Sabang Point, Puerto Galera: Reef and Wall Diving

Sabang Point is situated at the eastern end of Sabang Bay, a short boat ride from the shore. The site begins as a healthy, sloping reef, an excellent starting point for any dive here. As you descend, the reef transitions into a distinct coral wall around 20 metres, offering a different topography to explore. This wall eventually flattens out onto a sand bottom at about 24 metres, providing a clear reference for depth and a soft, gradual transition.

The topography here supports a varied marine community. The sloping reef is home to abundant hard and soft corals, providing shelter and hunting grounds for reef fish. Parrotfish (family Scaridae), surgeonfish (family Acanthuridae), and triggerfish (family Balistidae) are frequently seen grazing and navigating these structures, contributing to the vibrant ecosystem. The reef also serves as a point of interest for photographers looking for smaller subjects in its intricate details.

Moving deeper, the wall section at 20 metres is adorned with large, purple gorgonians (order Alcyonacea) and whip corals (order Alcyonacea), creating dense habitats. Here, you'll encounter a rich array of marine life including the distinctive ribbon moray eel (Rhinomuraena quaesita) with its striking colours. Octopus (order Octopoda) and cuttlefish (order Sepiida), particularly sporty cuttlefish, are known to hunt and camouflage themselves along this section, requiring keen observation to spot.

One of the standout features of Sabang Point is the presence of large schools of yellow snappers (family Lutjanidae). These fish congregate in impressive numbers, often creating a shimmering spectacle as they move in unison, a common sight along the reef and deeper sections. Amongst the corals, keep an eye out for nudibranchs (subclass Heterobranchia) and various reef fish species in their natural environment.

While the larger schools are impressive, the site is also known for its smaller, more cryptic residents. Pygmy seahorses (Hippocampus bargibanti) can be found here, blending perfectly with their gorgonian hosts. Turtles (order Testudines) are also occasional visitors, moving between the reef and deeper areas, often seen in a serene glide over the corals. Jackfish (Carangidae), particularly larger specimens, are sometimes observed cruising the deeper waters, an indication of the open water influence on the site.

Sabang Point makes for a very good night dive, where the site takes on a different character. Nocturnal species emerge, and the corals often display different behaviours. The multi-level structure, from the shallow reef to the deeper sandy bottom, allows for longer bottom times and diverse observations tailored to both new and experienced divers alike, especially when exploring with a light to reveal hidden life.