ETHANE - Anilao

The Ethane wreck in Anilao is one of those sites we always enjoy, even if it’s more about the mood than big fish. This old tanker, sunk during Typhoon Skip back in '88, now rests upright, starting in just a meter of water and sloping down to about 25m. It’s perfect for those long, slow dives, especially if you like exploring nooks and crannies. What we love here is how the wreck has just completely integrated with the reef. You'll see the bow sitting exposed at the surface, almost like a ghost ship, then descend into a world of corals and sponges clinging to every surface. The bridge section, around 15m, is our favourite; it's practically bursting with schooling glassfish, and we’ve often spotted lionfish tucked into the shadowed doorways. Inside the cargo holds, it gets properly dark, and that’s where you might find a turtle resting or a big grouper eyeing you from the gloom. It’s a site that rewards patience and a good torch, letting you pick out frogfish camouflaged on the hull or nudibranchs crawling along the railings. We usually try to dive it late afternoon, as the light filtering through the water takes on this incredible golden hue, making the whole place feel a bit magical.

Location
Anilao, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
13.225000, 121.808334
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

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 ETHANE

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 ETHANE

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