I’ve only done a handful of blackwater dives. Maybe five at most. Each one is both terrifying and beautiful.

This kind of dive isn’t for everyone.

• It’s done at night, usually far from shore, over deep, open ocean.
• The goal isn’t a reef or wreck. It’s plankton, larval fish, and alien-like creatures drifting up from the deep.
• Most of the people who do this regularly are photographers.

Why?

Because you won’t see these animals on a regular dive. These are translucent, glowing, strange creatures. Many only come up during cold months—when the water is 24°C to 27°C. That’s cold by Philippine standards. Full suits and thick hoods are a must for comfort.

The setup is special.

Lights are deployed in open water to attract creatures.

In Anilao, blackwater dives are usually done off Barangay San Jose, where the seafloor can go as deep as 200 meters.

The dive itself doesn’t go that deep. We hover around 15 to 20 meters, surrounded by darkness, with nothing but the downline and light rig for reference.

Photography here is the main event.

But it’s hard. I’m still struggling to get good shots. My camera skills feel clumsy in this setting. I get lucky sometimes, but mostly, I just watch in awe while others like Jorge Ida and Dennis Corpus make magic.

Their photos show the full potential of what’s down there. I’ll share their work here so you see what I mean.

The experience isn’t easy.

I get anxious before each dive. The dark, the depth, the unknown. It’s overwhelming.But I trust my buddies. I trust the boat crew. And that makes all the difference.

Each dive makes me more comfortable.

Each dive teaches me something new.

This is a kind of dive that forces you to slow down. Focus. Stay still. Wait.

And hope something beautiful floats into view.