Anilao Diving Vacation , Batangas
A barrio of Mabini Batangas, Anilao is one of
the best diving areas in Luzon. The infrastructure to service
divers is developed, by way of accommodations, equipment, and boats. Moreover
the townspeople have made it a point to protect the environment of their
reefs. As a result some of the most intricate and complex marine eco-systems
are found in this region.
Only 140 km south of Manila, Anilao's proximity makes it a popular destination for weekend diving trips. Even excursions are ideal in this southern town where resorts are situated within short boat rides to excellent dive sites.
Diving is mainly in coral slopes and shallow gardens among sandy patches. fish and coral life is quite abundant. Macro photography is highly suggested, as it can be very rewarding. Currents can be quite strong in certain areas and it is best to consult the tide tables and charts.
Choose from any of the 24 dive sites between the coast of Anilao and Maricaban Island. The most popular site is the Cathedral (average of 60 ft.), a roofless cavern with a blessed cross flanked by two large sea mounts.
Ideal diving season is from November until May.
Anilao Diving Sites
CATHEDRAL
A
marine sanctuary and considered as the best known feeding station in
Anilao. Approximately 69ft/23m off Bagalangit Point lay two large mounds
that looks like a roofless underwater amphitheater with a cross in
between. Former President Fidel Ramos planted the cross in 1983. It used
to be barren but it is now fully overgrown with corals. Moorish idols,
parrotfish and other reef fish dwell in these areas.
SOMBRERO ISLAND
This Island resembles a hat underwater. It is a shallow wall of about 100ft/30m with a good concentration of differing hard and soft corals.
BAJURA
Diving consists of slopes, small drop-offs, overhangs and a swimthrough. Shoals of triggerfish, jacks and surgeons swim by on a regular basis and Anthias are abundant. Currents are generally calm.
SEPOK
A dive site with nice coral gardens and a vertical wall with a wide variety of marine life. It is normally an easy dive. The shallow part of the dive teems with a profusion of small reef fish while the wall has the bigger fish and pelagic visitors.
MAPATING (Shark Cave)
An open reef and advisable for experienced divers only. The submerged rock is surrounded by a fairly shallow area, which ends in a series of drop-offs descending to about 60ft/20m or more. There is a great variety of marine life including sharks and pelagic fish. Current is strong most of the time.
LAYAG-LAYAG
There is an extensive coral formation on the shallow steep slope. Currents are extremely strong, so choice of slack water and neap tides are necessary. A recommended area for experienced divers. The coral teems with marine life and often has good visibility.
TWIN ROCKS
This is like a gallery of feather stars and small school of barracuda or squid are often seen. The remains of a capsized barge lie here on a gradual slope, of which both are now covered with sponges, algae, hydroids and reef fish.
CULEBRA (BONITO) ISLAND
& MALAHIBONG MANOK ISLAND
A marine sanctuary that has patches of coral heads on sandy slopes. Currents are very fierce. Shallow ledges with a good concentration of soft and hard corals surround both islands. Malajibomanoc has an underwater hot spring that sends streams of bubbles from 40ft/13m to the surface. Whenever Taal Volcano increases activity, this area does also. Fish life is abundant in this area.
LIGPO ISLAND
The Island sits on the west side of Ligpo Point. It is possible to circumnavigate the entire landmass in just one dive. Small reef fish and occasional pelagic fish emerge from nearby depths. Corals of different types and huge gorgonians abound the area. An ideal spot for night dive with lots of flatworms, nudibranchs, moray eels, catfish and squid.
Getting to Anilao
Due to its proximity to Manila, Anilao is frequented by weekend divers and day trippers. One simply has to take 2 to 2 1/2 hour land trip to Anilao from Manila.
There are daily buses that run from Pasay City to Batangas, after which you may take a jeepney to Anilao.
It is advisable to get yourself a car or have one arranged for you as Anilao is somewhat out of the way for most of the jeepneys.
| Dive Sites | Average Depth | Maximum Depth |
| Sombrero Island Malajibomaoc Ligpo Island The Cathedral Eagle Point Koala Arthur's Rock Dead Palm Twin Rocks Mainit Point Red Rock Beatrice Rock Bahura Layag-Layag Kirby's Rock Caban Cove Dari Laut Sepok Wall Bethlehem Mapating Rock Merriel's Rock Devil's Point Red Palm |
10 m 18 m 27 m 19 m 10 m 18 m 10 m 10 m 6 m 15 m 8 m 14 m 15 m 10 m 12 m 10 m 20 m 15 m 10 m 20 m 18 m 15 m 10 m |
24 m 61 m 30 m 18 m 24 m 21 m 21 m 12 m 30 m 12 m 27 m 30 m 18 m 33 m 15 m 27 m 27 m 15 m 40 m 24 m 24 m 24 m |
Sources:
Philippine Dept. of Tourism
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