Anilao - Planet Dive shore entries - fin choice

I am off to Anilao at the end of March, and as I am flying from the UK, luggage is a major concern as usual. A question for those of you who have dived Anilao;

What are the shore entries like? Particularly Twin Rocks. I am staying at Planet dive, and Twin rocks is the house reef, where I get unlimited shore diving.

I need to know if I will be OK with full foot fins, or do I need booties and open heel fins?

Also, what sort of water temperatures should I expect? Will I be OK in a 3mm suit, or do I need the 5mm? I will probably only be doing a max of 3 dives per day, possibly 4. I have both suits so it's no hassle, I also have a thin hooded vest I can add to either suit.

Thanks in advance guys and girls

Sean

I've been going bare feet for years @ Planet Dive. The beach is rocky (sorta like tulamben but easier to walk) and you just have to watch where you step. I kit up at the patio area and stroll into the water.

One more important thing that you MUST do is stop at a supermarket on the way to Batangas. There are a few SM malls along the way that's worth a stop. The food @ Planet Dive is pretty mediocre, especially if you are expecting typical western bacon and eggs stuff... buy it at SM mall and give it to them to cook for you. It's a lot better than the sardine/luncheon breakfast that is popular with the locals. Snacks are a must as you'll be stranded in the resort unless you can convince Joey to give you a ride to Mabini.

I've been going bare feet for years @ Planet Dive. The beach is rocky (sorta like tulamben but easier to walk) and you just have to watch where you step. I kit up at the patio area and stroll into the water.

 

One more important thing that you MUST do is stop at a supermarket on the way to Batangas. There are a few SM malls along the way that's worth a stop. The food @ Planet Dive is pretty mediocre, especially if you are expecting typical western bacon and eggs stuff... buy it at SM mall and give it to them to cook for you. It's a lot better than the sardine/luncheon breakfast that is popular with the locals. Snacks are a must as you'll be stranded in the resort unless you can convince Joey to give you a ride to Mabini.

Thanks Drew, I knew there was someone on here who had been to PD a lot

I know the beach at Tulamben, so I might get some full foots that are a touch too big, and just slip on some neoprene socks.

And thanks for the tip on the food. We are there for 12 days, so were worried the food would become 'samey'.

It's a great little place to dive 5-7 dives ,eat and sleep. On the weekend it's usually VERY crowded in all the spots. That's when you sleep in and just do extended night dives late into the night. Just watch out for full moon currents which can be a bitch. 4 of the WP staff were almost washed away one night.

You can easily ask them to hire a jeepney to take you into town if you get sick of the food at the resort. We went to pizza hut and other places for a change on weekends just to avoid the crowds @ divesites. I suggest you get a local sim card so you can contact the driver. I think SMART Buddy prepaid have the best reception there plus if you want internet, just get the blackberry or surf plans. For less than $30, it's unlimited data on BB and surfing.

It's a great little place to dive 5-7 dives ,eat and sleep. On the weekend it's usually VERY crowded in all the spots. That's when you sleep in and just do extended night dives late into the night. Just watch out for full moon currents which can be a bitch. 4 of the WP staff were almost washed away one night.

You can easily ask them to hire a jeepney to take you into town if you get sick of the food at the resort. We went to pizza hut and other places for a change on weekends just to avoid the crowds @ divesites. I suggest you get a local sim card so you can contact the driver. I think SMART Buddy prepaid have the best reception there plus if you want internet, just get the blackberry or surf plans. For less than $30, it's unlimited data on BB and surfing.

Thanks again Drew, that's a lot of very handy info

For SIM Card use, get a Globe SIM for like $1 (there are kiosks as you leave the airport) and load with as much or as little as you like. Also, Globe has an unlimited 24hr or 5 day surf option for $1 or $4.50 respectively. Just Text "supersurf50" or "supersurf250" to 8888 on the Globe SIM. If you have a Smart Phone that doubles as a wifi hotspot, you're set. Lets you then use Skype for long distance calls.

I did Twin Rocks about a month ago, but dove out of Solana. The school of jacks was at 30 feet and very photo accommodating!

Stu