Anilao: A Photography Paradise
Anilao is a destination I never tire of, even after visiting ten times. Nowhere in the Indo-Pacific have I seen such diverse marine life, from critters, small fish, and nudibranchs to strange creatures, all mixed with beautiful reefs. The incredible guides make it a top-notch photography trip, making Anilao one of the best macro photography destinations in the world.
After a 2.5-hour van ride, the friendly resort staff greeted me and helped with my bags. I set up my camera gear in the state-of-the-art camera room, one of the best at any resort. We had six boats for the workshop, with four guests, one guide, and two boatmen per boat. I rotated between boats, helping with settings, assisting underwater, and giving photo critiques on the way back.
Helen Brierley, my co-trip leader, conducted morning image reviews where we provided feedback and showcased participants' photos, motivating everyone. The buffet meals offered a variety of Filipino and American dishes, easily accommodating dietary restrictions.
In the evenings, we relaxed at the bar or enjoyed massages in the spa. Our daily schedule included four dives, with a night dive being a favorite. Dive sites were usually 515 minutes away, making it easy for guests to skip afternoon dives if needed.
Helen and I alternated talks on macro, lighting, and post-processing, while also offering one-on-one sessions. Early in the trip, we spotted Rhinopias, seahorses, frogfish, octopuses, and more. A highlight was seeing all three Rhinopia species on this trip!
Below are some trip photos:
Heading out for a day of diving bliss!
Happy guests after a week of diving
This Lacey Rhinopia was spotted at 90ft depth, a rare and exciting find.
A macro shot of a Skeleton Shrimp.
Quick Facts:
- Best Time to Go: November June
- How to Get There: Fly into Manila, followed by a 2.5-3 hour van ride
- Water Temperature: Generally 82F, but cools to the high 70s from January to March
- Dive Sites: 1015 minute boat rides from the resort
- Best Combined With: Puerto Galera or Dumaguete
Upcoming Anilao Trips:
Other Trips Led By Scott:
Equipment Used:
Details about the equipment used will be shared during the workshop and through one-on-one sessions with participants.
-optimized.webp&w=640&q=75 "Solomon Islands Trip Recap 2026")
