Verde Island Passages is one of the busiest sea lanes in the Philippines. It is located between Batangas and Oriental Mindoro. Commercial and industrial ships pass through this passage to reach Manila from their port of origin in the south. They also use this sea lane to reach the southern part of the country from the Port of Manila.

Verde Island Passage is a popular domestic sea route connecting Batangas, Marinduque, Mindoro Occidental, Mindoro Oriental and Romblon.

Center of the Center of Marine Shorefish Biodiversity

A team of marine conservationist declared in 2006 that the Philippines is the Center of Marine Biodiversity in the world and Verde Island Passages as the “Center of the Center of Marine Shorefish Biodiversity”. Many threatened species which include sea turtles like hawksbills, olive ridleys, and green turtles; humphead wrasses, giant groupers and giant clams that thrive in the Verde Island Passage. It was particularly noted the rare red fin wrasse (cirrhilabrus rubripinnis) thrives in Verde Island.The area has more than 300 species of corals, which is considered one of the largest concetration of corals in the country or even in the whole world.A three-year study called “The Center of the Center of Marine Shorefish Biodiversity: The Philippine Islands” by the Global Marine Species Assessment of the World Conservation Union showed that Verde Island Passage Marine Corridor has 1,736 overlapping marine species over a 10-kilometer area, the highest concentration of marine life in the world.Famous Dive Sites in Verde Island 

Verde Island is one of the best diving places in the Philippines due to its pristine clear waters and nice under water view. Scuba divers rate this site as better than Puerto Galera and Anilao, both world-class diving spots.

The wreckage of a Spanish galleon that sunk in 1620 was found in the southern part of this passage. It was heavily salvaged in 1960. Until this time you can still see the wreck of this galleon in the same area where it sunk in 1620.

Verde Island Wall
There are three sites worthy of mention, but by far and away the most well-know and interesting is Verde Island Wall. You wil notice it immediately on the southeastern tip of the island by the rocks sticking out of the sea there. The wall descends almost vertically to unfathomable depths. Just after the initial descent, you will find some calm areas where you can collect yourself before really exploring.

Star corals, giant gorgonians and cascading soft corals are everywhere and you will amazed at the colours around you.

Marine life is prolific and large wrasses, mantas, eagle rays, and whitetip and blacktip sharks may be seen. In addition, schools of jacks and tuna are common and sweetlips, batfishes, emperors, surgeons, soldiers and tangs are everywhere.

You should take care with bouyancy and depths. Saftey stops can be made on the wall. Photography is excellent. This is a world-class dive.

Spanish Galleon and Drift Dives
There are opportunities for drift dives along the west coast of the island. Reef fish are not so prolific here as they tend to shelter form the currents. A Spanish galleon sank off this coast and whilst there are no noticable remains, treasure hunters may still be lucky enough to find some fragments of pottery or musket balls.

Sources : http://www.asiadivesite.com :::::: http://en.wikipedia.org/ 

Photo Credits : http://www.wetexpedition.de/

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