Anilao, Philippines

    big apple

    Best months: Oct–Feb

    Why dive here

    With 87+ marine species recorded in the area - including clownfish, lionfish and pufferfish - big apple offers some of Anilao's richest diving. Water ranges 27-31°C, warmest May, June, July.

    Best timeOct–Feb
    WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit
    Marine lifeClownfish, Lionfish and Pufferfish · 87+ species recorded
    Water27-31°C · warmest May, June, July

    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.

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for big apple

    big apple Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for big apple, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (13.6, 120.95) (3km away)

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    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    30°C

    85°F · Range: 28.8–30.6°C

    Current Speed

    11.66 cm/s

    Direction: NE (59°)

    Chlorophyll-a

    0.055 mg/m³

    Very clear (oligotrophic)

    Salinity

    31.9 PSU

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU)

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