Verde Island - Anilao

Alright, Verde Island. If you’re diving Anilao and looking for a bit more punch, this is often the pick. The currents here are the main event, sweeping through the passage between Luzon and Mindoro, and they’re what draw in the bigger schools of fish. We've certainly had some exhilarating drifts along the walls, but those downcurrents are no joke, so it's definitely a spot for experienced divers comfortable in dynamic conditions. Expect some serious fusilier action and the occasional pelagic passing through, all against a dramatic coral backdrop.

Location
Anilao, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
13.600000, 120.950000

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 Verde Island

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 Verde Island

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 are the typical depths for diving at Verde Island?
Based on the provided information, the typical depths for diving at Verde Island are not explicitly stated. For the specific dive site known as "Drop Off" off the eastern coast, the depth is listed as unknown. Divers should consult local dive operators for specific depth profiles and site information.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can I expect to see when diving Verde Island?
When diving at Verde Island, you can expect to encounter a vibrant underwater environment, particularly due to the currents that sweep through the Verde Island Passage. Off the eastern coast, a huge reef featuring an impressive sheer drop is a prominent underwater feature. These currents are known to attract diverse marine life to the area.
How difficult is diving at Verde Island, especially considering the currents?
Diving at Verde Island is generally recommended for experienced divers due to the presence of currents. Down currents can be a notable feature of the diving here, requiring good dive skills. While a specific site like "Drop Off" is listed as intermediate difficulty, the overall conditions warrant experience.
What is the best time of year to dive Verde Island for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive Verde Island for optimal conditions. Divers interested in seasonal variations or specific conditions should consult local dive operators or resources like When to Dive for more information.
What dive certifications are required or recommended for diving at Verde Island?
While specific certification levels are not detailed in the provided information, diving at Verde Island is generally recommended for experienced divers. This suggests that certifications beyond entry-level, such as Advanced Open Water or specialties like Drift Diver, would be beneficial given the potential for currents.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at Verde Island?
At Verde Island, you can expect significant current conditions, as strong currents sweep through the Verde Island Passage. Down currents are also a feature of the diving here, which contribute to bringing marine life to the area. Information regarding typical visibility at Verde Island is not provided in the available data.