Batangas diving spots are undeniably beautiful, especially in Anilao, dubbed the ‘birthplace of scuba diving’ in the Philippines. Although Anilao is a small barangay in the town of Mabini, Batangas, it is frequented by Filipino and foreign divers for its stunning, vibrant marine biodiversity and fascinating underwater wreckage. Today, more iconic diving spots in Batangas are in operation, including those in Tingloy and Verde Island.
If you’re planning a diving getaway this year, check out these Batangas dive sites that deserve a spot on your daredevil bucket list.
Traveling Via Fast Ferry to Batangas
Travel from Calapan to Batangas in a flash with SuperCat. Embark on a fast ferry ride to incredible Batangas diving spots today by following the steps below.
- Book your ticket via Chelsea Travel website or app. You can also visit any SuperCat accredited ticket outlets. You will receive an e-ticket voucher. Daily trips from Calapan to Batangas are 7:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 3:30 PM.
- Arrive at the port at least 2 hours prior to your trip. Bring a printed copy of your e-ticket voucher and a valid photo ID to claim your actual ticket.
- Proceed to the boarding area and wait until your trip is ready to board.
- Board the Batangas fastcraft at the designated time.
- Upon arrival at Batangas Pier, look for a jeep or bus that is headed to Batangas Grand Terminal. It is easier to travel from the terminal because most jeeps and buses going to popular diving spots are located here.
How to Get to the Best Batangas Diving Spots from Batangas Port
- Bauan
From Batangas Pier, take a tricycle to the Diversion Road, then catch a jeep going to Bauan.
- San Luis
At Batangas Grand Terminal, ride a jeep going to Lemery or Nasugbu. Get down at Muzon and go to the road going left (Bauan-San Luis Road). Take a tricycle and get down at San Luis.
- Mabini
Look for a jeep that is going to Mabini or Mabini Crossing. Get down at the crossing and ride a tricycle to your diving spot in Batangas.
- Nasugbu
Take a BSC bus going to Nasugbu, then get off at the town proper (158 pesos). Take a tricycle to your desired diving spot.
- Tingloy (Maricaban Island)
Look for a jeep going to Mabini, then tell the driver to drop you off at Talaga port. Ride a ferry going to Tingloy (160 pesos).
- Verde Island Passage
Take a jeepney to Bagong Palengke, then ride another going to Tabangao Port. Coordinate with the boat operators for the next available trip. There is only 1 trip for public boats going to and from Verde Island daily. Be sure to arrive by 8:00 AM.
11 Most Thrilling Batangas Diving Spots for a Memorable Adventure
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Cathedral Rock (Mabini)
Cathedral Rock is one of the most popular Batangas dive sites. It is located in Bagalangit, Mabini, and is easy to access along with other diving spots. It features two large rock formations, plus a cross that was originally blessed by Pope John Paul II and placed there by former president Fidel V. Ramos. What’s most fascinating about this dive spot is that it used to be barren water. With the help of coral seeding done by Dr. Tim Sevilla in 1967, this artificial reef has become a flourishing habitat for marine creatures and wildlife.
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Verde Island Passage (Batangas City)
Did you know that Verde Island is the center of the Coral Triangle? The entire strait and island are home to almost 2,000 species of fish and coral. That’s exactly why Verde Island is recognized as the best diving spot in Batangas. Some of the underwater spectacles include the Wall, Drop-Off, and Washing Machine. Explore over 50 marine protected areas to encounter vibrant and lush wildlife.
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Sombrero Island (Tingloy)
This hat-shaped island off the coast of Maricaban Island is close to well-known Batangas diving spots like Beatrice Rock and Bahura. The island itself is an incredible getaway for tourists, where you can picnic, dive, and swim all you want. Its crystal clear waters are perfect for beginner divers, however, the farther you go, the stronger the currents will be.
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Beatrice Rock (Sombrero Island, Tingloy)
This is a breathtaking rock covered in corals and teeming with marine life, accessible via Sombrero Island and Caban Island. One side slopes down while the opposite is more like a wall. It was said to be discovered by a group of divers when diving in Batangas was still new, and was named after their female diver.
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Secret Bay (Calumpang Peninsula, Mabini)
Muck diving enthusiasts will enjoy Secret Bay’s unique marine life. There won’t be many coral reefs to marvel at, because this diving spot in Batangas is more suited for underwater photography. Its earthy waters and sea floor are like treasure-hunting grounds for macrophotography. You can spot seahorses, anemones, fish and little critters that blend into the muddy rocks.
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Dari Laut (Caban Island, Tingloy)
If you’re a fan of large wreckages, the Dari Laut is the best diving spot in Batangas for you. This was once a floating casino in the 1980s, which caught fire and sank below the waters of Caban Island. Today, what remains of its metal frame has transformed into a coral sanctuary. You can spot batfish, giant trevally, Mandarin fish, and crab eye gobies.
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Ligpo Island (San Luis)
In the town of San Luis, you can take a small boat to Ligpo Island. This is one of the easy Batangas dive sites, where you can circle the entire island and its surrounding underwater life in one go. Its area is a protected marine sanctuary, so you will surely encounter vibrant corals and fish. You can also book an overnight stay at the island resort if you plan to stay longer.
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Twin Rocks (Mabini)
Balayan Bay is where you can find some of the most popular Batangas diving spots, and some hidden gems, too! Twin Rocks is a stunning dive site, alive with numerous corals and fish. Here, there are two large rocks sitting just a meter apart. You can swim through a narrow corridor of corals, a perfect opportunity to admire underwater life up close.
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Fortune Island (Nasugbu)
This island is located in Nasugbu Bay. Not only is it famous for its acropolis-like ruins, but also for its cliff diving and snorkeling sites. Fortune Island is known as one of the underrated Batangas diving spots. If you’re in for a serene dive, a rich and vibrant marine life, this island’s crystal clear waters and impressive corals await.
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Sepoc Wall (Maricaban Island)
Sepoc Point is a diving spot in Batangas frequented by experienced divers. It is only accessible by boat due to its features, so you will have to arrange transport with a local boat or an accredited resort. To the west of the beach, you can access Sepoc Wall, a friendly dive site where you can spot reef fish of various sizes, including the province’s notable nudibranchs.
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Mapating Rock (Maricaban Island)
This Batangas dive spot is also known as Sharks Reef. Its environment is as intimidating as its name, and is actually recommended for experienced divers rather than rookies. If you’re planning to visit, go with professional local dive guides who are familiar with Mapating’s vast area and tough currents.
Visiting a famous diving spot in Batangas not only gives you a scenic underwater adventure, but also reminds you of the value of nature. Diving is not just recreation, it lets you admire the dazzling waters, thriving corals, and healthy numbers of marine life population in a safe, nondestructive way.
ALSO READ: All the Facts that Reveal the Mystery of Verde Island Passage in Batangas
SuperCat Fast Ferries offers daily trips to Batangas from Calapan and vice versa. In just under two hours, you can start heading to your favorite Batangas diving spots! We also serve safe and comfortable sea travel to Cebu and Ormoc. View our updated schedules here and book your ticket today.
META DESCRIPTION
The most popular diving spot in Batangas is Anilao, with sites that stretch across Mabini, Bauan, San Luis, and more. Discover the underwater gems of Batangas here.