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Puerto Galera beyond the reefs: insider tips to the Philippines’ diving capital
Aquatic diversions both above and below the surface may be the prime draw to the Philippines’ Puerto Galera, but the roads west and south lead to pleasures only those in the know are familiar with
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Lapped by aquamarine waters and framed by rainforest-draped hills, Puerto Galera is situated on the northern tip of the Philippines’ Mindoro Island.
The name ‘galera’ refers to a galley – a cargo vessel – but local lore has it that Puerto Galera means “Port of the Galleons”, referring to the Spanish treasure ships that sailed between Manila and Acapulco, Mexico, from the late 16th century.
Certainly there are many treasures awaiting visitors in Puerto Galera, which boasts a Unesco-protected 23,200 hectare marine biosphere reserve among its natural wonders.
Surrounded by islets such as Paniquian Island, Puerto Galera’s attractiveness to early sailors lay in its topography, which makes for a naturally protected harbour. All three Puerto Galera residents we spoke with – dive instructor Allison Manis, hotelier Kim Barnaby and restaurateur Tezz Calvo – noted its location as a major selling point.
And it’s a location boats from Hong Kong, Singapore and elsewhere in Asia will converge on for Halloween weekend (November 1 to 3), when the Puerto Galera Yacht Club hosts the All Souls Regatta, one of three annual meetings organised by the club, with this year’s 20th anniversary expected to be a significant event.
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