Budget Macro Photo Diving in Anilao (Nov 8–16, 2025) – Dive Center Suggestions?

[theoceanlens]

Hi everyone,


I'm planning a dedicated macro photography trip to Anilao, Philippines, and I’d love your advice on affordable and flexible dive center options.

Trip Details:​

• Arrival in Manila: Nov 8, 2025, 4AM
• Departure: Nov 16, 2025
• Focus: Strictly macro underwater photography (nudibranchs, shrimps, small critters, etc.)

Accommodation:​

• I’ll stay at a budget/private hotel nearby (not part of a dive resort).
• I’m looking for a dive center only – not a package with accommodation.

Equipment:​

• I’m bringing my own camera rig, BCD, reg, wetsuit, etc.
• I only need to rent: tank, weights, fins (optional), dive guide, and boat.

Diving Plan:​

• I plan to dive 3–4 times per day, including day and night dives, all focused on macro.
• Would prefer private or small group guided dives with an experienced macro spotter.
• Budget is a priority, but I’d still like a dive center that understands underwater photographers' needs (patience, positioning, critter finding, etc.).

Questions:​

1. Any recommended dive centers that offer dive-only services (no stay)?
2. What’s the approximate cost per dive or per day, including guide and boat?
3. What are the must-visit macro sites in Anilao in November?
4. Is shore diving an option at any spots to save cost?

If anyone has done a similar independent setup in Anilao (own stay + ala carte diving), I'd love to hear about your experience. I'm looking for the most cost-effective yet macro-friendly setup possible.


Thanks in advance – I really appreciate any insights!

 

[Centrals]

Anilao Scuba Dive Center | Mabini

Anilao Scuba Dive Center, Mabini (Batangas). Gefällt 3.664 Mal · 35 Personen sprechen darüber · 11.001 waren hier. Anilao Scuba Dive Center is place ideal for divers and people who wish to experience...

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Rm is P1,500.00 and dive is P1,800.00(all inclusive).

 

[cozcharlie]

In my experience Anilao generally refers to the area as opposed to a town with a bunch of concentrated dive shops, so the separate stay/dive may not be optimal . You may be best with a combined budget stay/dive like the one mentioned above.

The comment below was consistent with my thinking ( I go straight to one dive resort in Anilao and stay there, so while I think I have a feel for the area I tried to find a second source )

“These properties are spaced along the along a seven-mile stretch of the Calumpan Peninsula rather than clustered in a single congested area.”

[Diving Anilao, the Macro Life Capital of the Philippines]