Trip Report "Diving Anilao’s Coral Reefs in 2025" 4K Video-Trip Report

[Laval]

Anilao: Beyond the Nudibranchs

Anilao is famous as the "Nudibranch Capital of the World," and for good reason—it's a paradise for macro photographers. But beyond its tiny wonders, Anilao boasts spectacular coral reefs.

During my recent trip to Buceo Anilao Beach & Dive Resort in April and May 2025, I took a break from macro photography to explore these reefs, and I documented the experience in my new video, "Diving Anilao's Coral Reefs in 2025."

The footage in this video was captured at some of Anilao's most stunning dive sites:

• Kirby's Rock
• Sombrero
• Twin Rocks
• Red Rock
• Mainit
• Batok

Many of these sites are perfect for both macro and wide-angle photography, making it easy to enjoy the same dive with a buddy who has different interests.

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[blue steal]

Thanks for the wonderful video.
I got an opportunity to dive all those sites this past January thru March.

 

[Laval]

Thanks for the wonderful video.
I got an opportunity to dive all those sites this past January thru March.

Thank you for watching and your kind comment! Regarding your "January - March" trip, how was the diving in January - critters, water temperature and sea conditions?

 

[blue steal]

Lots of smaller critters, rarely saw anything big outside of a turtle.

Thank you for watching and your kind comment! Regarding your "January - March" trip, how was the diving in January - critters, water temperature and sea conditions?

Lots of critters but mostly small stuff, except for the occasional turtle.
Most of the reefs looked pretty healthy although a few dive sites have a lot of trash, mostly plastics.
I dove the house reef, by Saltitude daily and filled a medium sized bag of trash each day.
Did banka boats on the weekends usually 2 tank dive at Tinloy dive sites or the other side of the peninsula, like Mainit, red rock, bubbles and a few others which name escapes me now.

Water temperature was a consistent 79 degrees F or 26C.
Most locals were always saying it was cold, but after a few weeks I just dove with a Lycra shirt and bathing suit and it felt fine. (I am used to California waters).
A lot of days were very windy and the sea was bumpy on the surface, but not much if any current.
Didn’t get too much rain, but by March it started to get hot.

 

[Centrals]

Cebu Pacific has cheap international flight for the first 6 month next yr. And I just could not resist the temptation and bought three round trip tickets(HKG/MNL) for less than US$300.00(lite fare).
Couple of combined trips to Anilao + PG for sure.

Need to source at least X4 magnifying lens!!!

 

[Laval]

Lots of smaller critters, rarely saw anything big outside of a turtle.


Lots of critters but mostly small stuff, except for the occasional turtle.
Most of the reefs looked pretty healthy although a few dive sites have a lot of trash, mostly plastics.
I dove the house reef, by Saltitude daily and filled a medium sized bag of trash each day.
Did banka boats on the weekends usually 2 tank dive at Tinloy dive sites or the other side of the peninsula, like Mainit, red rock, bubbles and a few others which name escapes me now.

Water temperature was a consistent 79 degrees F or 26C.
Most locals were always saying it was cold, but after a few weeks I just dove with a Lycra shirt and bathing suit and it felt fine. (I am used to California waters).
A lot of days were very windy and the sea was bumpy on the surface, but not much if any current.
Didn’t get too much rain, but by March it started to get hot.

Many thanks for the details! I have to try a 'winter' diving in Anilao one day.