Bahura

Bahura (Anilao)

True to its name, which means "reef" in Filipino, Bahura is a classic Anilao drift dive site located off the northwest tip of Caban Island, part of Tingloy, Batangas. This intermediate dive site offers a dynamic underwater landscape, making it a favorite for divers holding an Open Water certification and above.

Dive Profile and Topography

Divers will find Bahura to be a vibrant sloping coral shoal that transitions into impressive drop-offs. The reef begins in shallow, healthy hard coral gardens, featuring a variety of formations including brain corals, staghorn corals, and mushroom corals. As you descend, the reef slopes and steepens, extending to a typical maximum depth of 30 meters. For those with advanced recreational or technical diving certifications, deeper sections reaching up to 42 meters may be explored. This varied topography creates an engaging environment for exploration, from the shallower, sunlit gardens to the deeper, current-swept corners.

Conditions and Hazards

The water temperature at Bahura is generally comfortable, ranging from 24°C to 28°C throughout the year, though it can be slightly cooler in January and February. Visibility is usually excellent, often ranging from 10 to 25 meters, providing clear views of the abundant marine life and vibrant corals.

However, divers should be prepared for variable currents at this dive site. While sometimes mild to moderate, the currents can switch from gentle to strong, or even "screaming," particularly around the current-swept corners and points, where the flow can change significantly with the tide. We recommend careful dive planning with your instructor or dive guide to account for these conditions. The strong currents and depth are the primary hazards here, requiring good buoyancy control and an awareness of your surroundings.

Marine Life Encounters

Bahura is renowned for its dense and diverse marine life. As you drift along the sloping reef, divers can encounter majestic Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas) gracefully gliding by. Keep an eye out for the occasional Whitetip Reef Shark (Triaenodon obesus) patrolling the deeper sections of the slope, with sightings of individuals up to 2 meters in length reported. Off the current-swept corners, larger pelagic species such as Great Barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) can often be spotted.

For those with a keen eye for macro life, the shallows and coral formations are a true haven. Bahura is celebrated for its incredible abundance of assorted Nudibranchs (Nudibranchia spp.), showcasing a kaleidoscope of colors, shapes, and textures. Divers will also find various species of shrimp and other small critters, making it an excellent location for underwater photography. The healthy coral formations also host a myriad of reef fish, including angelfish, butterflyfish, damselfish, and wrasses.

Conclusion

Bahura offers an exhilarating drift diving experience through a thriving reef ecosystem. With its rich biodiversity, impressive topography, and the thrill of variable currents, this dive site promises an unforgettable adventure for intermediate divers and beyond. Plan your dive to embrace the flow and discover the incredible underwater world of Anilao.