Freediving Anilao
Anilao is situated on the Calumpang Peninsula in the province of Batangas, Philippines, along the southwest coast of Luzon Island. Its location is strategically important, as it extends into the Verde Island Passage, the globally recognized “Center of the Center of Marine Biodiversity.”
how to get there
The easiest way to reach Anilao is to fly into Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and then take a private car or an organized transfer directly to your resort in Anilao/Mabini, a journey that typically takes about 2 to 3 hours. For a more budget-friendly option, one can take a public bus from Manila to Batangas City Grand Terminal, and then hire a jeepney or tricycle for the final leg to Anilao.
Special Features of Anilao
“Nudibranch Capital of the World”: Anilao is internationally renowned for its spectacular macro- and muck diving, earning it the nickname “Nudibranch Capital” due to the documentation of hundreds of different species of sea slugs in its waters.
Part of the Verde Island Passage: Like Puerto Galera, Anilao benefits from the incredibly rich ecosystem of the Verde Island Passage, which ensures an unusually high level of marine biodiversity, not just of small creatures but also of healthy coral life.
Abundant “Critters” and Rare Species: The sandy and silty bottoms of its famous muck dive sites are a photographer’s dream, providing easy encounters with rare and unusual marine life such as the blue-ringed octopus, flamboyant cuttlefish, mimic octopus, and various frogfish.
Why it is a Good Choice for Freediving and Snorkeling
Exceptional Snorkeling on House Reefs: Many dive resorts have excellent house reefs right off the beach, featuring colorful coral gardens in shallow water that are perfect for simple and immediate snorkeling sessions, often just a few meters from the shore.
Ideal Freediving Conditions for Macro and Critters: While it offers depth training, Anilao’s unique advantage for freedivers is the ability to easily access the famous macro life in relatively shallow waters (often 5 to 15 meters). Freedivers can spend more time observing and photographing the intricate “critters” without needing to dive to extreme depths.
Easy Logistics and Year-Round Access: Located on the main island of Luzon and close to Manila, Anilao is one of the most accessible top diving destinations in the Philippines, making it an excellent choice for shorter trips. The dive sites are generally close together, meaning less time traveling and more time in the water.
Calm and Clear Waters: The many bays and inlets around the Mabini peninsula provide sheltered conditions, ensuring calm waters and good visibility for both freedivers practicing their breath-holds and snorkelers exploring the coral.
recommended for freedivers in Anilao :
offering Molchanovs Wave courses
Beginner and Intermediate Freediving Classes
Molchanovs Freediving Courses
SSI Mermaid Courses
freediving school and resort
What else …
Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Anilao is highly dependent on what you want to do:
Best Time for General Diving & Calm Seas: November to May (Dry Season). This period offers the calmest water conditions and best visibility, often ranging from $15$ to $30$ meters.
Peak Season (Crowds & Prices): December to April are the most popular months, particularly around the Christmas/New Year and Easter holidays. Book well in advance.
Macro/Critter Enthusiasts: The entire year is excellent for macro diving, but some enthusiasts argue that the rainy season from June to October can bring out a different and abundant array of critters, despite potentially lower visibility and choppier seas.
Accommodations
Anilao’s accommodation is dominated by dive resorts, offering a spectrum from affordable, basic stays to luxury boutique experiences.
Budget/Mid-Range:
You will find plenty of affordable dive centers and smaller resorts that offer comfortable, no-frills rooms, often included in an all-inclusive dive package.
For the non-diver or extreme budget traveler, look for homestays and basic transient houses near the Anilao Port or in the nearby Masasa Beach (Tingloy Island).
Luxury/Upscale:
The area has a significant number of high-end, luxurious boutique resorts. These places offer premium amenities like spas, infinity pools, fine dining, and top-tier dive facilities. Examples include Vivere Azure and Aiyanar Beach and Dive Resort.
Many of these resorts offer all-inclusive packages that bundle meals, dives, and accommodations, providing a hassle-free, comfortable experience.
Restaurants
The dining scene is primarily centered within the resorts, which focus on catering to their guests.
Resort Dining: Most resorts offer full-board meal plans, often serving a mix of Filipino, Asian, and Western cuisine, with a strong focus on fresh seafood. High-end resorts like La Chevrerie have premium in-house restaurants with fine dining and wine lists.
Local Eateries: Outside the resorts, particularly near the Mabini Multi-Purpose Port (Anilao Port), you can find affordable local “carinderias” (small eateries) offering authentic and budget-friendly Filipino food.
Seafood: Given its coastal location, fresh seafood is a staple. Don’t miss out on local Batangas delicacies.
Cash is King: While many resorts accept credit cards, you should carry sufficient cash (Philippine Peso, PHP) for tips, small purchases, and payments at local establishments outside the resorts.
How to Get Around
Anilao is relatively close to Metro Manila, making it an easy weekend escape.
Getting to Anilao from Manila:
Bus to Batangas Grand Terminal: Take a bus (e.g., JAM Liner, DLTB) bound for Batangas City Grand Terminal (about 2-3 hours).
Jeepney to Anilao: From the Grand Terminal, take a jeepney to the Mabini Multi-purpose Port (also known as Anilao Port).
Tricycle to Resort: From the port, you will hire a tricycle to take you to your specific resort, which are scattered along the Mabini coastline.
Getting Around Locally:
Tricycles are the main mode of transport for short trips between resorts, dive centers, and the main road. Always agree on the fare before the trip.
Motorized Boats (Bangka): All diving and snorkeling is done via motorized boats, which are arranged by your resort or dive center. They are also used for Island Hopping tours to nearby islands like Sombrero Island and Tingloy Island (Masasa Beach).
Recommended For
Anilao is overwhelmingly recommended for:
Scuba Divers (especially Macro Enthusiasts): Anilao is one of the world’s best sites for muck diving and finding rare, exotic small marine life (“critters”) like nudibranchs, frogfish, seahorses, and flamboyant cuttlefish.
Underwater Photographers: The diversity and accessibility of the small marine subjects make it a haven for macro underwater photography.
Dive Students/Beginners: Its proximity to Manila and numerous reputable dive resorts make it a great place to get open-water certified.
Weekend Escape Seekers (from Manila): Its convenient location (about 3-4 hours from the city) makes it ideal for a quick, quality, dive-focused weekend trip.
Non-Divers looking for a calm beach day: While Anilao’s immediate shores are often rocky and less suitable for swimming, it serves as the jump-off point for a short boat ride to the beautiful white sands of Masasa Beach on Tingloy Island.