Anilao Underwater Shootout 2026: What It Is and How It Works

The Anilao Underwater Shootout is one of the world's premier underwater macro-photography competitions, bringing local and international divers to Mabini, Batangas each year to capture the extraordinary small marine life of the Coral Triangle.

About the Shootout

The Shootout has been held annually since 2013, organised by the Philippine Department of Tourism to showcase Anilao as a world-class macro diving destination and to promote diving as a priority tourism product. Often described as a “World Cup” of underwater photo competitions, it has grown into one of the largest events of its kind, with editions drawing well over a hundred photographers from more than a dozen countries alongside a strong Filipino field.

The focus is squarely on macro: the tiny, cryptic, and often bizarre subjects that have made Anilao famous with underwater shooters. Days are spent diving the local sites, and evenings are given over to image reviews, presentations, and camaraderie among photographers, dive guides, and judges.

A Strict “No Marine Life Manipulation” Policy

What sets the Shootout apart is its conservation-first code of conduct. Competitors — and the dive guides working with them — agree to a strict “no marine life manipulation” policy, meaning subjects may not be moved, prodded, or arranged for a better shot. The rule has become a benchmark that other underwater photography competitions around the world have since adopted, and it reflects the same respect for the reef that we ask of every diver at Casa Escondida.

Competition Categories

The exact line-up changes from year to year, but categories typically celebrate the region's macro specialities. Past editions have included divisions such as:

• Macro / Supermacro — the smallest subjects the reef has to offer.
• Nudibranch — fitting for a region often called the Nudibranch Capital of the World.
• Fish Portrait — character studies of a single subject.
• Cephalopod — octopus, cuttlefish, and squid.
• Marine Behavior — feeding, mating, and other moments of action.

Winners are recognised at an awards ceremony, with prizes contributed by dive-industry sponsors; the guides who help photographers find their subjects are typically credited alongside the winning images.

How to Take Part

The Shootout is organised by the Department of Tourism, and dates, categories, entry fees, and registration details are announced fresh for each edition — timing has varied across the years, so check the official DOT announcement for this year's schedule and how to enter. Participants are experienced divers who bring their own underwater camera systems and dive throughout the competition window. If you plan to join or simply want to shoot Anilao's macro life during the season, Casa Escondida can arrange accommodation, guided dives, and boat time — contact our reservations team and we'll help you plan around the event.