News from El Galleon Dive Resort & Asia Divers, Puerto Galera

We can now do day and NIGHT transfers using our speedboat. We’re very excited that we are perhaps the ONLY resort in Puerto Galera who can offer this service to our guests. We can pick you up in Manila at the airport or hotel and get you down here any time of day or night using this service. If you live in Manila and want to drive down there is an area for you to leave your car right at our area where you get picked up by our speedboat. Contact us for all the details: admin@asiadivers.com Continue reading →

We are now set up to do day and NIGHT transfers using our speedboat. We’re very excited that we are perhaps the ONLY resort in Puerto Galera who can offer this service to our guests. We can now pick you up in Manila at the airport or hotel and get you down here any time of day or night using this service. (weather depending of course) Contact us for all the details: admin@asiadivers.com

Diving with friends

It was a short but sweet three-day dive trip for Paul Bronston and Steve Gershon to Puerto Galera. Steve has been coming here for many many years and he wanted to introduce his long time friend to Asia Divers. Steve and Paul go way back…I mean all the way back to being kids together! Check out the photos below. Continue reading →

Stunning weather and conditions this week so it was the perfect time to get everyone over to Verde Island for the morning. Nothing beats the Verde Island Passage, the center of the center of the world’s best marine biodiversity! Luckily we’re in the heart of it here in Puerto Galera.

What been happening this week

August 25^th was a very big day for a Phil Rudin because he did his 5500^th recreational dive in his 55 years of diving.  Phil used to be a police diver and has over 500 dives done on the job, but these 5500 dives are separate from that. Congratulations Phil!!

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Congratulations to Meena and Arthur on the arrival of their beautiful baby girl, Allan’s first granddaughter, River Blu Mahtani Nash. Such a beautiful addition to the family! Everyone here is looking forward to meeting her soon.

What’s been happening here

After Larry’s little adventure with Tommy and Rene he’s back down here with all the girls and Malcolm too! They are in for a fun week of diving and also cracking on with Nitrox courses for Kris, Seren and Rhiannon. Perhaps getting them all ready for some future live-aboard trips!

Alli was recognized by PADI for her 20 years with them. PADI Territory Director Tim Hunt and Philippine Regional Manager Conny Jeppson presented her with this recognition award.  Alli now joins the others at Asia Divers who have been PADI members for more than 20 years. (Allan, Andy, Tommy, Dave, and Pete)

Delicious new additions to the Menu

Check out what’s new on the menu! Chocos and Mochas for those with a bit of a sweet tooth and the Fresh Blend Juices for those that want the more healthy options. I’d say do the healthy stuff in the morning so you can live it up a bit in the afternoon with the sweet stuff!

Some months ago El Galleon applied for a zero discharge permit. After weeks of waiting the DENR arrived for a site inspection and were amazed at the system El Galleon had built to incorporate its own waste water treatment system. Years ago El Galleon with the help of the DENR built an above ground septic system to handle grey water and waste water from the resort. In the past few weeks El Galleon has doubled the size of this system making it easier and more efficient. The other day we received an approved discharge permit which we were at first disappointed but after reading the permit and talking with the DENR, it was explained that it’s difficult for them to issue a zero discharge permit due to many internal concerns at the DENR. The good news is we have a permit that allows us to no longer have our water tested unlike other resorts due to the fact, we don’t discharge outside the resort. The reality is El Galleon is probably the only resort in Puerto Galera that does not discharge some form of waste water other than rain water. El Galleon works hard to work with environment and is committed to continue to do so.

Travel

Tommy together with Larry Bird and Rene Sten have headed to Yap for some diving and to explore the diving at Ngulu Atoll. Diving with our old friend Bill Acker from Yap Divers www.mantaray.com and have already manage to do 5 dives at Yap with sharks on every dive plus a beautiful Manta spotted on the last dive. An unforgettable shark dive at the Vertigo site that never will be forgotten despite some technical problem with Rene’s camera. More from the boys next week when they report from Ngulu Atoll.

“PADI Women Dive day” and our very own “Men’s Day” weekend was a blast. Thanks to all who came and participated in our celebration for a “healthy ocean – healthy body”.  It was super fun with some interesting things to do and taste for everyone. Alli stated it up with a 6 a.m. loop walk, than Sabine got everyone doing yoga on the platform. The day continued with some diving, drinking some very yummy healthy drinks by Jamie, eating and just all hanging out together. Some went on to do the Hash Run as well…. It was a bit wet, but everyone enjoyed. Continue reading →

This month’s cover shot is by Matt Hutchinson. Matt came here to do his Divemaster course with us over the past few weeks and has been getting some superb photos of the area in his free time. Matt is a very talented photographer and now he’s starting to do underwater photography as well. You can follow him on Instagram @h2onomad

Congratulations to Matt Hutchinson for competing his PADI Divemaster course! The final test, the snorkel test was passed with flying colours so now he becomes part of our hall of fame. We’ve really enjoyed having Matt here and we’re sorry to see him leave. Matt got lots of real life experience during his  Divemaster training at Asia Divers with students and divers and the being part of the team in the evenings at the  Barrel Bar.  Looking forward to seeing you back in September!

Congrats to Toby Morton who became the 3^rd generation of Morton’s to not only become divers, but also to be diving at Asia Divers. It was a very special time for Jamie to have Toby here from New Zealand and to be able to be his instructor. This was Jamie’s first certification as an instructor. Continue reading →