Puerto Galera Underwater Shootout Returns This September

Published 1 month agoon September 4, 2026

Underwater photographers will be heading to one of the Philippines’ most celebrated diving destinations this month for the Puerto Galera Underwater Shootout 2026.

Taking place from 16–20 September in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, the five-day event will bring together amateur and professional underwater photographers for a celebration of photography, diving and the Philippines’ extraordinary marine biodiversity.

Puerto Galera provides no shortage of subjects for competing photographers. Situated close to the Verde Island Passage, its waters are renowned for colourful coral reefs, spectacular marine life and world-class macro photography. From tiny nudibranchs and elusive frogfish to turtles, reef fish and dramatic wide-angle reef scenes, competitors will have plenty of opportunities to put both their photographic and diving skills to the test.

The event is being held in cooperation with the Department of Tourism Region IV-B MIMAROPA and the Municipality of Puerto Galera, with underwater photographers from around the world invited to take part.

Puerto Galera was also recognised as a Dive Destination at the Philippine Tourism Awards 2025, further cementing its reputation as one of the country’s leading underwater photography destinations.

Registration for the Puerto Galera Underwater Shootout 2026 is now open, with the competition getting underway on 16 September.

For more details and registration: https://www.uw360.asia/puerto-galera-to-host-2026-underwater-shootout-showcasing-the-philippines-marine-biodiversity

Jane Morgan

Jane’s lifelong love for the ocean began in childhood and has shaped the course of her life and career. After learning to dive in 1991, she spent much of the '90s teaching scuba and working on marine conservation projects in the Philippines and Borneo. A chance encounter with a film camera on a dive trip to Egypt in 2001 ignited a passion for underwater photography, inspiring her to leave the corporate world and pursue a full-time career in dive travel and photojournalism. Since then, her work has been published in a wide range of national and international magazines, books, and newspapers. She has filmed underwater for the BBC, judged major photography competitions, and received numerous accolades—including the prestigious Plongeur d'Or at the Festival Mondial de l'Image Sous-Marine. In 2009, Jane became a freelance photojournalist, and in 2011 completed a BA (Hons) in Marine and Natural History Photography at Falmouth University, where she now works as a Dive Safety Officer. Based in Cornwall, Jane dives locally year-round and is passionate about showcasing the rich marine life found in UK waters. As a proud ambassador for Dynamic Nord and Fathoms Free, she actively supports marine conservation initiatives and advocates for ocean protection through her storytelling. In her newest role with Scubaverse, Jane combines her love of travel, diving, and storytelling—sharing experiences from around the world to inspire others to explore, protect, and connect with the underwater world.

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