Mindoro, the seventh-largest island in the Philippines, is a dream destination for divers. Surrounded by the Sulu Sea and the South China Sea, this island is teeming with marine life and offers dive sites suitable for all experience levels.

Apo Reef: This UNESCO World Heritage Site off the west coast of Mindoro is the second-largest contiguous coral reef system in the world. Experienced divers can explore its diverse underwater landscape of coral walls, drop-offs, and caves. It's also a haven for sharks, including whitetips and hammerheads.

Hole in the Wall: Located in Puerto Galera on the island's northern tip, this site features a rock formation with a hole that divers can swim through at around 40 feet (12 meters). Strong currents, abundant fish life, and coral formations make this an exciting dive for experienced divers.

Alma Jane Express Wreck: Also in Puerto Galera, this sunken cargo ship sits upright in 100 feet (30 meters) of water. It's an excellent site for beginners interested in wreck diving, with the top of the wreck accessible at around 60 feet (18 meters). Divers can spot batfish, groupers, and various reef fish.

Dungon Beach: In Puerto Galera again, this site offers a gentle slope of soft sand and scattered rocks, making it an ideal location for beginner divers and macro photographers. Nudibranchs, seahorses, and mantis shrimp are among the marine creatures that inhabit this area.

Mindoro's marine life is spectacularly diverse. From colorful reef fish and nudibranchs to large pelagic species such as manta rays, sharks, and tuna, the underwater world here is thriving. Apo Reef, in particular, is renowned for its coral diversity, while the muck diving sites in Puerto Galera are famous for their macro life, including ghost pipefish, frogfish, and seahorses.

The dive conditions around Mindoro are typically excellent. The water temperature usually ranges from 79 to 86°F (26 to 30°C), and visibility can reach up to 100 feet (30 meters), especially in Apo Reef. Currents can vary widely, from very mild at beginner-friendly sites to strong at sites like Apo Reef and Hole in the Wall, providing exhilarating drift dives for experienced divers.

Diving in Mindoro is generally affordable. Expect to pay around $30 to $40 for a single dive, which usually includes equipment rental and boat transport. Diving courses are also reasonably priced. For example, an Open Water Diver course can range from $350 to $450. Always remember to select a reputable dive center with a strong commitment to safety and environmental sustainability. Dive into the underwater wonderland of Mindoro and explore the rich marine biodiversity of the Philippines!