Garden of Eden Dive Resort

The place itself is lovely, and the diving instructors are amazing, but my hostel stay wasn't pleasant. Other guests kept me awake all night. I told reception, but it didn't seem like anyone spoke to the noisy guests. The shower was freezing, even though the other rooms have hot water, and the Wi-Fi didn't work in the hostel room, only down by the main area. It seems hostel guests get much worse treatment than people who book a room.

I spent a full month diving at Garden of Eden, completing my Dive Master training there. The operation delivered consistently every day, with smooth logistics, well-maintained equipment, and care taken with personal belongings. I didn't see any red flags during my time there. The dive team was experienced, knowledgeable and attentive, in and out of the water. Briefings were thorough, safety always came first, and equipment handling and dive planning were done responsibly. The guides were excellent spotters, calm underwater and very familiar with local sites and marine life. They were happy to help divers find particular creatures and made dives enjoyable at any experience level. Rhea Maceda, the dive shop manager who guided my training, deserves special mention. She's professional, organized, patient and knowledgeable, and holds herself and her team to a high standard. I learned a huge amount from her about diving skills, leadership, safety and how a dive operation should be run. I felt supported, appropriately challenged and completely safe under her supervision. Completing my Dive Master here was an amazing, memorable experience. I'd confidently recommend Garden of Eden in Puerto Galera to fun divers, professionals in training and anyone looking for a safe, high-quality operation. I'd absolutely dive with them again.

The place has a great atmosphere and feels more upscale than the other resorts along the strip. The menu is huge, with lots of variety, and the food was good. We ate at 5pm, though, and my pasta arrived 10 minutes before the rest of our food, so the service could be better.

Walking through the lush grounds to my room was so peaceful. The resort itself is among the best, and I had another wonderful week in Puerto Galera. I spent a week diving at the GOE for the second year running, and the dive team was, as always, helpful and professional. Rhea is a new addition and has made the team even better. Thanks to everyone in the dive shop for all your help. The rest of the staff were fantastic too, from the cleaners to the manager. They’re so friendly and personable, always smiling and ready to help. Our dive master is Canadian, and his birthday celebration here each year has become a long-running tradition. This time the staff made it a night to remember. Thank you, gang. I don’t think anyone will top it.