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The Anilao Underwater Photo Festival is one of Southeast Asia's most prestigious underwater photography competitions, drawing professional and amateur photographers to Batangas each year to document the marine biodiversity of the Coral Triangle.
About the Festival
The festival was established in 2010 by the local government of Mabini, Batangas, in partnership with dive resorts and the international diving community. Its dual purpose is to promote Anilao as a global underwater photography destination and to generate awareness of the conservation value of the marine sanctuary through the images produced.
2026 Competition Categories
- Macro (compact) — Subject must be 10 cm or smaller; compact camera systems only.
- Macro (open) — Open to all camera systems with macro or telephoto lenses.
- Wide-angle reefscape — Must include live coral and a diver or marine life in the frame.
- Conservation story (photo essay) — 3–5 image series documenting a marine environment challenge or success story.
- Junior category — Open to photographers under 18 years old.
How to Register
Registration for the 2026 festival opens in January via the official Mabini Tourism website. Entry fees support the municipality's MPA monitoring programme. All participants must be certified divers and provide proof of dive certification at registration. Casa Escondida offers a festival accommodation and dive package — contact our reservations team for the current rate.
Past winner tip: The macro category is consistently won with images of subjects under 5mm — pygmy seahorses, nudibranch egg masses, and juvenile fish. Spend your competition dives at Secret Bay and Ligaya's Garden.