Nestled on the island of Mindoro just half a day’s journey from Manila, Puerto Galera is one of the top scuba destinations in the Philippines, with wall dives, drift dives, wreck dives, muck dives, lovely coral, and consistently good visibility. But there are more things to do in Puerto Galera beyond exploring its aquatic life. The beaches are pristine, island-hopping is a delight, and the backcountry offers dazzling waterfalls, cultural encounters with Indigenous tribes, and more.
November through April is Puerto Galera’s dry season and the most popular time for visiting; that said, visibility is good for diving all year round, even during the rainy season. Try to avoid planning travel for the Easter, Lunar New Year, and Christmas/New Year holidays, when prices rocket and dive sites can be crowded. The first week of October, a holiday in China, can also bring long lines.
Jeepneys run from the ferry pier and along major roads that link to other towns, but because they follow no set schedule, this mode of transit can involve a lot of waiting. Although rideshares like Grab have yet to reach Mindoro, there are plenty of tricycle and tuk-tuk drivers, as well as water taxis from the pier. Many travelers rent cars, book tours, or arrange local private drivers; some dive trips include transport from your accommodation.
In diving terms, Puerto Galera has something for everyone: colorful, shallow coral gardens; murky but fascinating muck dives; and fast, challenging, and deep drift dives and wrecks (including the Alma Jane). Children as young as 10 can discover scuba diving with Bubblemaker classes, while adults and teenagers can take a range of courses from open water to more advanced levels. At busy times of the year, it’s worth booking lessons in advance.
