tourist spots in the Philippines. The settlement is very compact, and can feel busier than some other areas in the Philippines.
Puerto Galera also acts as the departure point for some liveaboard itineraries taking in Apo Reef and Coron Bay.
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Redang
On the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, just a little south from the Perhenthians, is Palau Redang.
This island is a relatively recent entrant on the dive map and is proving to be an increasingly popular destination, with healthy corals and abundant marine life, including Turtles, Sharks & Rays.
The diving is generally easy, while the island's lovely beaches & quiet ambience ensure a very relaxing stay.
Togian Islands
The remote Togian Islands lie in the middle of Tomini Bay in central Sulawesi. While difficult to reach, the islands offer great conditions for scuba-diving all year round.
Protected on almost all sides by the tentacle-like arms of Sulawesi, this large bay is reputably the calmest in the world.
Subic Bay
Subic Bay is all about wreck diving. This area of Luzon has a rich maritime history and was a key harbour in WWII, resulting in excellent diving options for wreck afficanados.
The wrecks of Subic Bay are not the only option for divers on the island of Luzon however. Others may also wish to explore Nasugbu to the south, or La Union to the north.
Choosing the right dive center
Behang
If you are learning to dive or taking a diving course, it is important to have the right people around you and to learn in the right environment. Likewise, if you are already a diver who is planning a diving break, you want to make sure your dives are remembered for all the right reasons.
Madang
Madang is a bustling town on the north coast of Papua New Guinea.
It is also renowned for some superb diving and its unique marine environment is of great interest to scientists, with new species regularly found here.
Dive equipment guide
Enshadi