The Best Liveaboard Itineraries for Underwater Photography

Unless you’ve ever been fortunate enough to have been diving in some of the world’s most stunning stretches of seas, oceans, and open waters, you will never truly appreciate just how magical they really are. Our oceans are home to some of the most diverse, unique, eye-catching, and stunningly beautiful marine life and ecosystems you could ever imagine. While nothing will ever beat seeing these amazing sights in person, snapping some amazing underwater images comes in at a very close second.

Underwater photography is fast becoming one of the most popular forms of photography currently being practiced. This is one of the main reasons why you can find some of the best liveaboard itineraries for underwater photography, for very reasonable prices. 

As more and more people search for the best liveaboards for photography, it’s important to find, not only the best vessels, but also the best itineraries as well. Make no mistake about it, underwater photography is tough, and it is something that even the most capable and experienced photographers will struggle with initially. 

If you’re toying with the idea of taking up underwater photography for yourself, here’s a look at several tips, as well as some of the best liveaboard itineraries for underwater photography. 

Underwater Photography Tips

 

Before we look at some of the best liveaboards for photography, we’ll first help you to become the best underwater photographer that you can be. 

Here’s a look at several underwater photography tips that’ll have you snapping pro-style images that National Geographic themselves would be envious of. 

Ensure Your Diving Skills are On Point 

 

First and foremost, if you’re really serious about becoming a capable and experienced underwater photographer, you are going to have to make sure your diving skills are on point. 

Diving itself is hard enough, but diving with underwater photography kit, and indeed, your usual diving gear, that becomes a whole other ballgame entirely. 

To ensure that you get the best photos possible, and more importantly, to ensure that you remain safe at all times, before you consider grabbing your photography kit, you must first ensure that your diving skills are up to a suitable standard. Once they are, you can then think about bringing more underwater photography kit along. This brings us to…

Familiarize Yourself with the Water 

Needless to say, if you’re looking at getting into underwater photography, then obviously you are going to need to familiarize yourself with being in the water with all of your equipment. 

Now, by this, we don’t mean you should go and hop into the shower with a GoPro strapped to your head, or sit in the bath with your camera, we mean familiarize yourself with the ocean waters. 

Throw on your diving gear, grab your underwater camera and other pieces of kit, and get into the water and starting snapping some practice shots! 

While the best liveaboards for photography will provide you with some truly stunning locations, for now you should just focus on getting used to being under the water with your photography gear, and getting used to how your camera behaves in the water. 

Get Plenty of Practice Shots 

Once you’re in the water with your camera for the first time, one thing that you will immediately notice is that your camera will not behave like it does on dry land. 

In the water you’re going to be bobbing around, you’ll need to be mindful of rocks, marine life, and other underwater hazards, and of course, you’re going to need to steady yourself in order to get the best possible snaps. 

Once you’re happy that your diving skills are where they need to be, and that you’re as comfortable with your photography kit as can be, you can then think about getting plenty of practice shots. 

Find interesting features under the water and then go ahead and start snapping away. Remember, this is just practice, so don’t worry too much about finding ‘the perfect shot’ because that will come later. For now, you’re just training yourself to get used to operating a camera under the water. 

Don’t Expect to be Swamped by Marine Life 

 

While diving, you will no doubt encounter plenty of stunning marine life, but you will also scare away plenty more. 

In order to get amazing underwater photographs, you will need to get as close to the subjects you’re photographing as you can. If you’re snapping some coral reef, or an unusual rock formation perhaps, then this isn’t a problem. If you’re photographing a living creature however, the closer you get, the more likely the creature will be to sway or scuttle away. 

While some of the best liveaboard itineraries for underwater photography will put you up close and personal with some of Mother Nature’s most diverse and beautiful marine life, just be aware that a lot of the creatures you hope to photograph will likely be scared away by your presence. 

Underwater photography, like fishing, is very much a hobby about patience. For every one fish you are lucky enough to get close enough to photograph, you’ll find that you scare away ten more. Your patience however, will be rewarded when you do finally get that elusive perfect shot that you’ve been after for so long. 

Know How Light Behaves Under the Water 

If you’re familiar with light and photography basics on dry land, go ahead and forget most of that when it comes to underwater photography. 

Light is a photographer’s best friend and worst enemy, in equal measure. Good lighting can make or break any photo, which is why you need to understand how light behaves underwater. 

Light acts very differently when it passes through the water as opposed to the air on land. Obviously this can hugely influence how your images turn out. Needless to say, the most obvious difference is that the majority of color found in your underwater images will be, yep, you guessed it – blue! 

Objects which are closer to you will appear more of a light blue, with them turning a darker shade of blue as they move away from you. The deeper you dive under the water, the less light there will be and the darker the blue will be. 

Other colors also act differently in the water. A bright and vibrant red crab on land for example, will appear as a much duller and darker shade of red when under the water. 

While there is a whole bunch of science and physics involved to explain why light acts differently under the water, the basic thing to remember is that everything will appear bluer, and darker, when submerged. 

Play Around with Your Camera Settings 

 

One thing that a lot of underwater photographers don’t think about, is the fact that they are going to be snapping most of their images downwards, rather than vertically or even horizontally. 

Needless to say, most photos we take on land are taking vertically while we’re either stood up, sat down, or crouched down. Sometimes we will also snap the occasional image while laying down horizontally. What we rarely do, is photograph images downwards. 

Taking photos downwards will play havoc with the exposure settings on your camera, which is why you are going to need to play around with them and adjust them as you change direction. Shooting downwards for example, will likely result in your images becoming underexposed. Shooting upwards will underexpose them, so go ahead and adjust as and when necessary. 

Find the Best Liveaboard You Can 

 

In order for you to snap the perfect images underwater, you’re going to have to find the best liveaboards for photography. 

A liveaboard will give you everything you need to prepare for a dive and underwater shoot, as well as everything you need after a shoot, and basically to relax and unwind after being under the water for so long. 

Some of the best liveaboard itineraries for underwater photography should not only take you diving around some of the world’s most beautiful dive spots, they should also give you everything you need for diving and underwater photography. 

Not having a rinse room for example, may not sound like much to most people, but for divers and underwater photographers, it could make life incredibly difficult as far as underwater photography is concerned. 

To ensure your underwater photography ventures run as efficiently as they possibly can, go ahead and look for the best liveaboards for photography that you can. 

The Best Liveaboards for Underwater Photography

As we just mentioned, if you want to enjoy the best liveaboard itineraries for underwater photography, you’re going to want to find the best liveaboard vessels that you can. 

Whether you’re looking to go diving and snapping images around the Great Barrier Reef, the Galapagos, Indonesia, Thailand, Mexico, or anywhere else, here are several of the best liveaboards for photography. 

Scubaspa Ying, Maldives 

Ever wanted to explore the majestic waters of the Maldives, snapping the best images possible, and then get back on board your boat before relaxing in your very own spa at sea? Well, with Scubaspa Ying, that’s exactly what you get. 

Scubaspa Ying combines 5-star spa treatments with world-class scuba diving. This vessel is ideal for divers and underwater photographers who are also looking to relax and unwind between dives and photoshoots. 

Scubaspa Ying has its onboard spa complete with Yoga classes, spa-therapists, treatment rooms, and much more besides. It also features a laundry service, En-suite bathrooms, sea view accommodation, a mini gym, outdoor HD cinema, jacuzzi/hot tub, a dedicated international and local crew, audio and video entertainment, and much more besides. 

As diving and underwater photography is the goal here however, you’ll be pleased to learn that Scubaspa Ying features an observation deck, a separate rinse station for underwater cameras, a fully equipped dive boat, a dive deck, DIN adaptors, Nitrox, Rinse Hoses, and much more. 

Features: 

• Outdoor HD cinema 
• Mini gym 
• Spa facilities 
• Thai massage facilities 
• Hot tub/jacuzzi 
• Air-conditioned cabins 
• Beach BBQ 
• DIN Adaptors 
• Nitrox 
• Rinse station for U/W cameras 
• Dive deck 
• Gear rental 
• Welcome cocktails 
• Leisure deck 
• Warm water showers 
• Charging stations 
• 19 cabins 
• 24 bathrooms 
• Sleeps 40 guests 
• Luxury suites available 

What we Liked:

• Having your very own luxury spa on board is really special, and is something we can’t overlook. Yes, we know underwater photography is the focus today, but who says you can’t combine the two? 

• Considering this isn’t a bona-fide dive boat, the diving facilities on board are fantastic. The separate rinse for U/W camera is also a deal-breaker. 

What we Disliked: 

• Again, only a very minor complaint, but considering this is a high spec vessel, it would have been nice to have had WI-FI included, rather than being a paid option. 

https://www.liveaboard.com/diving/maldives/scubaspa-ying

Tiburon Explorer, Galapagos 

 

The Galapagos Islands are home to some of the world’s most diverse and beautiful marine creatures, just begging to be photographed. If you’re looking to build an impressive portfolio of underwater images, it’s easy to see why Tiburon Explorer is considered one of the best liveaboards for photography. 

Tiburon Explorer may be a premium liveaboard with all of the luxuries you’d expect to find at a 5 star hotel, but she is still a ship designed by divers, for divers. 

With 9 fully air conditioned cabins, and 9 bathrooms, Tiburbon Explorer is not the largest liveaboard you’ll encounter, but for underwater photography and diving, you couldn’t ask for more. On board you’ll find DIN Adaptors, Nitrox upon request for those certified, rinse hoses, a dive deck, separate underwater camera rinse, outdoors showers, charging stations, and much more on top. 

For times when you’re out of the water and your camera is safely charging up, you can also relax on the leisure deck, in the indoor air conditioned saloon, on the sundeck, or in the hot tub/jacuzzi. 

Features: 

• Sundeck 
• Hot tub/jacuzzi 
• Separate underwater camera rinse area 
• Warm showers 
• Outside showers 
• Charging stations 
• Air conditioned cabins with En-suites 
• Air conditioned saloon 
• BBQ area 
• DIN Adaptors 
• Nitrox 
• Rinse stations 
• Dive deck 
• Paid WIFI 
• Western and local food 
• Snacks served all day 
• Free soft drinks 
• Welcome cocktails on arrival 
• And more… 

What we Liked:

• One of the best things about Tiburon Explorer is the fact that she was designed by divers, for divers. If you’re a keen underwater photographer looking for the best liveaboard itineraries for underwater photography, this is the boat for you. 

• The food and drink served on board is made from the finest local and western style ingredients and is made to the very highest of specs. It is also served so that it looks just as amazing as it will taste. If you’re looking for food pics for ‘The Gram’ you’ll be in your element here. 

What we Disliked: 

• While nothing major, beer and wine is not included in the basic food and drinks package, and they must be purchased as extras. There is, however, wine served free with dinner, which is a very nice touch. 

Deep Andaman Queen, Thailand 

 

Thailand’s waters home some truly amazing creatures, the likes of which you’ll struggle to find anywhere else in the world. If you’re fortunate enough to photograph them, you’ll treasure those snaps for the rest of your days. 

If you’re looking to dive the Simian Islands, Myanmar’s Mergui Archipelago, and the South Andaman Sea, the aptly named Deep Andaman Queen is the ideal liveaboard for you. 

Having recently undergone a renovation in 2019, this luxury vessel can cater for up to 25 divers across 11 spacious and luxurious cabins, complete with TVs. Here you’ll find 11 air conditioned cabins and 12 bathrooms, leaving you with plenty of space. 

As for your underwater photography and diving, you’ll also be well catered for as you’ll find Nitrox available, a dive deck, DIN Adaptors, rinse areas, a camera station, charging stations, and 2 tenders on board. 

After a long day of capturing images of gorgeous marine life on camera, why not relax on the sundeck, in the airconditioned saloon, or grab a drink in the bar, before tucking into a delicious freshly-prepared meal Al-Fresco style. 

Features: 

• Air conditioned cabins 
• En-Suite bathrooms 
• Audio and visual entertainment 
• Bar 
• Sundeck 
• Camera station 
• Rinse stations 
• Dive decks 
• DIN Adaptors 
• Nitrox available 
• Full and half-board options 
• Fresh local and western ingredients 
• Shaded diving area 
• Free internet 
• Snacks served all day 
• Outside and warm water showers 

What we Liked:

• The cabins themselves really impressed us on this boat. Having undergone a refurb in 2019, this was clearly money well spent as the cabins are spacious, luxurious, comfortable, and homely. 

• The camera editing station also proved very impressive for us, and it’s easy to see why this is considered one of the best liveaboards for photography. If you take your underwater photography seriously, this is the vessel for you. The dive platform to the rear of the boat is fantastic for underwater photography, and diving in general.

What we Disliked: 

• We would perhaps have liked to see a few more comfortable seating options on the exterior of the boat, as there are a lot of hard benches and chairs. There are also however, plenty of comfortable seating options found elsewhere, so perhaps we are nitpicking somewhat. 

https://www.liveaboard.com/diving/thailand/deep-andaman-queen

Scubaspa Yang, Maldives 

Finally, heading back to the Maldives, we have the Yang to the Ying of Scubaspa liveaboards. 

Yes, we have another Scubaspa vessel with spa on board, this time coming in the form of Scubaspa Yang. If you’re an avid underwater photographer, but also enjoy the finer things in life and want some R ‘n R between underwater shoots, this is one of the best liveaboard itineraries for underwater photography. 

Scubaspa Yang features an open air cinema, a gym, a spa, a hot tub/jacuzzi, and is a multi-award winning boat. The sister vessel of Scubaspa Ying, if you want to dive and indulge your underwater photography in luxury, Scubaspa Yang is perfect. 

Diving will take place from the accompanying dive dhoni, which houses all of the necessary diving equipment, including rinse tanks, Nitrox filling stations, dive equipment storage, camera storage and more. You’ll also find an observation deck, and charging stations throughout. 

Again, with 19 cabins and 24 bathrooms on board, everybody gets plenty of their own space to relax and unwind in.

When you’re done diving for the day, why not book a massage or spa treatment, before having a soak in the hot tub/jacuzzi? 

Features: 

• Rinse stations 
• Leisure deck 
• Observation deck 
• Dive dhoni 
• Virtually 1:1 crew to guest ratio 
• Delicious western and local cuisine 
• Beer and wine available 
• Paid internet 
• Spa 
• Open-air cinema 
• Mini gym 
• En-Suite bathrooms 
• Air conditioned cabins with suites available 
• Kayaks on board 
• Stand up paddleboarding available 
• Tenders for diving 
• Nitrox available 
• Beach BBQ 
• Hot tub/jacuzzi 
• Dive deck 
• Rinse hoses 
• DIN Adaptors 

What we Liked:

• The dive dhoni on this particular vessel is exceptional, and offers the keen diver and underwater photographer everything they’d need for an unforgettable marine life photoshoot. 

• The food, drink, and fine wines selection really helps to make Scubaspa Yang one of the most memorable liveaboards currently in service. If you enjoy your food and drink, and are partial to a fine wine, you’ll be blown away by the selection on offer here. 

What we Disliked: 

• As a lot of people enjoy BBQ food, there is unfortunately not a BBQ area on board. Guests can however, enjoy a beach BBQ on their very own deserted island while relaxing on board. 

https://www.liveaboard.com/diving/maldives/scubaspa-yang

Final Thoughts

Okay, so that just about wraps up our look at the best liveaboard itineraries for underwater photography. 

Hopefully the underwater photography tips we shared with you today will prove useful, along with the look at the best liveaboards for photography. 

Remember, when it comes to underwater photography, having a fully equipped, and comfortable liveaboard can really make your experience that little bit more memorable and that more enjoyable. 

The liveaboards we listed today are virtually guaranteed to give you the best underwater photography experience of your life, so be sure to check them out!