MALDIVES
UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY AND CORAL REEF MONITORING
17-27 FEBRUARY 2027
An expedition on photographing change on the reefs and species from Malé to Hanimaadhoo and in the Northern atolls of Maldives
A JOURNEY BUILT FOR UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHERS
Over eight days aboard a live-aboard in the northern Maldives, Photographing Change uses underwater photography as a practice of ecological observation. Moving across scales, we learn to read a living ocean through patterns of presence, absence, behaviour, health and interaction. Through photography, field observation and citizen science, participants learn not only to make compelling images, but to recognise what those images can reveal, and contribute to meaningful stories of an ocean in change.
THE ROUTE
PHOTOGRAPH UNDERWATER CHANGE, AROUND A GLOBAL CLIMATE EVENT
Combining underwater photography, scientific exploration, and adventure, this journey is designed for ocean lovers who want to go beyond simply experiencing the underwater world - they want to help understand and protect it. This is not just a dive trip. It is an opportunity to become part of a global community of ocean explorers contributing to a greater understanding of our seas.
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KEY MARINE LIFE - Giant guitar shark, Eagle & manta rays, white tips & black tip sharks, Grey reef sharks, Nurse sharks, Barracudas & tunas, Hawksbill & green turtles, giant napoleon wrasse
NITROX DIVING - Nitrox is used to give us more safe time underwater. Non-nitrox divers can get Nitrox certification (for an extra fee)
THE 2026/2027 EL NIÑO SEASON - Recording the last clear baseline before the main impact, on reefs that have no baseline at all.
UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY - Soft coral gardens and coral reef ecosystems, Marine megafauna encounters, Remote islands and sandbanks, A deeper connection with the ocean and local environment
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PADI Open Water Diver (or equivalent certification)
Good level of physical fitness suitable for daily diving and expedition activities
50% Deposit required upon booking confirmation.
The remaining balance is due 3 months before departure, ensuring we can make all final payments to our in-country partners 60 days prior to the start of the expedition.
EXPEDITION CREW
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UMEED
Umeed would trade anything for a set of gills. He has spent 30 years as a marine biologist and PADI Staff Instructor, specializing in underwater photography courses that blend ecology with technical skill. His work spans fine art to scientific documentation, with numerous contributions to books, films, and exhibitions. He notably established a marine research dive facility in the Andaman Islands, furthering marine education and conservation through his multifaceted expertise.
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Tasneem
Tasneem will do anything to avoid wearing shoes. She has spent 20 years leading interdisciplinary initiatives in ecology, conservation, and science communication. A marine zoologist, she directed the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Environmental Team (ANET) and developed experiential learning programs for live-aboard expeditions in Thailand and the Mergui Archipelago. Now based in Ireland, she integrates her expertise in sailing, diving, and writing into all her educational and creative work.
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REDEY
Redey is happiest when sharing the ocean with others. A Maldivian PADI IDC Staff Instructor and SSI Open Water Instructor, Redey has dedicated nearly a decade to professional diving and marine tourism. Since co-founding Hanimaadhoo Dive and Watersports, he has certified hundreds of divers across more than 400 courses. He is recognized for his patient teaching style, safety-focused approach, and commitment to building confidence in divers across the Maldives.
