Trip Report Mini Trip report, Puerto Galera, July 2024

[d^2b]

This is rather delayed but it took me a while to sort through the pictures [1].

We stayed at El Galeon, and would probably do so again. My dive buddy and I both appreciate not
having to do anything other that eat sleep and dive. The accommodations were fine; we moved to an older room with less stairs after a few days. The all-inclusive-menu food was decent, but not remarkable; I don't have much to compare with for the Philippines. I mostly ate variations on curry, while dive buddy tried a few more American style things. We did splurge on a fresh mango juice about once a day.

It was our first trip to the Philippines (and really the first diving in the tropical Pacific ocean), so the critters were mostly very novel. Asia divers was a great operation. We did the "unlimited diving" package, but I think we maxed out at 3 most days (hitting 4 once or twice). We made two trips to Verde island during our 10 day stay, and it was definitely worth it, but also 2 was probably enough.

We are going back to Philippines this summer, but heading a bit further from Manila (to Southern Leyte).

[1]: Puerto Galera, July 2024

 

[Johncn]

Thanks for report and pics. Headed towards PG today from Bulacan via Manila, but staying at a different resort.

 

[Tippytoes12]

This is rather delayed but it took me a while to sort through the pictures [1].

We stayed at El Galeon, and would probably do so again. My dive buddy and I both appreciate not
having to do anything other that eat sleep and dive. The accommodations were fine; we moved to an older room with less stairs after a few days. The all-inclusive-menu food was decent, but not remarkable; I don't have much to compare with for the Philippines. I mostly ate variations on curry, while dive buddy tried a few more American style things. We did splurge on a fresh mango juice about once a day.

It was our first trip to the Philippines (and really the first diving in the tropical Pacific ocean), so the critters were mostly very novel. Asia divers was a great operation. We did the "unlimited diving" package, but I think we maxed out at 3 most days (hitting 4 once or twice). We made two trips to Verde island during our 10 day stay, and it was definitely worth it, but also 2 was probably enough.

We are going back to Philippines this summer, but heading a bit further from Manila (to Southern Leyte).

[1]: Puerto Galera, July 2024

Wow, fabulous pictures. Thanks so much for sharing, I am hoping to go there next year for the first time in more than ten visits to the Philippines, so this is really useful. When were you there please and what was the water temperature like ?

Tanks for sharing and best fishes x

 

[d^2b]

I was there in July of 2024. Water temperatures were warm, averaging around 85F/29C. Sometimes it hit 89F/32C on the surface. There was the odd thermocline hitting 81F/27C at depth, which was a relief to cool down a bit. I was wearing a 3mm full suite, but if I had something lighter I might have switched.

 

[Centrals]

Typhoon season in Philippines.
Best time to avoid this potential trip cancellation natural phenonmena is Feb to late Apr.
However, water will be cold in PG at that time. I had experienced as low as 20C.

 

[chillyinCanada]

This is rather delayed but it took me a while to sort through the pictures [1].

We stayed at El Galeon, and would probably do so again. My dive buddy and I both appreciate not
having to do anything other that eat sleep and dive. The accommodations were fine; we moved to an older room with less stairs after a few days. The all-inclusive-menu food was decent, but not remarkable; I don't have much to compare with for the Philippines. I mostly ate variations on curry, while dive buddy tried a few more American style things. We did splurge on a fresh mango juice about once a day.

It was our first trip to the Philippines (and really the first diving in the tropical Pacific ocean), so the critters were mostly very novel. Asia divers was a great operation. We did the "unlimited diving" package, but I think we maxed out at 3 most days (hitting 4 once or twice). We made two trips to Verde island during our 10 day stay, and it was definitely worth it, but also 2 was probably enough.

We are going back to Philippines this summer, but heading a bit further from Manila (to Southern Leyte).

[1]: Puerto Galera, July 2024

Good work! You caught a photo of almost every creature in the area! Thank you so much for sharing.

 

[Centrals]

When the water is cold in winter, thresher shark is a distinct possibility. I had seen it on several occasions.

 

[d^2b]

For better or worse, I can only take vacation in May through August. So no threshers at PG for me. I guess threshers at Malapascua is still a possibility in the summer. I have only seen one once, far below, in the Red Sea.

 

[therookie]

Lovely photos, thank you for sharing them

 

[Centrals]

For better or worse, I can only take vacation in May through August. So no threshers at PG for me. I guess threshers at Malapascua is still a possibility in the summer. I have only seen one once, far below, in the Red Sea.

You have to be exceedingly unlucky not able to see one.