Verde Island Passage
El Galleon (Puerto Galera) and Aiyanar (Anilao)
May 2 - 13, 2020
About 2.5 hours south of Manila, you will find the Verde Island Passage, AKA the Center of the Center of the Marine Biodiversity in the world. Center of the center - meaning that there are more species of fish and coral per square meter than any place else in the world! They are discovering new species there every year. It is found between Luxon and Mindoro islands, and in the middle of the passage, is Verde Island. Much of the area is now a marine sanctuary, since 1973.
Located on the north side of the passage is Aniloa, known for it's black sand, muck dives and cool stuff. And on the south side, is Puerto Galera with coral gardens, steep walls filled with soft corals, as well as all those tiny things - nudis, ghost pipefish, frogfish..... the list goes on. And don't forget Verde Island - beautiful walls, sharks and possible mantas, and they even discovered a Spanish galleon that sunk in 1620!
May 2-8 - El Galleon - Puerto Galera
We start with a 6 night stay in Puerto Galera, which is a 2.5 hour drive from Manila. They have a private beach and point where the bungalows look out over the straight. Besides diving, they have a nice pool, spa, and a beautiful jetty area for taking in the sunsets - that is, if we are not diving or snorkeling ! There are fun land activities you can schedule as well.
5 days of unlimited diving or snorkling is scheduled, which includes 1 day at Verde Island. Dives are scheduled for 8 am, 10:30, 13:30 and 4 pm, plus a night dive. Snorkelers are invited for the day trips. They have a beautiful bar for the sunsets..... and spa treatments when we can fit it in.
3 types of rooms are available
Seaview Room
Poolview Room
Penthouse
All rooms have air conditioning, either 1 queen or 2 beds, TV, room safe, fully stocked minibar and wifi. Yes, even in your room !
May 8-13 - Aiyanar - Anilao
On the morning of the 8th, we will boat over to Anilao. and check into the Aiyanar hotel. All of the rooms are overlooking the ocean - a commonality here in the Philippines. They have a beautiful infinity pool and spa. All meals are served in their restaurant overlooking the passage.
Diving begins that afternoon with a twilight dive. Plus 12 more dives over the next 4 days. Only 2 on the last day. There are so many cool things that we can see there in the black sand - nudibranchs, psychodelic cuttlefish and fingers crossed - a blue ring octopus ! There will be some reef dives and some muck dives.
2 types of rooms are available
Deluxe Room
Suite
All rooms have air conditioning, either 1 king or 2 full beds, private balcony, flat screen TV, room safe, and wifi - possibly. Waiting to confirm this....
Package Pricing
PLEASE NOTE - This trip includes both resorts. Pricing is per resort because of the different room types but sold together.
Hotel and diving/snorkeling packages include -
  • 6 night stay-Puerto Galera + 5 nights-Anilao, double occupancy - in the type of room of your choise. All inclusive
  • 5 days unlimited diving or snorkeling with 1 day trip to Verde Island - Puerto Galera
  • 5 days - 14 dives - Anilao
  • free Nitrox
  • 15L tanks - free-Puerto Galera - advanced reservation required - still checking Anilao
  • Group transport Manila airport to Puerto Gallero, boat to Anilao, group transport back to Manila airport
  • all Marine Park fees
El Galleon @ Puerto Galera
Sea view Room - Dbl occup
  • Diver - $ 1,399 USD pp
  • Snorkeler - $ 1,325 USD pp
  • Non-diver - $ 849 USD pp
  • Single Supplement - + $ 360 USD
Pool view Room - DBL occup
  • Diver - $ 1,325 USD pp
  • Snorkeler - $ 1,049 USD pp
  • Non-diver - $ 779 USD pp
  • Single Supplement - + $ 290 USD
Penthouse - DBL occup
  • Diver - $ 1,599 USD pp
Aiyanar @ Anilao
Deluxe - DBL occup
  • Diver - $ 1,589 USD pp
  • Snorkeler - $ 1,309 USD pp
  • Non-diver - $ 889 USD pp
  • Single Supplement - + $ 175 USD
Suite - Dbl occup
  • Diver - $ 1,739 USD pp
  • Snorkeler - $ 1,459 USD pp
  • Non-diver - $ 1,039 USD pp
  • Single Supplement - + $ 325 USD
Not included in the package price -
  • flights to and from Manila
  • alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
  • dive gear rental
Payment Plan
If we take a package SeaView and Deluxe, the total for a diver would be 2,988

Deposit - $ 988 USD pp due withing 15 days of reservation - non-refundable
Oct 1 - $ 1,000 USD pp
Jan 15 - Final payment of $ 1,000 USD pp or pending balance

If you are reserving one of the other room types, the payments will be adjusted.
Notes :
  • Deposits are non-refundable unless I can get someone to replace your spot.
  • DAN or some other diving insurance is HIGLY RECOMMENDED.
  • Travel insurance is HIGHLY suggested. Both DAN and DIVE ASSURE offer it.
  • May 2 group transport departure time will coincide with the the group coming from Tubbataha. There is a Cebu Pacific flight that departs at 10:05 am.