Philippines Dive Trip 2016
 

I'm heading out to the Philippines next year with the local diving shop. They put a group together every year and go on an adventure. This year they(we) are going to Puerto Galera, Mindoro (I think I got that right) for 15 days. Staying at a dive resort with unlimited dives so we'll be diving with Nitrox to make full use of this! Can't wait!

Anyone been to the area? Any tips (dive related or not)? I've never been to Asia before.

I'm was born 70 kms South of Puerto Galera. They have nice beaches there, reefs are ok. But if you want to see the best reef in the Philippines you must go to Palawan Islands. Or head further South to Apo Reef in Sablayan Occidental Mindoro.

How long are you going for total? if you have time to visit other dive locations i can recommend some
I second crimpers recommmendation, palawan reefs are a must see.
I'll be there in Jan-Feb

Crimper said it all.

Tubbataha Reef in Palawan is a must see. But of course I'll promote my local reef... and one of the best reef out there...

Apo Reef in Sablayan Occidental Mindoro, that's about 350 kms South of Puerto Galera, and about 5 hours drive.

I've been to Cabilao Island a few times(2005 and 2006) and the diving was great. It's a marine reserve so not as much fishing as other places. Consequently tons of fish.

Here is the website for the dive resort I stayed at. It was quiet and primitive when I was there... just the way I like it. Food was good and people were friendly. Mango shakes are to die for.

https://www.polaris-dive.com/

Be aware that they sometimes get swarmed by jellyfish so diving becomes impossible. I don't remember what time of year it happened.

Aw, looks like I'll be missing out on the best. The Palawan Islands look amazing, but I bet a trip that way would cost a lot more, especially considering I've already paid for the dive resort on Mindoro. It looks fairly difficult to get to Palawan from Mindoro - I can only find a ferry that runs across and takes 23 hours. To go from Manila to Palawan there are many options.

I'll probably be right behind you - mid Feb for 15 days.

Is it worth a day trip? Kinda far for a day trip though.

Going to Palawan from Puerto Galera is a grueling land and ferry ride. If you have time constraint, don't do it.

Going to Apo Reef in Sablayan could work if you leave and travel at night then you'll have the entire day to dive. :smile:

Keep us posted... and video/pics please. :wink:

[quote=crimper;971269]Going to Palawan from Puerto Galera is a grueling land and ferry ride. If you have time constraint, don't do it.[quote]

That's the conclusion I came to. Thanks for confirming it. Maybe another time. I've never been to any part of Asia before, so I'm sure I'll be impressed nonetheless. :)

I talked to the guy who arranged the trip (local dive shop owner) and says that the Apo reef is on the radar, so some of us may make the trip. There are 12 of us I think.

Me and my wife just got back from 30 days backpacking Indonesia last week, got lots of diving in and also did a week long live aboard in Raja Ampat . Epic, like every dive was like national geographic, i want to go back there and then to Palawan and do the Philippines next.
Im now currently sorting through 500 clips of go pro footage cause I want to put it all in lol

Take lots of pictures and video