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Anilao in Batangas has been a weekend haven for scuba divers from the metropolis. With its proximity to the city and the countless dive spots here, it has been a popular diving destinations eversince. Not only that, resort development here has been consistent and they have been participating actively in maintaining and preserving the intricate and complex marine eco-system in this area.
Most diving in Anilao, Batangas consists of coral slopes, steeps, drop-offs and shallow coral gardens inter-twined with sandy patches. Fish and coral life is quite abundant. If you are a macro-photographer you will be amazed at the varieties of such species as Nudibranches.
When to dive.
Although diving here is possible all year round, it is best to dive here between November and June. Typhoon season intensifies between July and September resulting in choppy waves and poor visibility.
Cathedral: This marine sanctuary is approximately 69ft/23m off Bagalangit Point and its geography consists of two large mounds that look like a roofless underwater amphitheater with a cross (put there by Former President Fidel Ramos planted the cross in 1983) in between. This is one of the most popular sites with a plethora of lionfish, moorish idols, trumpet fish and other varieties.
Sombrero Island: If you need a drift dive, Sombrero Island is the dive for you. Acquiring its name from the appearance of a white sand beach at low tide this shallow wall (100ft/30m) is for coral lovers.
Mainit Hot Point (Hot Water Point): A favorite dive site with most of the Divemasters, the shallows boast heaps of Nudibranches and hard coral where the depths host ribbon eels, mantis shrimp and a ripping current. This dive has everything to offer – even the occasional shark. During your surface interval you can buy eggs from the local village and boil them in the natural hot springs.
Mapating (Shark Cave): This is a challenging dive for experienced divers. The submerged rock is surrounded by a fairly shallow area, which ends in a series of drop-offs descending to about 60ft/20m and more. There is a great variety of marine life including sharks and pelagic fish due to a strong current.
Twin Rocks: Divers are usually dropped off by the remains of a capsized barge on a gradual slop. After seeing the giant clams and getting used to the school of following batfish you make you way toward the twin rocks. It is not uncommon to find frog fish, mushroom coral pipefish or a blue spotted sting ray in attendance as well!
Ligpo Island: The Island sits on the west side of Ligpo Point and is visible across the bay from Outrigger. 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.
Layag-Layag Reef: Extensive coral formation on a shallow, steep slope. On the south side of this open-water area, a ledge drops to about 20 to 30 meters from close to the surface.