Red Cliff

Red Cliff presents a striking intermediate dive off Busuanga Island in the Calamian Group, where iron-rich rock formations create dramatic red and ochre underwater cliffs that contrast vividly with the blues of the surrounding water and the greens of the marine growth. This visually distinctive site descends to thirty meters and offers a geological dimension to diving that most coral reef sites cannot match. The dive approach reveals the cliff's remarkable coloration as it rises from the sandy seabed. The iron oxide minerals in the rock substrate create warm red and rust-colored tones that persist underwater, particularly in the areas where marine growth has not yet colonized the bare rock face. This natural palette gives Red Cliff a unique aesthetic that sets it apart from the typical white and grey limestone formations found throughout most of the Philippines. Marine life has colonized the cliff's surfaces extensively, with hard and soft corals, sponges, and encrusting organisms creating a living overlay on the red rock. The contrast between the warm rock tones and the vibrant colors of the marine growth creates a visual composition that underwater photographers find irresistible. Gorgonian fans extend from prominent rock ledges, their purple and red branches harmonizing with the cliff's natural coloration. The cliff's structure features numerous ledges, crevices, and small caverns that provide shelter for a variety of marine species. Groupers occupy the larger overhangs with territorial confidence, while moray eels extend from the smaller openings. Squirrelfish and soldierfish hover in the shadows with their large, light-sensitive eyes, awaiting the nocturnal hours when they become the reef's primary predators. Schooling fish frequent the cliff face, attracted by the current that flows around the formation and the food it carries. Fusiliers sweep past in dense formations, their metallic coloring flashing against the red backdrop. Snapper congregate along the cliff's lee side, while anthias hover in bright clouds above the coral-covered ledges. The cliff base meets a sandy floor that supports its own community of interest. Rays rest camouflaged against the sand, and gobies maintain their partnerships with industrious pistol shrimp in shared burrows. The transition zone between rock and sand often produces interesting finds, including the various species that prefer the boundary habitat between these two environments. Red Cliff's unique geological character, combined with healthy marine life and typically good visibility, makes it a memorable dive in the Coron area's diverse portfolio. The site offers something genuinely different from both the nearby wrecks and the more conventional coral reef sites, adding geological interest to the underwater experience that enriches any Calamian Islands diving itinerary.