December 2012 I spent one week diving Atlantis Dumaguete followed by a second week on their luxury live-aboard boat the Azores. Although we were hit by Typhoon Bopha during the first week and lost more than two days diving, I was able to photograph a wide range of fish and critters including Ornate Ghost Pipefish, Mandarin Fish and Nudibranchs. Visits to Apo Island featured some of the best diving I have experienced and the staff at the resort and on board the Azores were terrific. The area ranks amongst the best macro locations anywhere although unlike most underwater photographers I did not specialise solely in this type of photography. The Azores itinerary also allowed us the rare opportunity to snorkel with and photograph Whale Sharks.