With a spectacular setting in Puerto Gallera on the northern coast of Mindoro Island, El Galleon Resort Philippines is one of the country’s premier scuba diving destinations. The resort works with Asia Divers to offer its guests outstanding dive experiences, together with fine cuisine and a diverse choice of accommodations.

Puerto Galera was voted the most beautiful bay in the world by UNESCO in 2005, and El Galleon Resort Philippines is an idyllic setting to discover the species rich waters of the Verde Island Passage. It is considered by some, the marine counterpart of the Amazon Basin, with nutrient rich currents creating ideal conditions for the biodiversity which exists there.

Accomodation

The El Galleon Resort Philippines boasts a wide choice of accommodation, ranging from budget rooms to a luxurious penthouse suite. All rooms are equipped with air-conditioning and mini bars, as well as private bathrooms with hot water.

Seaview Rooms There are 10 Seaview Rooms with queen size beds, which offer stunning waterfront vistas just steps from the ocean.

Family Rooms El Galleon Resort Philippines has 3 Family Rooms, each of which has a queen bed and can be fitted with either one or two extra beds to accommodate families.

Poolside Rooms There are 12 Poolside Rooms, each of which has a queen size bed and overlooks the enticing swimming pool at El Galleon Resort Philippines. You can select from either a Poolside Deluxe or Poolside Economy Room.

Budget Rooms For those on a budget who are not fussed about having a view, El Galleon Resort Philippines also offers 4 Budget Rooms, with either a queen size bed or two single beds.

Penthouse Suite There is one Penthouse Suite at El Galleon Resort Philippines, including a one bedroom apartment with private kitchen, living room, and a balcony with sweeping ocean views.

Amenities

When you’re not busy below the water, you can relax beside El Galleon Resort’s swimming pool, with plenty of sun loungers where you can rest away the hours with a good book. If you feel like treating yourself, then their La Palm Spa offers a range of massages and aromatherapy treatments, including both Thai and Swedish style massages.

You can stay connected with free WiFi throughout the property, including all rooms and on the beachfront. There’s also a conference room if you are traveling with a dive group, which is equipped with a TV and DVD player, as well as a whiteboard.

Food

Situated right on the water’s edge, Arthur’s Restaurant at El Galleon Resort Philippines is the social heart of the resort. It has long been considered one of the best restaurants in Puerto Galera, with their French Chef Antoine creating a diverse mix of European and Asian-inspired dishes. The a la carte menu features homemade pastas, fresh seafood, quiche and steaks, with inspiring views across the ocean to accompany your meal.

You can also opt to dine at the Point Bar, situated between Sabang and Small Lalaguna Beach on the upper level of the Asia Divers’ Dive Center. It offers the same menu as Arthur’s Restaurant, with water views on three sides, and has a lively bar atmosphere once the sun goes down.

The perfect spot for sundowners is El Galleon Resort Philippines’ Barrel Bar, with a breezy setting on their private deck at the water’s edge.

Diving

El Galleon Resort Philippines’ works in conjunction with Asia Divers, the first PADI Career Development Center to be established in the Philippines. With more than 27 year’s experience and a team of highly experienced instructors and dive masters, you couldn’t be in better hands scuba diving in the Philippines. Asia Divers is renowned for their high teaching standard, with all PADI courses ranging from kids Bubblemaker to Instructor training on offer.

Puerto Galera lies on the edge of the Verde Island passage, with strong currents from the South China Sea offering fantastic drift dives, clear conditions and an abundance of marine life. More than 300 species of coral have been recorded, as well as around 60% of the world’s known shore fish species. The macro life is also outstanding, with a huge diversity of nudibranchs, sea horses and mantis shrimp to be found.

There are at least five scheduled dives a day, including a night dive, and over 30 sites within 15 minutes travel time from the dive shop which are suitable for all level of divers. Asia Divers uses both local Bangka outrigger boats and speed boats to access dive sites, and groups are kept at six divers or less. Diving is conducted year round and the water temperature ranges between 71ºF (22ºC) and 84ºF (29ºC), with visibility 15-40 meters.

Asia Divers boasts a diving platform with a large pontoon where boats can dock, and guest have ease of access getting on and off the vessels. The dive shop is light and spacious, and each diver has his/her own crate in which to store their equipment. There is a dedicated camera room and rinse tanks for photographers, and their dive masters are sensitive to underwater requirements of both amateur and professional photographers.

Other activities

Apart from offering outstanding Philippines scuba diving and snorkeling for all the family, there is plenty to keep non-diving family members occupied in Puerto Galera. Head to the Puerto Galera Museum to witness Spanish colonial relics and Chinese trade artifacts, or visit one of the nearby indigenous Mangyan villages to see first-hand their traditional way of life.

Adventure enthusiasts will find plenty on offer with treks along the Tukuran River through some of Puerto Galera’s most spectacular scenery. Take in the views, explore the local villages, and relax in one of the calm swimming holes along the way. Or opt for a kayaking expedition along one of Puerto Galera’s rivers, stopping at the San Rafael Falls along the way.

If you fancy a round of golf, then the Ponderosa Golf and Country Club is just an hour’s drive from El Galleon Resort Philippines. It offers nine holes, with breathtaking views across Puerto Galera Bay and the Verde Island Passage.

End an unforgettable day diving with a sunset cruise from the beach at El Galleon Resort Philippines, or treat your loved ones to a secluded beach barbecue on a private stretch of sand.