Anilao Diving Guide: Best Dive Sites, Travel Tips, and Must-Try Underwater Adventures

Anilao, Batangas, is a diver’s paradise, offering some of the best underwater experiences in the Philippines. Just a short drive from Manila, it boasts crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and thriving coral reefs that make it a top destination for both beginner and advanced divers. Whether you’re into macro photography, deep diving, or night diving, Anilao has something special waiting beneath the waves.

Anilao, Batangas | Herncar via Wikimedia Commons

Also read: 10 Pristine Beaches in Batangas for a Relaxing Tropical Break

Top diving sites in Anilao

Anilao is home to several world-class dive spots, each offering a unique underwater adventure. Here are the eight best dive sites you shouldn’t miss:

Twin Rocks

Twin Rocks | Raymond™ via Flickr

A favourite among divers, Twin Rocks is famous for its two large boulders covered in vibrant corals and teeming with marine life. Schools of jacks, trevallies, and various macro critters thrive here. It’s also one of the best locations for night diving in Anilao, offering a whole new world of nocturnal marine creatures.

Sombrero Island

Sombrero Island | Jun Acullador via Flickr

Named after its hat-like shape, Sombrero Island offers a stunning underwater topography of walls and slopes. It’s rich in both soft and hard corals and is home to turtles, reef sharks, and colourful tropical fish. Wide-angle photographers will enjoy capturing the beauty of this vibrant coral garden.

Beatrice Rock

Beatrice Rock | Ludovic via Flickr

Beatrice Rock features a mix of coral formations, sandy areas, and small caves. This site is home to frogfish, lionfish, and various nudibranch species, making it perfect for those who enjoy both macro and wide-angle photography.

Ligpo Island

Ligpo Island | Mjlsha via Flickr

Ligpo Island is a fantastic site for divers looking to explore underwater tunnels, overhangs, and crevices filled with marine life. With depths ranging from 10 to 30 metres, it offers a diverse and exciting diving experience.

When is the best time to visit Anilao?

Anilao is a year-round diving destination, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to experience:

• November to May: The dry season offers the best diving conditions, with clear waters and excellent visibility. This is also the peak season, so expect more divers at popular sites.

• March to June: The best time for blackwater diving, when pelagic species and planktonic creatures are most active.

• July to October: The rainy season brings occasional rough waters, but it’s a great time for fewer crowds and unique marine life sightings, especially macro photography enthusiasts.

How to go to Anilao

Getting to Anilao is easy, making it an ideal weekend getaway for Manila-based travellers. Here’s how you can get there:

• By Car: Anilao is about a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Metro Manila. Take the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), exit at Batangas City, and follow the signs leading to Mabini, Batangas.

• By Bus: Several bus companies operate routes from Manila to Batangas Grand Terminal. From there, take a jeepney or tricycle to Mabini, then proceed to your resort or dive centre.

• By Private Transfer: Many dive resorts offer private transfers for added convenience, perfect for groups or those bringing diving gear.

Diving activities: Night diving & blackwater diving

Anilao is not just about daytime dives; it also offers thrilling underwater adventures at night.

Night diving

Image credit: Scopio Images via Canva Pro

Night diving in Anilao is a must-try experience. As the sun sets, the underwater world transforms, revealing nocturnal marine creatures such as crustaceans, octopuses, and bioluminescent plankton. Twin Rocks and Secret Bay are among the best spots for night diving.

Blackwater diving

Image credit: Antje Schultner via Flickr

For an even more surreal experience, blackwater diving takes place in deep, open water at night. Divers get the rare chance to see pelagic species, planktonic creatures, and deep-sea marine life that rise to the surface after dark. This type of diving is perfect for macro photography enthusiasts.

Also read: Diving in the Philippines? Must-Know Safety Tips After the Verde Island Incident

Plan your Anilao dive adventure

With its easy accessibility, rich marine biodiversity, and diverse dive sites, Anilao is a must-visit for any diving enthusiast in the Philippines. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a scenic reef dive or an advanced diver seeking a thrilling deep-water adventure, Anilao has it all. So, start planning your trip today and experience one of the best diving destinations in the Philippines!