Diving with… Dave E. Santos, Buceo Anilao Beach and Dive Resort, Anilao, Philippines
In this ongoing series, we speak to the people who run dive centres, resorts and liveaboards from around the world about their businesses and the diving they have to offer…
What is your name?
Dave E. Santos
What is the name of your business?
Buceo Anilao Beach and Dive Resort
What is your role within the business?
I am part owner and the General Manager of Buceo Anilao.
How long has the business operated for?
We started the business March 15, 2014 so we are running 7 years.
How long have you dived for, and what qualification are you?
I have been diving for 34 years. I am a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer and EFR Instructor.
What is your favorite type of diving?
I love diving on colourful reefs, but Muck dives are very exciting to me because of all the strange critters that can be seen.
If you could tell people one thing about your business (or maybe more!) to make them want to visit you what would it be?
If you guys love Nudibranchs and different critters, this is the place to go. We are known as the Nudibranch capital of the world for a reason! But that’s not the only thing we have here. With over 50 dive sites in our area you’re bound to see what you’re looking for! If you have a list of rare critter you want to check off your bucket list Anilao is the place to go!
What is your favorite dive in your location and why?
For corals I love Beatrice rock because of the colours and abundance of Marine life teaming over the reefs. Then for muck dives a site called Siem Siem is fantastic for so many kinds of critters. Depending on the season, things that can be seen are Ambon scorpion fish, weird Nudis, mimic octopus, wonderpus, blue ring octopus (we’ve seen up to 3 per dive!) and lots more!
What types of diving are available in your location?
We are becoming very popular for excellent muck dives and colourful reefs. If you want to Big fish this is really not the place to be but… we have seen the occasional whale shark…hehehe
What do you find most rewarding about your current role?
Besides being able to dive anytime I like, I would say the greatest reward in my current role is promoting our country to our local and international tourists so they can experience the beauty of the Philippines, specifically Anilao.
What is your favourite underwater creature?
I would say what really amazes me and gives me goose bumps is when I see a blue ringed octopus and special nudibranchs!
Are there any exciting changes / developments coming up in the near future?
Regarding the resort, we have added new rooms which will be ready to open soon. No need to turn down guests anymore due to lack of space! From only 17 room now we can fill 23 rooms with happy divers! New species of nudibranchs are also occasionally popping up needing to be named, maybe the next Nudi can be named after you!!
As a center what is the biggest problem you face at the moment?
Besides this Pandemic, the biggest problems we are facing now are actually the laws implemented by the LGU’s regarding when we can go out to dive because of weather, new rules regarding having to submit a manifest with the coast guard station every time we go out for our dives and the plan to phase out wooden hulled boats which have been used for so many years. The Philippines is known for these wooden boats with outriggers and are called “Bangkas”.
Is your center involved in any environmental work?
We do our part with environmental work. Even though the setting up of buoys should be done by our local government, since we pay Diver taxes and they have the funds, we set up some buoys ourselves to try to minimize anchoring on the dive sites. We also work with the LGUs to educate the locals on the proper way of disposing their trash, daily cleaning of our shorefront and we participate in clean ups organized by different NGU’s (Non-Government Units).
How do you see the SCUBA / Freediving / snorkeling industry overall? What changes would you make?
Over-all this industry is growing and like anything that grows we need to be cautious and try to avoid a negative impact on our environment. So we should do more projects to sustain the environment.
What would you say to our visitors to promote the diving you have to offer?
Macro, muck, and beautiful coral reefs! If any of these appeal to you then come on over and enjoy yourselves! You will not be disappointed with the biodiversity of our waters. From the most colourful marine life, coral reefs, and the resort itself! Buceo Anilao is the destination for a colourful vacation. Oh! Before I forget, we also offer blackwater dives! If you want to experience diving in the outer space then this is the new adventure for you!
Where can our visitors find out more about your business?
Buceo Anilao Beach and Dive Resort
Sitio Balanoy, San Teodoro, Mabini Batangas, Philippines, 4202
Email: contact@buceoanilao.com
Website: www.buceoanilao.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/buceoanilao
Instagram: www.instagram.com/buceoanilao
@buceoanilao #buceoanilao #nudibranchcapital #yellowresort
