Calatagan is popular among urban beachgoers and the closest white sand beach to Metro Manila.

Enjoy a day tour escape from the city of Metro Manila with our Calatagan Day trip Package

Included:

Roundtrip Transfer to and from your Hotel

Tagaytay Starbucks Breakfast with a view of Taal Volcano

Lunch at Resort

2 Scuba Dives with Complete Scuba Equipment

Most Reliable Scuba Dive Leader

Dinner option at resort or en route back in the City with so many choices beside the gas station reststop Nasugbu highway/Tagaytay/Sta Rosa

Calatagan’s united efforts of its residents, both on land and at sea, have restored the area into one of the most celebrated scuba diving destinations in the Philippines. The communities successfully regrew their reefs, embraced environmentally conscious tourism, and preserved their rich fishing village heritage, achieving a perfect balance between conservation and cultural sustainability.

Calatagan, home to 19 coastal fishing villages, faced significant reef destruction in the 1980s. The impact of tourism further threatened its marine ecosystems. However, through dedicated re-education and conservation efforts, Calatagan has transformed into a remarkable success story of marine preservation.

DIVE SITES CALATAGAN

The Pyramids

Dive Type: Artificial Reef
Max Depth: 20 meters (65 feet)
Visibility: 10–20 meters, depending on conditions
Water Temperature: 26–30°C (79–86°F)
Skill Level: Advanced Open Water
Marine Life: Reef fish, crustaceans, soft corals, occasional pelagic species

Resort House Reef

Dive Type: Shallow Reef Dive
Max Depth: 12 meters (40 feet)
Visibility: 10–20 meters, depending on conditions
Water Temperature: 26–30°C (79–86°F)
Skill Level: Beginner
Marine Life: Hard and soft corals, reef fish, macro critters, sea turtles, occasional rays

Calatagan: a look back

Calatagan, located on the southwestern tip of Batangas, has a rich history deeply tied to its coastal environment and indigenous heritage. The area’s name comes from the Tagalog word “latag,” meaning “plain,” referring to its flat, expansive landscapes. Archaeological findings, such as pre-colonial artifacts and burial sites, suggest that Calatagan was a thriving settlement long before Spanish colonization. The discovery of ancient Chinese ceramics in the 1950s indicates it was once a significant trading hub with neighboring Asian regions.

During the Spanish period, Calatagan’s land was divided into large haciendas, and its coastal waters were primarily used for fishing. Over the centuries, these waters became integral to the livelihood of its residents. However, in the 1980s, overfishing and destructive practices severely damaged its coral reefs, leading to a decline in marine life and tourism.

In response, the local communities, supported by government and conservation groups, undertook extensive efforts to restore the reefs and promote sustainable fishing practices. Today, Calatagan’s history is not only one of cultural heritage and trade but also a powerful story of environmental recovery and marine conservation, turning it into a top destination for ecotourism and scuba diving.

The Roxas-Ayala patriarch in Calatagan

Calatagan is where the Ayala family, known for establishing the modern Philippines Central Business District. They began their investment ventures in the country through strategic land ownership in Calatagan.

The Ayala family has a significant historical connection to Calatagan. In the mid-1800s, Domingo Roxas, a prominent ancestor of the Ayala family, acquired vast tracts of land in Batangas, including much of what is now Calatagan. These lands were developed into haciendas used for agriculture, specifically sugar and other cash crops, contributing to the region’s economic development.

By the early 20th century, Calatagan had become one of the largest estates managed by the Roxas-Ayala family. They established a significant presence in the area, not only influencing its agricultural landscape but also contributing to local governance and infrastructure development. The sprawling Hacienda de Calatagan remained under the Ayala family’s management for generations, with portions of the land eventually sold or redistributed over time.

In the 1950s, the famous Calatagan archaeological excavations took place on Ayala-owned land, where numerous pre-colonial artifacts were discovered, including Chinese ceramics and gold pieces, providing valuable insights into the area’s rich pre-Hispanic history. You may view them in the Ayala Museum click here to learn more:https://www.ayalamuseum.org/home

Today, while much of Calatagan has evolved into a hub for tourism and marine conservation, the legacy of the Ayala family’s landholdings remains an important chapter in the town’s history, shaping both its economic and cultural development over the past centuries.

You may also request for a side trip to the Museo Enrique Zobel while in Calatagan. Please inform ahead of time. View the museum’s facebook page here: https://web.facebook.com/museoenriquezobel/?_rdc=1&_rdr

The Pyramids of Calatagan: A Symbol of Marine Conservation and Community Resilience

Nestled in the coastal town of Calatagan, Batangas, a remarkable project is quietly transforming the region’s underwater landscape. Known as the “Pyramids of Calatagan,” this initiative is more than just an ambitious conservation effort—it represents the unity of a community determined to restore and protect their fragile marine ecosystem.

A Response to Destruction

The story of the Pyramids of Calatagan begins in the early 2000s, when widespread coral destruction and illegal fishing practices, particularly the use of dynamite, had devastated the once-vibrant underwater world. Alarmed by the rapid deterioration of their marine resources, a group of concerned individuals, led by Ronnie Villanueva of the Conserve and Protect Oceans Foundation and businessman Bu Warns, set out to reverse the damage.

Their journey toward marine conservation started simply. During a visit to Calatagan, Villanueva and his colleagues witnessed firsthand the extensive damage dynamite fishing had caused to the coral reefs and sea beds. The devastation inspired them to take action, initially experimenting with different methods to restore the reefs. However, it was a casual conversation between Bu Warns and Villanueva in 2003 that sparked the idea of creating man-made reefs in the shape of pyramids.

From philstar news article by Christina Mendeza

Warns said he could have invested the money on other businesses or even spend it on a tour around the world with his wife but he opted to spend them on the more worthy cause of preserving what was left of our country’s marine resources. Warns lamented the government’s lack of concern for the country’s marine resources. “We want to do our share in conserving the oceans. It is where we get our food and we want to put life back to our seas so that the next generation can enjoy them as much as we did,” he said. Villanueva’s group has responded to the call of Klaus Toepfer, executive director of the United Nations Environment Program, to conserve the oceans in the country even before the UN adopted the “Wanted: Seas and Oceans” theme for the popular area for the fishing escapades of the rich and the major source of livelihood of the local fisher folks, in early 2000. Read more here: https://www.philstar.com/nation/2004/06/08/253032/man-made-coral-reefs-rise-calatagan

The Power of the Pyramid

Inspired by the lasting strength of ancient pyramids in Egypt, the team decided to construct similar structures underwater, hoping they would provide a solid foundation for new coral growth and create habitats for marine life. With support from local volunteers, including fishermen and children from nearby communities, the group collected dead corals that had washed up on the shore and used them to create large blocks.

Each block, weighing about 75 kilos, was meticulously assembled into pyramid shapes by volunteer divers at depths of 65 feet. The pyramids became a refuge for small and large fish alike, offering a safe space for coral to regenerate and for marine species to thrive. To date, 10 pyramids have been established, each consisting of thousands of recycled coral blocks.

A Community-Led Conservation Effort

What makes the Pyramids of Calatagan so unique is the involvement of the local community. The project not only fosters environmental awareness but also provides employment and education opportunities. Local residents are employed to make the coral blocks, and children who volunteer to collect dead corals are treated to educational tours and snacks afterward. This initiative has united the people of Calatagan in a shared mission to protect their ocean and sustain their livelihoods.

“We have a commitment to bring life back to our seas,” said Villanueva. “Every time we dive, it’s fulfilling to know that we are helping new life take root in these man-made reefs.” The efforts of the Conserve and Protect Oceans Foundation have transformed what was once a heavily damaged area into a symbol of hope and environmental recovery.

A Lasting Legacy

Among the pyramids, one stands out—a structure topped with a cross, commemorating Barangay Captain Sixto Atienza, a local hero of marine conservation who was assassinated in 2003. Atienza was a staunch advocate for banning illegal fishing practices, including dynamite fishing, and had spearheaded the formation of the Bantay-Dagat (Sea Patrol) to enforce marine protection laws. His tragic death galvanized the community, strengthening their resolve to continue his mission of safeguarding Calatagan’s reefs.

The pyramids not only serve as a tribute to Atienza’s dedication but also as a symbol of the community’s resilience and their commitment to preserving the ocean for future generations.

A Beacon of Hope

The Pyramids of Calatagan represent a model of grassroots-driven conservation, blending ancient architectural inspiration with modern environmental stewardship. The project has become a beacon of hope for both the local community and the marine ecosystem it seeks to protect. As more pyramids are planned and built, Calatagan’s waters are gradually being restored to their former glory, brimming with life once more.

For the people of Calatagan, the pyramids are more than just man-made reefs—they are a testament to the power of collective action, a symbol of what can be achieved when a community comes together to protect the environment that sustains them.