Discover why the Verde Island Passage is called the “centre of marine biodiversity.” From Puerto Galera, dive Verde Island, explore Calapan reefs, and join shark, fish, and coral conservation on small-group scuba safaris.
7 Nights / 6 Days
From: USD 1515
Stay: Comfortable
Spend a week exploring the extraordinary biodiversity of the Verde Island Passage while actively contributing to its protection. This Coral Reef Safari blends world-class diving with meaningful conservation work through our Reef Support Crew programme. Led by experienced naturalist dive guides, each day offers a new reef to explore, new wildlife to encounter, and new ways to make a difference.
Three days as part of Reef Support Crew
Two full-day Coral Reef Safaris In the Verde Island Passage
Small-group diving for a personal, low-impact experience
Contribute directly to meaningful conservation research
100% of proceeds support local MPA management
5 full days of purposeful adventure diving
1 Day of diving around Puerto Galera (3 dives)
Lunch, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks on scuba safari
Personal Ocean Journal & Reef Support Crew Field Guide
6 nights at Arkipelago Divers & Beach Resort (B&B)
Carbon offset for all diving activities
All dive equipment
7 Nights / 6 Days
From USD 1515* (per person sharing)
From USD 1963* (Single)
Starts: Manila, Philippines
*Poolside Room
Over the week, you’ll explore the Verde Island Passage through a mix of spectacular diving and meaningful conservation work. Two days are dedicated to full-day Coral Reef Safari adventure diving — one to the world-renowned reefs of Verde Island, the other to the seldom visited and exceptional dive sites around the islands of Calapan.
The other three diving days place you in the heart of our Reef Support Crew programme. On Shark Quest, you’ll help deploy underwater cameras to monitor shark activity and behaviour. During FinVentory you’ll join fish surveys that reveal the health of the reef’s fish populations. On REEFlections, you’ll contribute to coral monitoring, gathering data on reef cover and condition.
Throughout, your naturalist dive guides will share expert knowledge on marine species and ecosystems, turning every dive into an opportunity to see and understand more. It’s a week that blends adventure with a true sense of purpose.
Included in this experience is a day of fully equipped fun diving (3 dives) around Puerto Galera with the Arkipelago Divers & Beach Resort team
TOP TIP — Extend your stay to enjoy extra fun diving days in Puerto Galera’s reefs with Arkipelago Divers & Beach Resort or add more Coral Reef Safaris in the Verde Island Passage.
Every dive you make during this Coral Reef Safari helps protect the Verde Island Passage. Proceeds from your trip are channelled directly into Marine Protected Area management, community outreach, and local reef conservation projects. But your role goes beyond funding—you’ll actively participate in research that informs real conservation decisions.
Your week’s diving leaves a measurable mark on the protection of the Verde Island Passage. The information you help gather—from shark activity patterns to fish diversity and coral condition—feeds directly into conservation strategies, sustainable fishing guidelines, and reef restoration planning. This work strengthens Marine Protected Areas, supports local livelihoods, and helps keep one of the planet’s most important marine ecosystems thriving.
The data collected supports Blue Alliance Philippines and the management of Marine Protected Areas along North Mindoro’s coastline.
Your base for the week is Arkipelago Divers & Beach Resort, where the setup is refreshingly straightforward: a prime seafront location, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant serving hearty, dive-ready meals rather than fussy fine dining. The rooftop viewing deck is perfect for celebrating a great dive day with a cold San Miguel and plenty of dive tales.
Accommodation caters to every style of traveller—from simple, budget-friendly Standard Rooms to spacious Villa Rooms. Pool Side and Pool View options give exactly what they promise, while the Terrace and Garden Suites add kitchenettes and dining areas for those who prefer to cook their own post-dive feast.
While not overly fancy, everything works, the air conditioning keeps the humidity at bay, and you’re never more than a few steps from the pool or the ocean — exactly what you want when the real luxury lies beneath the waves.
TOP TIP — Speak to us about extending your stay and spending more days diving nearby reefs with Arkipelago Divers & Beach Resort
Private pickup in Manila, road transfer to Batangas, then a water taxi direct to Puerto Galera. Arrive at your comfortable seafront resort to settle in, relax, and get ready for the adventure ahead.
Orientation at the Dive Deck, then a 35–40 min boat trip to Calapan’s reefs for three guided dives with wildlife interpretation. Return to Puerto Galera late afternoon.
Note: The order of experiences on particular days may vary based on weather and oceans conditions
Orientation at the Dive Deck, then a short 15 min boat ride to Verde Island for three spectacular guided dives. Return to Puerto Galera mid-afternoon.
Note: The order of experiences on particular days may vary based on weather and oceans conditions
Briefing on RUV shark monitoring, then cross to Calapan’s reefs to deploy cameras and complete two guided dives. Afternoon review of footage and species logging.
Note: The order of experiences on particular days may vary based on weather and oceans conditions
Training in commercial fish survey techniques followed by two survey dives in a Marine Protected Area. Afternoon data review and certification.
Note: The order of experiences on particular days may vary based on weather and oceans conditions
Coral health monitoring training, then two transect survey dives at different reef sites. Afternoon data review, wrap-up, and certification.
Note: The order of experiences on particular days may vary based on weather and oceans conditions
Spend the day diving the reefs around Puerto Galera with the Arkipelago Divers & Beach Resort dive team
Note: The order of experiences on particular days may vary based on weather and oceans conditions
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before transferring to the water taxi, cross to Batangas, then private road transfer back to Manila where our 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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