big apple - Anilao

Big Apple is one of those sites we always recommend, especially for photographers, and it’s always a good time. Head towards the sloping reef, maybe 15 metres down, and you’ll immediately notice the sheer density of small stuff. We love hunting for blennies here, particularly the Chestnut and Grammistes, poking their heads out of every crevice. Keep an eye out for the Arenatus wrasse darting between the coral heads, and you’ll often spot Blackstriped Cardinalfish schooling under ledges. The real magic happens when you slow down and comb over the sponges and hydroids. That’s where you’ll find the Bennett’s pufferfish, and if you’re lucky, a Hairy Scorpionfish perfectly camouflaged. We’ve had some cracking encounters with Alligator pipefish here, too, blending in with the rubble. The site isn’t about huge pelagics or dramatic walls; it’s about the intricate details. We’d suggest going early in the morning before other boats arrive, it's quieter and the light can be lovely for photography. It's a great spot for newer macro photographers, offering plenty of subjects without strong currents to contend with.

Location
Anilao, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
13.520380, 120.974884

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

Nearby Dive Sites in Anilao

Nearest Dive Centres to big apple

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.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for big apple

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