Anda
Tucked away on the eastern peninsula of Bohol, Anda offers a tranquil and pristine diving escape far from the crowds. Renowned for its remarkable biodiversity and healthy coral reefs, this destination boasts over 19 dive sites along a 14-kilometer stretch of coastline. Divers are drawn to its dramatic walls, gentle slopes, and incredible macro life. Anda's underwater landscape is characterized by vibrant hard and soft corals, providing a rich habitat for a vast array of critters, making it a paradise for underwater photographers and marine life enthusiasts looking for something unique in the Philippines.
Diving in Anda is generally accessible year-round, with calm conditions and minimal currents at most sites, making it suitable for all experience levels from novice to expert. The visibility is often excellent, ranging from 15 to 30 meters. For divers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience combining superb macro opportunities, stunning coral gardens, and the potential for larger pelagic encounters without the bustle of more famous destinations, Anda presents a compelling and rewarding choice. It's the perfect blend of adventure and serenity.
Top Sites
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most popular dive site in Anda, Philippines?
Paradise Garden is often cited as Anda's most popular dive site. It’s loved for its stunning, healthy coral gardens that gently slope down to a wall. The site is a vibrant aquarium teeming with reef fish, turtles, and an incredible diversity of macro life like nudibranchs, pygmy seahorses, and frogfish. Its accessibility and suitability for all diver levels, combined with its sheer beauty, make it a must-dive spot for anyone visiting Anda, Philippines.
What are the good and less popular dive sites in Anda, Philippines?
Well-known sites like Paradise Garden and Dap Dap offer stunning coral slopes and walls teeming with life. For a unique experience, Snapper's Cave features a cavern filled with schooling snappers. Less-visited gems include Virgen East and West, where you can find pristine corals and fewer divers. Lamanok Island offers interesting critter hunting opportunities in a different environment. Exploring these less-frequented sites in Anda, Philippines, often rewards divers with unique encounters and a true sense of discovery.
What water temperature is it like throughout the year diving in Anda, Philippines?
Water temperatures in Anda, Philippines, are warm and tropical throughout the year, typically ranging from 26°C to 30°C (79°F to 86°F). The warmest months are usually from March to June, where temperatures can reach the upper end of the scale. From December to February, the water might be slightly cooler, dipping to around 26-27°C (79-81°F), but it remains very comfortable for diving year-round.
When is the best time to visit Anda, Philippines?
The best time to dive in Anda, Philippines, is during the dry season, from November to May. During these months, you can expect sunny weather, calm seas, and excellent visibility. The peak season is from March to May when conditions are optimal. While diving is possible year-round, the wet season from June to October can bring rain and potentially rougher surface conditions, though diving often continues with good underwater visibility between weather systems.
What's the visibility like during the dive season in Anda, Philippines?
During the peak dive season (November to May), underwater visibility in Anda, Philippines, is typically excellent, often ranging from 15 to 30 meters (50 to 100 feet). On exceptionally clear days, it can even exceed this. During the wetter months (June to October), visibility might be slightly reduced due to rainfall and runoff, but it generally remains good, averaging around 10 to 20 meters (33 to 66 feet).
Are there any seasonal migrations or special events (e.g., manta rays, whale sharks) in Anda, Philippines?
Anda, Philippines, is not primarily known for major seasonal migrations like manta rays or whale sharks, which are more common in other specific regions of the country. However, lucky divers may occasionally spot transient pelagics like whale sharks passing through, especially between December and May. The main draw remains the incredible resident biodiversity and macro life, which is fantastic year-round. Always keep an eye on the blue for a potential surprise!
What marine life can I expect to see in Anda, Philippines?
Anda, Philippines, is a macro-lover's paradise. Expect to find pygmy seahorses, various species of frogfish, ghost pipefish, and a dazzling array of nudibranchs. The healthy reefs are also home to turtles, schooling snappers, barracuda, jacks, and countless reef fish like anthias and damselfish. Moray eels, scorpionfish, and crustaceans are commonly spotted hiding in the corals. It offers a fantastic mix of tiny critters and vibrant reef life.
What thickness wetsuit should I wear in Anda, Philippines?
Given the warm water temperatures in Anda, Philippines (26-30°C or 79-86°F), a 3mm shorty or full-length wetsuit is sufficient for most divers. Some may even be comfortable in a rash guard and shorts, especially during the warmest months from March to May. If you tend to get cold easily or are planning multiple dives per day, a 3mm full wetsuit is a safe and comfortable choice year-round.
How do I get to Anda, Philippines?
To get to Anda, Philippines, you'll first fly into Bohol-Panglao International Airport (TAG). From the airport, Anda is approximately a 2 to 3-hour journey by land. You can arrange a private van or taxi through your resort, which is the most convenient option. Alternatively, more adventurous travelers can take a tricycle to the Dao Integrated Bus Terminal in Tagbilaran City and then catch a public bus or V-hire (van) heading to Anda.
Should I book a liveaboard or stay on shore in Anda, Philippines?
Anda, Philippines, is best experienced by staying at a shore-based resort. The 19+ dive sites are located along a 14-kilometer coastline, all easily accessible via short boat trips from the shore. This setup allows for flexible dive schedules and relaxation between dives. While some Visayas liveaboards may include Anda in their itinerary, a dedicated land-based stay is the ideal way to fully explore the unique underwater world this specific region has to offer.