The town itself is a bit of a concrete jungle, albeit a small one. Lots of alleyways, no thought of town planning or uniformity. The beach isn't great. If you are a single male and venture into town for a drink in the evening, you won't be alone for long if you don't want to be.
Divers come here because Puerto Galera is well known for its scuba diving spots; the area was designated a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve in 1973 and has some of the most diverse coral reef diving in Asia, being located in the 'Coral Triangle'. The area also features numerous pocket beaches and pretty tropical scenery. The reefs are in very good condition, despite the number of dive operators in the area, with excellent macro opportunities, and nearby Verde Island has good wide-angle opportunities for photographers.
In the area there is only one resort we recommend and that is Atlantis Puerto Galera.
Divers come here because Puerto Galera is well known for its scuba diving spots; the area was designated a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve in 1973 and has some of the most diverse coral reef diving in Asia, being located in the 'Coral Triangle'. The area also features numerous pocket beaches and pretty tropical scenery. The reefs are in very good condition, despite the number of dive operators in the area, with excellent macro opportunities, and nearby Verde Island has good wide-angle opportunities for photographers.
In the area there is only one resort we recommend and that is Atlantis Puerto Galera.
Why Atlantis Puerto Galera?
1. The people. You come first in everything they do, whether it's your honeymoon, your first time diving or a dedicated photo dive for the most experienced divers. The resort team has decades of experience, excellent knowledge of the underwater life, great personal skills, and what makes them stand out is the way they make you feel. From the neck massage on arrival you start to settle in, by breakfast the next day it seems like everyone has learnt your name, and by the end of the first day diving you feel at home.
2. The resort. It is a haven of relative greenery compared to the rest of "PG", and the 'Flinstones' architectural influence is somehow rather stylish and works very well. There is a selection of room types for various pockets too. The Penthouse has great views, but you have to earn them on the walk up. That said, photographers can leave their cameras down by the dive centre in the camera room. The dive centre is also very well thought out with lockers and plenty of hanging space, and lots of boats with small groups.
Resort facilities
Indulge yourself in any one of a number of services or experiences to make your dive vacation complete. Whether it's shopping for local gifts; pampering yourself with a massage or pedicure; or just relaxing with a cocktail by the pool the courteous staff will ensure your every whim is catered for:
Toko's Restaurant
Toko's has become synonymous with fine dining. Using fresh local products and flavors but made to an international standard, tToko's has moved away from monotonous a la carte menus toblackboard lunch and dinner menus that change daily, with at least three choises per course, theme nights and a lunchtime Mongolian Wok. Even with three, I had trouble deciding - I wanted them all! There is also an extensive list of cocktails and shakes or enjoy the best coffee in town.
1. The people. You come first in everything they do, whether it's your honeymoon, your first time diving or a dedicated photo dive for the most experienced divers. The resort team has decades of experience, excellent knowledge of the underwater life, great personal skills, and what makes them stand out is the way they make you feel. From the neck massage on arrival you start to settle in, by breakfast the next day it seems like everyone has learnt your name, and by the end of the first day diving you feel at home.
2. The resort. It is a haven of relative greenery compared to the rest of "PG", and the 'Flinstones' architectural influence is somehow rather stylish and works very well. There is a selection of room types for various pockets too. The Penthouse has great views, but you have to earn them on the walk up. That said, photographers can leave their cameras down by the dive centre in the camera room. The dive centre is also very well thought out with lockers and plenty of hanging space, and lots of boats with small groups.
Resort facilities
Indulge yourself in any one of a number of services or experiences to make your dive vacation complete. Whether it's shopping for local gifts; pampering yourself with a massage or pedicure; or just relaxing with a cocktail by the pool the courteous staff will ensure your every whim is catered for:
- Spa
- Swimming Pool
- Restaurant
- Sea Front Bar
- Class Room
- Boutique
- Camera Room
- Internet Connection
Toko's Restaurant
Toko's has become synonymous with fine dining. Using fresh local products and flavors but made to an international standard, tToko's has moved away from monotonous a la carte menus toblackboard lunch and dinner menus that change daily, with at least three choises per course, theme nights and a lunchtime Mongolian Wok. Even with three, I had trouble deciding - I wanted them all! There is also an extensive list of cocktails and shakes or enjoy the best coffee in town.
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50 Bar
The beach front cocktail bar, the "50 Bar", is where most people start their evening before heading off for dinner. Enjoy a great selection of music, meet new friends and enjoy the company of Atlantis' dive staff while overlooking the ocean. Open daily 3pm to late. |
Getting there
Puerto Galera lies on the northern tip of the island of Oriental Mindoro, approximately 110km south of Manila.
Puerto Galera lies on the northern tip of the island of Oriental Mindoro, approximately 110km south of Manila.
- Accessible from MANILA or any part of LUZON by van to Batangas (approximately two hours from Manila) and then boat to Puerto Galera (approximately one hour)
- Also accessible from SUBIC BAY or MANILA via private helicopter (4-6 passengers); flight time approximately forty minutes