Anilao, Philippines: A Dream Destination for Underwater Photography

LazyLeisure
Aug 18, 2024
6 min read

Discover Anilao: The Mecca of Macro Photography

If you're searching for a diving destination that immerses you deeply in the fascinating world of macro photography, Anilao in the Philippines is a true paradise. Located just about two to three hours south of Manila, Anilao has gained a global reputation for its incredible variety of tiny marine life. This small coastal town attracts photographers and divers from all over the world who want to get the most out of their underwater cameras. In this blog, you'll learn everything you need to know about the best macro photography spots in Anilao, the ideal travel time, and what makes this place a true mecca for divers.

Why Anilao is in a Class of Its Own

Anilao is not just another dive spot in the Philippines—it's a place unmatched in macro photography. While other world-renowned macro diving destinations like the Lembeh Strait in Indonesia or the muck diving areas in Raja Ampat and Komodo are also impressive, Anilao offers an unbeatable combination of accessibility and biodiversity. Compared to other Philippine dive spots like Dauin or Puerto Galera, Anilao boasts a higher density of dive sites ideal for macro photography. Its proximity to Manila makes Anilao easily accessible, and the high concentration of rare and quirky marine creatures in a small area is simply breathtaking. In just a few dives, you can see a wide variety of creatures, the discovery of which in other locations might require hours, if not days, of diving. Particularly noteworthy is the immense diversity of nudibranchs, pygmy seahorses, frogfish, and the fascinating bobtail squids.

The Best Dive Sites in Anilao

Anilao offers more than just great macro spots—it's a paradise for divers of all experience levels. Here are some of the most spectacular dive sites you shouldn't miss:

Sombrero Island: The coral formations at Sombrero Island are impressive and host a wealth of marine life. In addition to colorful reef fish and turtles, you'll find rare critters like pygmy seahorses and frogfish. Whether for wide-angle or macro photography, this spot has something for everyone.

Twin Rocks: Twin Rocks is probably one of the most famous dive sites in Anilao. The eponymous rocks are surrounded by an impressive variety of marine life. From barracudas and groupers to tiny shrimp and nudibranchs, this spot is a paradise for macro photographers.

The Cathedral: This artificially created structure has developed into a magnificent reef over the years. Here you can observe moray eels, boxfish, and even the occasional reef shark. The impressive coral and sponge formations make this dive site a must for any diver.

Even if there not highly rated we also loved Matu Point and Anilao Pier, last one especially for night dives. The dive site was packed with different kinds of Octopuses and Bobtail Squids.

Best Time to Visit Anilao

The optimal time to visit Anilao is between November and May. During these months, you’ll find the best diving conditions with clear visibility and pleasant water temperatures ranging from 26 to 30 degrees Celsius. For macro photographers, the months from December to April are ideal, as the slightly cooler water temperatures make many critters more active. The rainy season from June to October brings unpredictable weather, making diving conditions less than optimal, though exciting dives can still be experienced.

Why Are There Almost Only Resorts in Anilao?

There are hardly any simple guesthouses or hotels in Anilao because the area has established itself over the years as an exclusive diving destination. Most visitors come here to explore the breathtaking underwater world, and the resorts are designed to meet these specific needs.

Many resorts offer all-inclusive packages that include accommodation, meals, and diving. They are often designed to provide direct access to the best dive sites, which is extremely convenient for divers. Since the resorts are often located in remote areas, building a broader tourist infrastructure would be difficult and costly. Additionally, some resorts offer specialized photography courses that help you improve your underwater photography skills. However, these courses can be quite expensive, which you should consider in your travel planning.

As a result, there are also very limited options for recreational activities outside of diving and snorkeling. If you're looking for a wide selection of different restaurants, you may be disappointed. Depending on the location of your resort, it may be possible to dine at a neighboring resort. But don't worry: most resorts have a good selection of diverse and varied meals.

What to Consider When Booking

Everyone has different interests and priorities in defining what's important and unimportant during a trip. The most important aspects of a vacation are certainly relaxation and fun. As a diver, safety should also be a top priority. And that brings us to the main topics:

- Amenities: Carefully check what amenities are important to you. In Anilao, there are very different standards regarding room size and equipment. If you want a better or more luxurious accommodation, you will quickly notice the difference in price. For divers with their own dive equipment and photography gear, it's very important to have enough space to maintain, modify, or charge numerous batteries every evening. Many resorts offer dedicated equipment rooms for this purpose.

- Safety and Diving Experience: It's challenging to determine from afar which dive resorts excel in terms of safety and customer satisfaction. Most resorts in Anilao can be found on Google. Take the time to read the corresponding reviews. This will give you a good feeling when choosing your resort and minimize the risk of being disappointed on-site. Do you have specific expectations for what you want to see underwater? It's best to ask your resort when the right season is. Also, be aware that not all courses may be available at all times. Inquire about the availability of your course before booking your trip.

Costs and Budget

The prices for a week at a resort in Anilao vary depending on the comfort level and the selected dive packages. Here’s a rough guide:

- Budget Resorts: If you’re looking for simpler accommodation without many extras, you can expect to pay around 700 to 1,200 euros per week. These packages typically include accommodation, meals, and some dives.

- Mid-range Resorts: For more comfort and additional amenities like pools, spas, and guided dive tours, the cost ranges from about 1,200 to 2,000 euros per week.

- Luxury Resorts: If you prefer more luxurious options, you’ll find exclusive villas, gourmet cuisine, and private dive guides. A week at such a resort can cost between 2,500 and 4,000 euros.

These prices are intended as guidelines and can vary depending on the season and availability. Many resorts also offer special deals or group discounts that are worth checking out. It’s best to not only check the usual hotel booking platforms but also look at what accommodations are available on Google Maps. Take the time to check the respective websites and contact the managers. Sometimes you can add dive packages or extras at a discount, depending on how long you plan to stay. You should also inquire before booking whether dive or photography courses are available during your travel period. Be sure to check the reviews of the respective accommodations as well. Since almost all the dive resorts in Anilao are all-inclusive and difficult to reach on foot, changing your dive base on-site can be challenging. Therefore, carefully check in advance whether everything meets your requirements and expectations before booking. It’s worth the effort!

Getting to Anilao

Getting to Anilao is easy. International visitors fly to Manila, from where they reach their destination in about two to three hours by car or minivan. Many resorts offer transfers from the airport, making the journey particularly pleasant. For the adventurous, there’s also the option of traveling by bus and Jeepney, which is cheaper but more time-consuming.

Conclusion

Anilao is an unparalleled destination for divers and underwater photographers. The impressive variety of marine life, particularly in macro photography, makes this place an absolute must for anyone seeking something special underwater. The specialized resorts offer everything you need for an unforgettable diving trip. Prepare well, choose the right resort, and experience a diving adventure you’ll never forget.