Embark on an extraordinary underwater odyssey through Fiji's pristine coral gardens aboard the legendary Nai'a vessel with Bluewater's comprehensive photography workshop during October 2025. This meticulously crafted expedition promises unparalleled encounters with vibrant soft coral formations and diverse shark populations in one of the Pacific Ocean's most spectacular diving destinations.
Compelling Reasons to Experience This Extraordinary Journey
Immerse yourself in Fiji's magnificent underwater realm, renowned globally as the soft coral capital, featuring colossal coral formations, diverse shark species, and exceptional diving conditions aboard the prestigious Nai'a liveaboard vessel. This exceptional voyage combines world-class diving opportunities with professional photography instruction, creating an unforgettable educational adventure.
Experience unrivaled access to Fiji's most spectacular soft coral gardens, shark encounters, and massive fish aggregations aboard one of the world's most acclaimed liveaboards, the magnificent Nai'a. This vessel has earned its reputation through decades of providing exceptional service and access to remote diving locations throughout Fiji's archipelago.
Participate in ten nights of exploration across Fiji's premier diving destinations, including the legendary Bligh Waters region, where underwater photographers capture their most treasured images. These waters offer consistently excellent visibility, abundant marine life, and coral formations that defy imagination.
Learn from Mark Strickland, one of Bluewater's most accomplished photography instructors, whose extensive experience and teaching expertise will elevate your underwater photography skills to professional levels. His guidance ensures participants maximize their photographic potential while exploring Fiji's underwater wonders.
Benefit from convenient direct flight connections from the United States, eliminating complex travel arrangements and reducing journey fatigue. This accessibility makes Fiji an ideal destination for underwater photographers seeking world-class diving without excessive travel complications.
Enjoy complete financial flexibility with fully refundable deposits maintained until eighteen months prior to departure, providing participants with confidence and planning security for this significant adventure investment.
Expedition Dates and Investment Details
October 4-14, 2025 Expedition Leader: Mark Strickland Duration: 10 Nights Investment: $5,963 per person, double occupancy
Optional terrestrial extensions at the prestigious Volivoli Beach Resort provide opportunities to extend your Fiji experience: 3 Nights: Starting at $1,037 5 Nights: Starting at $1,799
Special accommodation offer: Reserve Cabin 9 for intimate small-group experience sharing with the expedition leader, featuring an exclusive $800 discount opportunity.
Comprehensive Expedition Overview: Fiji's Underwater Paradise
Fiji, often referred to as the "soft coral capital of the world," offers some of the most remarkable underwater landscapes on the planet. Its reefs are renowned for their vibrant colors, intricate marine life, and crystal-clear waters, making it a prime destination for divers and underwater photographers alike. The expedition to Fiji's underwater world promises an unparalleled experience where divers can immerse themselves in an oceanic paradise filled with awe-inspiring sights and world-class photographic opportunities. This comprehensive overview highlights the unique aspects of Fiji’s marine environments and the ideal conditions for capturing extraordinary underwater imagery.
Captivating Coral Diversity and Abundance
At the heart of Fiji's underwater allure are its extraordinary coral formations. These reefs, brimming with life, create mesmerizing underwater landscapes that captivate divers from the moment they enter the water. The islands are home to an incredible diversity of corals, from soft corals like dendronephthya, to hard corals such as acropora and montipora. The chromatic intensity of these coral species, combined with the abundance of reef fish, makes Fiji a dream destination for underwater photographers.
The reefs of Fiji provide a rich tapestry of color, texture, and movement, offering endless opportunities for stunning photographs. As divers descend into the warm, clear waters, they encounter vibrant coral gardens, where the colors of soft corals – pinks, purples, oranges, and reds – come to life. The remarkable diversity of marine species, from large pelagics to the smallest nudibranchs, creates a dynamic underwater ecosystem, which only enhances the visual appeal for photographers.
The Role of Currents in Underwater Photography
A unique feature of Fiji’s underwater environment is the dynamic role that currents play in shaping the landscape. The movement of water is a key factor in the flourishing of soft coral species like dendronephthya. When currents are moderate to strong, these corals inflate dramatically, displaying a vibrant burst of color. In contrast, when currents are calm, the corals are often contracted and muted in appearance. Understanding the timing of these water movements is crucial for underwater photographers seeking to capture the best shots.
Moderate currents often present the optimal conditions for diving and photography, as the corals bloom to their fullest potential. Additionally, the presence of stronger currents encourages the emergence of planktivorous species, such as the stunningly colorful scalefin anthias, which often form large schools. These fish create beautiful, synchronized patterns in the water, adding to the visual drama of the scene. The interaction between coral growth and fish behavior, driven by the currents, creates a dynamic and ever-changing underwater canvas.
The Magic of Dendronephthya Corals
One of the most iconic features of Fiji's underwater landscapes is the dendronephthya soft coral. Known for its ability to display an impressive array of colors, from soft pastel pinks to fiery reds, dendronephthya corals are a highlight for many photographers visiting the region. Unlike hard corals, these soft corals require constant water flow to thrive, and when this condition is met, they explode in color, creating a truly breathtaking scene.
Dendronephthya corals are often found in areas where currents are strong and consistent, which provides the necessary conditions for their full display. Photographers can capture the stunning contrast between the vibrant colors of the corals and the fish species that dart in and out of the reef, creating mesmerizing images that tell a story of life beneath the surface. In areas where the coral is flourishing, the reef is often teeming with other marine creatures, creating an ecosystem that is as rich in biodiversity as it is in color.
Fiji's Premier Diving Locations
Fiji’s underwater environment is known for its variety of dive sites, each offering a unique photographic experience. Some of the best-known locations for soft coral diving include the Bligh Waters region, the Somosomo Strait, and Namena Island’s Marine Protected Area. These areas, known for their pristine conditions and abundance of marine life, are must-see spots for divers seeking to capture the beauty of Fiji’s coral reefs.
The Bligh Waters region, situated between Viti Levu and Vanua Levu islands, is famous for its vast array of reef systems and underwater pinnacles. This area is a hotspot for soft coral photography, as the strong currents create ideal conditions for corals like dendronephthya to thrive. The Somosomo Strait, located between Taveuni and Vanua Levu, is another exceptional diving area that offers a rich diversity of marine life, including large schools of pelagic fish and vibrant coral gardens. Namena Island, with its protected marine sanctuary, offers pristine underwater environments where divers can witness an abundance of marine life in a largely untouched setting.
One of the most celebrated diving destinations in Fiji is the Rainbow Reef, known for its stunning chromatic array of soft corals, leather corals, sea fans, and anemones. The reef’s name is derived from the vibrant colors that dominate the underwater landscape, providing photographers with an opportunity to capture dramatic, color-rich imagery.
Ideal Conditions for Underwater Photography
Fiji offers some of the best underwater visibility in the world, with water clarity often exceeding 30 meters. This remarkable visibility makes it easier to capture wide-angle shots of coral reefs, schools of fish, and larger marine creatures, offering photographers an unparalleled opportunity to showcase the beauty of the underwater world. The combination of crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral gardens, and abundant marine life makes Fiji an ideal location for underwater photography, whether you are seeking to photograph macro subjects or large pelagic species.
The ideal diving conditions are typically found during Fiji’s dry season, which runs from May to October. During this period, the waters are calmer, the visibility is better, and the marine life is abundant. However, even during the wet season, Fiji’s underwater environments remain consistently vibrant, with divers still able to capture remarkable images of the region’s diverse marine life.
The Role of Light in Underwater Photography
Underwater photography is all about light. In Fiji, divers have the advantage of diving in clear, shallow waters, where natural sunlight can penetrate to significant depths. This creates ideal lighting conditions for underwater photographers, particularly when capturing wide-angle images of coral reefs or schools of fish. The interplay of sunlight, water clarity, and vibrant coral colors creates an almost ethereal effect, lending a magical quality to underwater photographs.
For macro photography, the natural light can be supplemented by artificial lighting, such as strobes or video lights, to illuminate small subjects like nudibranchs, crustaceans, or fish hiding in crevices. Lighting can dramatically enhance the visual impact of a photograph, highlighting specific details and creating stunning contrasts between subject and background. Fiji’s rich coral ecosystems, combined with the use of proper lighting techniques, allow photographers to capture images that are both detailed and visually striking.
Best Time to Visit for Photography Expeditions
The timing of your underwater photography expedition plays a critical role in the success of capturing extraordinary images. The best time to visit Fiji for underwater photography is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During this period, the weather is more predictable, the seas are calmer, and the visibility underwater is optimal, making it the ideal time for both diving and photography. This is also when many marine species are at their most active, providing ample opportunities for capturing vibrant underwater life.
While the dry season is the most popular time to visit, divers can also enjoy excellent diving conditions during the wet season, which runs from November to April. During this time, Fiji experiences some rainfall, but the underwater visibility remains good, and the marine life continues to thrive. The wet season can also offer less crowded dive sites, making it an excellent time for photographers seeking more solitude and uninterrupted underwater experiences.
Fascinating Marine Life Photography Opportunities
Fiji harbors an incredible diversity of fish species, including vibrant angelfish, charismatic anemone fish, colorful anthias, camouflaged frogfish, alert hawkfish, impressive moray eels, ethereal ghost pipefish, and countless additional photogenic species that provide endless photographic subjects for underwater photographers.
Blue Ribbon Eels represent particularly captivating photographic subjects. The striking yellow and blue males display remarkable personality traits, and persistent searching may reveal the entirely yellow females and the distinctive juveniles featuring black coloration with yellow striping. The black juvenile specimens present notorious challenges for underwater photographers due to their elusive nature and cryptic behavior.
Shark encounters occur throughout Fiji's waters, though they are not guaranteed on every dive except at Beqa Island, where shark sightings happen daily. The most frequently encountered shark species include grey reef sharks, white tip reef sharks, silvertip sharks, and impressive hammerhead sharks. While sharks always provide excellent photographic subjects, reef sharks typically maintain considerable distances from divers.
For authentic shark action, participate in specialized shark diving experiences within Beqa Lagoon, where encounters with up to eight different shark species numbering in dozens are possible. These experiences include close encounters with massive bull sharks and occasional appearances by enormous tiger sharks that make semi-regular visits to the area.
Additional fascinating subjects include banded sea snakes, multiple turtle species, and pelagic species such as tuna, barracuda, and occasionally magnificent manta rays. These larger species provide opportunities for wide-angle photography and dramatic underwater scenes.
Macro photography opportunities abound throughout Fiji's waters. While species diversity may not equal Southeast Asia's coral triangle region, significant variety exists including mantis shrimp, decorator crabs, bobtail squid, and numerous nudibranch species that reward patient macro photographers with exceptional close-up opportunities.
Photography technique recommendations include utilizing dual strobes to achieve complete frame illumination. Maximize strobe power output to properly illuminate soft corals and enhance their natural brilliance. Fortunately, soft corals remain stationary, allowing photographers to approach closely without disturbing subjects. Practice exposure bracketing and concentrate on achieving compelling blue water backgrounds.
Position yourself close to soft coral formations using fisheye lenses to capture the full scope of these magnificent coral gardens. Fiji provides exceptional opportunities for developing wide-angle technique through close coral approaches and careful composition work. Invest time in manual strobe positioning and precise exposure control for optimal results.
Experience level requirements for this expedition accommodate diverse skill levels. While many participants possess extensive diving experience, the expedition welcomes all certification levels. The friendly and experienced Fijian crew provides comprehensive support for beginning divers, ensuring safety and comfort throughout the journey.
Comprehensive Package Inclusions
All onboard meals and accommodations, complete selection of non-alcoholic beverages, complimentary wine service accompanying dinner presentations, unlimited Nitrox availability for certified divers, convenient return transfers between Nadi airport or area hotels and the vessel, complete diving equipment including tanks and weights, unlimited air refill services throughout the expedition.
Package Exclusions
Mandatory Fijian departure tax ($895 per person, invoiced separately in advance), crew gratuities, alcoholic beverages excluding complimentary house wine served during dinner, diving equipment or camera gear rental fees, personal purchases from the vessel's retail store, fuel surcharge fee of $35 (subject to potential adjustment based on fuel cost fluctuations).
Expedition Classification and Educational Focus
This expedition operates as a comprehensive photography workshop led by experienced photo instructors who provide daily educational tutorials, in-water photography assistance when appropriate, and personalized guidance tailored to individual participant needs. Each workshop features customized curriculum developed by expedition leaders and detailed within trip documentation.
While photography workshops target participants interested in underwater photography, all divers are welcome regardless of photography experience or equipment. The educational component enhances the overall expedition experience without restricting participation to serious photographers.
Detailed Educational Curriculum
Day 1: Equipment preparation procedures, initial checkout dive for site familiarization and equipment testing
Day 2: Comprehensive presentation covering underwater photography fundamentals including light behavior underwater, unique challenges of aquatic photography, essential equipment considerations, appropriate exposure setting selection, histogram interpretation, secondary exposure effects, and lens perspective considerations
Day 3: Practical demonstration session between scheduled dives focusing on strobe positioning techniques and edge lighting methods. Detailed presentation on macro photography optimization including diving style adjustments, intended subject research, equipment selection, appropriate camera settings, lighting techniques, snoot utilization, depth of field control, blackwater diving methods, and photography etiquette. Participants select images for subsequent review sessions
Day 4: Wide-angle underwater photography presentation covering appropriate camera, lens, and strobe configurations, exposure strategies, and equipment considerations. Evening image review session featuring constructive critique and group discussion of participant images from previous diving day
Day 5: Composition fundamentals presentation covering visual elements that attract viewer attention, depth of field applications, eye contact importance, model interaction techniques, and visual storytelling methods. Participants prepare images for following day's review session
Day 6: Advanced composition techniques presentation including moment anticipation and preparation, shooting angle and perspective selection, subject placement strategies, nose room considerations, rule of thirds application, natural framing techniques, leading line utilization, geometric pattern recognition, reflection incorporation, and directional travel indicators. Evening image review featuring friendly critique and constructive discussion
Day 7: Digital workflow introduction covering general principles and established best practices, supplemented with individual assistance as required for specific software or technique questions
Day 8: Adobe Lightroom introduction featuring general principles, strategic approaches, established best practices, typical workflow examples, and fundamental editing technique demonstrations, complemented by individualized assistance for specific questions or challenges
Day 9: Specialized presentation on approaching shy marine life covering techniques for gaining animal trust and achieving close encounters without causing disturbance. Topics include approach methods for various species sizes from tiny gobies to massive whales, patience development, movement techniques, and creating relaxed interaction opportunities
Day 10: Final image selection for photography contest (maximum two images per participant) and guest slideshow preparation (maximum ten images per participant). This popular expedition component showcases participant improvement throughout the workshop duration. Photography contest includes group sharing, winner recognition, and potential prize awards
Day 11: Expedition conclusion and vessel disembarkation procedures
Geographical Itinerary and Diving Schedule
The expedition explores diverse locations throughout Fiji's premier diving regions, with specific sites determined by weather conditions, current patterns, and optimal diving opportunities. The flexible itinerary ensures participants experience the finest diving conditions available during the expedition period.
Standard daily diving schedule includes: 6:15 AM: Light refreshments including coffee, tea, juice, toast, cereal, and fresh fruit 7:00 AM: First dive of the day 9:00 AM: Comprehensive breakfast service 10:30 AM: Second scheduled dive 12:00 PM: Lunch presentation 2:00 PM: Third diving opportunity 4:00 PM: Afternoon snacks and refreshments 5:30 PM: Dusk diving session 7:00 PM: Dinner service 8:30 PM: Night diving opportunity
This schedule may require adjustments at specific locations where precise dive timing coordination becomes necessary due to site characteristics, tidal conditions, or weather considerations. Additional diving opportunities are typically available between scheduled dive times for participants seeking maximum underwater time.
Experience level requirements accommodate diverse diving backgrounds. While many participants possess extensive diving experience, all certification levels receive accommodation. The experienced Fijian crew provides comprehensive support ensuring beginning divers receive appropriate assistance and safety oversight throughout the expedition.
Nai'a Liveaboard Vessel Excellence
The Nai'a establishes unprecedented standards in world-class liveaboard scuba diving expeditions through its combination of elegant appointments, spacious design, and dive-focused Fijian crew renowned for dedicated service excellence. This vessel represents the pinnacle of liveaboard diving comfort and functionality.
Nai'a accommodates eighteen passengers within nine air-conditioned staterooms featuring private ensuite facilities. All staterooms exceed typical dive vessel dimensions, providing abundant storage space for diving and photography equipment while maintaining bright, airy, and comfortable living environments throughout the expedition.
The vessel features comprehensive facilities including spacious camera room with individual workstations, extensive dive deck with organized equipment storage, comfortable main salon for relaxation and presentations, expansive sundeck for surface intervals and scenic viewing, and professional galley producing exceptional meals throughout the journey.
Transportation and Arrival Information
All participants utilize Nadi International Airport (NAN) for arrival and departure procedures. Expedition pickup commences at 1:00 PM on October 4th from Nadi airport and participating hotels within the Nadi area for transfer to the vessel. The Nai'a maintains scheduled departure at 2:00 PM contingent upon successful completion of all transfer procedures.
Following expedition completion, organized transport collects all participants from the vessel at 8:00 AM on October 14th for return transfers to Nadi airport and participating hotels within the Nadi area. This scheduling provides adequate time for international flight connections and continued travel arrangements.
The Nai'a can arrange additional checked baggage allowances with Fiji Airways for only $75 each direction, providing valuable assistance for participants traveling with extensive photography equipment or extended vacation gear.
Flight Arrangement Services
Group expeditions attract participants from diverse global locations, and many customers prefer independent flight booking to utilize frequent flyer benefits or credit card advantages. Consequently, flight arrangements are not included within group expedition packages, allowing maximum flexibility for individual travel preferences.
Bluewater Photo provides comprehensive travel consultation services including itinerary recommendations, schedule coordination, transit hotel suggestions, and day tour advice, even when participants complete independent bookings. Staff members review all travel reservations to ensure compatibility with expedition schedules and provide recommendations for additional services where beneficial.
For participants preferring comprehensive travel arrangement services, Bluewater Photo can coordinate flight booking, hotel reservations, and transfer arrangements for domestic and international travel requirements. This service includes a 10% administrative fee covering booking and coordination costs. Contact the office for detailed information regarding these supplementary services.
Expedition Leader Profile
Mark Strickland brings lifelong maritime passion including over 10,000 documented dives and diverse careers as professional lifeguard, licensed boat captain, and certified scuba instructor. His underwater photography dedication has led to exploration of premier diving destinations including the Virgin Islands, Australia, and Thailand, where he spent seventeen years as Cruise Director aboard multiple liveaboard vessels.
Currently residing in Ventura County, California, Mark maintains active involvement as marine naturalist, having discovered several nudibranch species during his extensive diving career. He serves as co-author and principal photographer for Lonely Planet's award-winning publication "Diving and Snorkeling Thailand," with his work appearing in numerous magazines, books, and educational displays worldwide.
Mark leads multiple diving expeditions annually to his preferred destinations while developing a comprehensive large-format pictorial book spanning his photography career. His photographs and articles have appeared in prestigious publications including Action Asia, BBC Wildlife, National Geographic World, Natural History, Scuba Diving, Skin Diver, Sport Diver, Sportdiving, Unterwasser, and numerous additional international publications.
Essential Scuba Equipment Recommendations
Thermal protection requires 5mm wetsuit suitable for water temperatures averaging 26°C/79°F. The Waterproof W7 provides excellent thermal protection while maintaining flexibility for underwater photography activities.
Mask selection should prioritize low-volume designs optimized for underwater photographers. The Fourth Element Scout offers excellent field of vision and comfortable fit during extended diving sessions.
Fin selection emphasizes comfort and efficiency during photography diving where precise positioning becomes crucial. Fourth Element fins feature adjustable heel straps and soft foot pockets providing exceptional comfort during long diving days.
Protective footwear should complement open heel fin designs. Poseidon One Shoe booties provide excellent protection and comfort when used with adjustable heel strap fins.
Snorkeling equipment should feature splash-proof designs preventing water entry during surface swimming and equipment testing procedures.
Dive computer selection should emphasize reliability and readability. The Shearwater Tern provides compact design suitable for daily wear while offering comprehensive diving information and decompression tracking capabilities.
Buoyancy control device selection should prioritize integrated weight systems and comfortable harness designs. The Aqualung Axion i3 features integrated weight system and internal harness design fitting securely against the body during photography activities.
Dive bag recommendations emphasize airline compatibility and durability. The Stahlsac 34 Inch bag meets airline size and weight requirements while providing adequate space for essential diving equipment.
Hand protection becomes essential during coral photography. Sharkskin Titanium 2 gloves provide thermal protection and abrasion resistance while maintaining dexterity for camera operation.
Regulator systems should emphasize reliability and cold water performance. The Apeks MTX RC delivers exceptional performance while preventing free flow issues during challenging diving conditions.
Safety equipment should include personal tracking devices ensuring location identification during emergency situations and reducing risks associated with surface separation from the diving vessel.
Essential safety accessories include anti-fog solution for mask maintenance, delayed surface marker buoy for surface signaling, line cutting tool for emergency entanglement situations, retractor systems for securing small equipment items, and thermal hood for additional warmth during extended diving sessions.
Photography Equipment Recommendations
Fiji's reputation for incredible coral reef systems featuring abundant soft coral formations makes it an ideal destination for wide-angle photography enthusiasts. Additionally, the region's exciting shark diving opportunities provide excellent subjects for dramatic underwater imagery.
Action camera and smartphone options include GoPro Hero 13 housed in Isotta GoPro Housing with Isotta tray system and wide-angle wet lens for comprehensive wide-angle shooting capabilities. Sea & Sea underwater video lights provide adequate illumination for video recording applications.
The Weefine WFH07 underwater housing accommodates most smartphone models, while the addition of Weefine tray system provides enhanced control and stability during underwater photography sessions.
Compact camera options center around the Sony RX100 VII camera system housed in Nauticam RX100VII housing with WWL-1b wet lens providing wide-angle capabilities suitable for Fiji's coral photography requirements.
Full-frame mirrorless camera systems emphasize autofocus performance crucial for capturing fast-moving subjects and large marine life encounters. The Sony A1 II provides exceptional autofocus capabilities and overall performance when housed in Nauticam NA-A1II underwater housing with Nauticam's advanced wet optics system (WACP-1b) for optimal wide-angle photography results. YS-D3 II strobes from Sea & Sea provide optimal lighting with rapid recycle rates essential for capturing multiple images of moving subjects.
Financial Investment Schedule
Initial deposit: $2,000 due upon reservation confirmation Second payment: $2,400 due September 1, 2024 Final balance: $2,458 due March 1, 2025
This payment schedule provides manageable financial planning while securing expedition reservation and ensuring adequate advance notice for final payment completion.
Optional Land Extension Opportunities
Extend your Fiji experience through pre or post expedition stays at the prestigious Volivoli Beach Resort, one of Bluewater's preferred partner accommodations. These extensions provide opportunities to experience Fiji's terrestrial beauty and cultural attractions while maintaining convenient access to additional diving opportunities.
Volivoli Beach Resort extension packages include comprehensive accommodation options ranging from standard ocean view rooms to luxury oceanfront villas, each designed to complement your Fiji adventure experience.
Extension package rates vary based on accommodation selection and duration:
Standard Ocean View accommodations: 3 nights: Diver twin share $1,037, Single occupancy $1,408, Non-diver twin share $853.40 5 nights: Diver twin share $1,799, Single occupancy $2,417, Non-diver twin share $1,294.10
Deluxe Ocean View accommodations: 3 nights: Diver twin share $1,113, Single occupancy $1,561, Non-diver twin share $929.40 5 nights: Diver twin share $2,321, Single occupancy $2,672, Non-diver twin share $1,816.10
Premium Ocean View accommodations: 3 nights: Diver twin share $1,190, Single occupancy $1,714, Non-diver twin share $1,006.40 5 nights: Diver twin share $2,054, Single occupancy $2,927, Non-diver twin share $1,549.10
Family Ocean View Villa accommodations: 3 nights: Diver triple share $1,168, Quad share $1,042, Non-diver triple share $984.40 5 nights: Diver triple share $2,018, Quad share $1,809, Non-diver triple share $1,513.10
Luxury Oceanfront Villa accommodations: 3 nights: Diver triple share $1,278, Quad share $1,125, Non-diver triple share $1,094.40 5 nights: Diver triple share $2,202, Quad share $1,946, Non-diver triple share $1,697.10
Extension Package Inclusions
Round-trip transfers between Nadi airport and resort facilities, comprehensive accommodations as selected, welcome beverage upon arrival, complete meal plan including three daily meals with juice, milk, filtered water, coffee, and tea service during breakfast, traditional beach barbecue experience, complimentary kayak usage and participation in various resort activities, all applicable resort and government taxes.
Diving packages include professional dive guide services, equipment including tanks and weights, and unlimited shore diving opportunities on designated dive days with 24-hour advance tank reservation requirements.
3-night diver packages include one full day of three-tank diving 5-night diver packages include two days of two-tank diving plus one day of three-tank diving
Extension Package Exclusions
Nitrox certification and usage fees ($50 for 3-day programs, $80 for 5-day programs), alcoholic and specialty beverages excluding provided options, premium menu items including lobster and crab preparations (market pricing), personal diving equipment rentals, diving certification courses, organized excursions beyond included activities, comprehensive dive and travel insurance coverage (diving insurance strongly recommended for all participants).
Extension package financial requirements include $100 per person deposit for reservation confirmation with complete payment due 45 days prior to arrival date.
Reservation and Inquiry Information
For comprehensive information, detailed answers to specific questions, or immediate reservation processing, contact Bluewater Photo directly at +1-310-915-6677 or email trips@bluewaterdivetravel.com. The experienced staff provides personalized consultation ensuring your Fiji adventure exceeds expectations while addressing all logistical requirements and special requests.
This extraordinary Fiji expedition represents a unique opportunity to experience world-class diving, professional photography instruction, and cultural immersion aboard one of the world's finest liveaboard vessels. The combination of pristine coral reefs, diverse marine life, expert instruction, and luxurious accommodations creates an unforgettable adventure suitable for photographers of all skill levels seeking to elevate their underwater imaging capabilities while exploring one of the Pacific's most spectacular destinations.
Final Thoughts
The Fiji Ultimate Soft Coral & Shark Liveaboard Adventure aboard the Nai’a in October 2025 is far more than a diving trip—it is a rare convergence of photographic mastery, immersive education, and deep connection with one of the ocean's most breathtaking environments. It brings together passionate divers and photographers under the guidance of a renowned expert, Mark Strickland, offering not just access to world-class dive sites, but the structured mentorship to transform your underwater imagery and understanding of marine ecosystems.
Fiji’s coral reefs—infused with surreal color palettes and teeming biodiversity—are not simply backgrounds; they are dynamic stages where nature performs in brilliant hues and patterns. The vibrant dendronephthya soft corals, the dramatic fish schools dancing in current-charged water, and the elusive macro critters nestled in coral crevices form a canvas few places on Earth can rival. This expedition provides rare access to these fragile ecosystems under the most optimal conditions, allowing participants to document scenes that are both artistically compelling and biologically significant.
From a photographic perspective, Fiji’s diving offers a diversity that stimulates creativity: wide-angle coral vistas bursting with color, dramatic light shafts cutting through shallow reefs, curious reef sharks cruising just beyond reach, and cryptic creatures begging for macro lenses. Whether your aim is to capture the ethereal textures of a coral wall, the expression in a shark’s eye, or the elegance of a nudibranch mid-motion, the guidance and infrastructure on this trip support your success. The structured workshops, strobe configuration walkthroughs, Lightroom editing sessions, and personalized image reviews ensure that every diver, regardless of skill level, finishes the expedition with tangible improvements and portfolio-worthy images.
Crucially, the Nai’a vessel itself elevates the experience to the level of luxury exploration. Its purpose-built design caters perfectly to photographers with ample space for gear, multiple daily dives, and a layout that facilitates comfort, camaraderie, and creativity. Coupled with expert Fijian dive crew known for their attention to safety and uncanny ability to locate rare marine life, this expedition offers a seamless blend of safety, adventure, and education.
Furthermore, the itinerary’s flexibility allows the Nai’a to adapt to environmental conditions, ensuring you experience Fiji’s very best, whether that’s Rainbow Reef’s painterly soft corals, the powerful energy of Bligh Waters, or the thrill of shark-rich Beqa Lagoon. These sites are not just visually arresting—they are sacred marine spaces, where every dive deepens your respect for ocean ecosystems and inspires new artistic interpretations.
In a time when ocean conservation is more urgent than ever, participating in a trip like this goes beyond photography. By capturing and sharing images of these fragile, awe-inspiring habitats, you become an ambassador for marine protection—showing the world what’s worth preserving. The beauty you frame through your lens has the power to educate, inspire, and catalyze change.
The 2025 Fiji Liveaboard Expedition represents more than a photography workshop—it’s a transformative experience for divers, artists, and nature lovers alike. It’s about learning, growing, creating, and connecting. If you’ve ever dreamed of elevating your underwater photography, forming lasting friendships with fellow ocean lovers, and diving into the heart of the South Pacific’s coral kingdom, there is simply no more compelling opportunity than this.