Trip suggestions for novice

I'm a long time photographer (30+ years), less experienced diver (70 dives). I'm purchasing a housing for my Canon Digital Rebel XT, and I'd like to get into underwater photography. Tenatively I'll be buying a 10-22mm and 60mm macro lens and appropriate ports as well.

I'm certified up to Advanced, and have Nitrox certification as well. I learned to dive in California, so I've done a good number of cold-water dives, but would really rather stay out of 50 degree water if I can help it . I've done a little wreck diving, but didn't find it as interesting as I thought it would be.

So far, I've done trips to Belize, the Bahamas (Eleuthera and the Exumas), and the Caymans. I feel like I've kind of seen what the Caribbean has to offer in the way of sealife.

I prefer liveaboards. I've done the Cayman Aggressor and the Aquacat. I like the fact that you can do 4-5 dives a day, and I like the convenience.

So, where would you suggest? I'm thinking mostly of macro photography, though the sea turtles, rays, and sharks I've seen have all been very cool. A trip that has photography instruction would be a bonus, but not strictly required, since I'm well grounded in above-water photography.

- Gus

Look at KBR in Indonesia. You'll definately come back with images.

Contact Steve the manager and arrange for him to do 2-3 'coaching' dives with you.

Look at KBR in Indonesia. You'll definately come back with images.

 

Contact Steve the manager and arrange for him to do 2-3 'coaching' dives with you.

I looked at Kungkungan's web site, and it sounds a lot like Robert's Grove in Belize. 3 dives per day instead of 2, but you're still being led around in a group by a guide, traveling at the group's pace rather than your own. Which may be too fast if you're interested in something, or too slow if someone else is interested in something.

Though I must admit that the idea of taking a proper course for my initial experiences with UW photo is appealing.

- Gus

[Lembeh is definately the place to go for photography. the diving is easy, the groups are about the smallest you will get anywhere (unless you pay big bucks elsewhere). Most resorts offer three guests per guide and most people that go will have a photographer in the group. we went to KBR and never had a problem keeping up with the guide and we were taking tons of photos. There is so much in the water, the guide never needs to be very far away before he finds something new. We are going to NAD lembeh resort in May (it works out £600 cheaper than KBR). Perhaps it may not be so nice (we shall have to wait and see) but a saving of £1200 per couple was enough to sway us to try something else!!!!!!!!!

I personally dont think you can go wrong with lembeh with a new camera to try out - although you have an advantage in that you already know your way around the camera the guides are normally very flexible and if you explain that you want to sit practising with your camera, they will accommodate you as best they can.

Enjoy, we also have the D350 in a sea and sea housing and it takes great underwater shots.

lou

Interesting, two recommendations for North Sulawesi.

I've pretty much decided to try the Kona Aggressor for my first photography trip. Halfway around the world instead of all the way around the world seems a bit less stressful for flying. Not to mention a lot cheaper in terms of airfare. For whatever reason, it seems like I couldn't get much under $2500 round trip to Manado, versus about $1500 to Bali.

- Gus

Interesting, two recommendations for North Sulawesi.

 

I've pretty much decided to try the Kona Aggressor for my first photography trip. Halfway around the world instead of all the way around the world seems a bit less stressful for flying. Not to mention a lot cheaper in terms of airfare. For whatever reason, it seems like I couldn't get much under $2500 round trip to Manado, versus about $1500 to Bali.

 

- Gus

2500 seems like a lot for round trip to manado. Also, if you can get 1500 to bali, you might as well take that and then book manado separately for about 500 us max. The reason people recommend N. Sulawesi is simple: It is located in the marine biodiversity hotspot of the world. For "marine life" alone, it can not be disputed that this region (not just N. sulawesi but the whole indo pacific region) is the best. its simply science. However, flight logistics, price, and dive centers play into things. Unless going for something specific, like pelagics it would be hard to top.