This dive site, Dako Bato, which means "big stone" in Filipino, offers a captivating underwater journey beginning at a vibrant main reef. Divers navigate by following a distinct reef formation on the seafloor. The main attraction lies at 30 meters, where an impressive 8-meter wide "big stone" emerges, surrounded by flourishing hard corals. The dive typically involves circling this unique rock formation before ascending back towards the shallower parts of the main reef.
The marine ecosystem at Dako Bato is rich and diverse, featuring bustling schools of fusiliers, robust groupers, and graceful turtles. For macro enthusiasts, there's plenty of "macro staff" to discover, including delicate candy crabs hidden among the corals. Deeper sections of the dive offer the exciting prospect of encountering magnificent eagle rays, adding a thrilling pelagic dimension to the experience.
The best time to explore Dako Bato is generally during the dry season, typically from November to May, when sea conditions are optimal for diving and marine life is abundant. Divers should be comfortable with depths up to 30 meters and possess good buoyancy control to fully appreciate the "big stone." Freedivers can enjoy the shallower reef areas and, if experienced, explore the deeper sections. Keep an eye out for both the intricate macro life and the larger pelagic visitors in the blue.
