Is Verde Island worth it?

[clgsamson]

or just that....a bad diving experience.

 

[Kevrumbo]

Blackfish Corner, at the western tip of Verde Island. One of the best deep reefs & fish life seen at 45m/150', and 40 minutes of the wildest deco drift dive with ripping currents I've ever been on. . .

 

[CODMAN]

Looks like I received "bad advice"

I'll have to make sure to find someone to take me there next time I make it down.

I don't know. I can't speak for Ethei. I do know that going to Verde is much more trouble (1 hour boat ride, in good conditions), more costlty and basically only worth it for dive operators if you have a good full boat. But still...

 

[bill22]

I don't know. I can't speak for Ethei. I do know that going to Verde is much more trouble (1 hour boat ride, in good conditions), more costlty and basically only worth it for dive operators if you have a good full boat. But still...

That sounds like a typical dive day in El Nido or Coron

Even Puerto Princesa the better sites were further away. I paid 500 pesos extra to go by myself there. The boat ride was over an hour.

In both El Nido and Coron there were usually only 2 or 3 other divers on the boat. Sites there we went out did a dive, had lunch, did a couple more dives and then came back. Reason... because it took over an hour to get there

I don't think the dive operators there would do it if they weren't making money

Maybe Ethei was just worried about the Titan triggerfish

 

[Hammerhead]

Echoing the sentiments so far, Verde is a a fantastic site.

I was in PG for 2 weeks in March - April and went three times.

Breathtaking pinaccles, clear water, more fish than you can shake a stick at, BBQ on the beach for an SI and all within 45 mins of PG.

Kevrumbo's got a point with Blackfish as well, more than worth it if you can.

After 2 x Verde, I then scared myself witless on Kilima Drift, too Strongest current I'd seen there in many a year.

 

[Babydamulag]

Verde is a must dive! Do not miss it if you have the chance!!!

 

[josh]

To answer the question of "who says"....

I did not do Verde Island when I was in Puerto Galera last June. Ethei at Dive Dojo said it wasn't worth the trip even though I was willing to pay extra to go because I had heard so much about it. I asked repeatedly and was told repeatedly "not that great".

Interesting since I know two of the posters who replied here know him quite well and have an opposite opinion...

I think it depends on what type of diving you enjoy. One my first two trips to PG I went to Verde for a day, last trip I did not bother. As said, clear water, sweeping vistas, big schools of fish. I would call it scenic, BUT, as a beginner photographer, put me down in the muck around PG instead anytime.

 

[CODMAN]

I think it depends on what type of diving you enjoy.

That is so very true!

 

[blue steal]

It sounds like Verde is a must go. I don't think I would want to take a banca from the Anialo area though. Heck I have taken a banca from Anialo to Sombero Island and some days this is a rough ride. Anilao to Verde would be a longer and more expensive trip. What is the charge to go from Sabang/small laguna area to Verde?

 

[sonar]

I am going next week with Ethei

He likes the place

no doubt