Over eleven nights, this itinerary offers a true diver’s journey into the Verde Island Passage. Two Coral Reef Safaris introduce both legendary and little-seen reefs, Shark Quest places you in the role of Reef Support Crew, and a week of recreational diving lets you enjoy Puerto Galera’s marine variety at your own pace. Between dives, unwind in comfortable seafront accommodation designed for divers.
11 Nights / 10 Days
From: USD 1863
Stay: Comfortable
Ten days of diving and discovery in the heart of the Coral Triangle. Coral Reef Safaris showcase contrasting sites at Verde Island and Calapan, while Shark Quest lets you contribute valuable data on shark behaviour. Six days of recreational diving with the Arkipelago team reveal Puerto Galera’s coral gardens and drift dives, enjoyed at a relaxed pace. One final free day offers time to rest or explore topside Mindoro, serving as your no-dive interval before departure. It’s an itinerary that balances purposeful expeditions with ample time to enjoy the reefs and culture of North Mindoro.
Two full-day Coral Reef Safaris in the Verde Island Passage
Full day as Reef Support Crew on a Shark Quest expedition
Six days of fun diving around Puerto Galera
100% of proceeds support local marine conservation
1 Day on a Shark Quest
2 Coral Reef Safaris (3 dives each: Verde Island & Calapan)
6 days recreational diving in Puerto Galera
1 free day to relax or explore Mindoro
Lunch, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks on Coral Reef Safaris & Shark Quest
Reef Support Crew Field Guide
Personal Ocean Journal
11 nights at Arkipelago Divers & Beach Resort (B&B)
Carbon offset for all Coral Reef Safaris
All dive equipment
11 Nights / 10 Days
From USD 1863* (per person sharing)
From USD 2512* (Single)
Starts: Manila, Philippines
*Pool Side Room
This 10-day adventure blends structured expeditions with relaxed exploration. Two Coral Reef Safaris reveal different sides of the Verde Island Passage: the iconic pinnacles and walls of Verde Island, alive with swirling fish and thriving corals, and the seldom-dived reefs of Calapan, where canyons and coral slopes shelter a wealth of marine life. Both safaris are led by naturalist guides, with a low diver-to-guide ratio for a more personal experience.
You’ll also spend a full day on Shark Quest as Reef Support Crew, deploying underwater cameras, completing guided dives, and helping analyse footage to log shark activity. It’s hands-on marine research that contributes directly to conservation.
Six further days are devoted to recreational diving around Puerto Galera with the Arkipelago team. These dives focus on enjoyment and variety, from coral gardens and drift dives to a range of reef sites that highlight the area’s biodiversity.
One additional day is left free to relax or explore topside Mindoro—a chance to rest, discover the island, and observe the standard no-dive period before flying.
TOP TIP — Extend your stay to enjoy extra fun diving days in Puerto Galera’s reefs with Arkipelago Divers, add more Coral Reef Safaris in the Verde Island Passage, or get involved in more hands-on conservation through other projects such as FinVentory & REEFlections.
Your participation supports reef protection in two important ways. First, all profits from the package pricing is directed to Blue Alliance Philippines, helping fund the management of Marine Protected Areas and coastal community projects along North Mindoro.
Second, all profits from the dedicated Coral Reef Safaris and Shark Quest are also directed to Blue Alliance Philippines, ensuring that these expedition-style days both inspire divers and generate tangible benefits for science and management. Shark Quest, in particular, produces crucial data on shark behaviour and distribution, building the evidence base for stronger marine protection measures.
By combining purposeful expeditions with a longer dive holiday, your experience leaves a lasting impact—supporting both on-the-ground conservation and the research needed to guide it.
Your base for this adventure is Arkipelago Divers & Beach Resort, a diver-focused seafront property in Puerto Galera. Expect a relaxed atmosphere, a pool for cooling off after dives, and a restaurant serving hearty post-dive meals. The rooftop deck is ideal for sunset drinks and dive stories, while the on-site dive centre keeps everything simple and convenient.
Accommodation ranges from Standard Rooms to Pool Side and Villa options, with air-conditioning, reliable hot showers, and just a few steps separating you from the water. It’s a place built for divers—practical, comfortable, and perfectly located for exploring the Verde Island Passage.
Private pickup in Manila, transfer to Batangas, then water taxi to Puerto Galera. Check into Arkipelago Divers & Beach Resort and settle in.
Morning orientation followed by a 35–40 min boat ride to Calapan. Three dives across walls, canyons, and coral slopes with naturalist interpretation.
Note: The order of experiences on particular days may vary based on weather and oceans conditions
Cross the Passage for three dives at Verde Island’s famous pinnacles and fish-rich reefs. Picnic lunch between dives before returning to Puerto Galera.
Note: The order of experiences on particular days may vary based on weather and oceans conditions
Join Reef Support Crew for a day of shark monitoring. Help deploy RUV cameras, dive alongside guides, and review footage to log shark activity.
Note: The order of experiences on particular days may vary based on weather and oceans conditions
Six days of diving Puerto Galera’s diverse sites: colourful coral gardens, drift dives, and reef exploration showcasing the area’s biodiversity — 3 dives per day are included.
Note: The order of experiences on particular days may vary based on weather and oceans conditions
Take a break from diving to explore the island of Mindoro or simply relax by the pool or beach. This no-dive day ensures a safe interval before flying.
Breakfast, transfer to the water taxi, cross back to Batangas, and private vehicle back to Manila where services end.
Foster deeper connections with marine life
while embracing sustainable, regenerative travel.
Foster deeper connections with marine life
while embracing sustainable, regenerative travel.
We believe the best wilderness experiences are only possible with skilled guides and passionate naturalists leading the way.
We craft our trips to resonate deeply, leaving an emotional impact that educates, inspires, and cultivates meaningful connections with wildlife and conservation efforts.
Our Coral Reef Safari experiences embody the spirit of regenerative travel, emphasising the well-being of oceanic wildlife, local communities, our destinations, and our guests.
Lorem Ipsum Dolor Sit Amet
