Diving in Anilao

Explore 126 dive sites in Anilao, Philippines. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Anilao

The warmest water temperatures in Anilao occur in June, averaging 30.9°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 27.5°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.9°C
  • February: 27.5°C
  • March: 28.1°C
  • April: 29.2°C
  • May: 30.3°C
  • June: 30.9°C
  • July: 30.4°C
  • August: 29.8°C
  • September: 29.6°C
  • October: 29.4°C
  • November: 29.3°C
  • December: 28.9°C

Marine Life in Anilao

Home to 88 recorded species including 83 reef fish, 2 crabs & lobsters, 1 sharks & rays, 1 sea urchins, 1 sea snails & nudibranchs.

Dive Site Difficulty in Anilao

Anilao has 9 beginner, 4 intermediate dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Anilao

Based on average water temperature of 29.3°C, currents 15 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Anilao

  • Apo Reef Natural Park - Natural Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Island of Alibijaban Wildeness Area - Wilderness Area (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
  • Mangrove Areas from Del Pilar River to Palita Island, Bo. Salvacion and Dahican Magrove Swamp Forest Reserve - Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
  • Palsabangan River up to Mazintuto River, Bacong River to Sandoval Point Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve - Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
  • Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA)/Las Piñas-Parañaque - Wetland Park (IUCN Category IV)
  • Sablayan and Calintaan (SaCa) - Marine Protected Area Network (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • SCPW - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category II)
  • Banyaga Marine Park - Local Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Cabatiag-White Island Marine Park - Local Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Cabra Marine Park - Local Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Ilin-Ambulong Marine Park - Local Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Lumangbayan Turtle Nesting Reserve - Local Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Marsumbol Marine Reserve - Local Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Tabao and Luli Island / Brgy. Concepcion Fishery Reserve - Local Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Talabasi Reef Municipal Fish Sanctuary and Refuge - Local Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Limay Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Marine Reserve No.1 - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Orion Kent Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Rabaw Ti Bato - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Sasmuan Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Pilar Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Sabang Marine Protected Area - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)

Getting to Anilao - Nearest Airports

  • Mamburao Airport (MBO), Mamburao - 56 km away, approx 76 min travel time
  • Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), Manila (Pasay) - 101 km away, approx 125 min travel time
  • Subic Bay International Airport / Naval Air Station Cubi Point (SFS), Olongapo - 150 km away, approx 179 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical water conditions like in Anilao for diving, including visibility, currents, and water temperature?
Anilao offers warm water conditions, with the best months seeing temperatures around 30.32°C to 30.94°C, particularly in May, June, and July. While specific visibility data isn't provided, divers can expect varying currents, as evidenced by sites like the intermediate drift dive at Batangas Channel.
What kind of unique marine life and critters can divers expect to see in Anilao, especially for macro photography?
Anilao is renowned as the "Nudibranch capital of the world" and a macro photography paradise, making it an exceptional destination for spotting a vast array of small, unique critters. Divers can expect to encounter numerous species of nudibranchs and other fascinating macro subjects, perfect for detailed underwater photography. Explore more about marine life in the DivePlnr wildlife database.
What are considered the best or most popular dive sites in Anilao, and what makes them stand out?
Anilao boasts 124 dive sites, offering diverse experiences. Notable sites include the beginner-friendly Dari Laut (Wreck), the intermediate wall dive at Verde Island Drop Off, and the macro-rich intermediate muck diving at Monkey Beach. Other unique sites include the pinnacles like Arthur's Rock and several wreck dives such as Tagbac Wreck and OCEANIC EXPLORER 3.
Is Anilao a suitable dive destination for beginner divers, or are certain sites better for more experienced divers?
Yes, Anilao is a suitable dive destination for beginner divers, with several sites categorized as beginner-friendly, such as the pinnacle Arthur's Rock and the wreck Dari Laut (Wreck). However, it also offers a wide range of intermediate sites, including the wall dive at Verde Island Drop Off and the muck diving at Monkey Beach, catering to more experienced divers as well.
How do travelers typically get to Anilao from Manila, and what are the recommended transportation options?
Anilao is conveniently located just hours from Manila, making it an accessible dive destination. While specific recommended transportation options are not detailed in the provided data, travelers typically arrange transfers or take public transport to reach this popular diving hub in the Philippines.
When is the best time of year to go diving in Anilao, considering seasonal variations in weather, visibility, and marine life activity?
Based on water temperature, the best time of year to go diving in Anilao appears to be during May, June, and July, when temperatures are at their warmest, ranging from 30.32°C to 30.94°C. While specific seasonal variations in weather, visibility, or marine life activity are not provided, these months offer comfortable conditions for diving. For more general information on dive seasons, visit DivePlnr's when-to-dive guide.
Is Anilao primarily known for macro diving, or are there opportunities for wide-angle photography and sightings of larger marine life?
Anilao is primarily known as a "macro photography paradise" and the "Nudibranch capital of the world," making it an exceptional destination for divers focused on small, intricate marine life. While the region offers diverse dive sites including walls, wrecks, and pinnacles, the provided data emphasizes its reputation for macro subjects rather than wide-angle photography or frequent sightings of larger marine life.
Are there specific dive sites in Anilao known for night diving, and what unique marine life can be seen after dark?
The provided data does not specify particular dive sites in Anilao that are known for night diving, nor does it detail unique marine life that can be seen after dark. While many dive destinations offer night diving experiences, this information is not available in the current context for Anilao.