Ligpo Island

Ligpo Island, Anilao

Nestled in Balayan Bay, Ligpo Island is a captivating dive site in Anilao, offering divers a thrilling exploration of two distinct underwater personalities. This small, rocky islet can often be circumnavigated in a single dive, revealing a diverse marine landscape that promises memorable encounters.

East Side: Sheltered Reef and Cavern

On the east side of Ligpo Island, divers will find a more sheltered environment, characterized by a vibrant reef system. Here, a small cave or cavern awaits at depth, adorned with beautiful soft corals. This area is a particular favorite for night dives, especially during neap tide, when the underwater world transforms. We often encounter Giant Morays (Gymnothorax javanicus) patrolling the reef, while Striped Eel Catfish (Plotosus lineatus) and Bigfin Reef Squid (Sepioteuthis lessoniana) emerge, adding to the nocturnal spectacle. The cave itself has an entrance of about two meters and can accommodate two to three divers inside, with depths ranging from 10 to 30 meters.

West Side: Dramatic Wall and Pinnacle

The west side of Ligpo Island presents a more dramatic topography, featuring a near-vertical wall that plunges past 30 meters. Detached from this wall stands an impressive, angular pinnacle, often described as the size of a small office building. This pinnacle is smothered in a spectacular array of sea fans, ranging in color from bright yellow to deep purple. When currents sweep across this pinnacle, divers are treated to exhilarating pelagic action. You can encounter massive Giant Trevally (Caranx ignobilis), some growing over 1.5 meters long, and occasionally spot Blacktip Reef Sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus) patrolling the rocky crevices. Both Hawksbill Turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) and Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas) are frequently seen riding the flow or feeding on sponges in the shallows. Among the reef fish, large Trumpetfish (Aulostomus chinensis) are also a common sight around the pinnacle.

Diving Conditions and Requirements

Ligpo Island is considered an intermediate dive site, primarily due to its variable currents and potential for deeper dives. Depths at this dive site generally range from 10 meters to over 30 meters, with some areas extending to a maximum depth of 61 meters. The water temperature in Anilao is consistently warm, typically ranging from 25°C to 29°C. Currents can vary from gentle to strong, particularly on the west side where pelagic species are more prevalent. For this dive site, an Advanced Open Water certification is required, reflecting the need for experience in managing depth and potential currents.

Potential Hazards

Divers should be mindful of several potential hazards at Ligpo Island. The presence of caverns means there is an overhead environment, requiring appropriate training and awareness. Strong currents can be encountered, especially around the pinnacle and deeper sections of the wall, necessitating good buoyancy control and current diving techniques. Finally, the significant depth potential of the site means divers must monitor their no-decompression limits and gas consumption carefully.