With time spent between Anialo and Dumaguete, this itinerary covers the two best muck and macro diving areas in the Philippines. Nudibranchs, crustaceans, octopus and frogfish are waiting to be found!
Muck diving is traditionally a dive site that has a sand or silty bottom. Although generally void of coral reefs, the seabed is far from barren. A multitude of interesting critters and creatures can be found in the sediment, often vibrant and poisonous. Anilao and Dumaguete’s dive sites have black and caramel sand, perfect for muck marine life to call the benthic zone their home. Cephalopods including mimic octopus, blue-ringed octopus, wonderpus and coconut octopus populate these waters alongside frogfish and ornate ghost pipefish.
These areas are also known for their macro life; tiny marine life that may be no more than a few millimetres in size. Juvenile flamboyant cuttlefish, bobtail squid, and frogfish can be spotted, plus over 600 species of nudibranchs. The guides in these locations have eagle eyes and know macro life habitats well, spotting critters before you’ve taken the lens cap off your camera.
This itinerary includes six nights at Buceo Anilao Beach & Dive Resort and Pura Vida Beach & Dive Resort, with eight dives in each location. There are a number of resorts available in these areas, please see the accommodation for full options. There's always the choice to adjust this itinerary to fit your specific requirements, contact us to discuss your next diving holiday.
Spend the next four days diving the epic waters of Anilao. Two dives each day are included, with the option to add more.
Anilao is known for muck seascapes, tiny critters, nudibranchs, octopus, and blackwater diving. The nearby coral reefs give the opportunity for wide angle photography too!
The next four days are spending diving with spectacular marine life of Dauin and Dumaguete, two dives per day are included. More frogfish, octopus, nudibranchs and others await!
A short boat ride away is Apo Island, known for vibrant reefs, turtles, and possible pelagic and shark encounters. A supplement can be paid locally for a full day boat trip to this wonderful island for wide angle underwater photography opportunities.
Your time in the Philippines comes to an end. A domestic flight takes you back to Manila, where you catch your international flights to return to the UK, landing the following day.
Alternatively, extend your stay in the Philippines! Contact us for recommendations on the best locations to suit your diving.
Please note: This itinerary can be conducted in reverse, however a night in Manila on arrival may be required.
Anilao is famed for its muck and macro diving, with Verde Island’s bright reefs and pelagic life nearby. Easily accessed from Manila, this critter haven is a top pick for those who love all things small, spectacular, and sometimes out of this world. Find Out More about {acc:title}
Known as the ‘City of Gentle People’, you’ll be welcomed in Dumaguete with open arms and first class hospitality. Further down the coast, Dauin has some of the best critters in the Philippines, and both areas also offer plenty of opportunity for snorkellers and non-divers. Find Out More about {acc:title}
Located in Dauin, this modern beachfront resort sits amongst an old coconut plantation, in close proximity to some of the best macro dive sites in the region. Facilities include an infinity pool, spa, restaurants and a bar. Find Out More about Atmosphere Resort & Spa
This boutique dive resort offers panoramic ocean views and a tranquil environment. Its rise as a macro marine life hotspot and convenient location puts it on many a photographer’s wish list. Find Out More about Aiyanar Beach & Dive Resort
Located in Dauin, Atlantis Dumaguete is a boutique dive resort set amongst tropical gardens with easy access to world-class dive sites along the coast as well as Apo Island, famed for its spectacular marine life. Find Out More about Atlantis Dumaguete
Within easy reach of Manila, Buceo Anilao Beach & Dive Resort is filled with Filipino hospitality. Muck and macro diving reveals the wonderfully unusual, and nearby coral reefs have wide biodiversity. Find Out More about Buceo Anilao Beach & Dive Resort
This spacious beachfront resort is located in Dauin, just south of Dumaguete, on Negros Island. It was built for divers and offers 27 rooms and bungalows, with an on-site dive centre offering daily boat dives to Apo Island. Find Out More about Pura Vida Beach & Dive Resort
Solitude Acacia Resort is a slice of elegant tranquillity with world-class diving. Nestled in Anilao, this resort features contemporary design, sunset vistas, and opportunities to explore Luzon’s interior. Find Out More about Solitude Acacia Resort
