Monkey Beach
Explore a colorful sloping reef, search for small marine creatures and discover a submerged wreck along one of Puerto Galera's enjoyable local dive sites.
A Dive With Plenty to Look At
Monkey Beach combines a coral-covered slope, sandy areas, reef fish and a small wreck, giving divers several different underwater environments within one dive.
The reef descends gradually, making it possible to explore different depths while searching both the reef and sand for marine life.
The site can be relatively easy when conditions are calm, but current may sometimes increase and turn the dive into a faster drift.
What Makes Monkey Beach Interesting?
The appeal comes from variety rather than a single dramatic feature.
Coral Slope
Follow the reef as it gradually descends toward deeper water.
Small Wreck
A submerged yacht-like wreck around the reef adds another feature to explore.
Sandy Habitat
Sandy areas between coral patches can hide jawfish, gobies and other smaller creatures.
Macro Subjects
Frogfish and other small creatures make the site appealing to patient photographers.
Reef Fish
Colorful fish are found throughout the coral slope and around the wreck area.
Changing Current
Conditions can range from relaxed to a more energetic drift depending on the water movement.
Marine Life at Monkey Beach
The mix of coral, sand and wreck structure creates habitat for a variety of marine creatures.
Well-camouflaged frogfish are among the site's better-known macro subjects.
Look carefully at small holes in sandy areas for shy jawfish.
These fascinating crustaceans may be seen around suitable sandy and reef habitat.
Anthias, damselfish, snapper and other tropical species add constant movement and color.
Batfish may occasionally gather around the reef or wreck structure.
Slow exploration can reveal gobies, crustaceans and other easily overlooked life.
Who Should Dive Monkey Beach?
Monkey Beach can suit a broad range of certified divers when conditions are favorable.
Its gradual slope and variety of depths can make it enjoyable for less experienced certified divers, while photographers and more experienced divers can spend time searching for smaller marine life.
Current can occasionally become significant, however, so actual suitability should always be based on conditions on the day.
Can be suitable for newer certified divers in appropriate conditions.
The coral slope allows the dive plan to be adjusted according to experience.
Current can sometimes increase and change the character of the dive.
Final site selection should be made by the participating dive professional.
Photography at Monkey Beach
Monkey Beach can work well for photographers because it combines wider reef scenery with smaller macro subjects.
The wreck can create interesting compositions, while frogfish, jawfish and smaller reef creatures reward divers carrying a macro setup.
Dive Monkey Beach Responsibly
The coral reef and small marine creatures are exactly what make the site worth visiting.
Maintain Good Buoyancy
Avoid accidental contact with coral, sand and marine life.
Don't Move Animals
Macro subjects should never be repositioned simply to make them easier to photograph.
Respect the Wreck
Observe the structure without damaging growth or disturbing marine life.
Watch the Current
Follow your guide if water movement begins changing the planned dive.
Stay With the Group
Do not become so focused on photography that you lose awareness of your buddy or guide.
Enjoy Without Touching
The best wildlife encounters are the ones where the animals remain undisturbed.
Explore More Nearby Dive Sites
Combine Monkey Beach with other Puerto Galera sites for a varied day of diving.
Sabang Wrecks
Explore submerged structures and search for wreck-associated marine life.
Explore Sabang Wrecks →Sabang Point
Reef and slope diving with opportunities to search for smaller marine life.
Explore Sabang Point →Manila Channel
Another reef-diving option with coral terrain and tropical marine life.
Explore Manila Channel →Want to Dive Monkey Beach?
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