Mainit Point

Mainit Point (Anilao)

At the raw southern apex of the Calumpan Peninsula, Mainit Point stands as Anilao's signature big-water dive site. Here, divers will find a thrilling and dynamic underwater experience, characterized by strong currents and impressive pelagic encounters. The name "Mainit," meaning "hot," honors a small geothermal hot spring on the shoreline, though the dive itself is renowned for its pure, current-swept pelagic reef.

Diving Conditions

• Difficulty: This is an advanced dive site, best suited for experienced divers.
• Certification Required: We recommend an Advanced Open Water certification to safely navigate the challenging conditions.
• Depth: Divers will explore a range from approximately 5 m down to a maximum depth of 40 m, where the reef drops away dramatically.
• Current: Expect strong currents, which are a defining feature of this dive site. The tidal flow funnels through the narrow strait, creating exhilarating drift diving opportunities.
• Temperature: The water temperature typically ranges from 26°C to 30°C. Divers might also experience thermoclines, where the water temperature can suddenly drop at certain depths.
• Hazards: Primary hazards include strong currents, significant depth, and potential surge. Divers should be proficient in drift diving techniques and have excellent buoyancy control.

Underwater Topography and Features

The dive site begins with a boulder-strewn slope that gradually steepens. Divers will encounter three car-sized rocky mounds at around 30 m before the topography gives way to a dramatic drop-off beyond 40 m. Mainit Point offers a diverse underwater landscape, encompassing vibrant reef sections, exhilarating drift opportunities, and impressive wall diving. During windows of slack current, divers can appreciate beautiful cup-coral gardens and surprising macro life nestled within the reef.

Marine Life

Mainit Point is a renowned destination for encountering larger marine species drawn in by the nutrient-rich currents. Divers can frequently spot bulky Great Barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) and schooling Chevron Barracuda (Sphyraena qenie) hunting in the blue. We often encounter powerful Giant Trevally (Caranx ignobilis) and sleek Dogtooth Tuna (Gymnosarda unicolor) riding the currents. Keep an eye out for Whitetip Reef Sharks (Triaenodon obesus), which are occasionally seen deeper or resting in crevices. The reef itself is home to beautiful Oriental Sweetlips (Plectorhinchus vittatus) and schooling Sea Goldie (Pseudanthias squamipinnis), adding vibrant color to the hard and soft coral gardens. Additionally, divers may observe various reef fish such as angelfish, parrotfish, wrasses, Moorish idols, pufferfish, snappers, and scorpionfish. On very rare occasions, there have even been sightings of small whale sharks.