Puerto Galera
A bay of green hills and beaches on Mindoro, beside some of the richest reef waters on Earth, a few hours from Manila.
Quick answer
- What it is: a resort town on the north coast of Mindoro, beside the Verde Island Passage.
- Why divers come: the passage is often called the 'center of the center' of marine shorefish biodiversity.
- Recognition: named a UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Reserve in the 1970s, and declared the Philippines' diving capital by the town in 2023.
- Beaches: Sabang and the La Laguna beaches for diving, White Beach for swimming and nightlife.
- Getting there: bus or car from Manila to Batangas Port, then a ferry or bangka across.
Why it is a wonder
Puerto Galera wraps around a sheltered bay on the north coast of Mindoro, with green hills running down to beaches and coves. Its real treasure is underwater. The town sits beside the Verde Island Passage, the strait between Batangas and Mindoro that scientists often call the “center of the center” of marine shorefish biodiversity, at the heart of the Coral Triangle.
UNESCO recognised the area as a Man and the Biosphere Reserve in the 1970s, and in 2023 the town declared itself the diving capital of the Philippines. Dozens of dive sites lie within minutes of Sabang Beach, with reefs full of nudibranchs, turtles and schools of fish.
Beat the crowds
- Avoid Holy Week and summer weekends, especially at White Beach.
- Dive on weekday mornings, when the dive boats are least busy.
- Stay at quieter beaches like Talipanan or Aninuan if you want calm evenings.
Getting there
From Manila, go by bus or car to Batangas Port, about 2 to 3 hours. Ferries and outrigger boats cross the passage to Puerto Galera in about an hour, arriving at Sabang, White Beach or the town pier. Crossings stop in rough weather. See our guide to getting around the Philippines.
A perfect day
- Dive or snorkel off Sabang in the morning.
- Lunch by the bay in the La Laguna area.
- Take a boat to a quiet beach or hike to Tamaraw Falls.
- Watch the sunset from White Beach.
Through the seasons
- November to May: the dry season, with calmer crossings and clear water.
- June to October: the southwest monsoon and typhoon months. Boats can be suspended, and visibility drops.
See our guide to typhoon season.
Respect the place
The reefs here are some of the most diverse in the world, and also under pressure. Don’t touch or stand on coral, use reef-safe sunscreen, choose dive centres that brief on good buoyancy, and pay the environmental fees.
Photo gallery
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Puerto Galera from Manila?
Travel to Batangas Port by bus or car (about 2 to 3 hours), then take a ferry or outrigger boat across to Puerto Galera (about an hour).
Is Puerto Galera good for beginners?
Yes. There are many dive schools, and over 30 dive sites lie within minutes of Sabang Beach, from gentle reefs to strong-current sites for experienced divers.
Which beach should I stay on?
Sabang and the La Laguna beaches suit divers. White Beach is livelier and popular with Filipino families. Talipanan and Aninuan are quieter.
What is the Verde Island Passage?
The strait between Batangas and Mindoro, part of the Coral Triangle and widely described by scientists as one of the most biodiverse marine areas on the planet.
When is the best time to go?
The dry months, about November to May, for calmer crossings and clearer water.
Binondo
Manila's Chinatown, founded in 1594, where four centuries of Chinese-Filipino life come together in dumplings, temples and crowded streets.
We checked this guide against the 3 sources listed below. Last updated 14 November 2026. Basis: researched from official sources. Written and edited by Delfin, with AI-assisted research (how we work). Prices, hours and rules change, so confirm before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
