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Dive Review of Buceo Anilao Beach & Dive Resort in
Philippines/Anilao

Buceo Anilao Beach & Dive Resort: "Excellent Resort, Exceptional Staff, Fantastic Diving, Great Value", May, 2023,

by Valera Sakhnenko, ON, CA (Sr. Reviewer Sr. Reviewer 11 reports with 13 Helpful votes). Report 12479 has 2 Helpful votes.

Photos Submitted with this Report


Click on an image to see an enlarged version and captions

Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Accommodations 4 stars Food 4 stars
Service and Attitude 5 stars Environmental Sensitivity 4 stars
Dive Operation 5 stars Shore Diving N/A
Snorkeling N/A
Value for $$ 5 stars
Beginners 5 stars
Advanced 5 stars
Comments Following a friend's recommendation, we had made reservations for a two-week stay at the renowned Buceo Anilao Beach & Dive Resort. The booking process was seamless, as we directly communicated with the resort.

Our superior room, Jaw Fish, provided an ocean view with a gentle shade from surrounding trees. The accommodations, though simple, were comfortable. Each superior room has a small balcony furnished with cozy chairs, which quickly became our favored spot for relaxation.

Nestled on a hill, the resort demanded a fair amount of climbing, guaranteeing daily exercise. Even in our relatively low-lying room, we found ourselves ascending an average of over 30 flights of stairs per day during our two-week stay.

The resort catered exceptionally well to underwater photographers and videographers, with an array of facilities to support their needs. Traditional Filipino boats called "bangkas" served as our diving vessels. While the boats lacked rinse tanks, the resort itself featured four large rinse tanks exclusively for cameras. The camera room, though not air-conditioned, was well-equipped, complete with air guns to aid in equipment maintenance.

Throughout our stay, I completed a total of 36 dives, including three night dives and two black water dives. Anilao is known as the “The Nudibranch Capital of the World," and it certainly lived up to its reputation. These vibrant and intricately-patterned creatures adorned the seafloor, their dazzling colors and delicate forms captivating our attention. But nudibranchs were not the only critters that enthralled us during our dives. Anilao's waters teemed with a plethora of fascinating marine life: seahorses, ornate ghost pipefish, frogfish, octopuses, rhinopias and many other critters and fish.

For the duration of our stay, we were fortunate to have Jimson assigned as our dive guide. Jimson's unwavering support and expertise proved invaluable, taking care of our heavy camera rig, assisting with critter spotting, and even capturing stunning videos.

After exhilarating dives, we savored tranquil moments at the resort. Two large swimming pools provided the ideal gathering spot to witness breathtaking sunsets, while indulging in rejuvenating massages during the afternoon, highly recommended by my wife.

The resort's spacious restaurant offered a diverse selection of delectable meals and refreshing drinks. However, we did encounter some limitations regarding specific dietary requirements, such as vegan options. While the menu did feature several vegan dishes, their selection was rather limited.

The resort staff exemplified exceptional warmth and helpfulness, always ready to assist with any needs or inquiries. It was evident that several fellow divers were repeat customers, attesting to the fact that Buceo Anilao is considered one of the premier resorts in the area. We, too, were captivated by our experience and eagerly anticipate returning to this remarkable destination in the future.

For more information about diving and the resort, you can check my video-report about this trip, “Wonders of Anilao | A Colorful Marine Adventure | Scuba Diving in the Philippines in 4K”, on my you tube channel.

In conclusion, our first expedition to Anilao proved to be an unforgettable journey of discovery. From the awe-inspiring underwater wonders, including the magnificent nudibranchs, to the friendly faces at Buceo Anilao Beach & Dive Resort, every aspect of our trip left an indelible mark on our hearts. We departed with newfound skills, cherished memories, and a deep appreciation for the remarkable beauty that lies beneath Anilao's waters.
Websites Buceo Anilao Beach & Dive Resort   [same]

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience 251-500 dives
Where else diving Caribbean, North Sulawesi, Raja Ampat, Banda Sea, Hawaii, Andaman Sea, Philippines, Fiji, Red Sea, Maldives, Thailand, Andaman Sea
Closest Airport Manila Getting There Toronto-Taipei-Manila

Dive Conditions

Weather sunny, dry Seas choppy
Water Temp 28-29°C / 82-84°F Wetsuit Thickness 5
Water Visibility 10-20 M / 33-66 Ft

Dive Policy

Dive own profile no
Enforced diving restrictions No many: about 60 min and no decompression
Liveaboard? no Nitrox Available? yes

What I Saw

Sharks None Mantas None
Dolphins None Whale Sharks None
Turtles > 2 Whales None
Corals 3 stars Tropical Fish 4 stars
Small Critters 5 stars Large Fish N/A
Large Pelagics N/A

Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Subject Matter 5 stars Boat Facilities 4 stars
Overall rating for UWP's 5 stars Shore Facilities 5 stars
UW Photo Comments The resort catered exceptionally well to underwater photographers and videographers, with an array of facilities to support their needs. Traditional Filipino boats called "bangkas" served as our diving vessels. While the boats lacked rinse tanks, the resort itself featured four large rinse tanks exclusively for cameras. The camera room, though not air-conditioned, was well-equipped, complete with air guns to aid in equipment maintenance.
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Note: The information here was reported by the author above, but has NOT been reviewed nor edited by Undercurrent prior to posting on our website. Please report any major problems by writing to us and referencing the report number above.

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