The best diving in Luzon and the most convenient from Manila, the Anilao area of Batangas is primarily coral covered slopes, boulders and sandy flats with the occasional wall, underwater mound and submerged reef. Encounters with large fish and pelagics are infrequent, with the best chances at offshore reefs with the exception of barracuda which hang around close to the shore. Anilao offers excellent opportunity for macro photography. Visibility ranges between 3 to 24 m (10 to 80 ft), depending on the tide and the time of year. Major dive sites includes: Cathedral Rock, Sombrero Island Hot Springs and Bajura.
Cathedral Rock
Expertise Rating: Novice
Probably the most famous dive site in the Philippines. It is a flourishing artificial reef develop in 1967 by scuba enthusiast, Dr. Tim Sevilla. Originally bare, twin rocks has been seeded with corals and is now teeming with fish awaiting a handout from divers, who for years have been feeding them. The Cathedral is a roofless cavern with a cross blessed by Pope John Paul II (placed there in 1983 by then General Fidel V. Ramos who went on to become President of the Philippines).
Sombrero Island
Expertise Rating: Advanced
On the surface, this island resembles a hat underwater, so its profile makes the name Sombrero even more appropriate. The rim of the “hat” stretches, a long way underwater from north to south. Gorgonians, black coral, shells, turtles, rays, grunts, jacks, snappers, and a great variety of soft corals are scattered all over the place. As at Cathedral Rock, a small shrine was placed here at around 13m.
Hot Springs
Expertise Rating: Intermediate
Located off Maricaban’s eastern tip, this offers a fascinating and unusual dive. Volcanically heated fresh water gushes from cracks in the unusual bright green, yellow and pastel-hued soft coral covered seafloor, into the cooler seawater, creating a naturally heated underwater pool. Visibility is almost always good because of this unique underwater environment. Expect to see frogfish and several species of sharks and rays, among others.
Bajura
Expertise Rating: Advanced
Just off the northern point of Caban Island, Bajura Reef is challenging snorkeling site because of the strong currents and often rough sea conditions. Fish life is similar to Sombrero’s but a little more prolific. Depth range is 12-37m, accessed by boat southwest across the Maricaban Strait. The reef is home to parrotfish, butterflyfish, wrasses, lionfish, sweetlips, scorpionfish and snappers, among others. There is also an occasional sighting of eagle ray.