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Underwater Photography in the Philippines
Guest Blog by Phil North
Divemaster Phil North, from Dive Worldwide shares his top destinations in the Philippines for underwater photography.
It is possible to record memories and moments almost anywhere underwater. However, some destinations are undoubtedly better than others for underwater photography, while a select few are truly outstanding.
Many factors determine whether a destination is suitable for budding underwater photographers, but a variety of colourful, photogenic subjects is key. The type of dive site also plays a big role, while warm tropical water certainly helps. Depending on the subject, good visibility can be important, while the attitude and facilities of the dive centre also play a significant part.
There is no doubt that the Philippines is a brilliant destination for underwater photographers of all levels. If you’re looking to take great images or improve your skills, it should be one of your top choices. Let’s take a moment to unpack exactly why that is the case.
Incredible biodiversity
Representing the northern tip of the fabled coral triangle, the Philippines is blessed with wonderful biodiversity. The area is home to over 500 species of coral, at least 2,500 species of fish, innumerable habitats, six of the world’s seven sea turtles, manta rays, thresher sharks, whale sharks and more.
For underwater photographers, this biodiversity translates to a near limitless choice of subjects. If you hover on a reef and take the time to truly attune yourself to your surroundings, you’re bound to find a great many photographic opportunities. Macro photography enthusiasts will delight in the array of magical smaller marine life. Frogfish, cuttlefish, nudibranch, ghost pipefish, octopus, shrimp, anemonefish, and dragonets barely scratch the surface of the opportunities on offer. While most famous for macro photography, wide-angle opportunities abound too. Stunning reef scenes are common while many locations have consistent sightings of larger marine life, including some truly iconic species.
Bohol
Amazing choice of locations
Not only is there a diversity of marine life, but there is a wonderful variety of locations to choose from too. Over 7,000 islands make up the Philippines, creating a wealth of options for scuba divers. The best location for you will depend on what it is you want to photograph, or at the very least, the style you would like to shoot in.
Jump on a liveaboard to Tubbataha and you’ll be treated to some of the best coral reef diving in the world with plenty of pelagic encounters to frame in your wide-angle lens. Anilao and Dumaguete are two of the most famous destinations for underwater photography in the world, especially (but not entirely) for smaller marine life. Other destinations offer much for eager photographers too. Malapascua has a wonderful variety of marine life, including regular sightings of the elusive thresher shark, while Anda, in eastern Bohol, is gaining a reputation as one of the country’s top diving and underwater photography spots.
Many of these locations – particularly those in the central Visayas region – can be combined, so you can experience more than one location on any one trip, greatly increasing your photographic opportunities.
Ideal conditions
Anyone who has tried their arm at underwater photography knows it’s a tricky (albeit rewarding) pursuit. All types of photography require patience, skill and care. However, underwater photography – without the right conditions – can become all but impossible. Trying to master your camera and your subject in surge, driving current, or poor visibility often renders the exercise largely fruitless.
Thankfully, the conditions in the Philippines really lend themselves to the needs of underwater photographers. With warm tropical water and a variety of locations – most of which are blessed with calm conditions and consistently good visibility – your chances of finding ideal conditions to take excellent underwater images are very good indeed. And with coral reefs starting just below the surface at many dive sites, at very easy depths, you’ll have more time on your dive to snap that perfect shot.
Atmosphere Resort and Spa
Superb dive centres and resorts
While you may get the credit for your award-winning fish portrait, there is more than one person behind any fantastic underwater shot. You stand on the shoulders of all those that made it possible, from the eagle-eyed dive guide who spotted your subject, to the dive centre or resort that has carefully thought of all your needs and prepared accordingly. These factors are often underestimated, but the small touches make a big difference.
The Philippines has been a tried and trusted destination for underwater photographers for many years, and many dive centres are now well set up for the task. They have staff who understand the requirements and care for your camera set up, and boats with dedicated rinse tanks, storage areas, camera rooms, charging stations, and more. Knowing that you are in good hands leaves you free to concentrate on your passion and get maximum enjoyment from your dives.
Dive Worldwide’s Recommended diving trips to the Philippines
Stay in two luxury dive and spa resorts in the Visayas – Atmosphere Resort & Spa and Amun Ini. This island-hopping itinerary takes you from Dumaguete to Bohol, both popular locations with underwater photographers due to the superb coral reefs, fascinating critters, and diverse marine life.
When to go: Jan – Dec
Duration: 13 days
Find out more or request a travel plan.
Explore everything from macro life to pelagic megafauna on this exciting underwater safari. Sealife encounters may include various species of brightly coloured nudibranch, thresher sharks, or even whale sharks!
When to go: Jan – Dec
Duration: 17 days
Find out more or request a travel plan.
Visit the remote Tubbataha Reef National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which requires a liveaboard to access. The diving here is truly world-class, with a chance to see hammerheads, reef sharks, turtles and manta rays. The gigantic gorgonians and vast barrel sponges add an entrancing and colourful backdrop to your images.
When to go: Feb – Jun
Duration: 10 days
Find out more, view departure dates, or request a travel plan.
Are you looking to improve your underwater photography or arrange a trip to enjoy taking underwater images? Get in touch with the friendly Dive Worldwide team for first-hand advice on your next diving holiday to the Philippines. They offer a superb range of resort and liveaboard options. Visit the website, send an enquiry, or call the expert team on 01962 302 087.
Free Octopus with every purchase of a SCUBAPRO regulator system
Just in time for the spring season, divers can save money with the FREE OCTOPUS SPRING PROMOTION! Until July 31st SCUBAPRO offers an Octopus for free
with every purchase of a regulator system!
Get a free S270 OCTOPUS with purchase of these combinations:
MK25 EVO or MK19 EVO with A700
MK25 EVO or MK19 EVO with S620Ti
MK25 EVO or MK19 EVO with D420
MK25 EVO Din mit S620Ti-X
Get a free R105 OCTOPUS with purchase of the following combinations:
MK25 EVO or MK19 EVO with G260
MK25 EVO or MK17 EVO with S600
SCUBAPRO offers a 30-year first owner warranty on all regulators, with a revision period of two years or 100 dives. All SCUBAPRO regulators are of course certified according to the new European test standard EN250-2014.
Available at participating SCUBAPRO dealers. Promotion may not be available in all regions. Find an authorized SCUBAPRO Dealer at scubapro.com.
More information available on www.scubapro.com.
Jake Davies boards Ghazala Explorer for an unforgettable Red Sea diving experience…
Overnight, the wind picked up, making the planned morning dive a bit bumpy on the Zodiacs to the drop point on Thomas Reef. There, we would dive along the reef before descending through the canyon and then passing under the arch before ascending the wall with a gentle drift. The site provided great encounters with more pelagic species, including shoals of large barracuda, tuna, and bigeye trevally.
Once back on the boat, it was time to get everything tied down again as we would head back south. This time, with the wind behind us, heading to Ras Mohammed to dive Jackfish Alley for another great gentle drift wall dive before then heading up the coast towards the Gulf of Suez to moor up at the wreck of the Thistlegorm. This being the highlight wreck dive of the trip and for many onboard, including myself, it was the first time diving this iconic wreck. I had heard so much about the wreck from friends, and globally, this is a must on any diver’s list. Fortunately for us, there was only one other boat at the site, which was a rarity. A great briefing was delivered by Ahmed, who provided a detailed background about the wreck’s history along with all the required safety information as the currents and visibility at the site can be variable.
Kitting up, there was a lot of excitement on deck before entering the water and heading down the shoreline. Descending to the wreck, there was a light northerly current which reduced the visibility, making it feel more like the conditions that can be found off the Welsh coast. At 10m from the bottom, the outline of the wreck appeared as we reached the area of the wreck which had been bombed, as our mooring line was attached to part of the propeller shaft. Arriving on deck, instantly everywhere you looked there were many of the supplies which the ship was carrying, including Bren Carrier tanks and projectiles that instantly stood out.
We headed around the exterior, taking a look at the large propeller and guns mounted on deck before entering the wreck on the port side to take a look in the holds. It was incredible to see all the trucks, Norton 16H, and BSA motorcycles still perfectly stacked within, providing a real snapshot in time.
Overall, we had four dives on the Thistlegorm, where for all of the dives we were the only group in the water, and at times, there were just three of us on the whole wreck, which made it even more special, especially knowing that most days the wreck has hundreds of divers. Along with the history of the wreck, there was plenty of marine life on the wreck and around, from big green turtles to batfish, along with shoals of mackerel being hunted by trevally. Some unforgettable dives.
The final leg of the trip saw us cross back over the Suez Canal to the Gobal Islands where we planned to stay the night and do three dives at the Dolphin House for the potential of sharing the dive with dolphins. The site, which included a channel that was teeming with reef fish, especially large numbers of goatfish that swam in large shoals along the edge of the reef. These were nice relaxing dives to end the week. Unfortunately, the dolphins didn’t show up, which was okay as like all marine life they are difficult to predict and you can’t guarantee what’s going to be seen. With the last dive complete, we headed back to port for the final night where it was time to clean all the kit and pack before the departure flight the next day.
The whole week from start to finish on Ghazala Explorer was amazing; the boat had all the facilities you need for a comfortable week aboard. The crew were always there to help throughout the day and the chefs providing top quality food which was required after every dive. The itinerary providing some of the best diving with a nice mixture of wreck and reef dives. I would recommend the trip to anyone, whether it’s your first Red Sea liveaboard in the Red Sea or you’re revisiting. Hopefully, it’s not too long before I head back to explore more of the Red Sea onboard Ghazala Explorer.
To find out more about the Northern Red Sea reef and wrecks itineraries aboard Ghazala Explorer, or to book, contact Scuba Travel now:
Email: dive@scubatravel.com
Tel: +44 (0)1483 411590
Photos: Jake Davies / Avalon.Red
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