Why the Anilao – Isla Verde – Puerto Galera Liveaboard is a Photographer’s Dream Dive Route

1. Anilao: The Macro Capital of the Philippines

Anilao is legendary in the underwater photography world—and for good reason. Its critter-rich muck diving sites are a paradise for macro enthusiasts. You'll find an incredible variety of rare and fascinating species, including:

• Nudibranchs in all shapes and colors

• Frogfish blending into their surroundings

• The elusive blue-ring octopus

• Flamboyant cuttlefish showing off their neon hues

• Larval-stage marine life during blackwater and bonfire dives

It’s no wonder Anilao is often considered the “Lembeh of the Philippines.”

2. Isla Verde: Wide-Angle Wonderland in a Biodiversity Hotspot

Sitting right in the heart of the Coral Triangle, Isla Verde is a biodiversity powerhouse. Think pristine reefs, dramatic drop-offs, and vibrant coral walls swept by nutrient-rich currents.

It’s a playground for wide-angle photographers:

• Capture vivid reefscapes and towering barrel sponges

• Shoot schools of snappers, jacks, and fusiliers in motion

• Be ready for surprise visits from tunas, trevallies, and other pelagics

3. Puerto Galera: Variety is the Spice of Life

Puerto Galera offers an amazing mix of dive sites, making it perfect for photographers who want a bit of everything:

• Wide-angle shots: Colorful coral gardens, wrecks, turtles, and dramatic sea fans

• Macro delights: Pygmy seahorses, mantis shrimp, ghost pipefish, and more

Whether you're a lens-switcher or a dive-by-dive shooter, Puerto Galera won’t disappoint.

4. Maximum Diversity, Minimal Transit

One of the best things about this itinerary? You don’t need to travel far to experience such a wide range of subjects. In just one liveaboard trip, you can shoot:

• Muck dives

• Coral reefs

• Shipwrecks

• Blue water pelagics

It’s like having four dive trips rolled into one.

5. Ideal Shooting Conditions

Photographers know how important conditions are—and this route delivers:

• Great visibility: Often ranging from 15 to 30 meters

• Natural light: Ideal sun angles and clarity for ambient light and strobe use

• Calm seas: Especially during the dry season

Expect consistent conditions that help you get “the shot” more often.

6. Photographer-Friendly Infrastructure

Dive guides and crews in Anilao, Isla Verde, and Puerto Galera are experienced with photographers. They know how to spot rare subjects, position you for the best angles, and respect your creative process. Plus, many liveaboards are equipped with camera stations, rinse tanks, and editing-friendly lounge areas.

Explore the vibrant underwater world with a 5-day, 4-night liveaboard adventure from Anilao to Isla Verde and Puerto Galera, featuring diverse marine life encounters and serene seascapes.

Book this Liveaboard Adventure

Best Time to Go: November to May

For the most optimal experience, plan your trip during the dry season, from November to May. Here’s what you can expect:

• Visibility: Excellent (15–30 meters)

• Sea conditions: Calm, warm, and perfect for multiple dives a day

• Marine life: Peak macro activity in Anilao, and best chance for pelagic sightings in Isla Verde

Weather: Mostly sunny with low chances of rain—great for travel and topside photos too