Philippines: Macro Dreams & Blackwater Nights
Imagine drifting beneath a velvet night sky, darkness embracing you as you drift into an otherworldly ballet of tiny and amazing creatures—your lens poised to capture the ocean’s most secretive wonders.
- Workshop 1: Blackwater in Anilao (Feb 23–Mar 1 2027)—Plunge into midnight-blue waters where blanket octopus, diamond squids, larval wunderpus octopus and paper nautilus glow like ethereal ghosts.
- Workshop 2: Macro & Super‑Macro in Romblon (Mar 3–9 2027)—By daylight and torchlight, harvest a gallery of vibrant nudibranchs, tiny crustaceans, and super‑macro marvels against Romblon’s crystalline backdrop.
- Combined Package (Feb 23–Mar 9 2027)—Extend your adventure across both realms and save on the second week.
- Intimate groups • Max 4 guests • 2:1 guide ratio (1:1 upgrade available)
- Personalized Coaching: Limited to four divers per week, supported by two expert dive guides (option to upgrade to one‑on‑one).
- Immersive Imaging Techniques: Master nighttime blackwater shooting with targeted strobe bursts and precision buoyancy control to capture phantom-like plankton; by day and torchlight in Romblon, deploy super-macro optics for hyper-detailed nudibranch and critter portraits.
- Photographer‑Focused Facilities: Air‑conditioned rooms, dedicated camera dry‑room, rinse tubs, editing stations, international power outlets, and fast internet.
- Certifications & Experience: At least 50 logged dives; Advanced Open Water (AOW) required for deeper dives to 30 m. Nitrox optional but helpful in Anilao.
- Equipment: At a minimum, bring a compact macro rig (e.g., Olympus TG5–TG7) with strobes or quality lights. Backscatter MF1/MF2 with snoot recommended; no rentals available.
Location: Anilao Photo Academy
Structure:
Morning: Image review from the day before, editing tips and workflow tutorials
Afternoon: 1 or 2 dives (option for double afternoon dive if you have the energy for it)
Night: 2 blackwater dives targeting rare planktonic critters
Highlights:
• Blanket octopus, paper nautilus, and other planktonic species
• Depth range 10–30 m—excellent buoyancy control essential
Location: Three P Resort, Romblon
Structure:
Morning: Double dive
Afternoon: Dive #3
Evening: Optional night dive (additional cost)
Highlights:
• Abundant nudibranchs, tiny crustaceans and other rare critters
• Plenty of macro and super-macro subjects, so bring extra memory and battery power
Seamless transition:
- Feb 23–Mar 1: Blackwater in Anilao
- Mar 2: Extra morning dives or rest day then travel (ferry to Romblon, camera care, local exploration)
- Mar 3–9: Macro & super‑macro in Romblon
10% discount on the second week when booking both back-to-back.
Anilao Photo Academy:
• 12 air-conditioned rooms with ensuite bathrooms
• Dedicated camera dry-room, rinse tubs, editing stations, air guns
• 15 Mbps internet, multiple international power outlets
Three P Resort, Romblon:
• Beachfront rooms (details on resort website)
• Full-board meals, ferry and boat transfers, land transport included
Included:
Workshop sessions, guided dives, boat fees, full board, transfers, image review and editing coaching
Excluded:
International flights, mandatory dive and travel insurances, tips, gear rentals, dive equipment extras
Deposit: 20% non-refundable to secure your spot.
Balance: 80% due 3 months before the workshop start.
Refunds:
• Cancel >3 months prior: balance refunded minus deposit.
• Cancel 1–3 months prior: 50% of balance refunded.
• Cancel <1 month prior: no refund.
Ready to book?