Anilao Philippines Ultimate Photo Workshop April/May 2028
Dive into one of the best macro destinations in the world with Bluewater Travel's Anilao Photo Workshop in April and May 2028.
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.
Images by Craig Wilhelm (L) & Erik Lukas (R)
Almost all species on our critter list can be found in Anilao - such as Rhinopias, blue-ring octopus, hairy 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).
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
6 days of workshops with the option to pay the 10-night rate and enjoy an extra 3 days diving
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
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.
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.
Payment Schedule
- Deposit: $500 to book your spot
- Payment 2: $800 due 1 July 2027
- Balance: due 1 December 2027
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:

Check availability
and start planning your perfect trip
Discover similar group trips

Dive
Komodo & Bali Liveaboard Adventure 2026
Indonesia
Travel: Aug 14, 2026 - Aug 24, 2026
Led by: Anne Rucquoi
$6,104$5,604
Learn more
Photo Workshop
Lembeh Macro Critter Workshop 2026
Indonesia
Travel: Sep 16, 2026 - Sep 23, 2026
Led by: Mark Hatter
from$2,253
Learn more
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
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
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
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
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
Manta rays
Palau Bumphead Spawning Trip 2028
Indonesia
Travel: Jan 19, 2028 - Jan 26, 2028
$4,580$4,080
Learn more
Macro
Anilao Philippines Ultimate Photo Workshop April 2028
Indonesia
Travel: Apr 19, 2028 - Apr 29, 2028
from$2,059
Learn more
Macro
Komodo Dragons, Mantas & Reef Adventure 2028
Indonesia
Travel: Aug 29, 2028 - Sep 9, 2028
Led by: Mark Strickland
from$5,399
Learn more
Reefs
Luxury Raja Ampat Biodiversity Expedition 2028
Indonesia
Travel: Nov 2, 2028 - Nov 13, 2028
$8,599$8,099
Learn moreRelated articles and trip reports

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

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 .

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!













