Anilao, Batangas – The Philippines’ Macro & Muck Diving Paradise
Located just a few hours south of Manila, Anilao is world-famous for its macro and muck diving. With over 50 dive sites teeming with nudibranchs, frogfish, seahorses, and octopus, it’s a paradise for underwater photographers. Night dives and blackwater excursions add even more rare encounters. Anilao combines easy access, rich biodiversity, and excellent dive infrastructure — ideal for both beginners and seasoned macro hunters.
Location & Accessibility
Just a 3-hour drive south of Manila, Anilao is located on the scenic Calumpan Peninsula in the heart of the Verde Island Passage—one of the world’s most biodiverse marine regions. Nearly 55 dive sites are accessible via short traditional boat rides, making Anilao both remote-feeling and highly convenient.
Macro & Muck Diving Excellence
Globally renowned for its macro life, Anilao is a paradise for critter hunters and underwater photographers.
Regular sightings include nudibranchs, pipefish, seahorses, rhinopias, hairy frogfish, mimic and wunderpus octopuses, bobtail squid, and more.
The area has hosted international “nudibranch festivals,” with over 600 recorded species to date.
Dive Site Highlights
Secret Bay (Mainit): A muck diving hotspot from 3 to 20 meters, ideal for nudibranchs, mantis shrimp, cuttlefish, bobbit worms, and more.
Anilao Pier & Matu Point: Shallow night diving sites known for zebra crabs, Coleman shrimp, juvenile cuttlefish, and unique crustaceans.
Twin Rocks & Cathedral: Colorful reefs and coral-covered rock formations great for both wide-angle and macro photography.
Ligpo Island: A deeper site featuring soft corals, pygmy seahorses, scorpionfish, and occasional turtles.
Night & Blackwater Diving
Night dives often feature active cephalopods, crustaceans, and hunting marine life in sandy and rubble terrain.
Blackwater dives reveal planktonic wonders and juvenile species in open ocean drifts—perfect for advanced photographers.
Dive Structure & Conditions
Most dive packages follow a 2-tank morning dive structure, with optional afternoon and evening dives.
Year-round diving is possible, with peak visibility and calm conditions from October to June.
Why Divers Love Anilao
Macro biodiversity in close proximity to shore and resorts
Photographer-focused infrastructure: camera rooms, rinse tanks, guides trained in critter spotting
Ideal for divers of all levels, from beginners to technical and pro photographers
Easily combined with other destinations such as Puerto Galera, Cebu, or Bohol for extended trips
