Puerto Galera is a vibrant diving destination renowned for its coral reefs and diverse marine life, but its allure doesn’t stop there. For those seeking a unique underwater adventure, Puerto Galera also offers a variety of fascinating wreck dive sites. These sunken relics provide both history and mystery, ideal for anyone with a passion for wreck diving.
The Appeal of Wreck Diving
Wreck diving presents an extraordinary opportunity to explore sunken vessels and aircraft that have become artificial reefs. These structures are home to a rich variety of marine life, from schools of fish to intricate coral formations. As time passes, the wrecks become increasingly encrusted with soft and hard corals, offering a surreal and captivating scene for divers.
In Puerto Galera, wreck diving goes beyond just exploring these underwater relics. It’s a chance to witness history slowly being reclaimed by the ocean, with nature transforming human-made objects into thriving underwater ecosystems.
Top Wreck Diving Sites in Puerto Galera
1. The Alma Jane Wreck
One of Puerto Galera’s most iconic wreck dives, the Alma Jane Wreck is a large cargo ship deliberately sunk to create an artificial reef. Sitting at a depth of around 30 meters, this steel-hulled vessel has been submerged long enough to attract a wide array of marine life, including large schools of batfish, trevallies, and barracudas.
Originally a Japanese cargo ship, the Alma Jane was intentionally sunk in March 2003 to create an artificial reef. Before it’s scuttling, the ship was stripped of any hazardous materials, ensuring it would become a safe and environmentally friendly dive site. Over the years, the wreck has developed into a thriving underwater ecosystem, drawing divers from all over the world to explore its structure and the marine life it now supports.
The Alma Jane offers an exciting adventure for divers who love exploring large wrecks. Its spacious hold is open for exploration, with swim-throughs that lead to fascinating encounters with marine life. This site is suitable for advanced divers due to its depth, but it’s a must-visit for those looking for a classic wreck diving experience in Puerto Galera.
2. The Sabang Wrecks
The Sabang Wrecks are a group of three small sunken boats located near Sabang Beach. These wrecks lie at shallower depths, making them accessible to divers of varying experience levels. Each wreck is now home to an array of marine life, including lionfish, scorpionfish, and colorful nudibranchs.
The Sabang Wrecks consist of three boats that were intentionally sunk to create artificial reefs and dive attractions:
- A small fishing boat
- A sailboat
- A speedboat
Despite their smaller size, these wrecks are packed with life. You’ll encounter schools of juvenile fish, as well as macro critters hiding in the nooks and crannies of the wrecks. The Sabang Wrecks are ideal for those interested in macro photography, as the diversity of small creatures around these sites is astonishing.
3. St. Christopher Wreck
The St. Christopher is a sunken wooden cargo vessel that lies at a depth of around 24 meters. Though smaller than the Alma Jane, the wreck is well-preserved and offers a glimpse into the rich history of Puerto Galera’s maritime past. The St. Christopher is now enveloped in corals and sponges, and it provides shelter for groupers, moray eels, and colorful reef fish.
This wreck’s relatively shallow depth makes it a great option for intermediate divers. The surrounding sandy bottom is also home to a variety of fascinating critters, adding a macro photography opportunity to your dive.
4. Japanese World War II Wreck
Although less known than the Alma Jane or Sabang wrecks, Puerto Galera is home to a sunken Japanese patrol boat from World War II. The wreck sits at a depth of approximately 40 meters, making it a challenging dive, but one well worth the effort for experienced divers.
Encrusted with corals and sponges, this wreck has become a thriving ecosystem. Schools of fish now call this piece of history home, and eagle-eyed divers might spot more elusive species like frogfish or ribbon eels hiding among the wreckage.
What to Expect During a Wreck Dive
Wreck diving requires a slightly different approach compared to reef diving. Divers need to be cautious of sharp metal edges, enclosed spaces, and the possibility of silt being stirred up, reducing visibility. With that said, the excitement of navigating through these underwater structures and discovering hidden marine life makes it a thrilling experience.
Most wrecks in Puerto Galera are at accessible depths, though some, like the Japanese WWII wreck, are recommended for advanced or technical divers. Divers will typically use a guide to ensure safe and responsible exploration, with the added bonus of learning about the history of the wreck.
Preparing for Wreck Diving in Puerto Galera
While many wrecks are accessible to divers with an Open Water certification, others might require additional training. It’s advisable to take a wreck diving specialty course to fully enjoy and safely navigate the structures. Understanding how to manage buoyancy in tighter spaces and recognizing potential hazards are crucial skills.
Additionally, divers who wish to explore deeper wrecks should consider a deep-diving certification, as some of Puerto Galera’s sites go beyond 30 meters. Planning a wreck dive with a trusted dive operator will ensure you have the proper guidance and equipment.
Final Thoughts
Wreck diving in Puerto Galera offers a dynamic and exhilarating dive experience, allowing you to uncover sunken treasures from both history and nature. Whether it’s exploring the iconic Alma Jane or seeking out the hidden gems of Sabang, each dive provides a unique perspective of the underwater world.
As you plan your dive trips, consider including some of Puerto Galera’s wrecks in your itinerary. And when you’re ready to explore these fascinating dive sites, let Casalay Boutique Villas & Dive assist in crafting the perfect dive adventure tailored to your preferences. With local expertise and tailored services, you can look forward to an unforgettable wreck diving experience in one of the Philippines’ top diving destinations.
Author: Zach Yanuario
