The Philippines offer recreational divers of all skill levels endless opportunities ranging from muck to big game. For an Underwater Photographer the Philippines are probably the best value available. Year round favorable weather conditions and pleasant water temperatures ranging from 26-30C are constant draw for divers from across the globe. Whether aboard one of the leading live-aboard ships frequenting its central and western islands or island hopping, you’re set for an unforgettable tropical sensory overload. The overload starts long before jumping in the water or even boarding a plane bound for your destination; choosing your dive destinations in Philippines, among over 7000 islands, is the first challenge. With year round warm waters, numerous islands, wide selection of accommodations from Luxury liveaboards to basic huts, various must-see species (Whale sharks and Thresher sharks just to name two) and tempting prices you’re facing some very “difficult” decisions.

Having a very short notice and set timeframe, which happen not to align with any liveaboard schedules, I settled for island hopping in Visayas and had to choose as many islands I could comfortably visit in a 21 day period. (Visa on arrival for most foreign passport holders is limited to 21 days). I eventually settled on Four stops at MoalBoal/Cebu, Dauin/Negros , Cabilao/Bohol and AlonaBeach/Bohol before returning to Cebu for my return flight. To avoid any air transfers from Manila I choose to concentrate on Cebu and its surrounding islands of Negros and Bohol. Being limited to 21 days meant restricting the number of islands visited, hence I had to exclude Malapascua and miss on the Thresher Sharks. Each island offers multiple destinations for diving and with each destination comes a list of dive centers and accommodations to choose from. Luckily I received great advice and chose to arrange all my dives and accommodations through sea-explorers which happen to operate throughout the Visayas. Sea-Explorers is one of the better dive operations I’ve known. Their attention to safety, comfort, details and all individual requests was over and above my expectations. They were able to arrange for accommodations, dive packages, rental equipment and transfers and in some cases even offered diving while transferring between islands which meant 3 more diving days throughout my trip. Rental Equipment and Storage facilities were all in good shape. Camera tables, air houses and all that an underwater photographer may need were available and well positioned to ensure gear safety and easy access. All dive boats in the islands I visited were of the same structure; well planned layout that allowed much personal space, safe locations for multiple camera housing and all in great shape. Though the vast majority of dive sites are no more than 20 min away sea-explorers’ boats were designed for comfort and function which made staying aboard for a 3-4 hour transfer combined with 2-3 dives rather comfortable. They employ local and exceptionally experienced dive guides; always of great benefit to both the local economy and guests. The staff is very attentive to all requests. There is reasonable intention and willingness to accommodate photographers as well as novice/experienced divers by assigning each group to individual dive guides and avoiding conflicts of interest or competency once in the water.

Here is a link to my latest image gallery – Philippines Top Underwater Photography Destination
Planning a scuba trip, especially when diving and underwater photography are concerned, the pros and cons of Island hopping vs. liveaboards can be overwhelming. At the end of the day the decision comes down to time constraints, budget and personal preferences. My vote, whenever possible, goes to being land based as it allows for special top-side experiences.

This is the first installment of a series I’ll be dedicating to the islands visited in this trip. Please feel free to subscribe to the email notifications and look forward to MoalBoal’s Whale Sharks, images from a traditional Cock fighting festival, Macro wonders of Dauin, Dumagete and Cabilao.