Explore the enchanting dive sites Anilao has to offer, nestled in the heart of Batangas, Philippines, just a short hour and a half drive from Manila. Here, amidst the crystal-clear waters of this scenic dive spot, lies Solitude Acacia Resort, a haven for underwater enthusiasts seeking adventure and serenity, marking it as one of the prime scuba diving destinations. Immerse yourself in the vibrant marine life and stunning coral formations that adorn these renowned dive sites, capturing unforgettable moments through the lens of underwater photography.
With Solitude’s expert guidance and impeccable services, your dive experience in Anilao, a must-visit diving location, is bound to be nothing short of extraordinary. Discover the top dive sites, scenic spots, and must-visit destinations as we delve deeper into the underwater wonders awaiting your exploration. We put together a list of 10 of the best-known dive sites in the area for you:
Cathedral Rock
Cathedral Rock is a stunning dive site characterised by two large rocks with a cross in between, creating an underwater sanctuary. With depths ranging from 5 to 30 meters, it offers good visibility and is home to schools of snapper, batfish, and occasional turtles. Ideal for both beginners and experienced divers, this site features a mix of swim-throughs and vibrant coral gardens.
Secret Bay (Mainit Muck)
Secret Bay, known for its muck diving, is a paradise for macro photographers. Depths here are around 10 to 20 meters. The site is teeming with nudibranchs, seahorses, and mimic octopuses. Its sandy bottom and volcanic vents create a unique environment for spotting rare and exotic marine life.
Sombrero Island
Named after its hat-like shape, Sombrero Island offers divers a beautiful topography of walls and slopes with depths ranging from 5 to 25 meters. The site is rich in soft and hard corals and is home to turtles, reef sharks, and a variety of tropical fish. It’s famous for its colourful coral gardens.
Kirby’s Rock
Kirby’s Rock features a spectacular vertical wall adorned with corals and sponges, with depths ranging from 12 to 35 meters. The site is known for large pelagic species like jacks and barracudas, making it an exciting dive for more advanced divers due to the potential strong currents.
Twin Rocks
An accessible site with depths of 5 to 18 meters. It is famous for its two large boulders and a healthy reef, offering an abundance of marine life including schools of jacks and trevallies. This site offers one of the best night diving in Anilao too.
Beatrice Rock
Beatrice Rock offers a mix of coral formations and sandy areas with depths ranging from 10 to 25 meters. The site is home to a diverse array of marine life, including frogfish, lionfish, and various nudibranch species. Divers can explore small caves and overhangs.
Mapating Cave
Better suited for advanced divers, Mapating Cave is a deep dive site with depths of 15 to 40 meters. It is famous for its underwater cave and potential shark encounters, including sightings of reef and hammerhead sharks.
Balayan Bay
Balayan Bay features a variety of landscapes, including gentle slopes and vertical drop-offs. The site is rich in soft corals and sponges and is a sanctuary for turtles and schooling fish. Depths and visibility vary across different spots in the bay.
Ligpo Island
Ligpo Island offers depths ranging from 10 to over 30 meters. The site is known for its vibrant corals and a variety of fish species. It features an underwater tunnel, overhangs, and crevices that provide a habitat for diverse marine life.
Arthur’s Rock (or Arthur’s to Dead Palm)
Arthur’s Rock, with depths of 5 to 30 metres, is renowned for its stunning coral formations and the unique ‘Dead Palm’ feature. The site is a hotspot for nudibranch enthusiasts and is frequented by larger fish such as snappers and groupers. It’s great for both wide-angle and macro photography, especially at these famous dive locations.
Each of these dive sites in Anilao offers a unique underwater experience, showcasing the diversity and beauty of marine life in this corner of Batangas, the Philippines. You can dive around this gorgeous corner of the Philippines by staying at Solitude Acacia Resort. Just reach out to us and start planning your dive trip today.
Explore the beauty of Anilao’s marine life with Solitude World






With a commitment to exceptional service and unforgettable experiences, Solitude World invites you to embark on a journey of discovery beneath the waves. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or embarking on your first underwater adventure, our team is dedicated to ensuring your safety, satisfaction, and immersion in the breathtaking wonders of Anilao, Batangas. Book your dive trip with Solitude Acacia Resort today and dive into a world of unparalleled beauty and adventure.