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Nestled comfortably within the Coral Triangle, the most biodiverse marine region on Earth, Atlantis Dive Resorts and Liveaboards offer unparalleled diving experiences set in some of the world’s most spectacular underwater environments. The Coral Triangle—mainly spanning parts of the Philippines, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea—is home to an incredible array of species, and Atlantis are perfectly positioned to take full advantage of world-class access to some of the region’s top dive sites.

Whether you’re a big animal fanatic, searching for whale sharks or thresher sharks, or a photographer captivated by bustling, healthy reefs, or a critter nut, hunting for pygmy seahorses, frogfish and flamboyant cuttlefish, Atlantis offers something for everyone. All these extraordinary dive experiences are available through their two luxurious resorts and two liveaboard vessels. The resorts are situated in prime locations at Dumaguete and Puerto Galera, offering divers immediate access to vibrant reefs and muck through a variety of dive sites right off the coast. Their liveaboard vessels, Adventurer (formerly Azores) and Infiniti, allow divers to explore remote locations in comfort, maximizing dive time and providing the opportunity to visit some of the Coral Triangle’s most pristine and untouched sites.

Beyond just world-class diving, Atlantis prioritizes sustainability and responsible tourism, ensuring that divers have a positive impact on these delicate ecosystems. Their staff, many of whom are local experts, are committed to educating guests about the area’s rich biodiversity and the importance of conservation efforts.

In this Destination Portfolio special, 13 well-known underwater photographers share their thoughts about Atlantis and the amazing marine life they have encountered during their visits.
 

Sawblade shrimp are perfectly adapted for their wire coral homes. While this one is quite obvious in the picture, in reality, these tiny crustaceans are often nearly invisible!

Yusra Aikhayat

I visited Atlantis Dumaguete earlier in the year and greatly enjoyed the diving diversity, from macro to wide. With five dives a day, an abundance of critters, small dive groups, and a spacious camera room, it’s a photographer’s paradise! One of the highlights of my stay was observing and photographing a sawblade shrimp. I had not seen one before despite diving in many locations around the world, so it was an exciting find! Atlantis’ motto is “Arrive as a guest... leave as a friend.” I did leave as a friend, carrying with me so many lovely memories: From the warm welcome and friendly treats, to the professional service, I genuinely enjoyed every moment at the resort. Atlantis quickly became one of my favorite places to visit and I wholeheartedly  recommend them to other divers and underwater photographers whenever I can.

Yusra Aikhayat is a photographer and board member of PSUAE, the Emirates Photographic Society
 

While we hear so many stories of reefs these days that are in dire straits, it is nice to see that there are still reefs, like those around the Atlantis resorts, that are spectacularly healthy

Renee Grinnell Capozzola

Diving with Atlantis was an amazing experience! I just loved the wide diversity of sites, from macro to wide angle and everything in-between. With up to five dives per day, there were ample opportunities to explore new sites and produce creative images. My favorite picture from my stay was that of a porcelain crab sitting on an anemone and waving its arms, and my favorite dive was at Apo Island, featuring many sea turtles and vibrant, healthy corals. With extremely knowledgeable dive guides, wonderful staff, delicious food, and lush gardens throughout the property, Atlantis is a diver’s heaven!

Renee Grinnell Capozzola is the 2021 Female Fifty Fathoms winner and Underwater Photographer of the Year 2021
 

The world’s most venomous cephalopod, the blue-ringed octopus, is a frequently seen denizen of muck dives around Dumaguete and Puerto Galera

Jules Casey

I had an exceptional dive holiday experience in the Philippines. The dive sites around Atlantis Dumaguete were filled with plenty of marine life and colorful corals, providing endless opportunities for underwater photographers. With five dives offered daily, I was in my absolute element. Every dive started with a detailed briefing of the locations, focusing on diver safety and led by an experienced dive guide. A blue-ringed octopus was high on my list of marine life to see whilst diving in the Philippines. We have blue-ringed octopuses in my chilly home waters in Australia, but I was keen to compare this tropical species. Dumaguete turned out to be the perfect place to do so! My dive guide discovered two small blue-rings settled out in the open and I was able to spend time observing and photographing one of them. I captured a few images of its beauty while it sat perfectly still. I look forward to visiting Atlantis again, and hopefully the blue-ringed octopuses will be there to welcome me back!

Jules Casey is an award-winning photographer based in Australia and a Kraken Sports Pro and Doxa Watch ambassador
 

While the Philippines may not come to mind immediately when thinking of whale shark destinations, there are a few areas that have become known for attracting the world’s largest fish

Genece Grisby

Atlantis Dumaguete provided my first ever opportunity to see those amazing ocean giants, whale sharks. As an early-career marine scientist, I’ve long been interested in the potential benefits of shark ecotourism. Despite the mixed views surrounding snorkeling in Oslob, Cebu, I approached the experience with an open mind, eager to form my own conclusions. One aspect that stood out to me about these operations was that the boats used for transporting guests had no engines, eliminating the risk of propeller injuries to the sharks—a concern in many different parts of the world. This eye-opening experience left me with a fresh perspective and a strengthened resolve to continue exploring different forms of human and shark interactions, and it was, overall, a life-changing way to end my time in Dumaguete.

Genece Grisby is the 2023 North American OWUSS Scholarship winner and early-career marine scientist
 

Closely related to the more famous blue-ring, the mototi is equally stunning—and equally venomous. It’s less common than the blue-ring but still dependably found around the Atlantis resorts

Theresa Guise

My first encounter with the rare mototi octopus, a cousin of the blue-ringed octopus, was in Dumaguete. I was diving with the fabulous team at Atlantis when suddenly this mototi popped right up out of the seagrass to observe me. I think we surprised each other! I captured a few images of this beauty before it went on its way. This same area is also where I saw my first blue-ring! I had many first and unique diving experiences in Dumaguete, but those two encounters were standout highlights for me as I absolutely love octopuses. For those who share my cephalopod passion, the go-to dive site in Dumaguete is “Punta.” It is usually loaded with cool octopuses and cuttlefish. Marine life is abundant around Dumaguete, and Atlantis sits a stone’s throw from more than 30 dive sites that can be reached by boat in a matter of minutes. Five dives per day, small groups, and an impressive number of subjects make the region incredibly productive photographically. 

Theresa Guise is an award-winning photographer who has traveled all over the globe in search of underwater imaging opportunities
 

Stunningly beautiful and stunningly venomous, a banded sea krait returns to the reef after snatching a breath at the surface

Noam Kortler

Apo Island is a hidden gem located about an hour by boat from Atlantis Dumaguete, which offers day trips there to visit the wonderful marine ecosystem surrounding the island. It is home to 650 documented species of fish and over 400 documented species of corals. It is also renowned for its healthy population of sea kraits! I found this beautiful snake swimming gracefully on top of the reef and followed it while it explored, no doubt in search of prey. While they are of course aquatic, sea snakes do still breathe air, so at some stage it had to return to the surface for breath. I remained at the bottom, hoping the snake would descend back towards me—and it did! Thus far, I have been to Atlantis resorts three times, twice at Dumaguete and once at Puerto Galera, and I have loved each trip. There is truly incredibly marine diversity in the region and Atlantis provides access to a huge swath of it. The dive guides are very experienced, and know just where to find the special critters. Atlantis’ top-notch service, essentially unlimited diving, amazing photo rooms, great food and spacious rooms are a winning combination for a great diving holiday.

Noam Kortler is an award-winning photographer, owner of Nemo Divers Israel, and a Mares ambassador
 

The Philippines is one of the best places, if not the best place, on Earth for diving with thresher sharks. These typically shy sharks come up to shallower depths at a few select locations to visit cleaning stations

Olivier Mely

The Philippines is renowned as the best place in the world to dive with thresher sharks. Meeting one had long been a dream, so I was excited to join Atlantis’ liveaboard, Adventurer, on their seven-day Visayas itinerary. Our dives at Kimud Shoal, off Malapascua Island, were scheduled for day three. Ariès, the dive manager, understood my photographic goals and took the time to discuss how best to capture a stunning shot of a thresher. He guided me on positioning, behavior in the water, and the patience required. Kimud Shoal is a 40-foot-deep plateau where thresher sharks regularly come for cleaning by reef fish. On the dive, I scanned the blue waters, eagerly awaiting the first glimpse of the long-anticipated silhouette. Suddenly, three sharks appeared, approaching us slowly. Despite their shy nature, they swam close, their powerful bodies shining in the sunlight and their long tails whipping gracefully through the water. It was mesmerizing! This unforgettable encounter, along with the beautiful photos I captured, will stay with me forever. My heartfelt thanks to the amazing Atlantis team for making this dream a reality and allowing me to spend time with these fascinating creatures.

Olivier Mely is a professional underwater photographer, trip leader for Energy Trip, and self-proclaimed shark lover
 

A mouth-brooding cardinalfish with an overflowing clutch of eggs. These eggs are just about ready to hatch, evidenced by the eyespots visible on the soon-to-be-birthed larva

Vanessa Mignon

I have never been much of a macro person—until I dove with Atlantis in Dumaguete! I was stunned by the diversity and abundance of mesmerizing critters, some of which I didn’t know even existed. Atlantis only takes small groups on each boat and there is so much to see that often, each of us would have our “own” critter to photograph. Five dives per day also meant seemingly endless opportunities to take pictures. You end up seeing a whole lot while having to put in very little effort—the perfect diving holiday! In fact, I enjoyed myself so much that I went back to Atlantis Dumaguete the following year and also spent time at their resort in Puerto Galera. It was another great trip and I ticked off a picture I’ve been wanting for a very long time. I have always wanted to photograph the mouth-brooding behavior of cardinalfish. When I mentioned this to the dive guides, they knew straight away where to take me—a lovely dive site a whopping one minute away! There were plenty of cardinalfish, including several with eggs. I selected one that seemed content to hang out inside in a barrel sponge and had no obstructions in the way. There were only four divers on the boat that day, and with plenty for them to see nearby, I was able to spend a good 20 minutes with this fish, allowing me ample opportunity to get my shots. Even better, because the dive team is always happy to help, and because that dive site has lots to see, we were able to go back again a few days later, allowing me to get better pictures at a later stage of egg development. What a special experience! Thank you, Atlantis!

Vanessa Mignon is an award-winning photographer, Australian Marine Conservation Society Ambassador, and Marelux liaison officer for marine conservation
 

Small in stature, huge in charisma, the flamboyant cuttlefish is frequently spotted all across the Philippines. Here, two small males vie for the affections of a significantly larger female

Brandi Mueller

Atlantis is one of my favorite places in the world to make underwater photos. The macro diving is epic and I have seen so many creatures and behaviors for the first (and sometimes only) time at Puerto Galera and Dumaguete. Beyond being great locations for photographic opportunities, the resorts have excellent staff trained to handle cameras and find the sought-after critters. The resorts have dedicated camera rooms with space aplenty and an abundance of charging areas. Both Atlantis locations are comfortable, the staff and service are excellent, and the food is fabulous. An encounter that stands out for me, among many, was witnessing a large flamboyant cuttlefish and her entourage of two smaller ones trailing behind her, likely hoping to mate. It was hilarious to watch as the female wanted absolutely nothing to do with her escorts and continued going about her business, even eating a few small shrimps while we watched. The males were persistent and took turns cosying up to her side and sort of pushing one another out of the way! We spent our remaining bottom time watching them and even went back the next day and found the trio again. It was incredible to witness.

Brandi Mueller is a photographer, author, dive charter captain, and Ikelite ambassador
 

A skunk anemonefish tends to a clutch of eggs glued to a rock. Between the protective stinging tentacles of the anemone and under the watchful eyes of mom and dad, the babies have a good chance of surviving the egg stage

Alex Rose

From the moment you enter the Atlantis Dumaguete property and drive through their front gate, surrounded by lush greenery and the welcoming sound of the ocean, you know you’ve picked the right place. With easy access to amazing dive sites, a lovely spa, a menu worth a visit in and of itself, beautiful accommodations, and dive guides ready to make your critter wish list come true, the resort has you wanting for nothing. Because of its close proximity to the dive sites, you can easily fit four productive, clownfish-filled dives into a day and still have plenty of time to indulge in a delicious cappuccino or mango smoothie, relax by the pool, and even enjoy a massage. While macro life is certainly the focus of the nearby dive sites, photographers can easily satiate their wide-angle cravings with a day trip to Apo Island, a healthy reefscape filled with schooling fishes, sea turtles, frogfishes, and even the occasional sea krait. This place is a paradise for underwater photographers, and the resort caters to them with a spacious camera room outfitted with gear cubbies, loads of power points, pressurized air nozzles, and all the marine-themed books and identification guides anyone could hope for. Do yourself a favor and go discover Atlantis!

Alex Rose is an award-winning photographer and the science editor of Ocean Geographic magazine
 

Among the most beautiful fish in the sea, the mandarinfish is a much-loved photographic subject. Catching them “in the act” is the icing on the cake for a photographer!

Virginia Salzedo

I first visited Atlantis in 2022 as my prize for winning the Our World Underwater contest in Chicago. I was so thrilled by the experience that I have since returned three more times. Atlantis provides everything I want for my ideal vacation: fantastic muck dives, incredibly skilled and kind dive guides who help me take the best shots possible, excellent cuisine and comfortable lodging. I have had so many incredible sightings with Atlantis that it’s hard to choose one, but my mandarinfish dives come to mind. I’d never had the chance to photograph them before, and I know they are among the most beautiful and rare subjects the oceans have to offer. Mandarinfish are really only able to be photographed at twilight, as this is when they come out of dense corals to spawn. Luck, preparation, and a healthy dose of patience are required. My fantastic dive guide, Wing, gave me a lot of helpful tips beforehand, so I knew what to expect and what to and what not to do. We waited motionless on the bottom for more than half an hour with our lights off, hoping the mandarinfish would put on a show. Finally, a male emerged and began his search for a female companion. Wing signaled me to wait—it was not time yet. A short while later, a female arrived and the pair quickly caressed each other, and a mating ritual began. I remember Wing nodding at me, indicating it was my moment to shoot. I managed to take two pictures before the tiny fish finished their job and vanished into the darkness. It all happened so fast! I remember nervously checking my pictures but being thrilled and relieved  that they were in focus! All thanks to Wing’s expert advice.

Virginia Salzedo is an award-winning photographer and Aqualung ambassador
 

For a lucky few, endangered dugongs are a rare and incredible encounter in the Philippines. They are often accompanied by pilotfish, jacks, and the odd diver

Boaz Samorai

I joined the “Apo Reef & Wrecks of Coron” itinerary aboard Atlantis liveaboard, Adventurer, and it was an incredible adventure. The journey was comfortable, with exceptional service throughout. We explored World War II wrecks and dove in the Philippines’ second-largest marine park, Apo Reef. The diving was outstanding, with vibrant corals and abundant marine life. We encountered everything from turtles, sea snakes and rays to a staggering variety of macro subjects. We were incredibly lucky on that trip: We also passed through dugong habitat and were fortunate to spend some time with one of these incredible and, unfortunately, extremely endangered animals. Having never seen a dugong before, it was a truly magical experience and one I will always be grateful to Atlantis for providing.

Boaz Samorai is an award-winning photographer and the founder of the Red Sea Diving Festival
 

Verde Island is a haven for green turtles, which come to the stunning reefs for spa treatments from cleaner fish—and no doubt to take well-deserved naps

Marty Snyderman

Verde Island, located about an hour by bangka from Sabang Bay (Puerto Galera) is a must-do diving destination in the heart of the Coral Triangle. This region is home to nearly 75% of the world’s reef-building corals, over 2,200 species of fish, and countless marine invertebrates. Recently recognized as a “Hope Spot,” Verde Island and its surrounding ecosystems are under protection through the global conservation campaign led by Mission Blue, founded by renowned marine biologist Dr Sylvia Earle. For underwater photographers and videographers, Verde Island is a magical wonderland. The reefs are teeming with life, and the waters are filled with vibrant schools of fish. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer abundance of subject matter, whether you’re using a wide-angle lens to capture dramatic seascapes or a macro lens to focus on smaller details. My advice? Just go, with fully charged batteries and plenty of storage space, and experience the wonders of Verde Island for yourself!

Marty Snyderman is a renowned photographer and cinematographer, and recipient of the NOGI Award in the Arts by the Academy of Underwater Arts and Sciences, DEMA’s Reaching Out Award, the California Scuba Service Award, and an Emmy for his cinematography