Revision 8/16/2009 9:51 PM
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Verde Island
 Puerto Galera, Mindoro, Philippines
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Max Depth: Over 150ft/46m
Average Viz: 91-100ft/28-30m
Entry Type: Boat
Bottom Composition: Rock
Aquatic Life: Plenty To See
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Spring: 76-80°F/24-27°C
Summer: 81-85°F/27-29°C
Fall: 81-85°F/27-29°C
Winter: 76-80°F/24-27°C
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Described by Kent Carpenter of World Conservation Union as the marine counterpart of the Amazon river basin, the Verde Island Passage is the "center of the center" of the world’s marine biodiversity. Situated between Puerto Galera, Mindoro and Anilao, Batangas, the island lies off the NE tip of Mindoro Island. The Verde Island Wall or San Agapito Rock is the favorite dive site in the area. Located at the SE tip of Verde island, you’ll find rocks sticking out of the sea. What you’ll find underneath will blow your mind!
Verde Island Wall
There are three sites worthy of mention, but by far and away the most well-know and interesting is Verde Island Wall. You wil notice it immediately on the southeastern tip of the island by the rocks sticking out of the sea there. The wall descends almost vertically to unfathomable depths. Just after the initial descent, you will find some calm areas where you can collect yourself before really exploring.
Star corals, giant gorgonians and cascading soft corals are everywhere and you will amazed at the colours around you.
Marine life is prolific and large wrasses, mantas, eagle rays, and whitetip and blacktip sharks may be seen. In addition, schools of jacks and tuna are common and sweetlips, batfishes, emperors, surgeons, soldiers and tangs are everywhere.
You should take care with bouyancy and depths. Saftey stops can be made on the wall. Photography is excellent. This is a world-class dive.
Spanish Galleon and Drift Dives
There are opportunities for drift dives along the west coast of the island. Reef fish are not so prolific here as they tend to shelter form the currents. A Spanish galleon sank off this coast and whilst there are no noticable remains, treasure hunters may still be lucky enough to find some fragments of pottery or musket balls.