Dive Review of
Action Divers/Deep Blue Sea Inn in
Philippines/Puert Galera

HI, CA, Mexico, carribean

Dive Conditions

45 minutes or 50 bar whichever came first (not very strict on the time).  

Macro subject matter was superb.  Boat facilities consist of a milk crate
for cameras and very careful crew.  Fresh water rinse tanks at the shop.    

Overall Rating

As previously reported in Undercurrent, I am amazed why more Americans
don't go to the Philippines.  An exceptional value given the VERY
reasonable airfare, accomodations, food and great diving, the only downside
is the distance (still much closer than Indonesia).

The Deep Blue Sea Inn were I stayed was simple at best, however, next door
was the Portofino which would satisfy any western traveler.
Food was quite good everywhere with a typical meal costing $6! The
Philippino people are very friendly and mostly Catholic.  Internet access
is available at internet cafes and some hotels.  While not truely
"high speed" it was adequate for emails, etc.  The town of Sabang
is where most of the dive operations are.  If you want nightlife at your
door step, then stay there.  If you like a little peace and quiet with
nightlife a safe 5 minute walk away, then stay in Small Lalaguna Beach.  

The diving is a macro photographers delight.  Nudibranch's galore, pipefish
(yes, ornate ghost as well), frogfish, sea horse, tropicals, amazing soft
and hard corals.  No big fish though.  Clarity could have been a bit
better, but the rich waters did provide a surprise 7 foot wide manta! 
Water temp was a comfortable 80 degress, but I recommend a full wetsuit or
skin because of the occasional jellys.  Another major advantage is the 2-15
minute boat ride to dive sites.  Entry from the simple outrigger
"banca" is by backroll.  Terrain varies from small walls to sand
flats with some very nice small wrecks.  Soft corals in superb shape, while
there is some visible hard coral damage from the typhoon in May 2006.  Post
dive, gear is removed en water and boat crew lifts it out.  Surface
intervals of at least 2 hours where they should be, on the beach!Action
Divers runs 9am, noon and 3pm dives that are professional without
babysitting.  Friendly and knowledgeabe DM's.  www.actiondivers.com   
 

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