We could not be more excited and grateful to our sponsors, Atlantis Resorts Philippines to announce that the 2026 Photographer of the Year will receive a phenomenal prize – a 7-night dive vacation at Atlantis Dumaguete (valued at US$3,927), redeemable by Dec 13 2027. Please see winner responsible items below.
- Trip must be taken by Dec 13 2027
- 7-night dive vacation for one (1) person at Atlantis Dumaguete
- Deluxe accommodations, all meals at Atlantis's Restaurant, coffee, tea and filtered water; unlimited internet access
- Unlimited scheduled boat diving, typically 5 dives per day including night diving
- Valued at: US$3,927
- Not Included, winner responsible for: Airfare (domestic or international) or transfers, dive courses, dive equipment rental, Nitrox fills,Local tours, Marine Park fee, spas, sodas, alcohol, personal purchases, gratuity and any additional taxes or local fees (when applicable).
- Specialized Dive Facilities
- Dining: Toko’s Restaurant is located right on the beach and features daily changing blackboard menus using fresh, local ingredients
- Accommodations: Offers 44 elegantly designed guest rooms and suites, including Deluxe rooms, Garden Suites with large balconies, Ocean Front rooms, and Premier Garden Suites.
- Wellness & Relaxation: A newly renovated Spa offers four private therapy rooms, a sauna, and a rain shower. There is also a 100 sqm non-chlorinated freshwater swimming pool surrounded by lush tropical greenery.
- Guest Amenities: Includes a boutique shop (selling dive gear and native art), an air-conditioned classroom for training, and free high-speed Wi-Fi
- Apo Island: The most popular day trip, famous for world-class diving featuring sea turtles and vibrant coral reefs, followed by a beach BBQ
- Oslob Whale Sharks: A world-famous snorkel trip to interact with whale sharks
- Dumaguete City Tours: Explore local landmarks such as the 1818 Bell Tower, the Capitol area, and the Similan University Campus
- Nature & Local Culture: The resort offers tours to Siquijor, land excursions to see waterfalls and mountains, bird watching, and visits to local markets like Malatapay Market
Globally recognized as a premier destination for muck diving. For the experienced diver who finds traditional reef diving predictable, the black volcanic sands of Dumaguete offer a constant “treasure hunt.” You can spend days hunting for rare, highly specialized species like the famous Frogfish (the area is known as its capital), various species of seahorses, flamboyant cuttlefish, and an incredible array of colorful nudibranchs.
- Frogfish: The “stars” of Dumaguete . They are masters of camouflage and can be found in many varieties (Giant, Lined, etc.).
- Pygmy Seahorses: Tiny, highly specialized creatures that live among gorgonian corals. Finding them is a true test of a diver’s observation skills.
- Flamboyant Cuttlefish: Famous for their rapid color changes and intricate patterns; they are a highlight of a dedicated muck dive.
- Whale Sharks: While most famous in nearby Oslob, they are occasionally spotted in the waters around the Dumaguete/Dauin region.
- Sea Turtles (Green and Hawksbill): Extremely common around the reefs of Apo Island. They are often seen grazing on seagrass or cruising the coral walls.
- Nudibranchs (Sea Slugs): Dauin is a world leader for nudibranch diversity. You will see various colors and patterns on almost every muck dive.
- Cardinalfish & Damselfish: Large schools of these fish are standard in almost all reef environments in the area.
- Butterflyfish & Angelfish: Typical tropical reef inhabitants that populate the coral-rich areas.
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