Snorkel· Verde Island (Batangas)· Philippines
Verde Island Fringing Reef Snorkel (San Agapito)
13° 31.8′ N · 121° 6.0′ E · approximate
The shallow reef top above the famous Verde Island drop-off, in the 'center of the center' of marine biodiversity - huge colourful corals and prolific fish life within reach of a snorkeller on a slack tide.
Practical
Position approx: placed in the water off OSM San Agapito village (high school 13.53285N 121.09382E), at the shallow end of the drop-off (see 'Verde Island Drop-off'). Underwater Asia: fringing reefs surround the island; huge corals and prolific reef life; currents can be fierce in exposed locations. Wikipedia: the island is a declared marine reserve; a 1 km white-sand beach (Mahabang Buhangin) and divers have come from Batangas since 1999. Snorkel only at slack water with a boat tending you - the Verde Island Passage runs hard and down-currents occur on the wall. About an hour by banca from Puerto Galera. See 'Verde Island Anchorages' for overnighting.
Best for
Advanced snorkel on the biodiversity hotspot at slack water
Season
Nov-May calms; slack water only