Sombrero

Sombrero Island gets its name from its hat-like profile above the surface, and that shape continues underwater.
The “brim” of the hat stretches north–south as a fringing reef, with impressive drop-offs along the outer edges.
It’s a classic Anilao site that combines colourful coral gardens, walls, and slopes, plus a healthy mix of reef fish and macro life.

What to See

Sombrero is often described as a “coral garden of Anilao” – a mix of hard and soft corals, gorgonians, sponges, and crinoids draped over ridges and small walls.
You’ll find:

• Large soft corals and sea fans (gorgonians) along the outer slopes and mini-walls
• Healthy hard coral blocks in the shallows – staghorn, boulder, and encrusting species
• Reef fish galore: anthias, damsels, wrasse, parrotfish, surgeonfish, snappers, jacks, and fusiliers
• Macro subjects on the slopes: nudibranchs, shrimps, small crabs, and occasional pipefish
• Frequent turtle encounters and, at times, rays cruising along the deeper edges

The Shallow Reef (5–12 m)

The west side and top of Sombrero feature a broad shallow reef that’s ideal for long safety stops and for snorkellers.
Big boulders and coral heads create natural lanes and gullies filled with anthias and chromis.
In good light, the reef glows with soft corals and waving crinoids, making it perfect for wide-angle photography and relaxed finning.

This zone is also where you’ll often encounter turtles grazing on sponges and algae, plus plenty of smaller reef fish that aren’t shy about approaching divers.

Walls, Slopes & Valleys (12–25 m)

Following the “brim” of the hat outward, the reef slopes down into a series of ridges, small walls, and sand-and-coral valleys.
Here you’ll find:

• Soft coral-covered ledges with gorgonians and black coral bushes
• Barrel sponges and overhangs that shelter soldierfish, squirrelfish, and sweeper schools
• Macro patches where nudibranchs, shrimps, and other small critters work the sponges and hydroids

Visibility is often good, and the topography gives you plenty of options: follow a ridge, drift along a wall, or zig-zag through gullies looking for smaller life.

Currents & Conditions

Sombrero sits in open water and is exposed to the water movement of the channel. Currents can range from mild to quite strong,
especially around full moon phases. On the right tide, that current feeds the reef and brings it to life – soft corals open fully,
fish school tighter, and the whole site feels like it’s in motion.

Less-experienced divers should stay close to the reef and follow the guide’s direction. On days with stronger flow, the dive is often done as a gentle drift along the brim before returning into the protection of the shallows.

Who This Dive Suits

Sombrero Island works well as a second or third dive of the day and suits a wide range of divers:

• Newer divers: can enjoy the shallow coral gardens with plenty to see between 5 and 12 metres.
• Photographers: have both wide-angle reef scenes and a steady supply of macro subjects on the slopes.
• More experienced divers: can venture a bit deeper along the outer walls and ride the current when conditions allow.

It’s one of those sites where you can either cover ground along the brim or stay in a small area and still finish the dive feeling like you barely scratched the surface.