Atlantis Puerto Galera vs Dumaguete

[jd950]

I won a one week trip to Atlantis resorts in either Dumaguete or Puerto Galera (my choice). I can go anytime between now and mid-February and I probably cannot go until December-January.

I have read all that I can find on the two locations, and it seemsd like Dumaguete is considerd better diving, but I am not sure. I would like additional input. Don't care about nightlife or partying. I tend to prefer nice fishy reefs but have no objection to giving muck diving a go. I might possibly see if I can extend the trip a few days if there is some benefit to that for a special dive location or something but I can't do another full week.

Happy for any suggestions about which place and when to go.

 

[Trailboss123]

I won a one week trip to Atlantis resorts in either Dumaguete or Puerto Galera (my choice). I can go anytime between now and mid-February and I probably cannot go until December-January.

I have read all that I can find on the two locations, and it seemsd like Dumaguete is considerd better diving, but I am not sure. I would like additional input. Don't care about nightlife or partying. I tend to prefer nice fishy reefs but have no objection to giving muck diving a go. I might possibly see if I can extend the trip a few days if there is some benefit to that for a special dive location or something but I can't do another full week.

Happy for any suggestions about which place and when to go.

You might want to read my recent trip report on Puerto Galera. If, like me, you'd prefer an abundance of reef diving and a bit of muck diving thrown in, then you probably want to go with PG-- If you want an abundance of muck diving and a bit of reefs and fish thrown in, then go to Dumaguete. I toured the Atlantis PG, checked out their rooms, had dinner, etc and it is a very nice place- you won't be disappointed.

Trip Report-Philippines-Puerto Galera-El Galleon/Asia Divers-April 1-14, 2019

 

[D_Fresh]

You should do neither, horrible diving and experience.... Just sign the gift over to me instead and save your hassle......

Hahahaha, jk. That's a fantastic prize, I'm sincerely jealous. Does it include Travel as well (air fare)?

I don't think you could really go wrong between the two as far as the diving itself. Maybe a larger consideration would be the effort needed to get there and what else you may be interested in doing. PG is easier to get to than Dumaguete, though not by a lot. Dumaguete has other nice opportunities nearby, Oslob whale sharks comes to mind...

Check out @Trailboss123 thread on his recent trip to PG. It's a great thread and a very good account of the diving in PG. (Atlantis and El Galleon are only a few hundred meters apart.) And check out some of the trip reports from Dumaguete.

Congrats on an awesome prize!

 

[tridacna]

Better accommodations and food - Dumaguette

Better diving - Puerto Galera

 

[Damselfish]

I don’t know where you are traveling from, but it’s a long way from the US for just a week. If you have the time and budget and could add on more time that might affect your choice.

The Atlantis resorts are very well run, but I really disliked the location of Atlantis PG on Sebang beach, which seemed to me a dirty congested dump. And we found the flintstone-style rooms uncomfortable. If I were in your shoes I would choose Dumaguette just based on that. And I’d add on another location to the trip - which could be the PG area, just not Sebang beach.

 

[FT]

Dumaguete is a short flight from Manila, or either a flight or ferry from Cebu, then a van ride or motorized trike to Dauin. Puerto Galera is a drive-and-boat transfer from Manila, or a combination of bus, ferry and motorized trike.
PG can readily be combined with a few extra days in Anilao, about a half day for the transfer. Interesting muck there, but not only muck. Quite a lot quieter than PG.
Dauin is a more lovely setting than Sabang (PG) by a very large margin. Local diving focuses on muck creatures. While there you can take day trips to Apo Island for the coral, or to Oslob for snorkelling with whale sharks. Possible additional days in Moalboal, Siquijor or Panglao/Balicasag, with the transfer probably consuming a day but not needing to fly.

 

[bshort4]

If you are planning on going in either December or January you might want to consider the weather and water temps at that time of year also. I've dived both PG and in Dauin in December and January (and November) and the water temp in PG was in the low to mid 70's in December and the next week in Dauin in was 80 degrees. The last time in PG the weather in December was wet and cool and the time before that we were blown out of the water by a typhoon the day after Christmas---Dauin the next week was perfect---but it's pretty much a crap shoot on the weather anywhere in the Philippines that time of year. Also the diving in Dauin is mostly off very large bankas compared to the smaller ones in PG---lots of room to spread out and much more comfortable. I really enjoyed the small town of Dauin much more than the hectic vibe of Sabang--but that's me. The diving? Loved Apo Island---not much of a muck diver but it starts to grow on you (Dauin).

 

[jd950]

Airfare is not included, unfortunately. I can probably add a few days but not likely another week. My dive trips for the year were already planned and time-budgeted so this is pushing it, time-wise. My wife is also going and she has said she doesn't think a week of muck diving sounds good to her at all, so maybe Puerto Galera, but it lloks like maybe Dumaguete is overall better. Sabang sounds unappealing.

I am good with doing some macro photography in the muck, but tend to enjoy reefs a bit more. I think I should contact the place and see how often we could go over to APO island from Dumaguete. Maybe some sort of 50-50 split would work. I suppose I would pick something else altogether if I did not have lodging and meals and diving paid for at Atlantis, but you know, gift horses and all. Never been to the Philippines.

 

[tridacna]

APO or Siquijor are both worth the trip. I’ve done APO 5 times. Worth it every time.

 

[eagerbeaver]

If, like me, you'd prefer an abundance of reef diving and a bit of muck diving thrown in, then you probably want to go with PG-- If you want an abundance of muck diving and a bit of reefs and fish thrown in, then go to Dumaguete.

Having lived and worked, for Atlantis, in both locations I'd say that's a fair round up. You can never leave either resort and be more than happy. PG is certainly more fun at night.