Casalay Boutique Villas & Dive

Casalay Boutique Villas & Dive is a serene, eco-friendly beachfront resort located in Puerto Galera, Philippines. This intimate resort features 12 beautifully appointed villas nestled among lush tropical gardens, offering guests privacy, comfort, and stunning sea or garden views. The onsite PADI 5-Star dive center provides access to world-class diving sites, including a vibrant house reef and daily boat dives to the renowned Verde Island Passage. With excellent dining, spa services, and a variety of land and water activities, Casalay is perfect for couples, families, and groups seeking a luxurious dive and nature escape.

Location

Casalay Boutique Villas & Dive is situated on the beachfront in a quiet cove of Puerto Galera, on Mindoro Island, Philippines. Surrounded by tropical hills and gardens, the resort offers a peaceful setting with easy access to prime dive sites.

Directions to Casalay Boutique Villas & Dive:

From Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL):
Take a private van or taxi (~2.5 to 3 hours) to Batangas Pier.
From Batangas Pier, take a 1-hour ferry or speedboat to Puerto Galera.
Upon arrival in Puerto Galera, a short boat transfer or resort-arranged transport will bring you to Casalay Boutique Villas & Dive, located in a secluded cove along the beachfront.
Transfers can be arranged through Apex Ocean Travel for a smooth and hassle-free journey.

Highlights

Onsite PADI 5-Star dive center with full dive services and courses
12 private villas accommodating up to 52 guests
Complimentary resort-wide WiFi
Nitrox available for certified divers (additional fee)
Direct access to a vibrant house reef for shore diving and snorkeling
Two beachfront swimming pools, including a dive training pool
Beachfront restaurant serving Filipino and international cuisine
Spa services offering massages and wellness treatments
Transparent kayaks and paddleboards for guest use
Dedicated camera room for underwater photographers
Nearest airport: Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL)
Resort-arranged transfers (van + boat)

Pricing

Room rates start at $170 USD per night for the 1-Bedroom Garden Villa, based on the most competitive online listings.
Dive packages and full board options are available. Contact Apex Ocean Travel for detailed pricing and current offers.

Itineraries

Sample 7-Night Dive Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival, welcome orientation, check-in, optional sunset beach walk
Day 2: Two morning boat dives, afternoon leisure, optional night dive
Day 3: Three boat dives including a trip to Verde Island, evening relaxation
Day 4: Two dives, kayaking or paddleboarding, optional spa treatment
Day 5: Two dives, optional island tour or hike in the afternoon
Day 6: Two morning boat dives, afternoon leisure, optional night dive
Day 7: Two morning boat dives, evening relaxation
Day 8: Breakfast, check-out, transfer to airport
Night diving is available and can be arranged onsite.

Accommodation Room Types and Amenities

Casalay offers 12 villas designed for comfort and privacy, blending modern amenities with tropical surroundings. Each villa includes air conditioning, ensuite bathrooms with rain showers and bidets, complimentary toiletries, mini-fridge, safety deposit box, electric kettle, daily housekeeping, and private terraces or balconies with garden or sea views. All villas feature award-winning Emma mattresses with crisp linens and free WiFi.

Diving

Onsite PADI 5-Star Dive Center offering daily boat dives, night dives, and all PADI courses.
House reef accessible from the resort for shore diving and snorkeling.
Dive boats operate multiple daily trips to over 30 local dive sites including the famous Verde Island Passage.
Nitrox available for certified divers at an additional charge.
Rental gear and underwater scooters (DPVs) available.
Multilingual instructors speak English, Chinese, and Filipino.

Dive Sites

Over 30 dive sites within minutes by boat, featuring coral gardens, drift dives, walls, wrecks, and macro hotspots.
Popular sites include Sabang Wrecks, Canyons, Monkey Beach, and Verde Island.
The house reef offers excellent critter spotting and night diving opportunities.

Diving Facilities

Dedicated dive training pool.
Spacious gear-up area with rinse tanks.
Secure equipment storage.
Onsite classroom for theory lessons.
Camera room for underwater photography.
Nitrox and air fills available.

Resort Facilities and Features

Two beachfront swimming pools, including a dive training pool.
Beachfront restaurant and bar serving Filipino and international cuisine open from 7 AM - 10 PM
Buy 1, Get 1 on cocktails and beers during Happy Hour from 4 PM – 6 PM
Spa offering massages and wellness treatments.
Complimentary WiFi throughout the resort.
Water sports: transparent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, snorkeling gear.
Lounge areas, pavilion, and landscaped tropical gardens.
Laundry service and daily housekeeping.
Pet-friendly (advance notice required).
Currency accepted: Philippine Peso (PHP), major credit cards.
Electrical outlets: Types A, B, and C (220V).
Time zone: GMT +8.

Included in Price

Accommodation in selected villa category.
Daily breakfast.
Use of swimming pools and non-motorized water sports equipment.
Resort-wide WiFi.
Housekeeping and access to resort amenities.

Excluded Costs

Scuba diving (courses, dives, equipment rental, nitrox).
Lunch and dinner (unless included in package).
Spa treatments.
Marine park and national park fees (payable onsite).
Airport and land/sea transfers.
Bar drinks and minibar items.
Laundry and personal expenses.
Transportation and Transfers
Nearest airport: Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), Manila.
Resort pick-up and drop-off services require advance booking.

Wildlife Encounters

Frequent sightings of sea turtles, schools of reef fish, and macro critters such as nudibranchs and seahorses.
Occasional pelagic species spotted on boat dives.
Birdwatching and occasional sightings of monkeys in surrounding forested hills.

Land Activities

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling.
Beach lounging and swimming.
Guided island tours, hiking, and nature walks.
Spa and wellness treatments.
Local cultural excursions and village visits.

Additional Information

Check-in time: 2:00 PM; Check-out time: 12:00 PM.
Family-friendly and suitable for couples, groups, and solo travelers.
The resort practices sustainable tourism with eco-friendly initiatives.
No gym onsite; spa services available.
Camera room and facilities for underwater photographers.
English is the primary language; staff also speak Chinese and Filipino.

Casalay Boutique Villas & Dive offers an intimate, eco-friendly retreat with exceptional access to some of the Philippines’ best diving and natural beauty. Book your next dive adventure with Apex Ocean Travel for a seamless and unforgettable experience.