Puerto Galera

Overview

Puerto Galera occupies a sheltered bay on the north coast of Oriental Mindoro, a shoreline recognized as a marine biosphere and reachable by ferry from Batangas. The town's character changes by beach: White Beach is the social strip of swimming, sunsets, and nightlife, while Sabang is a long-established dive scene with reefs, coral gardens, and dive schools in easy reach. Waterfalls and quieter coves sit within a short ride, which makes Puerto Galera flexible for divers, couples, and weekend groups alike.

Standout experiences

• 01 White Beach evenings

  The bay's social heart, with swimming by day and a lively strip of restaurants and bars after dark.

• 02 Diving around Sabang

  Reefs, coral gardens, and wall dives a short boat ride from shore, with dive schools for all levels.

• 03 Island hopping and snorkeling

  Private outrigger trips to nearby beaches, coves, and snorkel sanctuaries.

• 04 Tamaraw Falls

  A multi-tier roadside waterfall a short ride from town.

• 05 Quieter coves

  Aninuan and Talipanan for calmer water and a slower pace away from the main strip.

Getting there

The nearest major airport is Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Metro Manila. Travelers usually take a bus from Cubao or Buendia, or from PITX, to Batangas Port in two to three hours, then a ferry across to Balatero Port; fast ferries take about an hour and roll-on/roll-off ships over two hours. Tricycles and jeepneys continue to White Beach and Sabang.

When to go

Puerto Galera has a dry season from November to May and a wet season from June to October, and typhoons can affect the area between July and September. Diving is possible year-round because many sites are sheltered from the monsoons, but the dry months bring calmer seas and better visibility. The town is a UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Reserve.