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Anilao Blackwater
Anilao is conveniently located on a peninsula three hours south of the Manila airport in the Batangas province of Luzon, Philippines.
While the activities in the area are focused on muck diving in sand and rubble, you will find attractive soft and hard coral reefs dives also.
Lately, Anilao has become one of the top destinations worldwide for blackwater diving. It is like discovering another completely different underwater world - simply incredible. Blackwater diving takes place at night. You leave your resort at 7pm for two dives and return by 11pm. It takes place over deeper waters at a distance from the shore. A twenty five meter long line is tied from a floater at the surface with its opposite end tied with weights to keep it straight. Strong lights are tied on the line 5 meters apart to attract creatures from the deep, and it serves as your lighthouse as you wander and drift in the black water.
Most dive resorts in Anilao are on a steep slope descending to the waterline. Be prepared for lots of stairs.
The water temperature is usually around 27-28C. In January and February it drops to 25C - at night to 24C. Many sea creatures prefer colder water which increases diversity during that time.
Diving is offered year-round. However, please be mindful of the tropical storm season from June to October. It is done from Bankas, the typical Filipino outrigger boats.
