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Home , Anilao, Muck diving, Puerto Galera, Verde Island

DEPARTMENTS OF INTEREST HEALTHY DIVING

Scandi Divers in , : A Truly Unique NAUI Dive Destination By Dr. David Asmussen

ith its 35 dive sites within and can be reached within one hour the epicenter. In 2015, the California Wa 10-minute drive, divers aboard Scandi’s new 26-meter (84- Academy of Sciences, led by Dr. keep returning to Puerto foot) . This trip is offered two Terrence Gosliner, came to Puerto Galera, Philippines, year after year. or three times per week, depending Galera with more than 20 scientists Not having to take another flight on requests. The dive boat also runs to search for new species. They were after landing in makes Puerto trips to , which is one and a half successful in cataloging hundreds Galera one of the most convenient hours away across the of new critters, among them the dive areas to reach in the Philippines. Passage, an area known for excellent inflatable shark and the driftwood- The area is a designated UNESCO . eating sea star. This is a strong Biosphere Reserve and lies within the There is excellent testimony to the incredible marine life Triangle, which is considered right off the resort, and kayak and one can find in Verde Island. the world’s center of marine paddleboard rentals are available. The most famous dive site is the biodiversity. There are more species For those wishing to take a day Verde Island drop-off, where the in this area than in the Caribbean and off from diving, there are plenty visibility is usually in excess of 30 Great Barrier combined. of opportunities for land-based meters (100 feet). The dive starts in Scandi Divers Resort has 42 rooms adventure, including zip lines, shallow water, where anthias and — half of which are waterfront — and paintballing, go-karts, WaveRunners damselfish rule the place, flying is the ideal moderately priced tropical and banana boats. Visiting the nearby between large plate and staghorn retreat to spend a week or two of village’s refreshing waterfalls makes for while the wall is covered with diving and relaxing. As a NAUI facility, an enjoyable day trip. healthy sponges that hide a trove of Scandi Divers welcomes its fellow For those wanting to know more nudibranchs and eels. As you move NAUI divers and members. about diving the more than 35 through the site, look in the deeper Scandi Divers is located on Big La nearby dive sites, three of the most blue, where batfish, tuna, jacks and Beach and boasts clean, clear exceptional are highlighted below. other pelagics are attracted by the water and a sizable beach. In just 15 mix of nutrient-rich warm water minutes, one can walk along the beach Verde (Green) Island Passage and the cooler water that comes up to the Sabang area, known for its The Philippines are part of the so- from below. Other regular sightings colorful nightlife. called center of marine biodiversity, or include surgeonfish, fusiliers, banded Verde Island offers premier diving , and Verde Island is at sea snakes and more. The best way to

24 SOURCES | THIRD QUARTER 2017 HEALTHY DIVING OF INTEREST DEPARTMENTS

enjoy Verde Island is with a full-day M/V Almajane trip with three dives and time to relax The M/VAlmajane was a cargo between the second and third dive vessel that moved mostly beer for — and with a barbecue lunch on the the thirsty divers from the main luscious beach. city of to Puerto Galera. In 2003, it was sunk by the Puerto Canyons Galera Diving Association after it Canyons, probably the most famous was cleaned and properly prepared drift dive of Puerto Galera, can be to be safe for divers to penetrate. accessed through another “star dive” It now sits in 30 meters (98 feet), hole in the wall. This leads into a cloud making for an exceptional artificial of sweetlips, coral grouper, red bass reef. Schools of catfish, batfish, and red emperors, and while you’re sweetlips, snapper and jacks are moving toward the entrance of the common. Smaller critters like swim-through at 12 meters (39 feet), cleaner shrimps are also present, it’s easy to encounter frogfish and living among a huge number of stonefish. The hole is large enough to moray eels. The wreck is especially comfortably access — just remember fascinating during the night, when to practice good ! As you it comes to life with a stunning emerge from the tunnel, the number of marine creatures. While starts to pick up, drifting divers into diving the wooden superstructure a huge reef split in the amazing (the rest of the vessel is steel), it’s not canyons, where the most diverse soft uncommon to find colorful, well- and hard corals are present, painting concealed giant frogfishes. the walls with beautiful colors. While To find out more about Scandi drifting through the canyon, divers are Divers or to make a reservation enveloped by shoals of large pelagics: for your next dive adventure, visit king jacks, tuna, mackerel, snapper scandidivers.com or contact Dr. David

and barracuda. Asmussen at [email protected]. Oliveir Alvanir by Photo

SOURCES | THIRD QUARTER 2017 25