The Bay of Critters, My Favorite Dive in Puerto Galera, Philippines
Text and photos by Gunther Deichmann for the Philippine-Micronesia Alliance
7:00 AM early morning! Puerto Galera, 2006...
The marine bio-diversity in the Sabang area makes Puerto Galera one of the most popular muck dives in the Philippines. The 5km foreshore of world-class dive sites is a protected area and marine sanctuary. Most of the dive sites are within a few minutes boat ride. Alternatively, entry from the shore is possible from the many Dive Resorts in the area.
The best time to go out is early morning when everybody is still a sleep; my favorite time is between 6 and 7am. Great time to explore the shallows of Sabang Bay. The boat traffic can get a bit heavy later in the day. Have your breakfast on your return at El Galleon (great Coffee and food) and plan your other dives for the day or just relax by the pool.
Diving the shallows of Sabang Bay early in the morning may sound like a chilly proposition, but for underwater photographers, it’s a dream come true - especially when everyone else is asleep, perhaps recovering from the previous night’s merrymaking. With the entire bay to yourself, you’ll discover an amazing collection of life, from microscopic critters to the odd turtle swimming in the sea grass, all at a depth of three to four metres.
For example, one morning before coffee and breakfast, I spotted a miniature red-and-black frogfish, tiny dragonets, juvenile leaf fish, a white V shaped octopus, and just before I ran out of air, a huge green turtle. Wow!
You can also do the same dive in the late afternoon by starting at 20 meters from the Sabang wreck area. Just drift with the current, and you'll finish the dive back at the shallows, only five minutes from Asia Divers and El Galleon Beach Resort (a partner of the Philippine Micronesia Alliance). To top it off, you’ll be back for that cool sunset beer at the resort’s Point Bar.
Puerto Galera has been described by many Marine Biologists as having some of the most bio-diverse marine ecosystems in the world.
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The sheer variety of marine life in this area is overwhelming and always has a surprise or too every day. I can highly recommend Sabang Bay as one of the most diverse dive sites in the Philippines, absolutely world class.
There are other great dive sites for every skill including Tec dives in Puerto Galera and if you are planning a trip to the Philippines, check in at El Galleon - Dive with Asia Divers and have an early muck dive before breakfast.
To see more of Gunther Deichman's images check out his website at www.deichmann-photo.com.
