The 8 best diving destinations for underwater photographers

Article and Photos by Anthony Leydet

Diving into the ocean is to enter a mystical universe, rich in form and color. For underwater photographers, the aquatic world is a canvas in constant motion, filled with captivating subjects. To inspire you and enrich your portfolio, here is a selection of eight must-see destinations, each offering ideal conditions for capturing spectacular images from the four corners of the globe…

The 8 best diving destinations for underwater photographers

1. Raja Ampat, Indonesia: The Holy Grail of marine biodiversity

Why Raja Ampat is a must-see?

With its impressive density of marine life, Raja Ampat is a genuine paradise for divers and underwater photographers. Located in the heart of the Coral Triangle (the area with the greatest marine biodiversity on the planet), this Indonesian archipelago is home to over 1,500 species of fish and spectacular coral reefs. The crystal-clear waters and dynamic interactions between predators and prey make it a playground for capturing fascinating marine scenes.

Places not to be missed :

  • Cape Kri : Encounter schools of jacks, barracudas and humphead wrasse.
  • Manta Sandy : To photograph the majestic manta rays at their most graceful.
  • The Passage : A mangrove swamp offering unique contrasts between light and shadow.

Photo tip: Alternate between wide-angle for the reefs and macro to capture pygmy seahorses or brightly coloured nudibranchs.

The 8 best diving destinations for underwater photographers

2. Cenotes, Mexico: magical underwater caves

Why are the cenotes unique?

In the depths of the Yucatán cenotes, located on the Caribbean coast of Mexico, the water is so clear that it gives the impression of floating in the air. These freshwater caves, bathed in beams of light, offer a surreal setting, ideal for underwater photographers looking to experiment with light and contrast.

Spots to discover :

  • Dos Ojos : For its fascinating rock formations and play of light.
  • Angelita : Where a mysterious layer of hydrogen sulphide resembles an underwater river.
  • The Pit : A deep dive with breathtaking beams of light.

Photo tip : Use a fisheye lens and work with natural light for spectacular compositions.

3. Grand Bahama, Bahamas: Encounter with Tiger sharks

A dive full of thrills

If the idea of capturing majestic predators appeals to you, the crystal-clear waters of Tiger Beach, off Grand Bahama, are the perfect place. Here, tiger sharks, often accompanied by lemon sharks, swim freely in shallow waters, making for captivating shots.

Memorable moments :

  • Close-ups of sharks in motion.
  • Schools of fish around reefs that add texture and color to your shots.
  • Interactions between different types of shark.

Photo tip: Keep a safe distance, and use a wide-angle lens to capture the details of the sharks while showing their environment.

The 8 best diving destinations for underwater photographers

4. Sipadan, Malaysia: An explosion of marine life

Why is Sipadan legendary?

This volcanic islet off the coast of Borneo is an amazing underwater nature reserve. Sea turtles, grey reef sharks, vortex barracudas… The diversity of the fauna and the clarity of the water make Sipadan a dream destination for photographers.

A must-see :

  • Barracuda Point: To photograph swirling barracudas.
  • Turtle Cavern: Capture spectacular shots of turtles in a fascinating setting.
  • Drop-Off: A spectacular drop-off offering views as far as the eye can see.

Photo tip: Play with natural light to highlight the depth and beauty of the coral reefs.

5. Lembeh, Indonesia: Macro photography paradise

A realm of strange and fascinating critters

Lembeh is renowned for its unusual marine life. This strait is the realm of macro-photography enthusiasts, thanks to its strange and magnificent creatures as frogfish, mimic octopuses, pygmy seahorses and multicoloured nudibranchs are just a few examples of the multitude of species to be discovered here!

Stars to photograph :

  • Hairy frogfish: Perfect texture for macro shots.
  • Mimic octopus: Fascinating to photograph in full mimicry.
  • Nudibranchs: Countless species for an explosion of colors and patterns.

Photo tip: Bring a macro lens and don’t forget your focusing lamp to capture the details of these tiny creatures.

The 8 best diving destinations for underwater photographers

6. Egypt : The mythical waters of the Red Sea

Why dive in Egypt?

The Red Sea is a mythical destination for divers, thanks to its preserved coral reefs, historic shipwrecks and rich marine fauna. From colorful coral gardens to schools of playful dolphins, it offers varied photographic opportunities, all in warm, crystal-clear waters.

Must-see spots :

  • Ras Mohammed: A marine reserve famous for its vibrant reefs and abundant wildlife.
  • Thistlegorm: An iconic World War II wreck, perfect for historical shots.
  • Elphinstone Reef: A spectacular site for observing Oceanic whitetip sharks and eagle rays.

Photo tip: For shipwrecks, bring a flashlight to reveal details in dark areas. On reefs, use a wide-angle lens to capture the richness of the corals.

7. Maldives: An underwater photographer’s tropical dream

An emblematic destination

The Maldives are synonymous with tropical luxury, but underwater they reveal another dimension. Their turquoise lagoons team with marine life: whale sharks, manta rays, multicolored coral and schools of exotic fish. The waters are warm and visibility is often excellent, ideal for capturing dazzling marine scenes.

Moments to capture :

  • Hanifaru Bay: A sanctuary to observe manta rays in a feeding frenzy.
  • Maaya Thila: Perfect for photographing reef sharks.
  • Banana Reef: An iconic site with colorful reefs and abundant wildlife.

Photo tip: Use a wide-angle lens to capture manta rays and whale sharks in all their majesty, and be prepared to play between artificial and natural light for dazzlingly beautiful shots.

The 8 best diving destinations for underwater photographers

8. Palau, Micronesia: A cocktail of color and action

Why is Palau a jewel?

Palau is an iconic destination for diving and photography enthusiasts. Its waters are home to gardens of hard and soft corals, abundant wildlife and historic sites such as World War II shipwrecks. It’s a perfect blend of biodiversity, beauty and history.

Sites not to be missed :

  • Blue Corner: An action-packed dive spot with reef sharks, schools of parrotfish and turtles.
  • Jellyfish Lake: A unique experience where you can swim with thousands of non-stinging jellyfish.
  • German Channel: A famous spot to observe manta rays cleaning.

Photo tip: For Jellyfish Lake, use a wide-angle lens to capture their delicate transparency.

The 8 best diving destinations for underwater photographers

Some essential tips for successful underwater photography

  1. Control your buoyancy : Perfect buoyancy is essential for stable shots and reef protection.
  2. Choose the right equipment: A sturdy camera with a waterproof body and suitable lenses (wide-angle and macro) are essential.
  3. Prepare in advance: Clean your equipment, check your seals and do light tests.
  4. Respect marine life: Never touch animals or coral. Adopt an ethical approach to minimize your impact.
  5. Be patient: Underwater photography requires time to anticipate the movements and behavior of subjects.

With these 8 exceptional destinations, there’s plenty to capture breathtaking images and enrich your portfolio. Whether you’re a macro enthusiast in Lembeh, fascinated by sharks in the Bahamas, or seduced by the fishy waters of the Maldives, each of these dives offers unique moments. So strap on your wetsuit, get your camera ready and dive into the wonders of the aquatic world!

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