Underwater jewels of the other side of Earth

Philippines is a unique place, to submerge in it’s waters is the equivalent of reaching heaven. It has nearly 6,000 volcanic islands and hundreds of fish species and hammer sharks; this blue jungle is a paradise for submarine photography and it’s one of the most visited spots to make professional diving in the world.

This latitude is one of the points of the map that every divers wishes to visit...or repeat. Far from the amazing quantity of marine species or the unbeatable water visibility, Philippines is holder of great reefs, comparable only the Great Australian Barrier, in it, nearly 500 types different corals live; the vast deepness of its walls are second to none.

 

The Coral Triangle is a vital space on the ocean, and its protection is a  wealth key for all life on the planet.The Coral Triangle is a vital space on the ocean, and its protection is a wealth key for all life on the planet.

 

To explore the Coral Triangle is an absolute pleasure and, at the same time, a responsibility with nature.To explore the Coral Triangle is an absolute pleasure and, at the same time, a responsibility with nature.

 

The Coral Triangle of the archipelago is formed by various reefs, reason why it’s one of the most visited sights by lovers of this sport. It’s an ideal opportunity for experienced and newbie divers, since its underwater life is numerous and the coraline reefs are a mesmerizing sight. It’s ocean floor is home to over 19,000 marine species, for example: the hammer shark, sea turtles, sweet lips, lion fish, the blue ring octopus, bat fish, giant oysters, napoleon fish and several kinds of molluscs.

 

Some pictures of this planet area can  be grasped only by licensed professionals.Some pictures of this planet area can be grasped only by licensed professionals.

 

Batangas

 

This province is found at Luzon’s southeast and it guards unique surprises for divers: beautiful shipwrecks full of life, coral reefs, walls, caves and tunnels. Batangas allows the practice of every kinds of diving, which is an ideal option for lovers of snorkel and muck diving aficionados. Several life experiences are also available here for those who enjoy swift currents and shark swims. This place is home to some of the most spectacular species of the area, for example the copycat octopus or the blue ring octopus, as well as several nudibranch species.

One of the grandest points of interest within Batangas is Anilao; this marine sanctuary possess a great amount of protection and it’s visited year-round by international underwater photographers, due to the fact that it’s conditions are perfect for both, macrophotography and wideangle. In the 40 diving points within the area you will marvel at a unique underwater life. Extraordinary species such as the hairy frog fish, the shrimp mantis and it’s mythical hit, the reef sharks or the pygmy seahorse await for your visit.

 

Underwater Batangas everyday is a vibrant show for explorers.
Underwater Batangas everyday is a vibrant show for explorers.

 

A holiday break has a deeper meaning through the underwater adventure.
A holiday break has a deeper meaning through the underwater adventure.

 

The Anilao marine sanctuary is a widely documented area of the world
The Anilao marine sanctuary is a widely documented area of the world

 

The landscapes are beautiful inside and outside the ocean surface.. The landscapes are beautiful inside and outside the ocean surface..

 

Puerto Galera

 

Puerto Galera is the most solicited point by divers that are interested in miniature underwater life. Fanatics of magrophotography and wideangle will find this particular zone of the Philippines an ideal space to develop their hobby to the maximum. You can also enjoy seeing shipwrecks, sharks, shoals and spectacular fish that live in the reefs. You will find an immersion at “Isla Verde”, a place where you can snorkel with amazing soft and hard corals, sponges and gorgonias, full of life and color.

At Puerto Galera you can also visit “shark cave”, a wall of 27 meters deep which is home to whitetail sharks alongside triggerfish, different species of morains, stingrays and scoprio fish. Amongst the shipwrecks found in Puerto Galera, you can find “Pecio del mono”, an ancient hull boat that rests at 40 meters, home of the largest community of triggerfish, angelfish and giant clams; the “ junco chino”, is an 18 meter ship that holds species like the batfish, surgeonfish, scoprpiofish and the incredible crocodile moraine.

 

The unsuspected treasures of Puerto Galera are hide under the Philippine waters.The unsuspected treasures of Puerto Galera are hide under the Philippine waters.

 

 

Text: Manuel Pintos ± Photo: Dreamstime / Michael Rubenstein / Blogsiex / Fyp / STC / Joel Alarilla / Roman Leorey / STC