Aiyanar Beach And Dive Resort

“A gem of a dive resort in Anilao not to miss”

It took us 2 1/2 years to get here, but it was worth the effort! I started diving with Joedyn in Palau, when Sam’s Tours used to be good (side note: Fish ‘n Fins is a great alternative). Joe eventually had to relocate to the Philippines due to family reasons. He initially worked with the staff at… more

It took us 2 1/2 years to get here, but it was worth the effort! I started diving with Joedyn in Palau, when Sam’s Tours used to be good (side note: Fish ‘n Fins is a great alternative). Joe eventually had to relocate to the Philippines due to family reasons. He initially worked with the staff at Atlantis, but eventually took over the dive program at Aiyanar Resort. And boy, can you tell he runs it. Well. His wife, Irene, is in charge of the business operations side now, and the make a great team. We did three dives a day, plus one self guided shore night dive. The critters we saw ranged from frogfish to mantis shrimp to turtles, and hordes of red toothed triggerfish. It was a macro divers paradise! Randy runs the kitchen, and every meal was a treat! I have to consume protein shakes before I dive due to heartburn issues, and Randy bent over backwards to accommodate my dietary needs. Joe arranged for our group of four to have an independent contracted divemaster who was amazed that a bunch of late fifties and early seventies divers would dive three times a day. We ran him ragged, but Ogie was both a good sport and a good scout. So as much as I want to keep this resort to myself and under wraps, I cannot. Let your fingers dash to the keyboard and book your stay now.

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“A resort is a repeatable.”

A great experience. The accommodation is 4 star but everything else is 5 or beyond. Food is good and never stops. Service is

“Diving resort super center in the Nudi world capital”

Aiyanar is a small resort on the shores of Anilao. Service and food was outstanding, very impressive for such a small operation. As an example, there was front desk and restaurant staff available at all times of the day. The food options were diverse from a multi course menu, and I enjoyed it all d… more

Aiyanar is a small resort on the shores of Anilao. Service and food was outstanding, very impressive for such a small operation. As an example, there was front desk and restaurant staff available at all times of the day. The food options were diverse from a multi course menu, and I enjoyed it all despite being an extremely picky eater. I dove for 5 days, and Diving was great, living up to the Nudi capital reputation, with both large and tiny Nudis throughout the area. There was also some reef dives with healthy extensive coral and schools of fish. Aiyanar had a very strong diving operation and I found my dive guide very helpful. I have not been to other resorts there, but would not hesitate to say Aiyanar must be one of the top resorts in the Anilao area, and reasonably affordable.

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“A fantastic dive resort!”

We booked Aiyanar resort as they were the most responsive in email correspondence. Joyce, the manager, responded to all our emails right away and clarified and arranged everything perfectly before the trip. Arrangement for transportation was very easy. It takes 2~2.5 hours depending on the traffic … more

We booked Aiyanar resort as they were the most responsive in email correspondence. Joyce, the manager, responded to all our emails right away and clarified and arranged everything perfectly before the trip. Arrangement for transportation was very easy. It takes 2~2.5 hours depending on the traffic from the airport to the resort, and they make sure you arrive back at the airport in plenty of time, since check in and immigration can take over an hour. The rooms are equipped with all kinds of amenities (hair dryer, kettle, reading lamps, safe, etc.) and are very comfortable both for working and relaxing in. The bathroom was very spacious and clean, with good hot water that does not run out -- which is important when coming back from dives. There is also a very nice desk to work on computer, and it is amply equipped with electrical outlets on both ends (flat 2 pin style, as is often used in the Philippines; the camera room has many universal outlets that you can also use). Joyce always asks all the guests whether they need anything. All the staff was a great team. The resort is big and very quiet, with no noise or loud music coming in from elsewhere, as it does at many Anilao resorts. It is also fun to watch their resident giant tortoise, Birdie! The dining here is excellent! Great quality food and amazing variety of dishes, all excellent! The restaurant staff were all super friendly and accommodating, and especially Randy, who oversees it, is so professional! The style of serving (buffet, family style shared plate, individual plate) changes depending on the number of the guests. But even for a small occupancy of 1 or 2 people, the variety was never less, and the portions were always more than generous, and come with a soup and salad, 3-4 main dishes, and a homemade dessert at both lunch and dinner. Vanessa's homemade ice creams were delicious! This is easily one of the best kitchens in any dive resorts we have stayed, and by far the best in the Philippines! And most important to us (and to many): The diving experience was FANTASTIC, as our dive master Dadz is so kind, fun, competent and professional with great eyes for spotting macro life. The boatmen were also kind and helpful, and the dive instructor Joe fixed my dive watch! The temperature was rather cool (water temperature 25~26 celcius), but the boatmen gave us hot towels and coffee when we came up for our surface intervals. They also offer black water photography, which we did not try, but can assume was done as carefully and professionally as everything else there. They have also open-water licence class, and we will recommend all our friends who are interested in getting a diving license to go to Aiyanar, as it has nice classroom, kind instructor, and deep pool. If you want to just relax, they have a beautiful infinity pool and can also arrange massage service. The masseuses all seem to be professionally trained. (One tip: Nearest ATM is far, so bring enough cash to tip the masseuses, dive crew, etc.) All in all, we absolutely loved our 7 day stay here! Their guests' satisfaction is clearly their top priority, both in and out of the water!

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