MAGALLANES - Anilao

Magallanes isn't just a hunk of metal; it’s a time capsule. We’ve always had a soft spot for wrecks that tell a story, and this one, grounded off Cape Santiago in '77, certainly delivers. Dropping onto the wreck, you’ll find the bow section relatively intact, rising about 7-8 metres from the seafloor. It’s got a haunting, almost skeletal feel to it, especially when a school of batfish drifts by, their shapes mimicking the ship's own silhouette. Our favourite part is exploring the cargo holds, now home to a resident population of lionfish – be careful where you put your hands! Look closely, and you’ll spot nudibranchs, often some vibrant chromodoris or a delicate _Hypselodoris_ species, making their way across the encrusted hull. The stern section is more broken up, scattered debris making for interesting macro opportunities. We’d suggest a slow, methodical dive here, focusing on the details rather than trying to take it all in at once. It’s a site that rewards patience, perfect for photographers or anyone who appreciates the slow reclamation of man-made structures by the ocean.

Location
Anilao, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
13.700000, 121.050000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
23m

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 MAGALLANES

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 MAGALLANES

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