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Anilao, Philippines is one of the best
dive destinations for macro lovers. The
area blends rich muck habitats with
active reefs, quick bangka rides to dive
sites, and resorts for all budgets. The
dive guides are some of the best in the
world, able to find even the smallest of
nudibranchs against the iconic yellow
sand grains of sites like “Secret Bay”.
Upon arrival in Anilao, it’s easy
to get caught up in the excitement of
finding so many rare critters in one
area. Many photographers don’t even
bring their wide-angle lens. And this is
where the secrets begin to grow, hidden
away from the strobes and spotlights.
Anilao has several different dive
sites that are excellent for wide-angle
photography. But like many big reef
sites, divers must pay careful attention
to the tides and currents, which canchange suddenly. Once you go to the
trouble of making a good dive plan,
however, the reward of a colourful reef
world awaits.
Orange cup corals battle for
space with encrusting sponges, sea
fans, tunicates, green tubastrea, and
of course, many radically coloured
crinoids. Crabs, shrimp and octopuses
patrol the reef while armies of countless
orange anthias dance above, filling
the frame of even the widest wide-
angle lenses. These unique colour
combinations scream Anilao, or at
least a side of Anilao that we rarely
see beyond the narrow macro lenses.
Shooting even one or two of these
vibrant wide-angle images will enhance
your trip portfolio, portraying Anilao
as the diverse dive destination that it
really is.
So, next time you’re working with
your guide on seeing all the critters on
your list, make sure to add a little time
to discover some of Anilao’s secret
wide-angle diving.Batangas, PhilippinesPHILIPPINESANILAOBATANGASANILAO
By Brent Durand