Beneath the Surface: The Colorful History of Diving in Puerto Galera
When people think of Puerto Galera, they often picture white sand beaches, stunning sunsets, and vibrant nightlife. But for those who love the sea, Puerto Galera is something even more magical—a gateway to a breathtaking underwater world that has been attracting divers for decades.
Where It All Began
The name “Puerto Galera” means “Port of Galleons,” a nod to its Spanish colonial roots when this natural harbor served as a safe refuge for passing ships. But it wasn’t until the 1980s that the town began to earn a different kind of fame—this time, among scuba divers.
Back then, a few adventurous souls discovered that the waters around Puerto Galera were home to some of the most diverse and colorful marine life in the world. Dive pioneers like Reef Raiders and Capt’n Gregg’s set up shop in Sabang Beach, helping transform a sleepy fishing village into a buzzing dive destination. Soon after, Asia Divers, Tech Asia, and Atlantis Dive Resort joined in, raising the standards of dive instruction, safety, and service.
By the 1990s, Puerto Galera was no longer a hidden gem—it was a global hotspot for underwater explorers.
Dive Capital of the Philippines
In 2023, Puerto Galera made it official. Through a municipal resolution, the town declared itself the Diving Capital of the Philippines—and rightly so! With over 30 world-class dive sites within minutes of the shore, Puerto Galera offers everything from easy coral garden dives to thrilling drift dives like The Canyons.
It also sits at the edge of the Verde Island Passage, famously called the “center of the center of marine biodiversity.” That means divers get front-row seats to vibrant reefs, swarms of tropical fish, turtles, rays, and even the occasional shark.
Not Just Scuba Anymore
While scuba diving built Puerto Galera’s reputation, the newest trend making waves is freediving—diving without tanks, just on one breath. More and more visitors are coming to Puerto Galera to learn freediving, drawn by the calm bays, clear waters, and peaceful rhythm of diving in sync with nature.
Now, many dive shops offer both scuba and freediving lessons, welcoming a broader community of ocean lovers.
Moments That Made History
Puerto Galera isn’t just beautiful—it’s legendary. In 2001, diver John Bennett broke the 300-meter barrier for the deepest scuba dive ever attempted—right off the coast of Puerto Galera. His feat put the town on the map for tech divers and thrill seekers around the globe.
It’s also a place where locals and tourists come together for a cause. Dive shops regularly organize underwater clean-ups, crown-of-thorns starfish removals, and marine protection campaigns. The community knows that preserving the reefs is key to keeping the magic alive.
What’s Next?
In the next five years, Puerto Galera’s diving scene is set to grow even more. Expect more freediving schools, eco-tourism efforts, and high-tech dive experiences like blackwater and macro photography tours. But one thing will stay the same—the warm hospitality of the locals and the awe-inspiring beauty under the sea.
So whether you’re a seasoned diver, a curious snorkeler, or just someone who dreams of swimming with fish, Puerto Galera invites you to explore its world beneath the waves. One dive is never enough—because every time you go down, it’s a whole new adventure.
Ready to dive in? Puerto Galera is waiting.
