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]

 

[Blye81]

Not sure if you've been able to get a hold of a dive shop in Anilao.

1. Any recommended dive centers that offer dive-only services (no stay)?

My go-to is 200Bar DS right in Anilao owned and operated by a local couple. They have accommodations but regularly caters to divers who are only looking for diving services. I used to just come for the diving until they built single rooms. Eric, the husband, is an accomplished uw photographer but has been really focusing on teaching lately. They have their usual freelance spotters that they bring in. My last visit there, the spotter was excellent!

Ivan is another local guy who's started his own dive operation. He's spotted and coached me on my first ever trip to Anilao and he is really good! Also an excellent photographer. Worth checking him out Ivan's Dive Tour.

2. What’s the approximate cost per dive or per day, including guide and boat?

I honestly don't look at my bill when I ask Grace (wife and does most of the behind the scene work at 200Bar) for my bill, I just etransfer the money. LOL I think they charge Php1K and then the add ons (dive pass, boat, car, and/or food) on top. Boat rental is usually at least Php4k then divided between divers. I don't know how much Ivan charges. Other dive ops start at Php1500 and then add ons.

3. What are the must-visit macro sites in Anilao in November?

With a boat, my favourite sites for macro are Dari Laut, Kirby's Rock, Arthur's Rock (that whole stretch of resort) and Bethlehem-when it's not ripping!

Shore... hands down Secret Bay and Saimsim. I'd double or triple dip these two any day! Saw my first mimic at Saimsim. Night dive in Anilao Pier is also nice, almost guaranteed coconut octopus.

4. Is shore diving an option at any spots to save cost?

Yes! I mostly visit during low season so on weekdays I do shore and then boat on weekends when guests from Manila are in Anilao for a weekend dive. Both 200Bar and Ivan's have a descent house reef.