Anilao Philippines Ultimate Photo Workshop Spring 2027
Macro
Apr 21, 2027 - May 8, 2027
Dive into one of the best macro destinations in the world with Bluewater Travel's Anilao Photo Workshop in Spring 2027.
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
Fully refundable deposit until 12 months from departure
25% discount on rental photo gear from Bluewater Photo
Trip overview
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 or see our guide to diving Anilao.
Recommended Scuba Gear
Download our full scuba gear guide to Anilao December, 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
The April 21 - May 1 trip includes 9 days of workshops while the May 1 - 8 trip includes 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.
Trip Price
Trip starts from $2,636 per person.
Payment Schedule
Payment Schedule
- Deposit: $500 to book your spot
- Payment 2: $800 due 1 July 2026
- Balance: due 1 December 2026
Extend your trip
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:
Read More
Book now to lock in 2026 rates!
