BIG ANIMALS AND LITTLE CRITTERS
PHILIPPINES
Anilao, Batangas
By DANIEL NORWOOD
Some of the most famous dive sites in the Philippines
are located in Anilao, Batangas, just a few hours’
drive from the capital, Manila. Scuba divers have
been flocking here for years to experience the huge
diversity of its dive sites and marine life. Underwater
photographers come in their droves to shoot the rare
and elusive critters living on the reefs and sandy
slopes along the coast.
Suitable for all levels, most of the diving is easy and
in shallow water although some sites are deeper and
occasionally have strong currents. The dive guides
working the area are some of the best spotters in the
world and know when to dive each site and where
the best critters can be found. Prized subjects such
as blue ring and mimic octopus, tiger shrimps and a
huge variety of nudibranchs hide among the rubble
and in the seagrass at famous sites such as “Secret
Bay”, “Basura” and “The Pier”. Other creatures such
as pygmy seahorses, Coleman shrimps and Rhinopias
are normally found below 80 feet, so advanced divers
with a nitrox certification will have a better chance of
finding certain species.
7. A wonderpus octopus
shows off its ability to
imitate other critters at
“The Pier”
PRACTICALITIES