Maldives Dhoni Photography Expedition

MALDIVES DHONI PHOTOGRAPHY EXPEDITION WITH PAUL ZIZKA

8 Days

DAY 1 — Arrive Malé, overnight hotel

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

DAY 2 — Cruise to Kudi Boli

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: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3 — Loabi Faru & Bongo Veli

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: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4 — Cruise to Fulidhoo

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: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5 — Dolphins & Fulidhoo island visit

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: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6 — Cruise to South Malé Atoll

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: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7 — Cruise to Malé Atoll

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: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8 — In Malé, trip concludes

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: Breakfast