El Galleon Dive Resort, Puerto Galera
This is (IMHO) valet diving at it's Best ! It is a fairly large operation running 6-8 boats (Bankas) at a time. Dive sites are rotated and changed smoothly and efficiently. There is a large board showing when and where your dives are that changes daily. The dive staff is always alert and attentive. These guys bust their butts attending to details , like how you like your camera gear (other stuff too ) handed to you and stored(with or without lens cap, etc.). Getting you in and out of the boats is as easy as humanly possible. The dive deck is the best organized and easiest to get on and off I have ever experienced. Ample dive staff to assist with anything you could possibly need. Andy , part owner and "Genius engineer' type guy fixes anything and everything happily and well. The layout is perfect ! Very close to your rooms and the dedicated camera room. On site dive shop. You can see the dive deck from the resort so it's not easy to miss a dive if you are out and about (easy walking distance too). The dives guides are excellent and so is the marine life. Hairy frogfish, electric clams, mantis shrimp, ghost pipefish, giant clams. tiny cuddlefish and much more. This was my first photo experience and I can't think how they could have made it any easier. I never felt pushed or hurried. The staff ALL know your name early in the week. I don't know how, but they do. Also, they seem to catch on pretty quickly to how You like things too ! That includes management, housekeeping, food service and the bar staff. The food was excellent. Anton is a very French chef who makes the best pastries ever ! Plenty of fresh fruit and someone is always around when you want something. The resort is on the water, but Alan, the owner has a clear understanding with the vendors . You can sit outside and enjoy yourself without being bombarded by people constantly hawking their wares at you. There are some very cool handmade baskets available on the beach though. I went in early April and it was HOT ! My room did have good a/c and was comfortable. It is not a luxury facility but it is perfect for divers. I was able to book massages every day. The front desk will help with everything from massage to money exchanges. I highly recommend El Galleon. It is the most personable and well run dive resort I have ever been to.
