Away from the usual tourist circuits, the island of Mindoro has one of the most beautiful seabed in the Philippines. From the colourful reefs of Puerto Galera to the massive drop offs of Apo Reef, the island is home to exceptional tropical biodiversity accessible all year round.
Mindoro, a pristine island in the heart of the Philippine islands
Lying south-west of Luzon, between the Sulu and Mindoro Seas, this large mountainous island remains relatively untrodden despite its proximity to Manila, the capital of the Philippines. Separated from Luzon by the Verde Island Passage, Mindoro is split into two provinces with very contrasting characteristics: Mindoro Oriental and Mindoro Occidental. In the east, Puerto Galera has been a classic diving spot since the 1980s, with sites easily accessible by boat. To the west, the Apo Reef Natural Park is much more isolated, offering deep-sea diving in an exceptional marine reserve. Surrounded by mangroves, wild beaches and teeming with coral reefs, the island is one of the most spectacular underwater destinations in the Philippine archipelago. Here are some of the best spots for you to explore under the surface.
Spectacular underwater formations and schools of fish at The Canyons, Puerto Galera
This is one of the most famous diving spots in the Philippines! Off the coast of Sabang, in the north of the island, The Canyon is made up of three parallel depressions that are home to an incredible density of sea life, especially when the current is strong. Reserved for the most experienced divers, this is a drift dive. You let yourself be carried along the faults by the flow of the current, with no swimming required, just the push of the water, sometimes clinging to the rocks to admire the fish. At a depth of 25 metres, the coral boulders are perfect spots from which to observe schools of jacks, batfish and fusiliers, among others...
Discover the corals at Coral Garden, Puerto Galera
The Coral Garden is more accessible, a rich and colourful reef just a few minutes by boat from Long Beach. In shallow waters, 5 to 15 metres below the surface, you can marvel at the diversity of hard and soft corals, colourful anemones and tropical fish. Perfect for beginners or advanced divers, this spot also offers long, quiet dives, with excellent visibility in the dry season.
Underwater sanctuaries at Sabang Wrecks, Puerto Galera
Just a few minutes from the beach, three small metal shipwrecks lie on a sandy seabed 15 to 20 metres below the surface. Colonised by coral and frequented by green turtles, these former fishing boats were deliberately submerged to enrich the marine ecosystem. Nowadays, you can see barracudas hunting swarms of glassfish and scorpionfish, as well as lionfish skulking in the dark corners. The site lends itself particularly well to night diving, when violet blanket octopus, mantis shrimp and nudibranchs, three brightly coloured local species, pop in the low light.
Apo Reef, Western Mindoro's marine paradise
A huge lagoon, mind-blowing drop offs and fish as far as the eye can see: Apo Reef, 30 kilometres off Sablayan, will give you a true sense of adventure. Although it takes three hours by boat to reach the site from the west coast of Mindoro, the effort is well worth it. Reef sharks, tuna, eagle rays and even hammerhead sharks: here, you can dive into the deep blue with incredible visibility, often beyond 40 metres, on unspoilt coral plateaus. The spot, which covers more than 34 km2 of the Philippines’ natural heritage, is still little frequented, making it a premier destination for divers with technical ability looking for new unspoiled areas.
Baniaga Reef, a hidden gem in the south of Oriental Mindoro, Bulalacao
In the far south of the province of Oriental Mindoro, off the coast of Bulalacao, the Baniaga Reef is still largely under the radar. Far from the hustle and bustle of Puerto Galera, this coastal reef, protected by a natural barrier, stands out for its complex underwater formations: small canyons, tunnels, cavities and pinnacles. You'll come across hawksbill sea turtles, butterflyfish and cuttlefish. The water is clear, at a moderate depth – rarely more than 18 metres – and the seabed is teeming with sponges and hard corals. But its greatest asset is the absolute tranquillity of the place: few people, no engine noises, just the gentle lapping of the wavelets against the pirogue on the way back.
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