Dead Palm

Dead Palm is a shallow shore-entry muck dive adjacent to Arthur’s Rock marine sanctuary in Bagalangit, Mabini — a sand-and-rubble slope to 10 meters that is classic Anilao critter territory.

Overview

The site sits alongside the Arthur’s Rock sanctuary, and divers often combine both areas in a single dive or dive plan. The sand-and-rubble bottom at Dead Palm is typical Anilao muck habitat: unremarkable to the untrained eye but rich in cryptic creatures that have evolved to blend into debris and rubble. Maximum depth is 10 meters, making this an ideal site for extended bottom time and thorough, unhurried critter hunting. Shore entry from the beach makes it accessible at any time of day.

Site Information

• Location: Bagalangit, Mabini, Anilao, Batangas, Philippines
• Entry Type: Shore entry
• Site Type: Muck dive
• Difficulty Level: Beginner
• Maximum Depth: 10 meters

Marine Life

Dead Palm’s sand-and-rubble substrate supports the muck critters typical of the Anilao area: frogfish in multiple colour morphs, pipefish, and nudibranchs are consistently reported. Thorny seahorses are among the species found at shallow muck sites in this area. The site lacks site-specific scientific documentation, so the full species list is based on its muck character and proximity to Arthur’s Rock rather than direct sourcing. Ghost pipefish, mantis shrimp, and blue-ringed octopus are associated with similar Anilao muck habitats but are not individually confirmed at this site specifically — Anilao’s regional fauna in this type of habitat consistently includes these species, but divers should regard specific sightings as possible rather than guaranteed.

Sources: Diving Squad – Anilao Guide, ScubaBoard – Anilao Trip Reports, Dive Philippines – Anilao Dive Sites. Last updated 2026-06-25.