Anilao resorts are well-equipped — most have full rental gear, fin storage, camera rooms, and Wi-Fi. So the question isn't "what gear exists" — it's "what's worth bringing on the plane." Here's the practical list.
Dive gear
Bring your own
- Mask — fit is too personal to rent.
- Dive computer — every dive shop has rentals but yours is dialed to your tissue model.
- Reef hook for current sites like Mainit Point and Mapating; most operators don't carry them.
- 3mm full wetsuit if you're picky about fit. Rentals are universally available but inconsistent on sizing.
- Surface marker buoy + reel — required by some operators on every dive.
- Defog (or use baby shampoo).
Skip — every resort has these
- BCD, regulator, fins
- Tanks (12L aluminium standard; some shops have steel)
- Weights and weight belts
- Torches and pointers for night dives
If you're freediving: bring your own fins, mask, and wetsuit. Resort rentals lean toward scuba kit.
Camera + macro setup
Anilao is a critter destination. If you're shooting:
- Snoot — Anilao guides will expect you to use one.
- Spare batteries + charger — power blips happen during typhoons.
- Microfibre cloths + dust blower — humidity is brutal on sensors.
- Dry bag for boat rides — exposed banca decks get spray even on calm days.
Travel essentials
- Reef-safe sunscreen (no oxybenzone, no octinoxate). Mandatory at most marine sanctuaries.
- Long-sleeve rashguard for sun protection on long boat rides.
- Refillable water bottle — most resorts have refill stations.
- Cash in pesos. Anilao is largely cash-only outside the bigger resorts. ATMs are in Mabini town, not at the dive resorts.
- Power bank for day trips to nearby islands.
- Mosquito repellent — sundowners on the porch get buggy.
- Basic first aid — antiseptic, band-aids, ibuprofen, oral rehydration salts.
Documents
- C-card and logbook — most operators check certifications.
- Dive insurance (DAN or equivalent) — strongly recommended for current sites.
- Travel insurance with diving coverage.
- Cash for park fees — Marine sanctuaries (Cathedral Rock, Twin Rocks, Arthur's Rock) typically charge ₱100–₱200 per dive directly to the boatman.
Small things people forget
- Reading glasses if your prescription mask doesn't have them
- Spare mask strap
- Defog
- Cable ties for impromptu gear repair
- A clip for your computer or SMB
- Sea-sickness tablets if you're prone — banca decks can rock at exposed sites like Sombrero Island
Don't bring
- Heavy electronics you won't use — humidity is rough on them.
- Fancy clothes — Anilao is dive shorts and rashguards from arrival to departure.
- Anything you can't replace if it gets wet.