Cathedral Rock
Batangas · Philippines
Cathedral Rock is a dramatic underwater formation of arches and swim-throughs off the Mabini coast, earning its name from the shafts of filtered light that pierce through the rock openings and illuminate the interior passages. The walls of the rock are smothered in bright orange and yellow soft corals, black corals, and encrusting sponges, while scorpionfish and leaf scorpionfish perch invisibly on the substrate waiting for prey. This is one of Batangas' most photogenic sites, combining architectural beauty with exceptional macro subjects in a single dive.
Conditions
Depth
6 to 22 m
Open water and up
Current
Can be moderate
Can pick up on the edge
Visibility
6 to 12 m
Clearest in the calm season
Water
24 to 30°C
3mm wetsuit
Month by month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water (°C) | 24 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 24 |
| Vis (m) | 10 | 12 | 15 | 15 | 12 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 10 |
| Current | Gentle | Gentle | Gentle | Still | Still | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Gentle | Gentle | Gentle | Gentle |
Your chances of seeing each animal
Anna'S Chromodoris
Last confirmed Jul 5, 2026 · 272 records
Almost always
Nearly every dive
Willan'S Chromodoris
Last confirmed Jul 5, 2026 · 175 records
Almost always
Nearly every dive
Chamberlain'S Nembrotha
Last confirmed Jul 5, 2026 · 130 records
Almost always
Nearly every dive
Geometric Goniobranchus
Last confirmed Jul 5, 2026 · 92 records
Almost always
Nearly every dive
Ribbon Eel
Last confirmed Jul 5, 2026 · 69 records
Almost always
Nearly every dive
Loch'S Chromodoris
Last confirmed Jul 4, 2026 · 67 records
Almost always
Nearly every dive
Leaf Scorpionfish
Last confirmed Apr 7, 2026 · 23 records
Very likely
Most dives
Lionfish
Last confirmed Jul 5, 2026 · 16 records
Very likely
Most dives
Gear