Over twelve nights, discover the Verde Island Passage through Coral Reef Safaris to Verde Island and Calapan, two Reef Support Crew expeditions—Shark Quest and FinVentory—and six days of recreational diving. Between dives, unwind in at Casalay Boutique Villas & Dive Resort, your tranquil seafront base.
12 Nights / 11 Days
From: USD 2547
Stay: Premium
This extended itinerary blends expedition-style safaris with citizen science and relaxed reef time. You’ll dive iconic Verde Island and the quieter reefs of Calapan on Coral Reef Safaris, join Shark Quest to gather shark monitoring data, and take part in FinVentory, surveying reef fish populations. Six further days of recreational diving showcase Puerto Galera’s coral gardens and drift dives at a gentler pace. A final free day allows for rest or island exploration before departure. Balanced between adventure, conservation, and premium accomodation, it’s a journey that leaves both memories and impact.
Two full-day Coral Reef Safaris in the Verde Island Passage
Two Reef Support Crew days: Shark Quest & FinVentory
Six days of recreational diving around Puerto Galera
100% of proceeds support local marine conservation
2 Coral Reef Safaris (3 dives each)
1 full day on Shark Quest (Reef Support Crew)
1 full day on FinVentory (Reef Support Crew)
6 days of recreational diving in Puerto Galera
1 free day to relax or explore Mindoro
Lunch, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks on safaris & Reef Support Crew days
Reef Support Crew Field Guide & Personal Ocean Journal
12 nights at Casalay Boutique Villas & Dive Resort (B&B)
Carbon offset for all Coral Reef Safaris
All dive equipment
12 Nights / 11 Days
From USD 2547* (per person sharing)
From USD 3515* (Single)
Starts: Manila, Philippines
*Garden Room
This 11-day programme brings together exploration, conservation, and easygoing reef diving. Your two Coral Reef Safaris reveal the Verde Island Passage in full: Verde’s fish-rich pinnacles and walls, and Calapan’s lesser-dived reefs of canyons and coral slopes. Both are led by naturalist guides with small groups for a more personal experience.
As Reef Support Crew, you’ll join Shark Quest to help deploy RUV cameras and analyse shark footage, then take part in FinVentory, learning fish survey methods and contributing valuable data on reef health.
Six further days focus on recreational diving with Casalay’s dive team, with sites ranging from coral gardens to swift drift dives that highlight Puerto Galera’s diversity.
Finally, a free day gives time to rest, explore Mindoro, and observe the standard no-dive interval before flying home.
Your trip makes a two-fold contribution. 100% of package profits help fund Blue Alliance Philippines, supporting Marine Protected Area management and community conservation projects. Meanwhile, all proceeds from Coral Reef Safaris, Shark Quest, and FinVentory directly support science and monitoring.
Shark Quest produces vital footage on shark behaviour and distribution.
FinVentory contributes fish survey data to long-term databases used to guide sustainable fisheries and reef management.
All Coral Reef Safari activities are carbon-offset, ensuring your diving leaves a positive legacy for both ecosystems and communities.
Your base is Casalay Boutique Villas and Dive, a peaceful seafront retreat set in one of Puerto Galera’s quieter corners. With two beachfront swimming pools overlooking the Verde Island Passage, a spa offering restorative treatments, and open-air dining with views across the water, Casalay provides the perfect balance of comfort and boutique charm after your days of diving.
Accommodation is spread across individually designed villas and suites, blending natural materials with contemporary style. Choose between Hillside Summit View Villas, Garden Villas or Sea View Villas—all equipped with air-conditioning, private terraces, and thoughtful amenities. The atmosphere is relaxed yet refined, ideal for divers seeking both adventure and a peaceful place to unwind.
With a setting that feels tucked away yet connected to the sea, Casalay offers an intimate retreat where the end of each dive day is as rewarding as the dives themselves.
Private pickup in Manila, transfer to Batangas, then water taxi to Puerto Galera. Check into Casalay and settle in.
Orientation followed by a 35–40 min boat ride to Calapan. Three guided dives with naturalist interpretation.
Note: The order of experiences on particular days may vary based on weather and oceans conditions
Short crossing to Verde Island for three dives on its famous pinnacles and walls. Picnic lunch included.
Note: The order of experiences on particular days may vary based on weather and oceans conditions
Participate in shark monitoring: deploy RUV cameras, complete dives, and review footage for analysis.
Note: The order of experiences on particular days may vary based on weather and oceans conditions
Training in fish survey techniques, two dives with data collection, and post-dive review.
Note: The order of experiences on particular days may vary based on weather and oceans conditions
Six days of diving Puerto Galera’s reefs with Casalay’s team. Expect colourful coral gardens, drift dives, and varied reef sites.
Note: The order of experiences on particular days may vary based on weather and oceans conditions
A no-dive day to rest, enjoy Casalay’s facilities, or explore Mindoro before travel.
Breakfast, transfer to water taxi, cross to Batangas, and return by private vehicle 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.
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