Cathedral Rock

Cathedral Rock is one of Anilao’s most recognisable dive sites and a favourite for both new and experienced divers. Dropping down the mooring line, you’ll see two massive rock outcrops rising from the seabed, forming a roofless underwater amphitheatre. Light filters down between the rocks, and on a clear day the whole scene looks like an open-air chapel, which is how the site got its name.

The centrepiece of the site is a large cement cross set between the rocks at around 15–18 metres. Local stories say it was placed here as both a spiritual symbol and a reminder of marine stewardship, and that it was blessed by Pope John Paul II before being sunk by then-president Fidel V. Ramos. Around the cross, divers and conservation groups have steadily transplanted coral fragments over the years, transforming what was once a bare rock face into a living, breathing reef.

Most dives begin by circling the cross and taking in the “main altar” area. Schools of snapper, surgeonfish, and batfish swirl between the rock walls, while clouds of anthias and damselfish hover just off the coral. The rock surfaces are carpeted with a mix of hard and soft corals, sponges, hydroids and feather stars, making this a great place for both wide-angle and close-focus wide-angle photography.

From here, you can explore along the outer faces of the rocks. The top of the formation sits in the 5–8 metre range, then slopes down to 20–25 metres on the surrounding reef. Small overhangs and cracks provide shelter for shrimps, crabs and moray eels, while patches of sand between the rocks are home to gobies and other small bottom dwellers. Keep an eye out for nudibranchs and other macro subjects on the sponges and hydroids – patient spotters are often rewarded.

The amphitheatre shape means that light can be spectacular here, especially on sunny days with mild current. Shafts of sunlight cut through the water column, backlighting schools of fish and the cross itself. It’s worth pausing for a while in the centre of the site, letting the fish settle and allowing photographers time to compose those classic Cathedral Rock scenes.

Because the terrain is simple and depths are moderate, Cathedral Rock suits almost every certification level. Newer divers can stay on the upper parts of the rocks, while more experienced divers can drop a little deeper along the outer slopes or spend more time under the overhangs looking for macro life. Currents are usually manageable, but like anywhere in Anilao it’s wise to time the dive for calmer conditions.

Cathedral Rock is also a good reminder of how human intervention can help the ocean when it’s done thoughtfully. The cross and transplanted corals have turned a once-barren rock into a thriving artificial reef, now full of life and one of the most photographed sites in Anilao. Dive it slowly, watch your buoyancy carefully, and you’ll see why it remains a “must-do” stop on almost every Anilao dive trip.