Mindoro, the seventh largest island in the country, teems with natural attractions. Its jagged coastline offers diverse diving possibilities. Its pink beaches, isolated coves, shallow reefs, steep walls and a great coral garden make it a haven for scuba-diving enthusiasts.

APO REEF NATIONAL MARINE PARK This atoll-like reef 32 kilometers west of Mindoro is divided by a narrow channel into two lagoon systems (north and south). The channel runs east to west from 1.8 to 27 meters deep with a fine white sand bottom, numerous mounds and patches of colorful marine fish live in the general area, including families of sharks, stingrays, mantas, schools of jacks and snappers, swarms of tropical aquarium fish and the crevicedwelling morays, blennies and gobie. About 400 to 500 species of coral, which include soft coral and branching types of hard coral, also thrive.

PUERTO GALERA There are dozens of covers, bays, islets, and islands within ten kilometers in any direction from Puerto Galera. Hundreds of years ago, these provided protection to Spanish galleons during heavy storms. Today, most have been developed to cater to tourists.

Puerto Galera is 150 kilometers away from Manila on the northwestern tip of Mindoro Island. It is easily accessible via the Sunshine Run originating from the Sundowner Hotel on Mabini Street, Ermita, Manila. The bus leaves the hotel at 9 a.m. daily and connects with SIKA-1 ferry at 11:45 a.m.

Another ferry (A.C. Ferry) leaves the Batangas Pier between 12 noon and 12:30 p.m. daily. Public buses leave Manila terminals in Plaza Lawton or in Pasay City for Batangas City every hour. Depart Manila no later than 9 a.m. to catch the A.C. Ferry.

SAN JOSE, OCCIDENTAL MINDORO This is the favorite jump-off point to Apo Reef Marine Park and Northern Palawan. A 30-minute morning jet flight to San Jose will bring you to several dive sites at Dungon Reef, Ambulong Island, Ilin Point, Bañaga Reef and Sardine Reef. Upon arrival, two dives can be done before reaching Apo Reef in Northern Palawan.