Day Tour Diving in Anilao
Posted on 16. Feb, 2009 by Lakwatsero in Scuba Diving, Travelogues
Birthplace of Scuba Diving in the Philippines
Anilao, the “so-called” birthplace of scuba diving in the Philippines boast of teeming marine biodiversity, with the abundance of corals and dense underwater creatures, making it popular not only in the Philippines but throughout the world, a truly world class diving destination.
Due to its proximity to Metropolis, it is the most frequented diving spot of the people from the Metropolitan Cities. The coastal town is located in Mabini, Batangas, around 170 kilometers from Manila and a two-and-a-half to three hours drive from the nation’s capital. So, if you are based in Manila, you can have very good dives/snorkeling sessions in Anilao during weekends or Holiday on a day tour, no need to file a leave, and that’s what we did.
Getting There
To get there from Manila via public transport, catch a Batangas City bound bus in Buendia/Cubao (Jam Liner, Tritran, etc), get off below the flyover to Batangas Pier in the Diversion Road, catch a jeepney to Mabini Plaza/Market and then hire a tricycle to bring you to your resort.
Buses bound to Batangas City leave Buendia every hour, 24-hours a day, fare cost is P167.00/~$3.5. Total travel time from Manila is at two and a half hours during off peak hours and at three to four hours during day time and rush hours.
Transportation Summary
| Route/Mode of Transportation | Travel Time | Fare |
| Manila to Bauan (Batangas City bound bus) | 2.5 hours to 3.5 hours | P167.00/~$3.5 |
| Bauan Junction to Mabini Plaza(Mabini bound jeep) | 30 minutes | P30.00/$0.67 |
| Mabini Plaza to Anilao (tricycle) | ~15 – 20 minutes | P35.00/~$0.75 |
All About Diving
When you reach Anilao, you can choose from a wide selection of resorts in the area. AquaVenture Reef Club, Planet Dive and Anilao Outrigger are among the famous resorts here. You can also contact any dive operators in Anilao and they usually take care of everything including the resort.
Day tour diving can cost for as low as P2500.00/~$53 for two dives with buffet meal. The cost can still go down if you have gears or if you opt to bring your own meals. Intro driving is also at P2500.00/~$53.
Fun at Sea
We chose AquaVenture Reef Club on our two weekends day tour diving of Anilao, and I must say their buffet is really sumptuous. The resort is close to The Cathedral, the famous diving spot in the area, it was named Cathedral after Former President Fidel V. Ramos installed a cross in the site. It is home to variety of fish and corals, but recently, a whaleshark (butanding) has been spotted in the area. Fish feeding is a must try here. Best time to dive here is in the morning because the current can get really strong in the afternoon.
We also dove at Sombrero Island, Koala and one of my favorites – the Twin Rocks, where I saw a school of jack fish (talakitok/mackerel).
There are more than twenty spots in Anilao alone, and for sure we will go back again and again and again, as most divers who frequent Anilao say “there are always something new in Anilao in their dives”. I am loving scuba diving more and more, and this is just the start for me.
Photo courtesy of DM Penn 
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Boyet Damot
Apr 30th, 2010
Sir…next time you’re in Anilao, try Sepok Wall and Diver’s Sanctuary dive sites.
When I was still connected with Intel Philippines, we had expats (on assignment at out Intel site in General Trias, Cavite) who got their Open Water certifications in Anilao…and even those with existing PADI certifications frequented Anilao for weekend diving.
I had my checkout dives there through Scubaworld (Anilao Outrigger Resort).
Nice write-up!
Gary
May 12th, 2009
next time you go diving…sama naman ako…
cba
Feb 16th, 2009
hi angel, inggit ako!
see you soon…