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Cathedral Rock

Blessed cross between twin pinnacles at 15m, now a coral-seeded sanctuary teeming with angelfish, turtles, and night-dive life. Beginner–intermediate, 5–30m.

Mabini – BagalangitAlso known as The Cathedral
Beginner5 – 30 m depthReefCurrent: ModerateGreat for freedivingVery high traffic

About this spot

Two large sea mounts forming a roofless cavern with a cross between them at ~15m (50 ft) and a miniature castle in front. Incessant (historical) fish-feeding and coral seeding have built dense life: angelfish, wrasse, triggerfish, surgeonfish, damselfish, pufferfish, Moorish idols, butterflyfish, parrotfish, hawkfish, blue sea stars, sea cucumbers, barrel sponges, anemones with clownfish, frogfish, octopus, occasional green turtles and whitetip reef sharks. Considered perhaps the best-recognized dive site in the Philippines.

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Marine life you'll see

Commonly sighted

Angelfish

Butterflyfish

Parrotfish

Pufferfish

Nudibranchs

Barrel sponges

Green turtles

Whitetip reef sharks

Wrasse

Triggerfish

Moorish idols

Damselfish

Hawkfish

Blue sea stars

Sea cucumbers

Clownfish in anemones

Frogfish

Octopus

Conditions

What to expect
Entry
Boat
Visibility
15–25m typical
Best months
Nov · Dec · Jan · Feb · Mar · Apr · May
Difficulty
Beginner
beginner–intermediate
Current
Moderate
mild to moderate
Spearfishing
Prohibited

For freedivers

Apnea notes
Great for freedivingNo permanent line

The cross at 15m is a reachable depth target for intermediate freedivers. Ascend the buoy line — scuba boat traffic is consistently the highest of any Anilao site. A cleaner approach is a shore-entry swim-down from Dive7000 (~6–10 min surface swim depending on current), which avoids the mooring congestion.

Location & access notes

Located just off Bagalangit Point, directly in front of Dive7000 Resort. Marine Protected Sanctuary (22.9 ha) within the Mabini Marine Reserve (est. 1991). Cross planted at ~15m / 50 ft in 1983 by former President Fidel V. Ramos and blessed by Pope John Paul II; site was originally barren and was coral-seeded by Dr. Tim Sevilla of Dive7000. Sanctuary user fee applies — collected by barangay Bagalangit for maintenance.

Instructors & shops at this spot

23 operators
DDive Solana ResortResort→PPacifico Azul Dive ResortDive shop · Resort→SSaltitude Dive & Beach ResortResort→EEagle Point Beach and Dive ResortResort→BBuceo Anilao Beach & Dive ResortResort→BBlue Ribbon Dive ResortResort→CCasa Escondida Anilao Resort & Dive CenterDive shop · Resort→SSolitude Acacia ResortResort→PPier Uno Dive ResortResort→TThe Philip Ann ResortDive shop · Resort→Balai Lawom logoBalai LawomLodging→Freedive Tribe PH logoFreedive Tribe PHSchool · Lodging→Maximum Freediving and Hostel logoMaximum Freediving and HostelSchool · Lodging→WWetified FreediversSchool · Lodging→OOcean CampLodging→RRustique RueLodging→DDIVERSity by SeaReynang PengkiSchool→Lawom Freedivers PH logoLawom Freedivers PHSchool→Lakbay Freediving logoLakbay FreedivingSchool→Vertical Freedivers logoVertical FreediversSchool→OO2 Dive ResortDive shop · Resort→SSearendipity Diving ResortDive shop · Resort→See Turtles Apnea logoSee Turtles ApneaSchool→

Where it is

Mabini – Bagalangit
Area
Mabini – Bagalangit
Coordinates
13.723787°, 120.877572°

Frequently asked questions

About Cathedral Rock

How deep is Cathedral Rock?

Cathedral Rock ranges from 5 to 30 metres deep, with its deepest point around 30 m.

Is Cathedral Rock good for beginners?

Yes. Cathedral Rock is a beginner-friendly dive spot, with Boat entry, suitable for new and trainee divers.

What will I see at Cathedral Rock?

Divers at Cathedral Rock commonly see Angelfish, Butterflyfish, Parrotfish, Pufferfish, Nudibranchs, Barrel sponges.

Is Cathedral Rock good for freediving?

For freedivers, Cathedral Rock is rated 'Great for freediving'. The cross at 15m is a reachable depth target for intermediate freedivers. Ascend the buoy line — scuba boat traffic is consistently the highest of any Anilao site. A cleaner approach is a shore-entry swim-down from Dive7000 (~6–10 min surface swim depending on current), which avoids the mooring congestion.

Where is Cathedral Rock and how do you get there?

Cathedral Rock is located in Bagalangit, reached by Boat entry.

When is the best time to dive Cathedral Rock?

The best months to dive Cathedral Rock are Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr and May.

Can you spearfish at Cathedral Rock?

Spearfishing at Cathedral Rock is Prohibited. Always check current local regulations before spearfishing.

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Last verified May 2026