Take a daytour dive in beautiful Verde Island Passage. You will embark on a journey across crystal-clear waters aboard a Large Bangka boat, enjoy a beach BBQ lunch, relax in a charming rented hut, and—most importantly—dive some of the richest reefs on Earth. Whether you’re a passionate photographer, a seasoned dive professional, or simply someone chasing that next great underwater adventure, Verde Island will exceed your expectations.
Welcome to the Philippines—Mabuhay! We are thrilled to invite you to one of the world’s most spectacular diving experiences: a daytour dive in Verde Island Passage. Located in the heart of the Coral Triangle, this site is often hailed as the “Center of the Center of Marine Biodiversity.” It’s a place that should be on every diver’s bucket list.
Dive into the Heart of the Ocean: The Verde Island Passage Day Tour Experience
Daytour dive in beautiful Verde Island Passage : What to expect
Our Verde Island Day Tour offers a full-service experience from start to finish. We’ve designed it with divers’ needs and comfort in mind, while placing a strong emphasis on safety, sustainability, and sheer enjoyment. Here’s what’s included:
- 30 minute Round-trip boat transfer aboard a traditional Filipino Bangka boat
- Two to three world-class dives at Verde Island (weather permitting)
- BBQ lunch on the beach at Verde Island
- Island hut rental for shade and relaxation
- Entrance fees to Verde Island
Why Verde Island?
The Verde Island Passage is more than just a dive site—it’s a living museum of marine life. National Geographic, marine scientists, and international diving communities recognize this area as the global epicenter of biodiversity. It hosts the highest concentration of marine species anywhere in the planet’s oceans.
In 2015, the California Academy of Sciences led a groundbreaking seven-week scientific expedition to the Philippines, focusing on the Verde Island Passage (VIP). This marked the Academy’s third major expedition to the country since 2011, underscoring a long-term commitment to exploring and conserving the Philippines’ rich marine ecosystems.
Key Discoveries and Achievements
- Over 100 New Species Identified: The expedition resulted in the discovery of more than 100 species likely new to science, including vibrant sea slugs (nudibranchs), barnacles, corals, fish, and a remarkable heart urchin considered a “living fossil.” citeturn0search0turn0search5
- Deep-Sea Exploration: Scientists conducted dives reaching depths of 150 to 500 feet into the ocean’s “twilight zone,” uncovering previously unseen marine life and collecting live specimens for future study and exhibition. citeturn0search0
- Significant Nudibranch Findings: Dr. Terry Gosliner, a leading expert on nudibranchs, and his team discovered over 40 new species of these colorful sea slugs, particularly near Puerto Galera. citeturn0search0
- Discovery of a “Living Fossil”: A live specimen of a heart urchin, linked to the ancient Prenaster genus from approximately 50 million years ago, was found, providing valuable insights into evolutionary biology. citeturn0search5
The explosion of life here is mind-boggling. From delicate nudibranchs and frogfish to massive schools of fusiliers, jacks, and even pelagic visitors like trevallies and tunas—every dive reveals a dazzling display of color and movement. Whether you’re gazing at the dramatic vertical drop-offs of the famed “Washing Machine” site or floating over coral gardens bustling with life, Verde Island delivers an unparalleled underwater experience.
Dive Safety and Skill Requirements when dive in beautiful Verde Island Passage
We take safety seriously. Verde Island can be a challenging dive due to strong currents and changing conditions, which is why we have a strict policy in place:
- Only skilled and qualified divers are permitted to join Verde Island dives.
- Each diver must first complete a check dive with one of our Divemasters.
- Our Divemaster will assess your buoyancy, situational awareness, air consumption, and comfort in the water.
- Participation in Verde dives is subject to Divemaster approval. Their decisions are final and made to ensure the safety of every diver on the boat.
Please respect our team’s assessment. This policy helps us maintain a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
If you are a new or rusty diver, don’t worry! You can still enjoy other beautiful dive sites nearby in Puerto Galera, Anilao, or Batangas. We’d be happy to help you get back into the water comfortably through refresher courses and gradual skill building.
The Experience: Daytour dive in beautiful Verde Island Passage
Morning Departure
We’ll meet at the dive center early in the morning for gear checks, dive briefings, and trip orientation. After final preparations, we’ll board our large Bangka boat, a spacious and stable vessel ideal for open water crossings.
As we head toward Verde Island, enjoy the fresh ocean breeze, breathtaking views of Mindoro and Batangas, and the anticipation of what lies beneath the surface.
First Dive: The Drop-off
Our first dive is typically at The Drop-off, a dramatic wall dive known for its vibrant coral formations and thriving fish populations. Schools of anthias dance in the current, lionfish glide near ledges, and turtles may be spotted cruising the reef slope.
This site has something for every diver—from macro enthusiasts to wide-angle fans.
Surface Interval and BBQ Lunch
After your first dive, we’ll head to the beach for a well-deserved break. Here, you’ll enjoy a mouth-watering BBQ lunch served in true Filipino island style. Eat in the shade of a rented beach hut, rest on the sand, or even take a refreshing dip in the shallow waters.
Meals often include grilled chicken or fish, vegetable skewers, rice, fresh fruits, and local sauces. Vegan and vegetarian options are available upon request—just let us know ahead of time.
Second Dive: The Washing Machine
The second dive usually takes place at The Washing Machine, one of the Verde Island Passage’s most famous and thrilling sites. Named for its spiraling currents, this site is a rollercoaster of excitement and beauty.
Expect a kaleidoscope of marine life, from swirling bait balls to colorful soft corals waving in the current. If conditions allow, we may even do a third dive or a drift dive, exploring another side of this incredible reef system.
Return to Shore
As the day winds down, we’ll head back to the mainland with full memory cards, happy hearts, and perhaps a new appreciation for the beauty and fragility of the ocean. Many guests tell us it’s one of the best days of diving they’ve ever had.
Important Notes and Considerations
Weather Dependency
Due to its exposed location, trips to Verde Island are highly weather dependent. Even if conditions seem calm near the shore, winds or currents can change quickly across the passage.
In case of bad weather, we’ll either reschedule the trip or reroute to safer dive sites. Your safety and enjoyment are our top priorities.
Booking Process
To join a Verde Island Day Tour, simply fill out our scheduling request form.
Once received, our team will contact you to confirm availability, review dive experience, and finalize your reservation.
For direct inquiries or urgent bookings, feel free to reach out through:
- WhatsApp: +63 917 722 1133
- Email: stephaniegalve@gmail.com
We aim to provide quick and helpful responses, so you can focus on getting excited for your adventure.
PricingPrices vary depending on the number of participants on trip day. The more, the merrier—and more affordable! It ranges from PHP 9,200 (USD 184) to PHP 3,700 (USD 74) bookings (best value!) A solo dive can also be arranged.
Inclusions:
- Bangka boat transfer
- Dive guide
- Tanks and weights
- Verde Island entrance fees
- BBQ beach lunch
- Hut rental
- Drinking water and light snacks
Additional gear rental is available upon request, including BCD, regulators, wetsuits, and dive computers.
Sustainable Diving at Verde Island
As of 2023 Verde Island Passage is now accredited to Dr. Sylvia Earle’s Mission Blue Hope Spot, thanks to the efforts of Dr. Gosliner and Dr. Wilfredo Roehl Y. Licuanan is a Full Professor in the Biology Department and a University Fellow at De La Salle University in Manila, Philippines . He is also the founding Director of the Br. Alfred Shields Ocean Research Center, where he conducts research on marine ecosystems.
The emphasized collaboration with Filipino scientists and institutions, including the National Museum of the Philippines, the University of the Philippines, and De La Salle University. This partnership aimed to build local scientific capacity and ensure sustainable conservation practices.
Additionally, the Academy’s educators engaged with local communities to share findings and promote awareness, moving beyond “parachute science” to foster lasting conservation impacts.
Legacy and Impact
Specimens collected during the expedition are undergoing DNA analysis at the Academy’s Center for Comparative Genomics, with expectations of identifying even more new species. These efforts contribute to global biodiversity knowledge and inform conservation strategies. citeturn0search0
The expedition’s discoveries also inspired the creation of a “Twilight Zone” exhibit at the Academy’s Steinhart Aquarium, aiming to educate the public about deep-sea ecosystems and the importance of marine conservation.
The 2015 Philippine Biodiversity Expedition stands as a testament to the value of international scientific collaboration and the critical importance of preserving our planet’s most diverse and threatened ecosystems.
As divers, we are guardians of the ocean. When you dive at Verde Island with us, you’re also helping protect this invaluable ecosystem. A portion of your fees goes toward:
- Local marine protection initiatives
- Community education programs
- Reef monitoring and cleanups
We also practice reef-safe diving, including:
- Strict “no-touch” and “no-glove” policies
- Eco briefings before each dive
- Support for eco-friendly sunscreens and reef-safe behavior
Together, we can ensure that Verde Island remains a living wonder for generations to come.
Final Thoughts
Verde Island is more than just a destination—it’s a revelation. It’s the kind of place where nature reminds you of its power and beauty in every ripple, every coral bloom, every darting fish.
So, whether you’re visiting the Philippines for the first time or returning for another epic dive trip, make sure Verde Island is on your itinerary. We promise it’ll be a day you won’t forget.
Are you ready to dive the Center of the Center of Marine Biodiversity?
Book your Verde Island Day Tour today. Spaces fill quickly, and conditions are best during dry season (November–May). Let us take you on an adventure into the blue like no other.
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Scuba Sirens Dive Adventures
WhatsApp: +63 917 722 1133
Email: stephaniegalve@gmail.com