{"id":28085,"date":"2024-10-09T16:07:35","date_gmt":"2024-10-09T20:07:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/world.dan.org\/?post_type=dan_alert_diver&p=28085"},"modified":"2024-10-09T16:07:43","modified_gmt":"2024-10-09T20:07:43","slug":"puerto-galera","status":"publish","type":"dan_alert_diver","link":"https:\/\/world.dan.org\/id\/alert-diver\/article\/puerto-galera\/","title":{"rendered":"Puerto Galera"},"content":{"rendered":"

When you get off the boat on Sabang Beach, near Puerto Galera on Mindoro Island in the Philippines, a sign that reads \u201cWelcome to Sabang, Your Gateway to the Center of the Center of Marine Biodiversity\u201d greets you. That phrase defines the diving in the region, as you will not find more fish species anywhere else on Earth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several different ways of counting species, but most estimates indicate that there are well over 2,000 species of coral reef fish in the Coral Triangle \u2014 the high-diversity area between Indonesia, the Philippines, and Papua New Guinea. Getting an exact number for any given location is more difficult, but recent estimates suggest the number for Puerto Galera is at least 1,000. For comparison, the number of coral reef fishes in the entire Greater Caribbean region is a little more than 700, and Hawai\u02bbi has about 600.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scientists have tried to explain why the Coral Triangle region is diverse. The three competing hypotheses are center of origin, center of accumulation, and center of overlap. Each theory explains high diversity slightly differently, but they are all straightforward. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The first hypothesis suggests that the Coral Triangle is an area where a lot of species are formed, and the second assumes that species form in the periphery in places such as Hawai\u02bbi and eventually migrate and accumulate in the center, which is the Coral Triangle. The third theory accounts for the location of the Coral Triangle between the Indian and Pacific oceans, so it\u2019s a place where there\u2019s overlap among species that evolved separately. The most likely explanation is that all these processes contribute to the region\u2019s high diversity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You will see a lot of different species on a single dive, but there\u2019s stunning diversity in the habitats as well. Every dive can be wildly different as you move from classic muck dives to white-sand reef dives, wall dives, drift dives, macro dives, and wreck dives, all within an hour\u2019s boat ride from Puerto Galera.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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This greater blue-ringed octopus (Hapalochlaena lunulata) at Secret Bay was relatively large, measuring at least 4.5 inches (12 cm).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Puerto Galera<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Regardless of how the area became so diverse, diving is spectacular in the Coral Triangle, especially in the Philippines. You are practically guaranteed to see something new on every dive, even when you spend hours underwater, which is what I do. Most of my dives these days are deep, scientific, technical dives, one of which I did at Blackfish Corner.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This site is on the west point of Verde Island, about a 45-minute boat ride from Puerto Galera, and is known for an abundance of red-toothed and black triggerfish. Because of the site\u2019s location, currents there are strong and unpredictable. The bottom configuration and colors are amazing, with a lot of live corals as well as many current-loving gorgonians and sponges. The visibility isn\u2019t always great because of the currents, but the nutrients in the water are what attract all the fish. Washing Machine<\/strong> is another popular nearby site, and that\u2019s a good description of what some dives there feel like. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Hypselodoris
The many color variations of nudibranchs sometimes make exact identification difficult. This vibrant and exquisite macro subject is likely either Hypselodoris apolegma or Risbecia apolegma. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

I almost always dive with a camera, but strong currents forced me to leave it behind this day to concentrate on my science: laying transects and counting fish along them to understand the mechanisms that allow them to coexist. My team and I went to about 400 feet (122 meters) for 10 minutes, which translated to about four hours of decompression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We started our ascent after completing our brief work, and when we reached about 300 feet (91 m), I looked up and saw three large shark silhouettes right above us. When we got closer, I noticed that the sharks\u2019 caudal fins were very long, which is an unmistakable characteristic of thresher sharks. The three sharks swimming just above our heads are one of the most spectacular underwater sights I\u2019ve ever witnessed. We were on rebreathers and got very close. It was the kind of unique encounter you can expect when diving in the Coral Triangle, even though this one will remain just a story since none of us had a camera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verde Island\u2019s opposite point is also worth a visit. The most spectacular dive site there has many names: Some call it Pinnacles<\/strong>, while others call it The Drop Off<\/strong>. Regardless of the name, it\u2019s where I saw some of the best and most diverse coral cover. When going to the Philippines, some people immediately think of macro photography, but photographers should bring their wide-angle lenses for the spectacular scenery at Pinnacles.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"The
The whip coral spider crab (Xenocarcinus tuberculatus) lives exclusively on whip corals.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"Ornate
Ornate ghost pipefish (Solenostomus paradoxus) are experts at camouflage. The two larger yellow ones are female, and the small dark one is male.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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The reef lizardfish (Synodus variegatus) lie in ambush on the seafloor waiting for an unwary fish to swim near.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Coral Conservation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When talking about coral reefs, we must also discuss their conservation status. Corals live in symbiosis with algae called zooxanthellae. Symbiosis is a close relationship between two different species from which both species usually benefit. In this case, algae and corals feed on each other\u2019s waste in one of nature\u2019s most efficient recycling systems. Neither corals nor algae can get enough nutrients from the water alone, so their mutualistic relationship allows both to survive and thrive in nutrient-poor waters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Corals are very sensitive to temperature changes, and our planet is warming. When the water temperature goes above what the corals can tolerate, they get stressed and expel the zooxanthellae that give them food and provide their color. That\u2019s when they turn white in a phenomenon called coral bleaching. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The bad news is that bleaching is becoming more frequent and affecting more corals every year. It is a global problem with no easy and quick solution. The Earth is warming quicker than corals can adapt to the warmer temperatures, and the entire coral reef ecosystem is suffering the consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The good news is that reefs in the Coral Triangle region, particularly in the Verde Island Passage, are somewhat sheltered from warming and bleaching. Two characteristics of the region make it special. First, the strong currents make the area very dynamic in terms of temperature. There are many areas where turbulence caused by currents brings cold water from the bottom to the surface, so the corals in this region are much better adapted to fluctuating temperatures than elsewhere. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Second, cold water also brings nutrients from the bottom, and those nutrients make corals resist bleaching more than in other places such as the Central Pacific. Puerto Galera is not unique in being a refuge for corals; there are many similar places in the Coral Triangle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"This
This glass anemone shrimp (Periclimenes brevicarpalis) is primarily found on anemones.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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The threespot angelfish (Apolemichthys trimaculatus) is encountered on outer reefs and drop-offs.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Bottom Line<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Diving in the Philippines is an experience like no other. With more than 7,600 islands and a rich marine biodiversity, the Philippines boasts some of the most stunning dive sites on the planet. The following are several reasons why I love it there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Philippines\u2019 position at the head of the Coral Triangle makes it one of the global centers of marine biodiversity. Its waters are home to an astonishing array of marine life, and Puerto Galera provides unparalleled access to this diversity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The area offers a wide range of sites catering to divers of all levels, from beginners to advanced. Whether you\u2019re into wall diving, drift diving, wreck diving, or macro photography, there\u2019s something for everyone, and every dive has something unique to offer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even though Puerto Galera and Verde Island can have large temperature fluctuations, you\u2019ll never need more than a 5 mm wetsuit. The visibility on some sites might not be crystal clear due to the currents, but the diversity of life more than makes up for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Puerto Galera has one of the best dive tourism infrastructures in the Philippines, with dive resorts, liveaboards, and dive centers scattered across Sabang. Whether you prefer luxurious accommodations or budget-friendly options, there are choices to suit everyone, and it\u2019s not hard to find someone to fix your camera equipment in case a problem arises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Philippines is also known for its rich cultural heritage and natural topside attractions. Divers can combine their underwater adventures with visits to stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and the vibrant city of Manila. From exploring historic Spanish colonial sites and Japanese World War II bunkers to encountering unique wildlife, the Philippines offers many enjoyable experiences out of the water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Philippines has been actively working to protect its marine ecosystems. Sylvia Earle\u2019s Mission Blue recently designated Verde Island as a Hope Spot \u2014 a location that is \u201ccritical to the health of the ocean.\u201d This recognition was made not only because the area is of exceptional biological importance but also because local communities are heavily involved in protecting it. Many areas around Puerto Galera are also protected, enjoyed only by divers and managed by local communities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Puerto Galera should be on top of everyone\u2019s dive destination list because of the unparalleled underwater experience it offers combined with its breathtaking marine biodiversity, great diving conditions year-round, and plenty of topside activities. Whether you\u2019re an advanced underwater photographer or a novice diver, the Philippines always has something extraordinary to offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"The
The orangutan crab (Achaeus japonicus) is fairly common throughout the Coral Triangle and is exclusively found on bubble coral. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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This pygmy dwarf cuttlefish (Sepia bandensis) changes its color to blend into its environment.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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How To Dive It<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sampai di sana: <\/strong>Your port of entry in the Philippines will be Manila. Philippine Airlines flies nonstop from New York (JFK), Seattle (SEA), Los Angeles (LAX), and San Francisco (SFO) to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL). United Airlines also flies directly from SFO to MNL. Other airlines can take you there if you don\u2019t mind a layover somewhere in Southeast Asia. After landing in Manila, take land transportation for the two- to three-hour ride to Batangas and then get on a ferry that can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the boat. This last bit of in-country transportation might seem complicated, but your dive operator can organize it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kondisi:<\/strong> Puerto Galera has a dry season from October to May, when dive conditions are usually better. The rainy season is from June to October, when runoff affects the visibility, and there is a low chance that a typhoon will hit. The hottest months are April and May, when temperatures average 78\u00b0F to 93\u00b0F (26\u00b0C to 34\u00b0C), and the coolest are December and January, when temperatures range from 71\u00b0F to 86\u00b0F (22\u00b0C to 30\u00b0C). Water temperatures hover around 81\u00b0F (27\u00b0C) year-round, getting warmer or cooler by no more than a couple of degrees depending on the season. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Currents are unpredictable due to the region\u2019s geological complexity. Puerto Galera sits on a small peninsula sticking out from the southern edge of the Verde Island Passage, the strait that separates southern Luzon Island from northern Mindoro Island. Water coming from the Pacific flows through this channel toward the South China Sea, and as it passes through, it forms eddies and sometimes causes coldwater upwellings. These upwellings bring nutrients from the deep, creating the high biodiversity in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Jelajahi Lebih Lanjut<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Discover some of Puerto Galera\u2019s marine diversity of in this video.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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