Puerto Galera has long been recognised as one of the top diving destinations in the Philippines — and earlier this month, Lalaguna Villas Dive Resort & Spa had the privilege of hosting two very special guests who will soon be telling the world exactly why.
We were thrilled to welcome Pieter and Erik, dive journalists and contributors for Duiken Magazine, one of Europe’s most respected and widely read scuba publications. After meeting them earlier this year at BOOT Düsseldorf, the world’s largest dive expo, we invited them to experience the best of what Puerto Galera diving has to offer — and they took full advantage.
Over the course of just 11 days, our team completed eight full-day trips to Verde Island, showcasing the breathtaking underwater biodiversity that makes the Verde Island Passage one of the most celebrated dive regions on the planet.
In an exciting series of events, Lalaguna Villas Dive Resort & Spa successfully completed eight exhilarating trips to the breathtaking Verde Island in just 11 days. We had the honor of hosting Pieter and Erik from Duiken Magazine, esteemed guests who joined us after our encounter at BOOT Düsseldorf. Their visit highlighted the allure of Puerto Galera as a premier diving destination.
Often referred to as the “centre of the centre of marine biodiversity,” Verde Island lies just 20 minutes by speedboat from Lalaguna Villas. Known for its dramatic drop-offs, pristine coral walls, and explosive fish life, it’s a must-see for any serious diver visiting the Philippines.
During their dives, Pieter and Erik experienced the full spectrum of what makes Verde so unforgettable — from clouds of fusiliers and anthias, to pelagic encounters with tuna and rays, macro critters like nudibranchs and pipefish, and even sightings of thresher sharks off the deeper walls. Visibility reached up to 30 metres on some days, and the currents delivered those thrilling drifts that make Verde so famous among experienced divers.
As the official dive centre of a PADI 5-Star Dive Resort, our boats leave directly from the Lalaguna Villas pier, reaching Verde faster and more comfortably than almost anywhere else in the region.
Enjoy a personalized diving experience with our 4:1 dive guide ratio, ensuring safety and tailored attention.
Explore over 35 dive sites within a short 5-minute boat ride from our private jetty.
Relax in our luxury villas and suites, each offering stunning ocean views and modern comforts.
Indulge in 24/7 dining, a full-service spa, a state-of-the-art gym, and a refreshing pool.
Pieter and Erik weren’t just here to dive — they were here to evaluate, photograph, and write about their experience. And from what we heard (and saw), Lalaguna Villas left a lasting impression.
Our on-site dive centre, multilingual instructors, and 4:1 guided diving ratio allowed them to dive safely and efficiently with full support and comfort. Off the water, they enjoyed spacious ocean-view villas, 24/7 dining, a spa and massage centre, air-conditioned gym, and everything else that makes Lalaguna Villas more than just a dive resort — it’s a complete experience.
From early morning dives to sunset cocktails, the flow of their trip was seamless — a true blend of adventure, hospitality, and luxury.
We’re proud to announce that Duiken Magazine will be publishing a major feature article on Puerto Galera and Lalaguna Villas in their January 2026 edition. With readership across the Netherlands, Belgium, and greater Europe, this article will showcase Puerto Galera as one of the top diving destinations in Southeast Asia, and will highlight Lalaguna Villas as a premier choice for both professional divers and recreational guests seeking high-end comfort and personal service.
For us, this is more than just press — it’s validation of the years we’ve spent building a resort that meets the needs of divers from around the world.
