Melo Villareal
The Ultimate Puerto Galera Travel Guide
Puerto Galera is a popular summer destination in the Philippines and is frequently visited by local and foreign visitors because of the abundance of water activities. Visitors can explore the famous snorkeling and diving spots, lounge around on the white sand beaches and chase the waterfalls around Puerto Galera.
The municipality served as a trading port and safe haven from the frequent typhoons of the country before the colonial era. When the Spaniards arrived and settled in the coastal area, they named it Puerto Galera or “Port of Galleons” in Spanish. UNESCO recognized Puerto Galera as Man and Biosphere Reserve in 1973 and has since retained its status.
Puerto Galera Travel Requirements
- Vaccination Card
- Confirmed Hotel Booking
- Puerto Galera Tourist Registration
- S-pass Registration
- Traze App and your Profile QR Code
- Valid ID
Below are some of the DOT-Accredited Resorts in Puerto Galera:
- Edgewater Dive & Spa Resort
Sitio Kabilang Gulod - Utopia Resort & Spa
Barangay Palangan - Friday’s Puerto Galera
Boquete Island, Barangay Sto. Nino - Badladz Beach Resort
Small Tabinay, Barangay Tabinay - Tribal Hills Mountain Resort
Barangay Aninuan
Best Time to Visit Puerto Galera
Puerto Galera’s peak season is during the summer and holidays, from December to April. Most schools are on break during this time, and many locals travel because of the sunny weather. Most things to do in Puerto Galera are water activities, so the summer season will bring a lot of tourists.
The rainy season, from June to November, is the off-peak season in Puerto Galera. Hotels and resorts often offer discounts during this season. Visitors can choose to travel to Puerto Galera this season for a calmer experience.
What to wear and Things to Bring to Puerto Galera
During the summer season, be sure to bring sunscreen, sun protection gear, and breathable clothing. The nights can get chilly so bring a light jacket. In the off-peak season, always bring an umbrella and extra layers of clothing due to unexpected thunderstorms.
How to get to Puerto Galera
- From Manila, visitors can take a bus bound for Batangas Pier through JAM or DLTB. Travel time is 2 hours, depending on the traffic.
- There are JAM and DLTB terminals in LRT Buendia, Alabang South Station, and Cubao.
- At Batangas Pier, visitors should head to Terminal 3 and can choose a fast craft.
Getting Around
Once in Puerto Galera, visitors have three options to get around: jeepney, tricycle, and private vehicles.
Jeepneys are the cheapest mode of transportation and is a great option for those traveling in large groups. Tricycles are ideal for short-distance travel, but the tourist rate can charge from Php150 to Php200. Visitors can choose to rent a private vehicle and hire a local driver knowledgeable about Puerto Galera tourist spots.
Things to do and see in Puerto Galera
Beach Bumming
Visitors can choose to lounge around the beaches of Puerto Galera and watch the sunset from the shores. White Beach is a popular beach where most resorts are located. Its secluded neighbor, Aninuan Beach, is best for those who want a less crowded spot to relax. Palauan Beach and Talipanan Beach are lesser-known beaches with a laid-back atmosphere.
Island Hopping
The famous 50-meter Sandbar Island is excellent for snorkeling and swimming. Coral Garden is home to different types of sea creatures and is a popular snorkeling and diving spot. Island hopping rates can vary from Php1600 to Php2000. Other islands that can be added are Bayanan Beach, San Antonio Island, Haligi Beach, and The Giant Clams.
*Rates may change without prior notice.
*Additional fees may apply
*Entrance fees and fees per site are not included
Snorkeling Spots
The clear waters of Puerto Galera are perfect for snorkeling exploration. Snorkeling doesn’t require going deep and is ideal for those not into diving. Coral Garden, Giant Clams Site, and San Antonio Water Cave are some of the best snorkeling spots. Visitors have to pay an additional fee for the smaller paddle boat to reach the snorkeling sites.
*Rates may change without prior notice.
*Additional fees may apply
*Entrance fees and fees per site are not included
Diving Spots
One of the country’s top diving destinations, Puerto Galera has over 40 diving spots with average visibility of 15-25 meters. The Alma Jane Wreck is every wreck enthusiast’s favorite diving spot, home to giant frogfish and schools of batfish. The Canyons is best visited during an incoming tide and every adrenaline junkie’s spot of choice due to the strong currents. Other diving spots to see are Gian Clams Site, Kilima Steps, Shark Cave, and The Drop off at Verde Island.
Chase Waterfalls
Tamaraw Falls is perhaps the most popular waterfall in Puerto Galera. The twin waterfall flows into man-made pools that visitors can swim at. To reach Tukuran Falls, visitors can get a carabao ride where each carabao will pull a wagon that can fit 6 people. Talipanan Falls is located near Talipanan beach and has a more rugged look. Visitors can rent a tricycle or jeepneys for land tours. This can range from Php800 for tricycles and Php2000 for jeepneys.
*Rates may change without prior notice.
*Additional fees may apply
*Entrance fees and fees per site are not included
Visit the Mangyan Village
Established by Jaime Zobel de Ayala and Elizabeth Eder to house a community of Iraya Mangyans, visitors can visit the village and purchase the products made by the Mangyans and support their livelihood.
Learn about the Local History
The sites in Puerto Galera hold so much of the municipality’s rich history. The Excavation Museum house relics and artifacts of Puerto Galera’s rich cultural heritage. The one-room museum is located inside the Immaculate Conception Church. The Baluarte Watch Tower was built during the Spanish era as a lookout for arriving ships and to watch for invaders, pirates, and trade ships.
Extreme Sports Philippines in Puerto Galera
Extreme Sports Philippines in Puerto Galera has an array of adrenaline-filled outdoor activities for guests from outdoor paintball, ATV rides, mud kart rides, kart racing, archery tag, crossbow shooting, airgun shooting, Nerf arena, archery target shooting, and bubble bump.
Contact: 0917 552 7114 | 0921 527 6855
Operating Hours: 9AM to 6PM, Daily
Puerto Galera Fees and other travel expenses
- Bus Fee (Manila to Batangas Pier) – Php200 per person
- Fastcraft Fee – Php300 per person
- Terminal Fee – Php30
- Environmental Fee – Php50
- Tricycle Rates – Php150-200 per trip
- Tricycle Rates (Land Tour) – Php800
- Jeepney Rates (Land Tour) – Php2000
- Island Hopping Tour – Php1600-2000 depending on the size of the boat and the chosen destination
- Giant Clams and Snorkeling site – Php200 per person
*Rates may change without prior notice.
Puerto Galera Sample Itinerary
DAY 1: Check-in + Water Sports + Island-Hopping
- 4AM – Depart LRT Buendia Bus Terminal bound for Batangas Pier through JAM or DLTB
- 6AM – Arrive at Batangas Pier, buy tickets, and pay fees
- 6:30AM – Depart the Batangas Pier
- 8AM – Arrival at the Port of Muelle, ride a tricycle to your hotel/resort, early check-in
- 9AM – Try water sports: kayaking, banana boat, parasailing, jet ski, flying saucer, fly fish
- 12PM – Lunch at the hotel/resort restaurant
- 1PM – Book an island hopping tour, visit the snorkeling sites
- 5PM – End of island hopping tour
- 5:30PM – Watch the sunset from the beach shores
- 7PM – Dinner and drinks at Relax Restaurant
- 10PM – Lights out
DAY 2: Land Tour + Diving
- 7AM – Wake up for breakfast at the hotel/resort
- 8AM – Charter a tricycle for a land tour: waterfalls, Mangyan Village
- 11AM – Lunch
- 12PM – Charter a boat to take you to your diving spot
- 3PM – End of diving adventure
- 3:30PM – Head back to the resort for a rest
- 4:30PM – Relax by Aninuan Beach
- 6:30PM – Dinner at Capt’n Gregg’s
- 8PM – Check out the White Beach Nightlife
- 12AM – Lights out
DAY 3: Swimming + Check Out
- 7AM – Wake up for breakfast at the hotel/resort
- 8AM – Swimming by the beach or swimming pool at the hotel/resort
- 11AM – Lunch at The Verandah Restaurant
- 12PM – Check-out from the hotel/resort
- 1PM – Head to Muelle Port, depart for Batangas Pier
- 2:30PM – Arrival at the Batangas Pier, board a bus bound for Manila
- 4:30PM – Arrival at the LRT Buendia Bus Terminal
Important Travel Tips
- In Batangas Pier, head straight to the ticket booths and buy your return ticket.
- Take the Fastcraft and not the regular ferry.
- Take sea sickness pills before the boat ride to Puerto Galera
- Wear aqua shoes when snorkeling
- Bring sunscreen and sun protection gear
- Always bring cash (Philippine Peso). The majority of the establishments are on cash-basis
- Do not step on the corals
- Do not litter
Municipal Tourism Office Contact Info:
Mobile Number -0960 693 7533 | 0975 657 1972
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Read:
- Nice And Cozy At White Beach Resort In Puerto Galera
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- Resort Review: Infinity Resort & Spa In Puerto Galera
