Дайв-сайты: Puerto Galera

Puerto Galera sits on the Verde Island Passage, which a landmark 2006 study by scientists from the California Academy of Sciences identified as the center of the center of marine shore-fish biodiversity on the planet. More species of marine life per unit area have been recorded here than anywhere else. The passage's strong currents carry nutrients that support extraordinary reef diversity, and the variety of dive sites ranges from gentle coral gardens to advanced drift dives like Canyons.

Advanced certification and experience with current diving are strongly recommended. The Canyons site is exposed to the strong tidal currents of the Verde Island Passage, and conditions can change rapidly. Divers must be comfortable with negative entries, strong drift, and navigating through confined canyon spaces in current. On slack tide days the site can be calmer, but it is best approached as an advanced dive.

Puerto Galera is on the northern coast of Mindoro Island, reached by ferry from Batangas City, which is about 2 to 3 hours south of Manila by car. Ferries and bangkas run frequently and the crossing takes 1 to 1.5 hours. Puerto Galera has a well-developed diving infrastructure with dozens of dive shops, resorts, and a wide range of accommodation. It is one of the most accessible world-class dive destinations in the Philippines.

The Sabang Wrecks consist of three vessels that were sunk deliberately to create artificial reefs in the sandy bay off Sabang Beach. The wrecks include small to medium-sized steel vessels lying between 15 and 22 meters depth. They have been underwater long enough to be heavily encrusted with coral, sponges, and marine growth, creating complex habitats that attract a dense community of marine life far richer than the surrounding sand.

Yes, the Sabang Wrecks are among the most beginner-friendly wreck dives in the Philippines. The maximum depth is around 22 meters, currents are minimal in the protected bay, and the wrecks are small enough to explore without complex navigation. Many dive shops use the site for wreck diving introductions and night dive training. The gentle conditions also make it popular for underwater photography courses.