Scuba Diving in Manila: What to Know

Scuba diving from Manila means heading 2–3 hours south to the Anilao area in Batangas. The diving is mostly muck diving and reef diving on slopes, with plenty of weird critters, nudibranchs, frogfish, and the occasional thresher shark if you go further out. Visibility is usually 8–15 meters; it’s not turquoise Caribbean water, but the marine life is excellent for a destination so close to a major city. Most trips are day trips or overnight stays. The boats are local bangkas, the pace is relaxed, and you’ll usually do two or three dives per day.

The best time is December to May when the weather is drier and seas are calmer. June to November is the rainy season with higher swell and frequent cancellations, though you can still get lucky. Expect to pay around $90–$160 per person for a two-dive day trip including gear, guide, and transport from Manila. Liveaboard or multi-day packages push closer to $200–$350 for three days of diving.

Tip: Book a trip that goes to Anilao’s outer sites like Secret Bay or Twin Rocks if you want better reefs and bigger stuff. Skip the very shallow, crowded shore dives right next to the resorts unless you just want a quick checkout. Bring your own mask and computer if you have them; rental gear in the area is functional but often well-used.