El Galleon Beach Resort – Scuba Show Special – Puerto Galera, Philippine Islands

Mark H. S.

El Galleon and Asia Divers were most accommodating. The food was very well prepared although be aware that the all-inclusive menu is a little slimmer than the standard menu. I had chosen a pool view room. The room itself was fine, but it was back in a corner under the stairs to the second floor and this was a little dark and gloomy. The rooms on the beach side are much nicer and next time I will make that change. Getting from Manila to the island requires ground and water transportation which was handled flawlessly. I was concerned about my early returning flight and the coast guard regulations regarding the hours the water taxi can operate; however, the staff at the resort made arrangements for an early pickup and not only did they make it happen they were even earlier than expected. The diving is always excellent and although the visibility isn’t always perfect it was never terrible. The sea life is mostly small, but plentiful. The muck divers will really enjoy certain dive sites. Be prepared for many cloudy days with rain and high humidity. It is more jungle than tropical, but that is why it is so amazingly beautiful. I would suggest taking a day or two and exploring the area away from Sabang.

Cindy

It was quite interesting. The place did not look like the photos. It was not paradise. It was a very remote island full of poverty and dirty areas. Our place was just ok. We were treated well by some of the dive guides and disappointed by others. The staff who took care of incidentals were rude and charged us for things we did not expect. When we decided to stay an extra day, we were told the last evening dinner was not included. When we assumed we were still on a meal plan, our breakfast, lunch and dinner the next day was all charged through on our bill. The lack of honest communication and explaining has much to be desired. When we were leaving, we were presented with a ridiculous bill. When we saw the charges, I was most upset because at that point he refused to take the wonderful DVD we had made. Overall, the diving was amazing. I know that is what we were there to do. The journey was quite an adventure. Once in Manila, you still have a three hour trip ahead of you. Two hours in a car and then concluded by an hour boat ride to the island.