We meet at the airport for those who wish to take the complimentary group transfer. Once we arrive at the hotel, we will carry out a welcome meeting and briefing before our first dinner together at the hotel.

Today, we rise for a morning acclimatisation swim before breakfast at El Galleon’s beachfront restaurant. We then head a little further out for a full day at the south western reaches of the islands. You will complete your morning swim finishing at Talipanan Beach. After a local lunch, we dive back in for our second swim from White Beach to Minola Bay. We will then regroup and join the boats, returning to the resort for the evening.

After breakfast, we make our way to Monkey Beach, east of the resort. We swim over the dotted reefs along the coastline, transitioning to a backdrop of cliffs. Then we reach the northeast corner, near the lighthouse, where currents collide. This is likely to offer an abundance of marine life for you to swim with. After relaxing for lunch, our second swim features steep water drop-offs, lined with boulders and overhanging ledges to explore. Later, we head back to the hotel for a chance to rest and explore the waterfront restaurants.

We start with a hearty breakfast and head out to a more remote location. We travel along less known coastlines as we swim with rocks in view both above and below the water. The swim features a number of turtles and marine life to encounter. We finish at Bulabod Beach where we will stop for lunch and rest. The afternoon swim continues to impress with its scenery. Watch as the granite coastline recedes into small coves and inlets, which we can swim into and out of. There are a few stunning beaches to look out for as well, like Matala Beach. After a full day, we ride the boats back to the hotel for the evening.

After breakfast, we hop back into the boats and travel out to Isla Verde for a rocky and remote day of swimming. Out here, we will discover some of the richest sites of biodiversity the Philippines has to offer. We cross the protected Verde Island Passage and follow the southern coastline before stopping for a barbecue at lunch. This is your chance to relax and enjoy the view back to the island of Mindoro. Our second swim takes us around the western peninsula, uncovering rugged coastline and another side of the island.

Our final full day starts with local swims over an array of both hard and soft coral. The morning swim is around Paniquian Island as we beach hop our way northwards. After lunch, we transfer over to the southern side of Medio Island and swim the reef the entire way. Both swims offer plenty to see underwater as the typography changes slowly throughout. Later, we return to the resort for our final dinner together and a chance to reminisce on an incredible week of reef swims.

We wake for a short farewell swim outside the resort before breakfast. Then we say our goodbyes before going off our separate ways.

We have given this trip a ‘Moderate’ grading. Most swimmers comfortable in the open water will be able to take part and enjoy one of these trips.

Swimming Distances

*Please note that these swims are an example of what may take place during your trip and should be used as a guide only. Actual swim locations and distances will vary according to local weather and swim conditions.

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in the sea is a fantastic experience, however you should be aware that certain marine life such as sea lice, jellyfish, sea urchins and coral could be present during the swims. In all cases we will work on reducing your contact with these creatures, however if you suffer from anaphylaxis, please consult the office prior to booking. Please also be aware that there can be strong currents around the islands we swim, whilst our guides and boat safety crew will do our best to select the route to swim with the current, it may change a points during the swim, so ensure you listen to the instructions given.

Walking Conditions

While there aren’t any significant planned walks, any walks that we do undertake will take place on recognised paths and tracks, however there may be cases where we walk along trails or other unsealed surfaces and care should be taken in these areas.

Temperatures

*Please note that these temperatures are indicative and should be used as a guide only.

Weather Caveat

For safety reasons, we rely on decent weather conditions when carrying out our swims. Therefore, open water swimming holidays require a certain degree of on-trip flexibility which can result in changes to the planned itinerary. These changes often add a touch of uniqueness to your trip and will be communicated to you by your SwimTrek guides as quickly as possible.

Group Size

This trip has a maximum group size of 15. The group will be split into a maximum of three groups, based on speed, with each group being accompanied by their own safety vessel/escort.

Boat Support

Boat support on this trip varies each day depending on the type of swim but includes two larger vessels piloted by local crew and supported from kayaks. Please note that this boat support is subject to change without notice and cannot be guaranteed.

Equipment Checklist

In line with the requests of the national park, please note the importance of wearing rash vests for sun protection and using only reef safe sun block where required. For your essential packing list, please visit our Packing List page on the website.

As SwimTrekkers come from all over the world, and join our swimming holidays in numerous destinations, we don’t currently offer flights as part of our SwimTrek packages. We do however want to do as much as we can to ensure that our guests get the best deals when travelling to one of our trips so check out SwimTrek's tips to help you get the best deals for your flights page on the website.

The fastest and most direct way to reach the start of your trip is to fly into Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), commonly known as ‘NAIA’ or Manila airport and join the return group transfer included in your package.

Joining the group transfer

The group transfer is arranged for 1pm from the airport so if you would like to join the group transfer please ensure you book a flight that arrives in Manila before 12pm on Day 1 of the trip. In the event that your flight is delayed or changed, your transfer will be managed accordingly but will be at an additional expense. The transfer takes approximately 2.5- 3 hours from Manila Airport to the resort. This includes a 2-2.5 hour land transfer and a 30-40 minute water taxi. Please follow the instructions below to the relevant pickup point depending on your arrival terminal:

Airport Pick-Up Instructions – Terminal 1

After collecting your luggage, proceed through the customs area and exit the airport. DO NOT cross the road. Turn left and look for the designated pick-up location labelled “A1.” Please call El Galleon front desk +63 917-814-5107 and let them know that you are there so we can let your driver know. Your driver will drive to you to pick you up. He will be wearing a white Asia Divers T-shirt.

Airport Pick-Up Instructions – Terminal 2

Once you have your entire luggage, walk through the customs area and go outside the airport. Proceed to the arrival’s access area, and find Arrival Area Bay A18. Look across the street for someone wearing an Asia Divers white T-shirt and carrying a sign with your name on it.

Airport Pick-Up Instructions – Terminal 3

After collecting all your luggage, please proceed through the customs area. Meet your driver in front of BDO Bank. Please remain inside the terminal and do not exit the building. Our driver will be wearing an Asia Divers white T-shirt and will be holding a sign with your name.

Travelling independently

If you do not wish to join the group transfer, you can arrange your own transfer with the hotel directly admin@asiadivers.com; we recommend you contact them before booking your flights. They will organise an ‘assisted transfer’ which will include public transport including the public ferry or water taxi. They will be able to discuss the best options with you based on how many of you wish for an assisted transfer, suitable for groups of 1-4 people and will cost between 150USD and 270USD depending on the number in your transfer group. You will also be required to pay a port fee (3USD/ 130peso per person), environmental fee (3.5USD/160 peso per person) and porter fee (1USD/150 peso per bag). Only cash is accepted for all transfer payments.

Return transport

If you wish to fly on the same day as the final day of the trip and wish to join the complimentary group transfer, please do not book a return flight before 1900pm as the included return transfer leaves the resort at 1230pm

Food and Drink

Breakfast: All buffet breakfasts are included in your package and will be taken at El Galleon’s beachfront restaurant. It will include hot and cold food and tea and coffee.

Lunches: All lunches are included in your package and will either be taken at the resort or on the boat.

Dinners: Dinners are not included in your package. You will be able to take dinner at the hotel in the beachside restaurant or, while the town of Puerto Galera is still developing, there are a few neighbouring restaurants along the esplanade you can venture to for dinner.

For more information, please visit our food and drink page on the website.

For more information on any of the following sections please visit the Travel Advice page of our website.

Money, Extra Expenses and Tipping

The local currency in the Philippines is Philippine Peso (PHP). Cash in peso is preferred and the local resort will offer a 5% discount for cash payment. They do accept USD, however, the conversion rate when in the Philippines is not as favourable as using local currency, so you may prefer to exchange some PHP before you travel. Please ensure you have the correct amount of cash should you chose a private transfer.

There are 3 ATMs in Puerto Galera but please keep in mind that they do not always work. The hotel and resort accept Visa, MasterCard & American Express credit cards however they do offer 5% discount for cash payment. These cards may be used for all purchases on site.

If you plan on using your credit card please inform your credit card issuing bank that you will be traveling to the Philippines for smooth transactions. To make payment by MASTERCARD or VISA you will need to scan a QR Code at the hotel and then complete a form on your phone. You should then receive an OTP to authorize your payment, so your phone will need to accept “roaming sms messages”. El Galleon makes no surcharge for using credit card except for transportation.

In some countries, tipping (gratuities) is not part of the culture - in others it has become an expected norm. We believe that tipping is done entirely at your own discretion. If you have been provided with excellent service it may be something you wish to do. Your SwimTrek Guides can advise on local norms for service providers like boat crew, waiters or taxis. Nothing is expected for your SwimTrek Guides but many groups like to present something to the Guides at the end of the trip. The resort will also present you with an envelope at the end of your stay should you wish to share a tip with the staff.

Responsible Travel

SwimTrek is conscious of the importance of protecting the world’s natural wonders. We are acutely aware of our responsibility to not only take care of the natural environments which we are lucky enough to explore, but also to educate our guests about the importance of conservation efforts and responsible tourism. It’s for this reason that we have worked so closely with our partners to ensure that our trips are conducted in the most responsible and sustainable way possible, working tirelessly to minimise the impact of our presence on local marine life and the natural habitat.

For more information, please visit our Responsible Travel page on the website.

Passports and Visas

Non-residents of The Philippines require a full passport to enter the country, which should be valid for six months beyond the expected length of stay. Visitors can enter the Philippines without a visa for an initial period of 30 days. If you are intending to stay longer, it is possible to obtain a tourist visa from the Philippine Embassy before you travel, which will allow an initial 59 day stay. This can be extended at any local Immigration office around the country. The nearest Immigration office is in Calapan and another in Batangas. Please note that you will need a return ticket or onward flight in order to board your plane to the Philippines.

Please note that visa regulations are subject to change and it is important that you check your own visa requirements prior to travel.

etravel Pass

You must complete an eTravel process with the Philippines government prior to your arrival. This process must be done within 72 hours of your departure for Manila, i.e. it can’t be done yet; it must wait until the 72 hour period prior to departure. You will need to create an account on the Philippines government’s eTravel web portal, which you then use to submit your arrival details. You can set up the account now, then go back to the portal within the 72 hour period to submit your arrival details.

When you’ve done that, you’ll receive a QR code which you may need to show prior to boarding your aircraft departure from your home, and which you will need on arrival in Manila. This process costs nothing. Here is the link to undergo that process etravel.gov.ph

Travel Insurance

We consider comprehensive travel insurance to be essential, and we strongly recommend that you purchase insurance which includes, but is not limited to, cover for illness, accident, emergency repatriation, ambulance, air ambulance, helicopter rescue services, cancellation, lost luggage and delays. Your travel insurance should also cover you for open water swimming and any other activity listed in your trip itinerary (including races and competitions, where applicable). Please read your policy details carefully and remember to take them with you on your trip for your own reference.

For further information, please visit our Travel Insurance page on the website.

Health Information and Recommended Vaccinations

Here at SwimTrek, we pride ourselves on our focus on safety and the well-being of all our guests. As we operate in some beautiful and remote locations medical facilities are not always easily accessible. SwimTrek Guides, and many staff working for our local partners, are first aid trained. However, we ask that you read our Travel Health page to ensure that you are informed about general Travel and Swim Health precautions.

Travel Plugs & Electricity

There is free Wi-Fi throughout the common areas of the hotel and in your hotel room.

For a useful source of information on the different electrical outlets, electrical plugs, and electric sockets, please visit www.worldstandards.eu.