Nestled along the coast of Batangas province, just a few hours south of Manila, Anilao holds a special place in Philippine diving history. Recognized as the birthplace of scuba diving in the country, this unassuming stretch of coastline introduced underwater exploration to Filipinos in the 1960s and has since grown into one of Asia's premier diving destinations, particularly celebrated among underwater photographers and marine life enthusiasts.
What sets Anilao apart from other Philippine dive destinations is its remarkable accessibility combined with exceptional biodiversity. With over 50 dive sites within easy reach of shore-based resorts, divers can experience multiple environments in a single trip, from vibrant coral gardens to muck diving sites that reveal an extraordinary world of bizarre and beautiful creatures.
Macro Photography Paradise
Anilao has earned its reputation as a macro photography paradise through an almost unbelievable concentration of small marine life. The area hosts over 500 species of nudibranchs alone, earning it the title of the nudibranch capital of the world. These colorful sea slugs range from common species to rare finds that draw photographers from across the globe.
Beyond nudibranchs, Anilao's reefs and sandy slopes harbor an extraordinary cast of critters. Multiple species of pygmy seahorses cling to gorgonian fans, while various frogfish species blend masterfully into their surroundings. Blue-ringed octopus, flamboyant cuttlefish, mandarin fish, ghost pipefish, and countless species of shrimp and crabs await patient observers.
The muck diving sites around Anilao reveal creatures that seem almost alien in their appearance. These sandy and silty areas might appear barren to the untrained eye but contain some of the ocean's most fascinating inhabitants, from mimic octopus to wonderpus, bobbit worms to sea moths.
Diverse Dive Sites
Anilao offers remarkable variety in its dive sites, catering to different interests and skill levels:
Coral Reef Sites
- Cathedral Rock - A dramatic underwater rock formation with swim-throughs and excellent soft coral coverage
- Sombrero Island - Beautiful hard coral gardens surrounding a volcanic island, great for snorkeling too
- Beatrice Rock - Pinnacle dive with strong currents bringing nutrients and attracting schooling fish
- Dari Laut - House reef known for excellent macro subjects and night diving
Muck and Macro Sites
- Secret Bay - Premier muck diving with frogfish, seahorses, and rare critters
- Basura (Trash) - Despite its name, offers excellent macro subjects among artificial structures
- Mainit Point - Sandy slopes with nudibranchs, pipefish, and octopus
- Koala Deep - Deeper site famous for rare pygmy seahorse species
Snorkeling Opportunities
While Anilao is primarily known for scuba diving, several sites offer excellent snorkeling experiences. The shallow reefs around Sombrero Island feature vibrant coral gardens easily viewed from the surface. Twin Rocks and portions of the Anilao pier area provide accessible snorkeling with good fish life.
Many resorts maintain their own house reefs where guests can snorkel directly from shore. These protected areas often contain surprisingly diverse marine life, including anemones with clownfish, various reef fish species, and sometimes even juvenile reef sharks and sea turtles.
Diving Conditions
Anilao benefits from its location in a protected bay, offering calm conditions for much of the year. The best diving months run from November to May during the dry season, when visibility reaches 15-30 meters. The wet season from June to October can bring reduced visibility and rougher conditions, though diving remains possible.
Water temperatures range from 24-30 degrees Celsius depending on depth and season. A 3mm wetsuit is suitable for most divers, though some prefer thicker exposure protection for extended or multiple dives, particularly during the cooler months of January and February.
Practical Information
Getting There
Anilao lies approximately 140 kilometers south of Manila, reachable by car in 3-4 hours depending on traffic. Most dive resorts offer transfer services from Manila or arrange pickup from the South Luzon Expressway. Public buses to Batangas City followed by local transport provide a budget alternative.
Accommodation
The area offers diverse accommodation options ranging from budget guesthouses to luxury dive resorts. Most serious divers opt for dedicated dive resorts that include boats, equipment rental, and diving packages. Peak season (December to May) requires advance booking, particularly on weekends when Manila-based divers visit.
Certification and Courses
Anilao provides an excellent environment for learning to dive. Calm, shallow conditions and good visibility make it ideal for open water courses. Numerous operators offer PADI, SSI, and other certifications, with courses ranging from beginner to instructor level. Specialty courses in underwater photography, night diving, and marine identification are particularly popular.
Marine Conservation
Several marine protected areas have been established around Anilao to preserve its biodiversity. The Anilao Marine Sanctuary and Sombrero Island Marine Sanctuary protect critical reef habitat from destructive fishing practices. Visitors should respect these areas by maintaining good buoyancy, not touching marine life, and supporting operators who follow sustainable practices.