If you’re passionate about diving and underwater photography, make sure September 16–20, 2026 is marked on your calendar. The inaugural Puerto Galera Underwater Shootout is set to become one of the most exciting underwater photography competitions in the Philippines, bringing together photographers from around the world to showcase their creativity in one of Asia’s premier dive destinations.
Renowned for its extraordinary marine biodiversity, colorful coral reefs, and world-famous macro diving, Puerto Galera is the perfect location for photographers of every skill level. Whether you enjoy photographing tiny nudibranchs, elusive frogfish, sea turtles, vibrant reef
fish, or spectacular wide-angle reef scenes, you’ll find endless inspiration beneath the surface
To give competitors the best possible start, Scandi Divers Resort is offering special pre-competition accommodation and dive packages. Arrive a few days before the event and spend time diving with our inhouse photo pro’s while fine-tuning your camera settings and perfecting your techniques. Knowing the dive sites, understanding the lighting conditions, and spotting the best marine life before the competition begins could give you a real advantage
Scandi Divers Resort is one of Puerto Galera’s leading dive resorts, offering comfortable accommodation, professional dive services, photographer-friendly facilities, and easy access to many of the area’s most celebrated dive sites. Whether you’re travelling with a compact camera, mirrorless system, or professional DSLR setup, the experienced team will help ensure you spend more time creating unforgettable images and less time worrying about logistics.
The Puerto Galera Underwater Shootout isn’t just about winning prizes—it’s about celebrating underwater photography, marine conservation, and the global diving community. Throughout the event, participants will have the opportunity to meet fellow photographers, exchange ideas, learn new techniques, and experience the warm hospitality that has made Puerto Galera one of the world’s favourite diving destinations.
The event is proudly supported by an outstanding group of sponsors, including Kraken Sports, whose innovative underwater photography accessories have become a favourite among photographers worldwide. Their support, alongside other industry partners, helps make this exciting new competition possible while contributing to an impressive prize pool worth more than USD $40,000. Competitors will have the chance to win underwater photography equipment, dive gear, resort stays, and other exciting awards, making the Shootout one of the most rewarding new underwater photography events in Southeast Asia.
Whether you’re an experienced competitor or entering your first underwater photo contest, the
Puerto Galera Underwater Shootout offers the perfect combination of adventure, learning, and
friendly competition. Add a few extra days at Scandi Divers Resort to practice, discover why
Puerto Galera is consistently ranked among the best diving destinations in the Philippines.
Spaces are filling up quickly, so book your accommodation, prepare your camera