Journey to the Center of Marine Biodiversity Join Our 2026 Philippines Trip
Ben Lair Jul 01, 2025
Journey to the Center of Marine Biodiversity: Why Our 2026 Philippines Trip is the Ultimate Dive Adventure
For those of us who call the Sonoran Desert home, the dream of gliding through warm, turquoise waters teeming with life is a powerful one. It’s the dream that fuels our passion for diving and connects our community in Tucson. At 72 Aquatics, our mission is to turn that dream into a breathtaking reality. That's why we are incredibly excited to unveil our premier international expedition for 2026: an exclusive, all-inclusive journey to the scuba diving mecca of Puerto Galera, Philippines.
From March 21st to April 1st, 2026, we invite you to leave the saguaros behind and join us in a place that scientists have dubbed the "center of the center of marine shore fish biodiversity." This isn't just another dive trip; it's a meticulously planned adventure into the heart of the Coral Triangle, an area boasting the highest concentration of marine life on the planet.
Welcome to Puerto Galera: A Diver's Paradise
Nestled on the northern coast of Mindoro Island, Puerto Galera is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, celebrated for its stunning natural beauty both above and below the water. With over 40 world-class dive sites just a short boat ride from shore, it offers an astonishing variety of underwater experiences. Imagine descending into crystal-clear waters with visibility often exceeding 80 feet, exploring vibrant walls, sloping reefs, and fascinating wrecks. The water temperature hovers in the idyllic low 80s, making every dive a comfortable and immersive experience.
The sheer diversity of diving here is staggering. One day you might be exploring the thrilling currents of "The Canyons," watching schools of jacks and tuna cruise by, and the next you could be on a "muck diving" adventure at a site like "Manila Channel," hunting for the ocean's most bizarre and wonderful macro critters. From the huge sea fans and sponges of Verde Island to the resident reef sharks of "Shark Cave," every dive promises a new discovery.
The Jewel of the Coral Triangle: The Verde Island Passage
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A highlight of our trip is a dedicated day trip to the legendary Verde Island Passage. This strait, separating the islands of Luzon and Mindoro, is the undisputed epicenter of marine life. It's home to an estimated 60% of all the world's known shorefish species and over 300 species of coral. To call it an "Amazon of the oceans" is no exaggeration.
Diving here is a sensory overload in the best possible way. The reefs are a kaleidoscope of color, with soft and hard corals creating a breathtaking underwater landscape. You'll be surrounded by dense schools of anthias, fusiliers, and other reef fish, while keeping an eye out for larger visitors like sea turtles, eagle rays, and even the occasional thresher shark. The health and vibrancy of this ecosystem are a testament to ongoing conservation efforts, and diving here is a powerful reminder of why we work to protect our oceans.
Your Home Away from Home: The Scandi Divers Resort
For our 11-day/10-night stay, we have chosen the exceptional Scandi Divers Resort. Perfectly situated on the pristine white sands of Big La Laguna Beach, this resort was built by divers, for divers. It offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and warm Filipino hospitality.
Your all-inclusive package at this PADI 5-Star resort covers everything you need to relax and focus on the incredible diving. You’ll enjoy delicious, chef-prepared meals, a one-hour massage to ease your muscles after a day of adventure, and unlimited Wi-Fi to share your amazing photos with friends and family back home.
The dive operation is seamless. With multiple dives scheduled per day, including night dives, you’ll have ample opportunity to explore. The trip includes a staggering 9 diving days with up to 4 boat dives per day, ensuring you get the absolute most out of your time in this underwater paradise. And for those certified, Nitrox is included on all dives to maximize your bottom time safely.
A Truly Unique Experience: The Blackwater Dive
Included in your adventure is one of the most unique and thrilling experiences in modern scuba: a blackwater dive. As night falls, we’ll head out to the deep channel where the crew deploys a powerful downline of lights. This array attracts a bizarre and rarely seen collection of pelagic creatures as they make their nightly vertical migration from the abyss towards the surface. You'll float in the darkness, surrounded by bioluminescent organisms and alien-like larval creatures that look like they belong in a science fiction film. It is a humbling, mesmerizing, and utterly unforgettable dive that few people ever get to experience.
Join the 72 Aquatics Family in the Philippines!
This trip is designed to be a complete, hassle-free adventure. For $2899 per person, your package includes:
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10 nights of lodging at the beautiful Scandi Divers Resort.
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All meals during your stay.
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9 days of incredible diving, with up to 4 boat dives daily.
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Two optional arrival dives.
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Nitrox for all dives for certified divers.
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The spectacular Verde Island day trip.
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A unique blackwater diving experience.
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A celebratory fire-dance party.
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A relaxing one-hour massage.
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Round-trip transfers from Manila to the resort.
This is more than just a vacation; it's an opportunity to connect with fellow Tucson divers, expand your skills, and witness the pinnacle of the world's marine biodiversity. Spaces are limited for this exclusive trip. Visit us at 72 Aquatics to learn more and secure your spot on the adventure of a lifetime!