THE AQUARIUM
11°24.059N 122°00.938E
DEPTH: 27 meters
WATER TEMPERATURE: 33°C
AIR TEMPERATURE: 32.5°C
General Description:
The Aquarium is a very interesting dive site. It is a combination of man-made reefs and natural reefs working together to improve the areas marine life. The site is the result of hard work from international and local government officials working to improve the fish habitat of the area. The background information pertaining to this site can be found at http://www.iirr.org/aquatic_resources/p3c07.htm. This particular dive site is suffering from lack of attention and falling into disrepair very quickly. It is the intent of Panay Explorers to work closely with the LGU and rectify this problem. The municipality does not have the resources it needs to maintain dive sites, like this one, to the standards that divers expect.
The site is currently marked by three floating buoy markers that sit over the area. The dive site is located in open water (blue water dive). The reference points for the dive site are the bridge on the National Highway and the end of Nablag Island (small island south of Mararison Island). The National Highway parallels the beach and is visible from the dive site. The dive site is located approximately 3000 meters offshore directly in front of the bridge on the National Highway. The reef is approximately 1000 meters off the point at Nablag Island (South East Malalison/Mararison) The reef starts at a depth of 18 meters. The reef is composed of hard and soft corals with many pelagic fish and coral fish. The hard coral is very healthy and shows signs of continued growth. The soft coral houses many different kinds of native marine life. The best description of the reef is a table top with sharp drop offs on the sides. The surrounding areas fall off to 40 (+) meters. The area is good for all types of underwater photography. The reef has everything from big fish to small marine life.
The reef is accessible by boat only. It is a 15 minute ride from the end of Bay Bay Boulevard. It is not necessary to lay anchor in the area. The current is not strong and the bottom is visible from the surface. We estimate visibility at 20 meters (October 2005). The site is great for those divers looking for a little depth and fast paced fish action. Pelagics hang out here!
