Transportation to Puerto Galera from Manila Airport

[Centrals]

Is this flat rate from pier to anywhere (or maybe to Sabang)?

thanks!

Sabang.
It is per trike not per person. Make sure about that to save any argument if there is more than one of you.

 

[cetacean]

We went in April and left in May as well this last year I think we went for 2.5 weeks? I was in shorts and a rashguard but I have a high tolerance, my wife was in a 5mm and our friend in a 3mm. I do remember getting chilly on some dives in certain pockets of water when the tide was moving. Sounds like we could have been there at the same time!

I think the problem is, the water starts warming up in say May/June/July but a lot of the critters start going deeper and the rainy season starts (I'm not 100% sure on this but thats what our dm's said). We did get to see a tail of a thresher on one dive when we went looking, but they said it was already getting to warm for them in PG.

Yah it sounds like the accommodations between El Galleon and Scandi are similar (very good for the price, great staff etc.) but we always prefer to spend more for a bit nicer place. Neither El Galleon or SA had toilets in the shower I do remember where Scandi was, and I thought it was in a good spot that should be quieter than El Galleon or Atlantis, but you never know who's going to be in the pool and how late they are going to be in there for. SA should be quiet, the rooms aren't sitting on top of the pool and are up some stairs to get to the rooms...so even with a loud group it would still probably be quiet. All the food was also ale 'carte off menus...and you could basically go whenever you want to eat.

SA also handled our private transfer from manila to SA and then a fast boat transfer to PG for us so that was handy.

The only other place on my radar for our 2026 return is Dumaguete as it also has really good macro but it has access to APO Island, similar to how PG has Verde island. This does require a couple extra flights - potentially Manila to Cebu, unless I find flights that go direct to Cebu (cathay pacific) but then I'll have to leave and fly to Puerto Princesa and then back out.....which I'd have to pay attention to timings with the diving etc. I think Dumaguete (Dauin area) is probably a much better area to vacation in than PG as far as the scenery.

Tubbataha is liveaboard only, and one of the top places in Philippines to dive at...if not the world. It has a smaller window from March - June yearly that the liveaboards go there, so it sells out quicker.

Why would you fly to Cebu (from Manila) to go to Dumaguete? Philippine Airlines flies 2-3x a day from MNL to Dumaguete - easy connection to make in MNL. Just got back from 4th trip to Dumaguete - much prefer it to PG. We met folks who did the 4-5 hour (car & ferry) transfer to Dumaguete - when they heard there were flights they changed their trip back to cut out the long (tedious) overland travel.

Dumaguete is definitely a better critter destination than PG (however, so in Anilao).

 

[ChrisN]

I, too, have a trip in March with the same quandary about getting from the airport to Puerto Galera. I am pretty savvy at do-it-yourself transfers when I travel, but this one seems like more hassle than I'm willing to deal with. My travel agent recommends private transport, so that's the way I'm going. It will cost a lot more but worth it for me. She said as we get closer to the date, she'll check with El Galleon Resort for the possibility of sharing transport with others.

I will also be staying at the El Galleon in May. I got a quote for private transfers from the El Galleon, but it's pricey. Quote was $90 USD for a private van each way and $77 each way (I think for 2 people) for the water taxi. I'd be interested in knowing what you end up doing. Thanks, Chris

 

[wsar]

I will also be staying at the El Galleon in May. I got a quote for private transfers from the El Galleon, but it's pricey. Quote was $90 USD for a private van each way and $77 each way (I think for 2 people) for the water taxi. I'd be interested in knowing what you end up doing. Thanks, Chris

That quotation is about right for private van and water taxi, but to me it is a bit pricey for 1 to 2 people, maybe justifiable if you had a group of 3-4 to split the cost. You're talking about P20k return which is enough to pay for around 18 dives in PG with some dive shops in Sabang (not El Galleon though), ie, 1 person's entire 6 day/3 dives per day diving!
If you are willing to go local, the transport can be much cheaper but requires a bit of initiative and flexibility; @Centrals and I have given a detailed account of the prices and steps in another thread regarding the PG Ferry Service if you are interested. I also personally enjoy mixing with the locals for the food and culture rather than remaining in splendid isolation. Of course, if money is no object, then it's a trade off between time and local flavour vs speed and convenience.

 

[Centrals]

I will also be staying at the El Galleon in May. I got a quote for private transfers from the El Galleon, but it's pricey. Quote was $90 USD for a private van each way and $77 each way (I think for 2 people) for the water taxi. I'd be interested in knowing what you end up doing. Thanks, Chris

Si-kat

www.sikatferrybus.com

Your arrival time is crucial to make the same day connection. This is a tourist transfer and is very very safe. However, I am not sure if the connection between Balatero Port and Sabang is included in the fare. Anyway, trike is only P250.00 but going back is P300.00(no idea why).
Return is the same if your flight leaves in the evening.

Taxi between NAIA(any terminal) and City State Tower Hotel is NEVER more than P500.00.
So a single transfer between NAIA and Sabang is around P2,000.00($40.00).

Diving School Resort Puerto Galera - Best Restaurant & Accomodation

Capt'n Gregg's located on Sabang beach front in Puerto Galera, Australian Managed Diving School Resort with excellent restaurant & affordable accomodation.

www.captngreggs.com

US$100.00 for 3 dives and 1 night of accommodation.

Steps Garden Resort – Puerto Galera Philippines

stepsgarden.com

The view from some of the rooms is.....but plenty of steps to negotiate !!!!!
No way the rooms at El Galleon can beat that.
About 5 mins walk to Asia Divers.

 

[DesertEagle]

$90 US is the going rate for private transfer from Manila to Berberabe. I think there are two shared/scheduled water taxi services. They cost P2,000. One can be reached at 63-969-048-7032

 

[Living4Experiences]

I will also be staying at the El Galleon in May. I got a quote for private transfers from the El Galleon, but it's pricey. Quote was $90 USD for a private van each way and $77 each way (I think for 2 people) for the water taxi. I'd be interested in knowing what you end up doing. Thanks, Chris

El Galleon has been slow to respond to my Bluewater Travel agent. She sent me this as a cut and paste from El Galleon. The private transfer from Manila to Berberabe is a no-go for me at $435 USD each way. It's not finalized yet, but I'm aiming for a shared transfer to Berberabe and a public water taxi for 6,500 Php or about $111 USD each way. Seems like the pricing is all over the place with El Galleon. You were quoted $90 for the private van and I was quoted $135.

As an option, you can book a transfer from Manila to Berberabe from welcomepickups.com for about $120 USD, depending on your hotel location or if it's from the airport. I've used their transfer services in Europe and they are very good with clean cars and English speaking drivers (at least in Europe).

This is from El Galleon: Private transfer- This is the quickest and most convenient way to reach us in Puerto Galera. Transfer from hotel in Manila.

It’s a 2 hour air-con car/van ride from Manila to the pier, followed by about 40 minute boat ride directly to El Galleon Pier. Total journey time usually 2.5 to 3 hours. Php15,000/USD$300 is the cost for the water taxi for one way. We will collect water taxi payment upon arrival at the resort. Php6,750/USD$135 is the cost for the van for one way.

Shared transfer- There are of course options with using public transportation or perhaps even using a private car and a public boat. Keep in mind that of course things don’t run as smoothly using public transportation and there can be delays. A good value option is to combine a private pick up in Manila hotel with this shared water taxi service. We can also try to help you share the van with other guests who want to travel on the same trip. Price of p4500 will be shared by all in the van (Max 5-6 pax). Please pay in cash directly to the driver. Pick up in Manila is scheduled at 10:30 a.m. and will bring you directly to Beberabe Port.

This daily water taxi service departs from Beberabe port at 1:30 every day (weather permitting) and drop off is at Sabang Pier. We must pre-book the non-refundable/non-transferable ticket at least one day before your trip here. During the peak times its best to book well ahead. Our staff will meet you in Sabang port to assist you to our resort. Water taxi fee is p2000 per person, each way. Please pay in cash to El Galleon resort upon arrival. It’s important to time your flights accordingly if you want to use this service. Plan to land by 9:30 a.m. at the latest and plan your return flight for 7 p.m. or later.

Extra fees (cash only):
USD3.00-port fee – this is a onetime fee upon arrival at Beberabe port for each person. No need to pay it on the way out.
USD3.00 -EUF fee-This is a onetime government imposed for entry to Puerto Galera. The “Environmental User fee” applicable to all tourists . It will be paid upon arrival in Sabang port. No need to pay it on the way out.
Php100 charge per vehicle. If you’re in our transport, the driver will pay the car entrance fee, but you will need to pay the port fee of Php 130 per person.
Php160 Environmental User Fee (EUF) payment per person. Pay this upon arrival in Sabang port
Php50 Porter fee per bag if needed

 

[bvbellomo]

I am going Monday, if anyone is interested in possibly traveling together

 

[YYCLuke]

You can get a taxi from NAIA to Batangas port for like 3500-4000, then 600 for the ferry plus the port and entry fees and the trike to sabang. That's under 5000 for one person taking a taxi all in.
Or you take the Si-kat Bus for 1700 includes your ferry ticket.

 

[bvbellomo]

I know, but unless I get the Si-kat at 9:30am, it is unavailable for another 24 hours, so it depends if my flight arrives on time and how fast I can leave the airport. If I had it to do over again, I wouldn't have booked my room the first night, but I got nervous when the first few resorts I wanted in Anilao sold out a month ahead.