Exploring Anilao for Capturing Stunning Underwater Photographs
Anilao, a location nestled approximately 3 hours south of Manila in the Philippines, is renowned for its exceptional scuba diving, particularly for underwater photography. This diving hotspot is known for its incredible macro photography opportunities, with subjects like juvenile fish, pipefish, shrimps, and rare underwater critters being common finds.
The main diving season in Anilao stretches from October to the end of May, with the best months being November and April-May. During these months, divers can immerse themselves in the vibrant underwater world, teeming with life.
One of the key attractions of Anilao is its muck diving sites, which offer a unique opportunity to spot rare and unusual marine life. Secret Bay (Mainit Muck) stands out as the premier muck diving destination, known for its rich variety of rare critters such as mimic octopus, wonderpus, pipefish, frogfish, and a diverse range of nudibranchs.
The reefs of Anilao are home to a great variety of small fish, shrimp, crabs, nudibranchs, and various underwater critters. Diving in Anilao typically consists of 2 dives in the morning, a break for lunch and rest in the afternoon, and 2 more dives in the last afternoon, with the last dive being a complete night dive.
A good dive guide is essential for enjoying the macro photography opportunities in Anilao. These guides, often using a honking device when they find a great subject, can be requested ahead of time. Club Ocellaris and Crystal Blue Resort offer a daily rate including all food, lodging, and guided dives.
Getting to Anilao is easy, with a 3-hour ride south from Manila, or a 40-60 minute speed boat ride from Puerto Galera on another island. However, it is recommended not to stay too far north of Twin Rocks to be closer to the best dive sites.
Despite July and August being the monsoon season, Anilao's water temperature remains relatively consistent, with the coolest months being January and February, around 25C/77F. Visibility in Anilao is consistently fairly good at 40-50ft.
Diving in Anilao is usually done by small open boats, with dive sites being 15-30 minutes away from most resorts. However, April and May are the most crowded months at the resorts, so it's advisable to plan accordingly.
Anilao's reefs, both shallow and deep, are extremely healthy, making it a paradise for underwater enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned diver or a novice, Anilao offers an unparalleled diving experience that is sure to leave you in awe of the underwater world.
- Anilao, located around 3 hours south of Manila, is famed for its exceptional underwater photography opportunities in scuba diving.
- Macro photography enthusiasts flock to Anilao for the chance to capture images of juvenile fish, pipefish, shrimps, and rare underwater critters.
- The main diving season in Anilao lasts from October to the end of May, with the best months being November and April-May.
- Muck diving sites in Anilao provide a unique chance to spot rare and unusual marine life, with Secret Bay (Mainit Muck) being the premier muck diving destination.
- Divers can discover a rich variety of marine life in Anilao, including mimic octopus, wonderpus, pipefish, frogfish, and diverse nudibranchs.
- A typical diving trip in Anilao consists of 2 morning dives, a midday break, and 2 more afternoon dives, concluding with a complete night dive.
- A skilled dive guide is crucial for enjoying the macro photography opportunities in Anilao, and these guides can be booked in advance.
- Club Ocellaris and Crystal Blue Resort offer packages that include food, lodging, and guided dives on a daily rate.
- Travel to Anilao is convenient, with a 3-hour road trip from Manila, or a 40-60 minute speed boat ride from Puerto Galera on another island.
- Visitors should avoid staying too far north of Twin Rocks to be closer to the best dive sites, ensuring easy access to the vibrant underwater world of Anilao.
- Despite July and August being the monsoon season, Anilao's water temperature remains relatively consistent, with the coolest months being January and February.
- Anilao's healthy reefs, both shallow and deep, offer an extraordinary diving experience for both seasoned divers and novices, making it a must-visit destination for underwater enthusiasts.
