Diving in Anilao
Why dive here
Anilao offers some of Philippines's richest diving, with 87+ marine species recorded in the area - including clownfish, lionfish and pufferfish. Water ranges 28-31°C, warmest May, June, July.
Anilao, a few hours south of Manila, feels like the spiritual home of Philippine diving. It's not about grand pelagics or sweeping walls here, though you’ll find some lovely reef dives. Anilao shines brightest for the small stuff, a real macro photography mecca. We love spending an hour on a single square metre of muck, finding Messmate Pipefish swaying gently or spotting a Stout Red Shrimp darting into an anemone. It’s a patient diver’s dream. You’ll encounter an incredible array of nudibranchs - truly, it feels like a competition to spot the rarest one - alongside pygmy ribbon-tail catsharks tucked under ledges and banded blennies peeking from their holes. Our favourite dives often involve a slow drift over a sandy slope, eyes peeled for juvenile angelfish or a well-camouflaged hawkfish. The visibility can vary, but generally, it’s clear enough to appreciate the intricate details. We'd suggest going during the dry season, November to May, for calmer seas and the best chances to really settle in and find those tiny treasures.
Anilao Dive Site Map
Dive sites and dive centres in Anilao
Anilao Dive Sites
126 dive sites in Anilao
Agahuta
Agahuta offers a relaxed dive, often with minimal current, making it suitable for newer divers or those looking for an easy second dive. You'll find plenty of nudibranchs here, tucked into the corals and rocks. Look closely and you might spot a few frogfish camouflaged against the sponges. It’s a good spot for macro enthusiasts, but don't expect big fish action.
Anilao
Anilao holds a special place in the hearts of many Filipino divers. It's the birthplace of the sport in the country, a quick escape from the city, and now, a renowned destination for macro photography. We've spent countless hours sifting through the volcanic sand and silty bottoms here, eyes peeled for the unusual. You’ll find frogfish in every conceivable colour, flamboyant cuttlefish strutting their stuff, and an incredible variety of nudibranchs, often tiny, but always spectacular. It’s a site that rewards patience and a keen eye, perfect for those who love the hunt for the weird and wonderful. We often suggest going with a dedicated macro guide; they know the prime spots and resident critters better than anyone.
Anilao Pier
Anilao Pier is a prime muck diving spot, right in the heart of things. We've spent hours here, meticulously combing the muddy bottom for frogfish, flamboyant cuttlefish, and all manner of unusual critters. It's not a site for big pelagics or sweeping coral vistas, but if you love macro photography and patiently searching for the bizarre, this is your kind of dive. The pier structure itself provides plenty of nooks and crannies for things to hide, making every dive a treasure hunt.
Aphol’s
Aphol's sits just off the coast of Anilao, a straightforward dive to 20m. It's a gentle slope, mostly rubble and sand, but we often spot frogfish and various nudibranchs tucked away. The site is a good choice for beginners or those dialling in their macro photography skills, with generally calm conditions. Think slow dives, looking for the small stuff.
Aquaventure Housereef
The Aquaventure Housereef in Anilao is a solid spot for a relaxed dive, especially if you're looking for an easy entry. It’s a good option for checking gear or getting back into the swing of things. You'll find a decent scattering of corals, home to plenty of the smaller reef fish and critters like nudibranchs and flatworms if you look closely. It's not a major thrill, but it’s consistent and convenient.
Arthur's Rock
Arthur's Rock is one of those spots in Anilao that delivers a solid, easy dive, especially if you're just getting your fins wet. It’s a nice pinnacle, topping out around 20 metres, so it’s well within limits for newer divers or those looking for a relaxed multi-level profile. We often see schools of sergeant majors and fusiliers swirling around the rock, and if you take your time, there are plenty of nudibranchs tucked into the crevices. It’s a site we’d recommend for a calm afternoon dive, maybe as your second or third of the day, when you want to just enjoy being in the water without fighting a current.
Arthur s Rock
Arthur’s Rock is a straightforward dive off Anilao, perfect for an easy afternoon or a check-out dive. It’s a rocky slope, gently descending with lots of small crevices and overhangs. We often find nudibranchs here, along with juvenile sweetlips tucked into the rocks. It's a good spot for newer divers to practice buoyancy without strong currents.
ASIAN LOGGER
The Asian Logger, sitting around 40 metres, is a proper dive, not just a quick peek. We love this old carrier, sunk back in '72, because it feels like stepping into a time capsule. Built in '39, she’s seen a lot, and now she’s a home for all sorts of critters. You’ll drop down onto the deck, usually with a fair bit of current sweeping past, so be ready to hold on. The bow points slightly upwards, and you can still make out the cargo holds, now colonised by thick sponges and colourful crinoids. Swim through the main superstructure, where schools of fusiliers swirl, occasionally parting to reveal a grumpy stonefish or a well-camouflaged scorpionfish tucked into a corner. We've found frogfish here more than once, just chilling on the encrusted metal. Our favourite part is the stern, where the prop is still mostly intact, drawing in batfish and barracuda. It’s a deep dive, definitely one for experienced wreck enthusiasts who appreciate history and don't mind a bit of a current. Go early in the morning for the best light, though the thermocline can be a bit bracing.
Bahura Reef
Bahura Reef in Anilao is a solid choice for a multi-level dive, letting you cruise along a sloping coral garden. We've often found small reef sharks tucked under ledges and plenty of schooling fish in the shallows. It's an easy drift on most days, making it great for newer divers or those looking for a relaxed second dive.
Barracuda Deep
Barracuda Deep, off Anilao, lives up to its name with frequent encounters with, you guessed it, barracuda. We’ve seen small schools here, often hanging in the current at the deeper end of the site, around 28m. It’s an intermediate dive, often with a decent current, which means a good chance of pelagics passing through. Look out for the resident moray eels tucked into the rock formations.
Basura
Basura in Anilao offers an easy shore entry, making it a good spot for dive centers to conduct training dives or for divers to check their buoyancy. We often find a surprising amount of macro life here, like nudibranchs and frogfish, despite the sandy bottom. It's not a reef dive, so don't expect corals, but for those who enjoy slow, detailed critter hunts, it's pretty reliable. The protected bay means conditions are usually calm.
Batalan Rock
Batalan Rock offers a straightforward dive, popular with local day boats. We've often found small schools of yellowfin barracuda here, circling the main rock formation, and we keep an eye out for nudibranchs on the darker sections. It's a decent spot for a second dive or a relaxed afternoon, generally calmer than some of Anilao's more exposed sites. Expect a quiet dive, good for photographers keen on macro subjects.
Anilao Dive Centres
52 dive shops and operators in Anilao
Ocean Wildlife in Anilao
87 species recorded in Anilao
Anilao Daylight & Sunrise/Sunset
Sunrise and sunset times for Anilao, calculated from coordinates
Today - Monday 24 August
Sunrise
05:45
Sunset
18:14
Daylight
12h 29m
Golden Hour
17:46
First light (dawn) at 05:23 · Last light (dusk) at 18:36
Monthly Averages
| Month | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 06:24 | 17:48 | 11h 24m |
| Feb | 06:21 | 18:02 | 11h 42m |
| Mar | 06:05 | 18:07 | 12h 2m |
| Apr | 05:44 | 18:10 | 12h 26m |
| May | 05:31 | 18:16 | 12h 45m |
| JunLongest | 05:30 | 18:25 | 12h 55m |
| Jul | 05:37 | 18:28 | 12h 51m |
| AugNow | 05:44 | 18:19 | 12h 35m |
| Sep | 05:46 | 17:59 | 12h 13m |
| Oct | 05:48 | 17:38 | 11h 51m |
| Nov | 05:57 | 17:27 | 11h 30m |
| DecShortest | 06:12 | 17:32 | 11h 20m |
Times are approximate local times based on longitude. Actual times may vary slightly depending on the exact timezone observed in Anilao.
Where to Stay near Anilao
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Marine Protected Areas near Anilao
22 protected areas near Anilao - please respect local regulations when diving
Sablayan and Calintaan (SaCa)
Apo Reef Natural Park
SCPW
Island of Alibijaban Wildeness Area
Mangrove Areas from Del Pilar River to Palita Island, Bo. Salvacion and Dahican Magrove Swamp Forest Reserve
Palsabangan River up to Mazintuto River, Bacong River to Sandoval Point Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve
Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA)/Las Piñas-Parañaque
Rabaw Ti Bato
Marine Reserve No.1
Orion Kent Fish Sanctuary
Sabang Marine Protected Area
Limay Fish Sanctuary
Showing 12 largest of 22
Getting to Anilao
Mamburao
Manila (Pasay)
Olongapo
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