EMILIA - Anilao

Emilia is a bit of a local secret, a proper Anilao standout if you ask us. This isn’t a deep dive, peaking at 11 metres, but what it lacks in depth it makes up for in character. She’s an old motor vessel, went down in ‘74 after a fire, and now rests on her side. We love exploring the bow, which is still quite intact. You can swim through the main cargo holds, which feel like enormous, dimly lit caverns. Sunlight shafts pierce through openings, illuminating schools of tiny silversides that dart and weave. Look closely in the darker corners; we’ve spotted giant frogfish camouflaged on the rusted metal and a few curious moray eels peeking from the shadows. The stern section is more broken up, but it's a fantastic spot for finding robust ghost pipefish hiding amongst the soft corals that have begun to colonise the wreck. This site is perfect for photographers who appreciate the drama of a sunken ship and for divers who enjoy a relaxed pace. We’d suggest going in the late morning, the light penetration is just right then, giving the whole wreck an ethereal glow. It’s not a challenging dive, making it accessible for newer divers wanting their first taste of wreck exploration, but there’s enough here to keep experienced eyes busy too.

Location
Anilao, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
13.750000, 121.041664
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
11m

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 EMILIA

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 EMILIA

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving the Emily wreck dive site?
The EMILIA wreck dive site has a typical depth of 11 meters. This relatively shallow depth makes it accessible for many divers, offering a comfortable profile for exploration.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Emily dive site?
Divers exploring the EMILIA wreck can expect to see the features of a motor vessel, which sank on November 9, 1974. This substantial wreck measures 82.9m in length and 11.9m in width, providing a significant structure for exploration. While specific marine life isn't detailed in the provided data, wrecks typically become artificial reefs, attracting a variety of local marine species over time.
How difficult is the Emily wreck dive, and is it suitable for less experienced divers?
The EMILIA wreck dive is classified as intermediate difficulty. While not suitable for absolute beginners, divers with some experience and appropriate equipment can enjoy this site. Less experienced divers should ensure they are comfortable with wreck diving principles and their certification level before attempting this dive.
What are the best months or seasons to dive the Emily wreck for optimal conditions and visibility?
The provided data does not specify the best months or seasons for diving the EMILIA wreck for optimal conditions or visibility. For general information on when to dive in Anilao, please refer to our When to Dive section for broader seasonal insights.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive the Emily wreck?
Given the EMILIA wreck is an intermediate dive, divers should hold at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. This ensures they possess the necessary skills and experience for wreck diving at 11 meters. Always consult with your dive operator in Anilao regarding specific certification requirements for this site.
What are the usual currents and visibility conditions at the Emily dive site?
The available data for the EMILIA wreck does not include details on usual currents or visibility conditions. For up-to-date information on these factors, it's always best to check with local dive operators in Anilao before your dive. They can provide the most current insights into site conditions.