Puerto Galera in 1 Day for Friends - Morning briefing and hands-on fish ID training with Reef Support Crew
In Collaboration with Mindoro Coral Reef Safari. Updated on February 14, 2026.
Hands-on marine monitoring: train in reef fish ID, join two guided survey dives in Puerto Galera MPA, record data to support sustainable reef and fisheries management. Full-day experience (07:45–16:30).
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Mindoro Coral Reef Safari, inspired by the tour FinVentory — Reading the Reef Through Fish. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Morning briefing and hands-on fish ID training with Reef Support Crew
- Two guided FinVentory survey dives inside Puerto Galera Marine Protected Area
- Lunch with interpretive discussion and post-dive data review
- Certificate of participation and a digital impact summary
Itinerary
Day 1
Full-day FinVentory field survey: briefing, two guided survey dives in the Puerto Galera MPA, lunch and post-dive data review. Operates from the Coral Reef Safari base at Sabang Beach.
07:45–10:15 | Welcome, Briefing & Land-Based Training
Check-in at the Coral Reef Safari base on Sabang Beach. Gear sizing, introduction to FinVentory methods, species ID training, and practice recording on waterproof slates with guidance from the Reef Support Crew.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 10 minutes early for check-in and gear sizing; bring your dive certification card and logbook.
- Wear quick-dry clothing and bring a sun hat—there is limited covered seating at the base before boarding.
- Tell staff about any recent dives (last 24–48 hours) and any medical/fitness concerns during check-in.
10:15–10:45 | Prep & Boat Transfer
Short break to finalise kit, stow personal items, and board the dive boat for the short transfer to the first survey site inside the Puerto Galera Marine Protected Area.
Tips from local experts:
- Secure personal items in a dry bag and wear slip-resistant shoes for boarding the boat.
- If you’re prone to seasickness, take your regular remedy before boarding; transfers are typically 10–30 minutes depending on the site.
- Keep dive computer switched off until instructed by crew; they will brief on in-water procedures and entry method.
10:45–12:15 | Dive One – Survey in Action
Conduct the first FinVentory transect dive with the Reef Support Crew. Record target commercial reef fish (snappers, parrotfish, grunts, wrasse, triggerfish), estimate sizes and counts using the provided slates.
Tips from local experts:
- Minimum experience required: be prepared to dive in currents and confirm you meet the operator’s minimum of ~30 logged dives.
- All divers must use a dive computer—bring your own or the operator will provide one; check battery and settings before entry.
- Communicate clearly with your dive buddy and the survey leader about depth and navigation during the transect to keep the survey data consistent.
12:30–13:30 | Lunch & Observations Review
Lunch on board or on a nearby beach while the team leads an interpretive discussion of initial observations and addresses questions from the morning survey.
Tips from local experts:
- Lunch (non-alcoholic drinks and snacks included) is usually served on the boat or a nearby beach—bring a light jacket in case it’s windy.
- Keep any dive gear that you’ll reuse for the second dive rinsed and organised to speed up turnaround.
- Use this time to ask the Reef Support Crew about species you recorded; they can clarify ID and size-categories before the next survey.
13:30–15:00 | Dive Two – Survey Two
Second FinVentory survey at a different MPA site. Repeat transect methods to collect complementary data on abundance and size-structure of key reef fish.
Tips from local experts:
- Conserve gas early so you can complete the full transect; discuss a turnaround pressure with your buddy before entry.
- If nitrox-qualified and signed up, confirm nitrox mixes with crew before the second dive.
- Note any unusual observations (nets, discarded gear, fishing activity) and report them to the Reef Support Crew after surfacing.
15:15–16:30 | Data Review & Wrap-Up
Return to base for a guided debrief: finalise data logging, review findings with the Reef Support Crew, receive your certificate of participation and a digital impact summary.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a charged phone or device if you want to receive the digital impact summary immediately after the debrief.
- Allow time to rinse and dry your fins, mask and computer; the base has rinse facilities but limited drying space.
- Collect your certificate before you leave and confirm any follow-up communications if you want your logged observations sent to you.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 1 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 5 |
| Total Places | 6 |
| Activities Types | Experience, Transfer, Sport, Meal |