Blue hues of an island's coast

A traditional dhoni cruise is the best way to explore the turquoise waters of the Maldives

Crystal clear waters of the Maldives

Views towards Waagali from the boat - Maldives Dhoni Photography Expedition with Paul Zizka, Maldives

Views towards Waagali from the boat | Deb Wilkinson

Koimala Exterior

Beautiful underwater scenes

Gulfaam bow view

Blue hues of an island's coast

Orange sunset over Vashugiri - Maldives Dhoni Photography Expedition with Paul Zizka, Maldives

Orange sunset over Vashugiri | Deb Wilkinson

Sand bar sunsets in the Maldives - Maldives Dhoni Photography Expedition with Paul Zizka, Maldives

Sand bar sunsets in the Maldives | Rache Imber

Heading towards Felidhe Atoll - Maldives Dhoni Photography Expedition with Paul Zizka, Maldives

Heading towards Felidhe Atoll | Deb Wilkinson

Stunning views sailing through the Maldives - Maldives Dhoni Photography Expedition with Paul Zizka, Maldives

Stunning views sailing through the Maldives | Jaclyn Loft

Maldives Dhoni Photography Expeditionwith Paul Zizka

Maldives Photography Expedition with Paul Zizka

Maldives

8 Days from

$5990 USD

Trip Code: SOG9851

View dates to Book

Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Duration

8 Days

Activities

6 night cruise , 1 night hotel in male
8 day trip

Accommodation

7 nights

Meals

6 Dinners
6 Lunches
7 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading: Discovery and Cruising
These are our least demanding trips. These journeys of discovery and cruises involve little or no extended activity and are suitable for people with a basic level of fitness and good health.The itinerary may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and may involve long travel days on various types of transport. Sightseeing may be conducted on foot and all participants should be capable of carrying their own luggage from vehicle to hotel rooms. These adventures do not go above 2500m and rarely involve camping.Suggested preparation: Once or twice a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour, for at least 2 -3 months prior to departure.
1 / 10
Discovery and Cruising

Trip highlights

Travel with world-renowned photographer Paul Zizka
Daily photography workshops, image reviews and in-field coaching
Learn landscape, travel, wildlife and storytelling photography techniques
Photograph pristine islands, turquoise lagoons and dramatic tropical sunsets
Snorkel vibrant coral reefs filled with turtles, reef sharks and colourful marine life
Cruise aboard a traditional Maldivian dhoni with an intimate small group
Capture authentic island life and Maldivian culture
Beach BBQ under the stars and overnight anchorages in secluded bays
Plenty of one-on-one instruction and personalised feedback throughout the expedition

Overview

Join internationally acclaimed adventure and landscape photographer Paul Zizka on an unforgettable small-group photography expedition through the Maldives aboard a traditional private dhoni.

Scattered across the Indian Ocean are nearly 1,200 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls — one of the lowest-lying, most water-defined nations on earth, and it shows in everything you photograph here. Beneath the surface, reef life gathers in extraordinary density: hawksbill and green turtles glide over coral gardens, reef and nurse sharks patrol the shallows, and spinner dolphins ride the bow wake between atolls. The water itself does much of the work — impossibly clear, lit from above, shifting from turquoise shallows to deep indigo channels within a single crossing. Above the surface, the Maldives offers a different kind of stillness: white sandbars, palm-fringed islets, and skies that turn molten at sunset. Experiencing all of this aboard a traditional Dhoni means waking at anchor off islands few travellers ever reach, let alone photograph, and stepping straight from your cabin into the reef.

Designed for photographers of all levels, this immersive liveaboard combines daily photography guidance, hands-on field instruction, impromptu image reviews and creative coaching with the incredible beauty of the Maldives. From turquoise lagoons and pristine sandbanks to vibrant coral reefs, marine wildlife and spectacular tropical sunsets, every day presents new opportunities to build your skills while capturing extraordinary images, whether they be aerials, among the waves, or under the surface.

Whether you're shooting sweeping seascapes, underwater scenes, drone imagery or authentic island life, Paul will guide you every step of the way, helping you return home with stronger photography, unforgettable experiences and an outstanding portfolio.

Itinerary

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Upon arrival at Velana International Airport in Malé, you will be met and transferred to our group hotel in the heart of Old Malé. After time to settle in and relax, we’ll head out around 4:00pm for an introductory walk through the city. Although Malé covers just four square miles (around eight kilometres), it is a vibrant and bustling capital offering a wonderful first taste of Maldivian life. As we explore the President’s Palace, Sultan Park, the historic Friday Mosque, and the lively fish and local markets, there will be countless opportunities to capture colourful street scenes, everyday life, striking architecture, and environmental portraits as we ease into our photographic adventure. Overnight at Somerset Hotel (or similar).

Meals: Nil

This morning after breakfast we transfer to the dock and begin our Dhoni adventure. After settling into our cabins and meeting the crew, we’ll enjoy a detailed safety and itinerary briefing before cruising south toward the island of Guraidhoo. Our first snorkel over the island’s house reef offers an excellent introduction to underwater photography, with butterflyfish, wrasses, colourful corals, and the occasional moray eel providing ideal early subjects. (Beach towels, snorkels, and flippers are provided on board.) Continuing toward Vaavu Atoll, we’ll explore Turtle Reef, where hawksbill turtles, vibrant reef fish, and crystal-clear water create exceptional photographic opportunities both above and below the surface. Later, at Kudi Boli, the reef comes alive with clownfish, stingrays, parrotfish, and, with luck, reef sharks. Between snorkelling sessions, the changing light, turquoise lagoons, and traditional Dhoni provide endless inspiration for seascapes and life aboard.

Meals: B,L,D

Our morning begins at Loabi Faru, where colourful coral gardens, angelfish, wrasses, and the occasional octopus reward patient observation and careful composition. In the afternoon, we arrive at tranquil Bongo Veli, a picture-perfect tropical islet surrounded by dazzling white sand and impossibly clear water. Whether photographing sweeping tropical landscapes, intimate beach details, or exploring the nearby reef once more, there is no shortage of creative possibilities. As evening falls, a beach barbecue (weather permitting) offers a wonderful opportunity to capture the warm atmosphere of island life beneath a canopy of stars. Those wishing to stay out a little longer may also enjoy photographing the tropical night sky from this secluded island setting.

Meals: B,L,D

Today’s underwater explorations begin at Kuda Anbara Reef, where healthy coral formations and shimmering schools of damselfish and fusiliers create colourful, dynamic compositions. Later we visit the dramatic reef wall at Acho/Kacho Reef, where larger species such as trevally and snapper patrol the deep blue. The striking contrast between the reef face and open ocean offers exciting opportunities for wide-angle underwater photography. As we cruise toward Fulidhoo, keep your camera close at hand—the changing light across the Indian Ocean often produces spectacular seascapes and sunsets from the deck.

Meals: B,L,D

This morning we visit the Vaavu shipwreck, now transformed into an underwater ecosystem where soft corals, batfish, and schools of snapper make fascinating photographic subjects. As we cruise toward Dhiggiri, watch for playful pods of spinner dolphins, often surfacing and leaping alongside the boat. During our afternoon snorkel at Fulidhoo Coral Garden we’ll search for colourful reef life, from tiny macro subjects to vibrant coral scenes. Later, a visit to Fulidhoo village provides an opportunity to document local life, colourful homes, and genuine cultural interactions before ending the day with an energetic Boduberu performance, where rhythmic drumming, expressive dancers, and evening light create memorable cultural photography opportunities.

Meals: B,L,D

One of today’s highlights is Nurse Shark Bay, where we’ll have the opportunity to photograph nurse sharks cruising through remarkably clear, shallow water. After breakfast we continue toward South Malé Atoll, enjoying expansive ocean views and opportunities to photograph life aboard our traditional Dhoni. This afternoon, near Biyadhoo, we hope to spend time with graceful green turtles as they glide effortlessly among coral bommies—an unforgettable subject for underwater photographers.

Meals: B,L,D

Our final day on the reefs offers one last opportunity to refine underwater techniques while photographing colourful hard corals and tropical marine life. Later we visit the beautiful Itaafushi Sandbank, whose pristine white sands, turquoise waters, and endless horizons provide classic Maldivian landscape photography opportunities. We hope to spend our final evening anchored at Lagoonaa, where golden-hour light, reflections across calm water, and a celebratory sunset toast provide a fitting conclusion to our week together. Should weather require, we’ll instead anchor at Hulhumalé Harbor for a comfortable final night.

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast aboard the Dhoni, we transfer to the airport, bringing to a close an unforgettable week of photography, exploration, and discovery in one of the world’s most spectacular island destinations.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

1 scheduled departure between 3 Dec 2028 and 3 Dec 2028.

Departs 3 Dec 2028 – ends 10 Dec 2028 (8 days)

View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

Photography workshop led by Paul Zizka
Small group learning environment
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 dinners
One night hotel accommodation in Malé
6 nights aboard a traditional private Maldivian dhoni (twin share)
Experienced local expedition guide, captain and crew
Basic snorkelling equipment
Basic fishing equipment
All sightseeing and activities as per itinerary

Not included

International flights
Underwater housing
Alcoholic & aerated drinks
Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry etc.
Tips
Airport & departure taxes
Visas
Underwater housing

About your guide

Based in Banff, Canada, Paul Zizka is an award-winning landscape, adventure and expedition photographer, mountaineer, and Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. Renowned for his striking imagery of remote wilderness, mountains, night skies and polar landscapes, Paul has spent decades exploring the world's wildest places in search of extraordinary perspectives. His photographs have been featured by National Geographic, Outside Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Canadian Geographic, Maclean's, Alpinist, and many other leading publications. He has also worked with globally recognized brands including Canon, Apple, Arc'teryx, Panasonic, NHL, MEC, and Parks Canada.

Paul has travelled and photographed on all seven continents, completing remarkable expeditions including an unsupported double crossing of Iceland on foot and a solo crossing of New Zealand's South Island. He is the author of eight photography books, including the award-winning The Canadian Rockies: Rediscovered, winner of the Mountain Image Award at the Banff Mountain Book Competition. His work has also earned numerous international photography awards, including multiple victories at the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival and the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival.

A passionate educator for more than 15 years, Paul has helped thousands of photographers develop their technical skills, creative vision and confidence through workshops and expeditions around the world. His teaching emphasizes storytelling, composition, working with natural light and creating meaningful images while fostering a deeper connection with the landscapes we photograph.

Responsible Travel

Extra trip info

Your Floating Basecamp – Cruise through the turquoise atolls aboard the elegant Gurahali, your comfortable floating home as you explore the Maldives.

Well appointed, atmospheric vessels

Each vessel is equipped with an outside dining area. Facilities include a bar, dining area, library, sun deck, television, DVD/VCD player, music player, snorkelling gear, fishing line, dinghy with outboard engine.

The generous upper deck offers panoramic ocean views, comfortable loungers and ample space for relaxing, photography sessions or simply enjoying life at sea.

Sun deck

In the Maldives we use several different dhonis, cabins are cosy and comfortable with bunk beds, some without ensuite (depending on group size and time of travel).

Cabins

In the Maldives we use several different dhonis, cabins are cosy and comfortable with bunk beds, some without ensuite (depending on group size and time of travel).

Guaranteeing A Great Maldives Trip

Pioneering World Firsts

Quality equipment

Quality accommodations

Innovative itineraries

Custom built, reliable transport

Our all inclusive approach

Maldives Dhoni Photography Expeditionwith Paul Zizka

Trip highlights

Overview

Itinerary

Ready to start your adventure?