Muck

The original classic Anilao muck site, named for the discarded tyres, bottles and shoes that critters colonised when it was found in the early 2000s. A gentle sand-and-rubble slope where macro life thrives among the debris and, in summer, beds of seagrass that make lush photographic backdrops. It is a premier hunting ground for rare nudibranchs, juvenile frogfish, several octopus species and ornate cephalopods. Visibility is usually a workable 10 m-plus and current is rare, making it an easy, leisurely macro and night dive — though stinging sea urchins proliferate in the rainy season.
Typical current strength at this dive site
Calm waters with no noticeable current. Ideal for beginners and underwater photography.
Strength Scale
None
Mild
Moderate
Strong
Monthly conditions and seasonal highlights — tap a month
Shoulder season with generally good conditions. Some variability in weather and visibility.
8 species recorded at this site
Ornate Ghost Pipefish
Solenostomus paradoxus
Mimic Octopus
Thaumoctopus mimicus
Hairy Frogfish
Antennarius striatus
Nudibranch (assorted)
Nudibranchia spp.
Bobbit Worm
Eunice aphroditois
Thorny Seahorse
Hippocampus histrix
Harlequin Shrimp
Hymenocera picta
Painted Frogfish
Antennarius pictus
Be aware of these potential hazards at this dive site
Boat traffic
MediumBanca traffic above the popular muck site; surface with SMB
Dangerous marine life
MediumSea urchins abundant especially in the rainy season, plus scorpionfish in rubble
Silting
MediumSandy rubble bottom disturbed easily by poor buoyancy
Certification Required
A minimum of Open Water certification is required to dive this site.
Immersive panoramic view of this dive site
360° panorama coming soon
Immersive underwater views will be available when panoramic imagery is uploaded
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Vertical range at this site
Minimum Depth
10 ft
Shallowest point
Average Depth
33 ft
Typical dive depth
Maximum Depth
59 ft
Deepest point
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