Geography:
Kirby's Rock is situated near Maricaban Island, which is part of
Tingloy, Batangas. The site is in the vicinity of the popular diving
destination, Anilao.
Access:
The dive site is accessible by boat from various dive resorts in
Anilao and from the mainland in Batangas. The boat ride typically
takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on the departure point.
Dive Profile
Depth:
The dive site features a range of depths, typically from around 5
meters (16 feet) to over 30 meters (100 feet). This makes it suitable
for divers of different experience levels, from beginners to advanced.
Terrain:
The site is named after a prominent underwater rock formation. The
terrain includes rocky outcrops, coral reefs, and sandy bottoms.
Marine Life
Biodiversity:
Kirby's Rock is known for its rich marine biodiversity. Divers
can expect to see a variety of reef fish, nudibranchs, moray eels,
and occasional pelagic species.
Corals:
The site boasts healthy coral formations, including both hard and
soft corals. These corals provide habitat and shelter for many marine creatures.
Highlights:
Some of the notable species that divers often encounter include:
Yellow
Sea Cucumber
Rare
Nudibranchs
Frogfish
Angelfish
Scorpionfish
Pufferfish
Sea turtles
Various
species of crustaceans and invertebrates
Dive Conditions
Visibility:
Visibility at Kirby's Rock can range from 10 to 30 meters (33 to 100
feet), depending on the season and weather conditions.
Current:
Currents at the site can vary from mild to strong. It’s
important for divers to be aware of current conditions and plan their
dives accordingly.
Water
Temperature: The water temperature typically ranges from
26°C to 30°C (79°F to 86°F) year-round, making it
a comfortable diving environment.
Best Time to Dive
Season:
The best time to dive at Kirby's Rock is during the dry season, which
runs from November to May. During this period, the seas are calmer,
and visibility is generally better.
Weather:
While diving is possible year-round, the rainy season (June to
October) can bring rougher seas and reduced visibility.
Safety and Recommendations
Experience Level:
The site is suitable for divers of all experience levels, though
novice divers should dive with a guide due to potential currents and
varying depths.
Guided
Dives: It’s recommended to dive with a local dive operator
who is familiar with the site and can provide valuable insights and
ensure safety.
Conservation:
Divers are encouraged to practice responsible diving, avoid touching
corals, and respect marine life to help preserve the underwater ecosystem.
Kirby's Rock
is a hidden gem in the diving community of Batangas, offering
stunning underwater scenery and a diverse array of marine life.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, this site
provides an enjoyable and memorable diving experience.