Anilao Philippines Ultimate Photo Workshop April 2028

Dive
Apr 19, 2028 - Apr 29, 2028

Dive into one of the best macro destinations in the world with Bluewater Travel's Anilao Photo Workshop in April 2028.

View images
Anilao Philippines Ultimate Photo Workshop April 2028 - image

Macro Critters

Stunning Reefs & Corals

Free Photo Workshops

Great Night Dives

Why Join This Trip

  • Attend our most popular underwater photo trip

  • Find out why Bluewater’s Anilao trips are known as the best underwater photo trips on the planet

  • Amazing dive guides, each group of 4 divers get their own private boat and guide, most dive sites are just minutes away

  • Chance to see every underwater critter, nudibranch, and fish on your bucket list, and then some

  • Daily photo workshops and lectures

  • Diver to Guide ratio is 4:1

  • 25% discount on rental photo gear from Bluewater Photo

  • Fully refundable deposit until 12 months from departure

Trip overview

Our trips offer small 'dive guide to diver' ratios and extended dive times, allowing for an optimal diving experience. We prioritize visiting the best dive sites regularly, and many of them are just a short 10 - 20-minute boat ride away from the resort. Plus, we hold competitions that reward participants for capturing the most critters, nudibranch species, best video, macro, wide-angle, and behavior shots. Whether you're an experienced photographer or using a small point-and-shoot camera, our team makes everyone feel welcomed and comfortable, and you're guaranteed to take home some fantastic shots.

Check out this awesome video from one of our previous trips to Anilao:

Read about our previous Anilao Spring Trip.

Anilao boasts some of the richest reefs in the world. Whether at 10ft or 100ft beneath the surface, you will be inundated with photo subjects that will fill up your memory card before the day is over.

Anilao Trip Recap Spring 2023 Anilao Trip Recap Spring 2023

Images by Craig Wilhelm (L) & Erik Lukas (R)

Almost all species on our critter list can be found in Anilao - such as Rhinopiasblue-ring octopushairy frogfish, pipefish, flamboyant cuttlefish & bobbit worms. Anilao is also the nudibranch capital of the world!

Sample Itinerary

Here's the schedule for this trip:

  • Day one of the trip: Arrival at the resort will be between 11am-1pm from Manila hotels. Rooms will be available for check-in between 12pm and 2pm. While waiting for rooms to become available, guests can have lunch (runs from 12-2), unpack their camera gear in the camera room, or relax in the common areas. There are 2 optional afternoon dives the day of arrival, which can take place as soon as 4 guests are ready for a dive (4 divers per boat).   
  • Each subsequent day of the trip includes *up to* 4 dives per day, consisting of two in the morning and two in the afternoon (one afternoon dive is a night dive).
  • There will be underwater photo seminars and image reviews in the mornings, afternoons, and evenings.
  • On the second to last day, there will be no afternoon dives. There will be 2 morning dives, a photo contest and group dinner. 
  • Departure will be on the following day at 8 am back to MNL. Shuttle transfers take approx 3.5 hours between Anilao-Manila so book your departure flight sometime in the afternoon (we recommend any time after 2:30-3:00 PM to be safe).*

*If your flight doesn't depart until the evening, you may want to consider getting a "day room" somewhere in Manila so you can be dropped off there instead of the airport too early!

To get a little insight as to what the workshop is like, read the report from our 2023 Anilao Photo Workshop.

Diving Conditions

Spring time offers the best diving conditions in Anilao, with calm conditions and little rain. 

  • Water Temperature: 79 - 80F (26 - 27C)
  • Visibility: 40 - 50ft 
  • Depth Range: 5 - 30 m (16 - 100 feet)

Recommended Scuba Gear

Download our full scuba gear guide to Anilao , Bluewater Travel guests receive 10% OFF! Click the image below to download (PDF).

Anilao Scuba Gear recommendations

Trip Inclusions

  • 7 or 10 nights of deluxe accommodations in sealed rooms with air-conditioning

  • Up to 4 dives a day (including night dives)

  • All meals

  • Daily photo clinics and workshops to help you improve your photography

  • 9 days of workshops

Trip Exclusions

  • Nitrox ($99 for the week)

  • Transfers ($100 round trip from Manila airport)

  • Airfare

  • Travel Insurance - ask us about our preferred partner plan

Accommodation

About the Crystal Blue Resort

Crystal Blue Resort Anilao

The resort is on a hill and involves climbing stairs

Crystal Blue offers spectacular diving, amazing macro photography, knowledgeable guides, incredible cuisine, and comfortable ocean-view accommodations. The resort has a bar, restaurant, spa, jacuzzi, awesome food and offers 17 rooms that consist of deluxe rooms, superior rooms, and a large family villa.

Crystal Blue Resort Anilao Crystal Blue Resort Anilao

Crystal Blue Resort Anilao Crystal Blue Resort Anilao's dive boat

Read the reviews of Crystal Blue Resort here.

Connectivity

At Crystal Blue Resort in Anilao, complimentary Wi-Fi is available for guests throughout the property, including in common areas and most rooms. The connection is generally reliable for everyday use such as email, messaging and light browsing, but it can be slower or less stable when the resort is busy or during peak evening hours, so heavy streaming or large downloads may be limited. 

If you need faster or more consistent connectivity, local Philippine SIM cards are a good option: major providers like Globe and Smart both offer prepaid data plans with 4G/LTE coverage in the Anilao area. You can purchase a SIM and data package at Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) kiosks or convenience stores as soon as you arrive. Just ensure your phone is unlocked before travel. 

Most major US mobile phone providers offer international “bolt-on” or add-on packages that let you use your phone abroad without changing SIMs. The details vary by carrier and plan.

Trip Price

Trip starts from $2,636 per person.

Superior Room - image

Superior Room

Air Conditioning (AC)

En Suite Bathroom

Balcony or Terrace

Camera Room

Double-occupancy

$2,636

per person

Single-occupancy

$3,356

Payment Schedule

  • Deposit: $500 to book your spot
  • Payment 2: $800 due 1 July 2027
  • Balance: due 1 December 2027


Book this Trip

Extend your trip

Anilao Trip Extensions

Want to extend your trip? We can help with that! See more of the Philippines before or after your workshop in Anilao with Bluewater. Flying all that way merits a multi-destination vacation! Puerto Galera, Dumaguete, and Cebu & Bohol are amazing destinations nearby that offer a range of additional unique experiences. Here are some examples of packages we can add on to your reservation:

Anilao Trip Extensions

Inquire about this trip

Check availability
and start planning your perfect trip

Check Availability

Discover similar group trips

Komodo & Bali Liveaboard Adventure 2026
$500 Off
Komodo & Bali Liveaboard Adventure 2026

Dive

Komodo & Bali Liveaboard Adventure 2026

Indonesia

Travel: Aug 14, 2026 - Aug 24, 2026

Led by: Anne Rucquoi

$6,104$5,604

Learn more
Lembeh Macro Critter Workshop 2026
Staff Favorite
Lembeh Macro Critter Workshop 2026

Photo Workshop

Lembeh Macro Critter Workshop 2026

Indonesia

Travel: Sep 16, 2026 - Sep 23, 2026

Led by: Mark Hatter

from$2,253

Learn more
Raja Ampat Luxury Liveaboard Photo Workshop 2027
Raja Ampat Luxury Liveaboard Photo Workshop 2027

Manta rays

Raja Ampat Luxury Liveaboard Photo Workshop 2027

Indonesia

Travel: Feb 3, 2027 - Feb 14, 2027

Led by: Dan Bishop

from$6,290

Learn more
Halmahera Remote Indonesia Liveaboard Trip August 2027
Halmahera Remote Indonesia Liveaboard Trip August 2027

Macro

Halmahera Remote Indonesia Liveaboard Trip August 2027

Indonesia

Travel: Aug 20, 2027 - Aug 29, 2027

Led by: Tim Yeo

from$4,905

Learn more
Lembeh & Bangka Macro & Blackwater Workshop August 2027
Bluewater Exclusive
Lembeh & Bangka Macro & Blackwater Workshop August 2027

Reefs

Lembeh & Bangka Macro & Blackwater Workshop August 2027

Indonesia

Travel: Aug 28, 2027 - Sep 9, 2027

Led by: Erik Lukas

from$3,659

Learn more
Halmahera Remote Indonesia Liveaboard Trip September 2027
Halmahera Remote Indonesia Liveaboard Trip September 2027

Macro

Halmahera Remote Indonesia Liveaboard Trip September 2027

Indonesia

Travel: Sep 1, 2027 - Sep 10, 2027

Led by: Tim Yeo

from$4,905

Learn more
Raja Ampat Biodiversity Bonanza December 2027
$800 Off
Raja Ampat Biodiversity Bonanza December 2027

Macro

Raja Ampat Biodiversity Bonanza December 2027

Indonesia

Travel: Dec 10, 2027 - Dec 21, 2027

Led by: Mike Chiado

$6,422$5,622

Learn more
Palau Bumphead Spawning Trip 2028
$500 Off
Palau Bumphead Spawning Trip 2028

Manta rays

Palau Bumphead Spawning Trip 2028

Indonesia

Travel: Jan 19, 2028 - Jan 26, 2028

$4,580$4,080

Learn more
Anilao Philippines Ultimate Photo Workshop April/May 2028
Guest Favorite
Anilao Philippines Ultimate Photo Workshop April/May 2028

Macro

Anilao Philippines Ultimate Photo Workshop April/May 2028

Indonesia

Travel: Apr 29, 2028 - May 6, 2029

from$2,059

Learn more
Komodo Dragons, Mantas & Reef Adventure 2028
Komodo Dragons, Mantas & Reef Adventure 2028

Macro

Komodo Dragons, Mantas & Reef Adventure 2028

Indonesia

Travel: Aug 29, 2028 - Sep 9, 2028

Led by: Mark Strickland

from$5,399

Learn more
Luxury Raja Ampat Biodiversity Expedition 2028
$500 Off
Luxury Raja Ampat Biodiversity Expedition 2028

Reefs

Luxury Raja Ampat Biodiversity Expedition 2028

Indonesia

Travel: Nov 2, 2028 - Nov 13, 2028

$8,599$8,099

Learn more

Related articles and trip reports

Raja Ampat Trip Report 2026
Raja Ampat Trip Report 2026

Trip Report

Raja Ampat Trip Report 2026

Indonesia

Experience the February 2026 Raja Ampat underwater photography workshop aboard the Damai, featuring world-class diving, expert instruction, and immersive photo opportunities.

Best Diving in Indonesia - Top 10
Best Diving in Indonesia - Top 10

Article

Travel Editor

Best Diving in Indonesia - Top 10

Indonesia

Looking for the best diving in Indonesia? We've dived around the country and picked our favorites. Here is our list of top 10 dive areas in Indonesia!

10 Best Snorkeling Destinations in the World
10 Best Snorkeling Destinations in the World

Article

Chris H

10 Best Snorkeling Destinations in the World

Philippines

Exploring the underwater world doesn't always require scuba certification or bulky gear as snorkeling provides a simple and equally stunning way to experience marine life in its natural environment. Snorkeling travel is booming in 2025, with high demand for liveaboard snorkel options in the Maldives and Raja Ampat. We've added more itinerary flexibility to help travellers access remote reefs with shallow, clear-water drop-offs.

Top Remote & Off The Beaten Track Dive Destinations
Top Remote & Off The Beaten Track Dive Destinations

Article

BettyR

Top Remote & Off The Beaten Track Dive Destinations

Micronesia

Our travel experts' favorite picks for the top remote and off the beaten track dive destinations in the world. Learn what to see, the best time to dive and more!

Best Liveaboard Destinations in the World
Best Liveaboard Destinations in the World

Article

bettyr

Best Liveaboard Destinations in the World

Fiji

We've traveled around the world and picked the best places for scuba diving via liveaboard. Learn what to see, where to stay, and much more!

Best Dive Resorts in the World - Staff Picks
Best Dive Resorts in the World - Staff Picks

Article

BettyR

Best Dive Resorts in the World - Staff Picks

Fiji

Here at Bluewater Travel, our team has extensive knowledge and first-hand experience of some of the best dive resorts in the world. Here are our top picks.

Top 20 Dive Sites in the World
Top 20 Dive Sites in the World

Article

Agnes

Top 20 Dive Sites in the World

Malaysia

Discover the Bluewater team's favorite dive sites around the world. From remote corners of Asia and Micronesia to our own doorstep, we've chosen our top 20 dive sites that keep us coming back again and again .

Top 6 Diving Destinations for Macro Photography
Top 6 Diving Destinations for Macro Photography

Article

Travel Editor

Top 6 Diving Destinations for Macro Photography

Indonesia

Discover Bluewater's six favorite destinations for macro photography: Anilao, Lembeh, Dumaguete, Sea of Cortez, Bali, and Raja Ampat. Achieve your "perfect shot" at a dive site known for exceptional macro life, including bucket list critters such as stargazers, paper nautilus, bobbit worms, and the tiniest nudibranchs imaginablee.

Best Coral Reefs in the World - Top 6
Best Coral Reefs in the World - Top 6

Article

BettyR

Best Coral Reefs in the World - Top 6

Fiji

We've traveled the world and picked our top 6 locations with the best coral reefs. Scuba diving or snorkeling, this article will help you plan your next vacation!

Best Wreck Diving in the World - Top 10
Best Wreck Diving in the World - Top 10

Article

BettyR

Best Wreck Diving in the World - Top 10

Australia

We've traveled around the world and picked the best shipwrecks to scuba dive. Learn what to see, where to stay and much more!

Raja Ampat Trip Report
Raja Ampat Trip Report

Trip Report

ilovediving

Raja Ampat Trip Report

Indonesia

Bluewater Travel Advisor & Trip Leader Katie Yonker boarded the beautiful Amira for an amazing Raja Ampat dive trip.

Best Scuba Diving in the World in 2026
Best Scuba Diving in the World in 2026

Article

JennyH

Best Scuba Diving in the World in 2026

Fiji

Our travel advisors and trip leaders are always on the move, exploring the underwater world! Using their firsthand experience and feedback from our valued guests, we've curated a list that showcases the best diving in the world in 2026. Learn when to go, where to stay, top dive sites, and more. 

Liveaboard Dive Packing List (2025 Edition)
Liveaboard Dive Packing List (2025 Edition)

Trip Report

ChrisH

Liveaboard Dive Packing List (2025 Edition)

Indonesia

Planning a liveaboard dive trip? This ultimate 2025 packing list covers everything you’ll need – from must-have dive gear and personal items to handy extras that make life onboard smoother. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned diver, this checklist helps you dive in fully prepared.

Best Manta Ray Diving in the World
Best Manta Ray Diving in the World

Article

Betty R

Best Manta Ray Diving in the World

Socorro Islands

We've traveled the world and picked our top 7 locations with the best manta ray diving.

2025 report round-ups confirm classics like Komodo, Kona, and Maldives’ Hanifaru Bay still reign supreme for mesmerising manta encounters. Dive operators now weave in citizen-science photo-ID programs and updated season calendars , so you can chase gentle giants responsibly and add to vital conservation efforts

Raja Ampat 2025 Trip Report
Raja Ampat 2025 Trip Report

Trip Report

Mark Strickland

Raja Ampat 2025 Trip Report

Indonesia

This unforgettable 12-day journey took us through world-renowned sites like Blue Magic, Melissa’s Garden, and the Four Kings. We explored coral-covered reefs, swam with manta rays, and encountered uncommon animals like walking sharks and pygmy seahorses. It was the dive trip of a lifetime, complete with professional guides, first-rate service, and constant marine life action!

Raja Ampat Trip Report December 2024
Raja Ampat Trip Report December 2024

Trip Report

Dan Bishop

Raja Ampat Trip Report December 2024

Indonesia

Bluewater Travel's Raja Ampat Photo Workshop aboard MV Ambai in December 2024 was a 12-day diving adventure to remember. Clients explored the biodiverse waters of southern, central and northern Raja Ampat, completing 36 dives and capturing stunning underwater images. Highlights included close encounters with manta rays, wobbegong sharks and the shy walking shark. Night dives and daily photography workshops were part of the experience. As well as diving, the tourists enjoyed scenic tours, a beach barbecue and even an unplanned engagement. The trip concluded with a photo competition and a celebration of the beautiful marine life and friendship experienced aboard MV Ambai.

Bali to Komodo Trip Report 2024
Bali to Komodo Trip Report 2024

Trip Report

Bali to Komodo Trip Report 2024

Indonesia

Discover the highlights of our 2024 Bali to Komodo liveaboard trip: exploring remote dive sites, volcanic reefs, and vibrant marine life. From Lombok's hidden gems to Komodo's famed currents and manta encounters, this photo workshop journey captures Indonesia's exciting underwater beauty in a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Lembeh & Bali Trip Report 2024
Lembeh & Bali Trip Report 2024

Trip Report

Lembeh & Bali Trip Report 2024

Indonesia

Indonesia offers some of the best macro photography opportunities on the planet, and Bluewater’s 12-day, dual destination trip to Lembeh and Bali gave 20 guests an experience to remember. Read all about our Lembeh/Bali 2024 trip.

Scuba Diving in May - Top 3 Destinations
Scuba Diving in May - Top 3 Destinations

Article

JennyH

Scuba Diving in May - Top 3 Destinations

Galapagos

Discover our top recommended destinations for scuba diving in May. Explore the mindblowing species in the Galapagos, dive Cozumel's renowned reefs, and experience thrilling currents in Komodo. Whatever your preferences, we'll build your dream dive trip in May!

Scuba Diving in September - Top 3 Destinations
Scuba Diving in September - Top 3 Destinations

Article

JennyH

Scuba Diving in September - Top 3 Destinations

Indonesia

Discover our top recommended destinations for scuba diving in September. Explore the diversity of diving in Bali, snorkel with humpback whales in Moorea, and seek the most incredible macro critters in Lembeh. Whatever your preferences, we'll build your dream dive trip in September!