Travel

Two male flamboyant cuttlefish jostle for position to mate with the larger female
 

In the pantheon of world’s best muck diving locations, the Dauin region of the Philippines, more specifically Dumaguete, absolutely deserves a place. Alongside other Coral Triangle locations like Lembeh Strait, Ambon, and Anilao, Dauin can more than hold its own against any of them. There is perhaps nowhere better on Earth for cephalopods and frogfish than Dauin—even Lembeh may struggle to compete on this front. With a mix of habitats from muck slopes, to sand and seagrass beds, to rubble fields, to spectacular reefs, the diversity of ecosystems allows for a stunning diversity of marine life as well, including sea snakes, turtles, and even whale sharks.

With over 20 dive sites around Dumaguete, there are lots of spots to choose from depending on what a photographer would like to see. September through November is peak cephalopod season, while April through July is the best time for frogfish. No matter what type of critter you are into, chances are Dumaguete has them. For underwater photographers and marine life lovers alike, Dumaguete absolutely deserves a visit, and chances are you will not be disappointed.
 

The Dauin region of the Philippines is a frogfish hotspot, rivaling locations like Lembeh Strait, Anilao, or Florida
 

While it doesn't have quite the nudibranch cache as Anilao, Dauin has more than its fair share, including this wonderful little Nembrotha
 

A common seahorse finds refuge huddled up on the single bit of algae on a barren sandscape
 

A wonderfully adorned Ambon scorpionfish, an uncommon species just about everywhere it is found
 

A fantastically cute, juvenile yellow boxfish poses perfectly for the camera
 

While it is known as a macro destination, Dauin has its fair share of spectacular reefs and large animals like sea snakes and turtles
 

Dauin is a cephalopod hotspot and certain times of year, cuttlefish and octopuses are everywhere, including broadclub cuttlefish
 

A male ribbon eel shows off its massive nostrils. As the eel ages it will lose the blue color, turn all yellow, and transition to female
 

An adult longhorn cowfish in its nighttime colors
 

The wonderpus, one of the world's most incredible octopus species. Dauin is a fantastic place to find this spectacular octopus and they are not an uncommon sight around the muck sites in the area
 

Nudibranchs come in seemingly endless styles and colors, and this purple tipped nudibranch crawling across a sponge was impossible to pass up as a subject
 

Ornate ghost pipefish come in just about every color imaginable, but this yellow version is truly gorgeous
 

A spectacular flavor of the Shawn the Sheep slug. Dauin is one of the few places this particular species can be found regularly
 

Perhaps not the “sexiest” of subjects, some of these coral gobies are beautiful regardless
 

A gorgeous juvenile painted frogfish poses in the spotlight. Painted frogfish are a dime a dozen in Dauin and certain times of year it is reasonable to find 10 or more on a dive
 

A stunning little nudibranch that looks like it is made of blown glass
 

A common species, Ardeadoris egretta rudman is nonetheless beautiful with its white body and bright yellow trim
 

A scorpionfish waits in ambush next to a beautiful crinoid
 

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