Turquoise water, magnificent sandy beaches, lush mangrove areas, and coconut tree covered hills paint a beautiful picture of paradise that is named Puerto Galera. As the Spanish term for ‘port of galleons’, the bay is also one of the top diving destinations in the country. This deep natural harbor served as a popular anchorage site even before the Spanish arrived in the 16th century. Chinese traders and Spanish galleons used it as a safe place to rest and repair their ships.
The unique charms of Puerto Galera remained a secret until the late 70s when enthusiastic backpackers visited the Philippines to explore the Mindoro island. As more travelers became aware of this hidden tropical gem, the coastal town became popular for its breathtaking pocket beaches, diving, and snorkeling sites.
In 1973, Puerto Galera was designated as a Man and Biosphere (MAB) Reserve by UNESCO and today it is home to one of the most diverse collections of coral reefs in Asia.
How To Get There
This diving paradise is situated on the North Coast of Mindoro Island, nearly 130 km south of Manila. You can take a bus from Manila to Batangas, which is a 2-3 hours ride depending on the traffic. From the Batangas Pier, take a one-hour ferry to Puerto Galera. The last ferry leaves at 5 pm so make sure you get there early. If you are late, you will need to spend the night there and take the first ferry that leaves the next morning at 7:30 am.
There are many travel agencies that may offer you a round trip comprising of bus and ferry fare. Sometimes the dive operators may arrange a transfer from the Manila airport to the island through a private charter boat or minivan.
What To See In Puerto Galera
Puerto Galera is typically a quaint little town with picturesque resort areas around it that collectively pull tourists from around the world. There is White Beach, 7 km to the west; and Sabang, nearly 5 km to the east. Each location boasts a unique characteristic that ranges from sordid to sophisticated – you need to make the right choices.
Sabang beach is the main tourist attraction for foreign travelers and despite its popularity, it is still not overcrowded. White Beach is mostly popular with the local people. These are idyllic beaches during the daytime but undergo a transformation as the sun goes down to sport a vibrant nightlife with several bars and restaurants.
The Big La Laguna Beach is part of Sabang and is packed with beautiful resorts that dot the beach. It is a preferred site for snorkelers and swimmers alike. Besides the powdery white beaches and blue seas, other attractions in this sleepy town include a Pier area, a central Catholic church, and an adventure park offering activities like go-carts, buggies, shooting range, and more.
Activities To Enjoy
Puerto Galera is a paradise for divers and some of the best diving sites are less than 5 minutes from the beach. The vibrant and diverse coral reefs are teeming with marine life and bursting with colors. There are nearly 30 dive centers to explore and you can also find many dedicated dive shops that sell items for your convenience.
If you are not interested in getting into a diving gear, step inland to explore the natural bounties such as verdant orchids, enchanting forest treks, majestic waterfalls, stunning vistas, and endemic birds. You may go trekking in the forest or enjoy activities like deep sea fishing, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, snorkeling, and playing golf.
When you have had an adventurous day, conclude it beautifully by partying at the numerous bars and clubs in White beach. You may party as long as you desire at some of the clubs that stay open overnight. Call it a day at one of the most exotic accommodation options available in Puerto Galera.
Check out our list of the 10 Best Dive Destinations in the Philippines!
When Is The Best Time To Visit
If you don’t want a huge crowd, avoid March to May as this is the peak season with many tourists coming for the summer holidays. Prices skyrocket during peak time and it may be hard to find good accommodation, especially one that is near the beach. However, this period also presents the ideal weather for many activities. A good tip would be to reserve your stay in advance.
The phase from June to October is the typical low season when the flight and hotel fares are cheap and the beaches are also not very crowded. However, your stay may be accompanied by rains and cloudy skies.
Set Sail For Puerto Galera!
Close to Manila and maintaining a rural, island-feel atmosphere, Puerto Galera is certainly a destination to add to every traveler’s list. Most especially, this coastal town is a true paradise for diving enthusiasts. Add all these to a wide variety of seaside dining, colorful shops, and pristine beaches and you are surely looking at one wonderful island adventure.
