Philippines
A colorful gallery of Philippine dive adventures—Anilao, Cebu, Tubbataha—filled with breathtaking underwater photography.
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The Elegant Crinoid Squat Lobster
Despite being called Elegant Crinoid Squat Lobsters, these animals are more closely related to Hermit Crabs than Lobsters. They are commensal species, which means they live alongside Crinoids and benefit from the relationship. The Crinoids provide the Squat Lobsters with protection and an ideal place to feed, while the Squat Lobsters help to clean the…
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Underwater Images from Tubbataha
Tubbataha, a marine protected area in the Sulu Sea, Philippines, is renowned for its vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life, attracting scuba divers from mid-March to mid-June. Visitors may encounter diverse species, including sharks and rays, but are required to have diving experience due to strong currents and stringent protection regulations.
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Tubbataha Drop
As I gaze upon this photograph of a single raindrop in the vast ocean, I am struck by the profound symbolism it evokes. Small and seemingly insignificant droplet represents the individual amidst the sea of humanity. Even the tiniest actions can create ripples far beyond our immediate surroundings. The ocean, with its endless expanse and…
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Chromodoris sp.
Chromodoris is a vibrant genus of nudibranchs known for their colorful patterns and golden rhinophores, which help them sense chemicals in the water. A notable image was taken off the coast of Puerto Galera in the Philippines, showcasing their striking beauty and fascinating sensory adaptations.
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World Octopus Day and Beyond — Encounters from St. Vincent to Thailand
Every year on World Octopus Day (October 8), ocean lovers and scuba divers celebrate one of the ocean’s most intelligent and adaptable creatures. With eight flexible arms, three hearts, and the ability to change color and texture in an instant, octopuses continue to fascinate anyone lucky enough to meet them underwater. The scientific Latin term…
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This Week Seven Years Ago
Images from my first underwater camera and first dive trip to the Philippines. The Philippines is one of a kind scuba diving destination, offering the perfect mix of everything a scuba diver would want – cool critters and great selection of resorts. So many cool critters roaming around the ocean floor!
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School of Blackfin Barracuda
Day two at Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park and we were looking for big fish like whale sharks. We didn’t find any big animals but we observed a lot of schooling fish. Normally schooling fish either ignore me or they swim away. Today this school of Blackfin Barracuda swam towards me which was quite thrilling. Tubbataha…
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Granulated Sea Star (Choriaster granulatus) – Indo‑Pacific
The Granulated Sea Star (Choriaster granulatus) is a striking reef dweller. It is found throughout the tropical Indo‑Pacific, from East Africa to Fiji. It often appears in shallow coral and rubble zones between 1 and 40 meters deep. This species has short, rounded arms. Its body is plush, ranging from pink to beige, and is…
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Wildlife Wednesday: Purple Rhinopias
Rhinopias is a genus of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Scorpaenidae, the scorpionfishes. They are mostly found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The Rhinopias in the photo above was spotted off the coast of Anilao in the Philippines. More underwater images from the Anilao can be found here.
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Purple Nudibranch
Also known as the Apolegma Nudibranch (Hypselodoris apolegma) and Apolegma Sea Slug. This nudibranch was spotted off the coast of Puerto Galera in the Philippines. Slowing moving along a beautiful coral reef. More images from dives in the Philippines can be found here.