Anda - Visayas

Anda, over on Bohol’s eastern coast, gives us a different feel from some of the more bustling dive spots in the Visayas. It’s got that relaxed vibe, even topside, with some nice beaches and waterfalls if you’re looking to stretch your legs between dives. Underwater, we really appreciate the variety. We’ve had some fantastic muck dives here, patiently scanning the sand and mud for all sorts of critters – nudibranchs, gobies, and we’ve even spotted a few pygmy seahorses tucked away. It’s a place for divers who enjoy taking things slow, really looking closely, and ticking off those macro finds.

Location
Visayas, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
9.733300, 124.583300

Marine Protected Area: Island of Catiil, Colangaman, Lomislis, Tagangdio, Tintinan, and islet of Pamasuan Wilderness Area

Best Time to Dive in Visayas

The warmest water temperatures in Visayas occur in January, averaging 27.8°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.8°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.8°C (air: 23.3°C)
  • February: 27.8°C (air: 23.3°C)
  • March: 27.8°C (air: 24.2°C)
  • April: 27.8°C (air: 25.3°C)
  • May: 27.8°C (air: 25.7°C)
  • June: 27.8°C (air: 24.8°C)
  • July: 27.8°C (air: 24.7°C)
  • August: 27.8°C (air: 24.9°C)
  • September: 27.8°C (air: 24.8°C)
  • October: 27.8°C (air: 24.4°C)
  • November: 27.8°C (air: 24.3°C)
  • December: 27.8°C (air: 23.7°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Visayas

Nearest Dive Centres to Anda

Marine Life in Visayas

Home to 577 recorded species including 463 reef fish, 24 sharks & rays, 21 hard corals, 19 sea snails & nudibranchs, 14 sea cucumbers, 9 crabs & lobsters.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Anda

Based on average water temperature of 27.8°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°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 of dive sites in Anda and what kind of underwater topography can I expect to see?
While specific depths vary across sites in Anda, you can expect a diverse underwater topography including vibrant reefs, muck dive areas, intriguing caves, and mangrove environments. For example, Paradise Garden is noted as a reef dive. This variety caters to different diving experiences, from shallow explorations to potentially deeper adventures.
What marine life is commonly seen when diving in Anda, especially for macro photography enthusiasts and those hoping to see larger species?
Divers exploring Anda are treated to an incredible range of marine life. Macro photography enthusiasts will delight in spotting tiny creatures like seahorses and nudibranchs, while those hoping for larger encounters might be fortunate enough to see impressive mantas and even whale sharks. This rich biodiversity makes Anda a fantastic destination for all types of wildlife enthusiasts.
How difficult is diving in Anda, and is it suitable for beginner or advanced divers?
Diving in Anda offers a range of experiences, with sites like Paradise Garden noted as intermediate difficulty. The diverse marine environments, including reefs, muck dives, and caves, suggest that Anda can accommodate both beginner divers looking for easier sites and advanced divers seeking more challenging explorations. It's advisable to check specific site conditions and your certification level before diving.
When is the best time of year to go diving in Anda for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
Unfortunately, the provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive in Anda for optimal conditions or marine life sightings. We recommend checking a comprehensive when-to-dive guide or local dive operators for seasonal information to plan your trip effectively.
What scuba diving certifications are required to explore the various dive sites around Anda?
The provided information does not specify the exact scuba diving certifications required for the various dive sites around Anda. However, given the range of environments from reefs to caves, it's generally recommended to have at least an Open Water certification, with advanced or specialty certifications potentially beneficial for deeper or more complex sites. Always consult with local dive centers regarding specific site requirements.
What are the usual current conditions and visibility like at Anda's dive sites?
The available data does not provide specific details on the usual current conditions or visibility at Anda's dive sites. As conditions can vary greatly depending on the site and time of year, it's always best to consult with local dive operators for the most up-to-date information before planning your dives.