Asia Divers

Asia Divers is situated on the north coast of Mindoro in Puerto Galera, positioned directly within the Verde Island Passage. This area is globally recognised for its immense marine biodiversity, making it a premier destination for both recreational divers and those pursuing professional careers.

Operating for over 35 years, the centre is integrated with the El Galleon Resort, providing a seamless transition from the dive boat to comfortable accommodation. The facility is designed for serious divers, featuring a private jetty and a specialised platform for easy access to the water.

As a PADI Career Development Center, the facility is geared towards high-level training, supporting divers from their first breaths underwater through to the professional levels of Divemaster and Instructor. The team is experienced in managing a wide range of specialities, including technical diving and freediving.

Safety and environmental stewardship are central to their operations. The centre participates in 'Dive Against Debris' initiatives and maintains strict ecological practices, such as solar energy use and wastewater treatment. Diving is conducted in small groups, with a maximum of 6 divers per guide to ensure personalised attention.

The training programme is extensive, covering the full spectrum of PADI certifications. This includes everything from introductory courses like Discover Scuba Diving and Bubblemaker to core qualifications such as Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver.

For those looking to specialise, the centre offers courses in Peak Performance Buoyancy, Deep Diver, Wreck Diver, and Drift Diver. They also provide technical training, including DPV (Diver Propulsion Vehicle) courses, and a full range of freediving and mermaid programmes. Professional divers can undertake the full path from Divemaster to Instructor through the IDC.

The centre utilises a mix of local bangka outriggers and speedboats to reach the dive sites. These vessels carry up to 6 passengers per trip, allowing for efficient transit to the various reefs and wrecks in the area.

Daily schedules are structured to accommodate multiple dive windows, including dedicated night dives. Nitrox is available for those looking to extend their bottom time during these excursions.

The shore-based facilities are comprehensive, featuring a large jetty and a dedicated diving platform. For underwater photographers, there is a specialised camera room equipped with specific rinsing tanks to maintain kit.

Full equipment hire is available, including regulators, BCDs, wetsuits, fins, masks, and torches for night diving. The centre also provides dive computers and boots as part of their rental service. Nitrox is available on-site, with various options for daily or weekly use.

The waters around Puerto Galera are teeming with reef life, including various species of snapper (Lutjanus), grouper (Epinephelus), and triggerfish (Balistidae). You will regularly encounter schools of jacks (Carangidae), trevallies, and barracuda, alongside larger pelagic species like tuna (Thunnus) and various mackerel. Turtles, including the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), are common visitors to the reefs.

Macro enthusiasts will find a wealth of smaller organisms, such as nudibranchs (Chromodoris willani), pygmy seahorses (Hippocampus bargibanti), and various species of pipefish. The reef is also home to mantis shrimp, ghost pipefish (Solenostomus paradoxus), and a variety of crustaceans and cephalopods like the mimic octopus and flamboyant cuttlefish.

The seascape is defined by incredible hard coral (Scleractinia) and soft coral (Alcyonacea) formations. Large sea fans (Gorgoniidae), sponges, and diverse coral heads provide the structural complexity that supports the local ecosystem, including anemones and various gorgonians.

The Verde Island Passage is known for its dynamic water movement. Some areas, particularly near the passage, can experience strong currents reaching up to 6 knots, which is a factor to consider when planning drift dives.

Visibility is generally excellent, typically ranging between 15 and 30 metres. The area is accessible year-round, offering consistent diving opportunities regardless of the season.