Dive site · access from Puerto Galera
The Washing Machine
A strong-current site off Verde Island where converging tidal flows create swirling up-, down- and cross-currents — the 'washing machine' effect.
- Depth
- 8–25m
- Current
- Extreme
- Minimum level
- Advanced open water
- Access
- Boat
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The case for it
Why dive here
- Converging tidal currents produce swirling up-, down- and cross-currents
- Advanced-only; commonly dived on slack water or with reef hooks
Check before booking
What may rule it out
- Schooling trevally, snapper and surgeonfish holding in the flow
- Advanced open water certification is the stated minimum.
- Extreme current can affect whether the site is suitable on the day.
Access and timing
Plan this through Puerto Galera
Best overall months: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May. Check the destination planner for operating season, wildlife and other matching sites.
Wildlife
Seen around Puerto Galera
rareoccasionalcommonly seenpeak seasondestination closed
These are destination-level records, not confirmed sightings at The Washing Machine.
Pelagic thresher shark
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | rare |
| May | rare |
| June | rare |
| July | rare |
| August | rare |
| September | rare |
| October | rare |
| November | rare |
| December | occasional |
Blue-ringed octopus
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Hawksbill turtle
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Pygmy seahorse
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Great barracuda
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Nearby alternatives
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Sources & last checked
Checked July 2026
Research is source-backed, but conditions and fees should still be confirmed locally.
View 1 source and checking notes
- Best dive sites in Puerto Galera and Verde Island, Dive Mindoro
Note on the data: Coordinates are approximate; not surveyed dive-site GPS. Recreated after a site-id collision with a same-named Tubbataha site.