underwater photography tours
Guided Underwater Photography Tours with Professional Underwater Photographer
Marine Photography Tours
Travel Tour Dates 2012
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D1-Limited Edition 2, Indonesia, July 30-Aug 9, 2012
July 30-Aug 9, 2012 Damai I liveabaord Raja Ampat, Manakwari, and Chendreawasih Indonesia.
Click to view more of the vessel, Damai IIn the early 90's I had the good fortune to travel to Manado, North Sulawesi Indonesia to scuba dive. I made friends with the Batuna family and found a home at Murex Dive Center. I helped out with logistics, dive briefings, dive training and their liveaboard dive boats. The contacts made enabled me to spend a lot of time in Ambon and take part in the original survey dives in the Lembeh Strait before Kungungan Bay Resort was built.
Indonesia is a very special place for scuba diving and it's time to go back. A few years ago I started hearing about this boutique liveabaord that had great food, and took small groups to wonderfully rich and remote areas like Raja Ampat, Manakwari and Chendreawasih. When I checked out the boat I knew I wanted to go on it but the problem was it was sold out 2-3 years in advance. So I had kind of given up on the idea.
A few days ago I decided to contact the owner and see if there were any last minute changes that would allow me to come and possibly bring some people. I was so excited to receive an email from Alberto that a trip had just opened up July 30-Aug 9, 2012. To my added excitement the destinations were exactly the ones I wanted to visit. The trip is called D1-Limited Edition 2.
Check it out on the Damai web site here.Raja Ampat. There are sites that are so pristine and packed with growth, that a photographer is hard-pressed to find a spot to place a steadying finger. Exotic sea life and macro critters abound of course, and photo opportunities border on overwhelming.The incredible experience of drifting along miles of exquisite reef brimming with hues and activity the likes of which few have ever experienced.
Cendrawasih. The only place on earth where whale sharks are being hand fed!! This is the largest maritime national park in Indonesia and offers great diving. The wrecks in Manokwari are the best in the Indo-pacific. The reefs in the part are virtually untouched and teaming with life. New species are being discovered every month and it is a paradise for scientists and experienced divers.
There are different styles of cabins on the boat and the price varies from $475-$575 per person per day. This is a boutique boat and everything including Nitrox, and spa treatments are included. That's right, they have a massage person on the boat. You can book direct on their web site. www.divedamai.com
Whale Discoveries 9 Day Liveaboard Expedition in Tonga, Sept 21st-29th, 2012
This adventure is dedicated to Photographing Southern Hemisphere Humpback Whales with special host Douglas J Hoffman
9 days Ha’apai / Vava’u
Sept 21st to Sept 29th, 2012Whale Discoveries
Dave and Tris Sheen, owners of Whale Discoveries have over 180,000 miles of sailing behind them and more than 28 years whale watching and swimming experience. Their goal is to provide guests an amazing experience that helps them appreciate all life in the sea and become advocates for sustaining our environment. The boat while having all the comforts travelers require will utilize solar power, and do everything possible to minimize their footprint in the environment.Special host Douglas J Hoffman is a seasoned diver with over 10,000 hours in the water, and has been leading photography dedicated trips specializing in Humpback whales since 2005. Douglas has become one of the most sought out professional guides by photographers at every level. In addition to his experience in the water, in January of 2012 Douglas received the Master of Photography Degree from the PPA.
This expedition is limited to a maximum of 4 guests so each person will get the most out of the experience. A small group also enables us to be flexible and move with the weather conditions as well as the marine life itself.
9 days Ha’apai / Vava’u - Sept 21st to Sept 29th, 2012
Guests will fly into the Ha’apai island group in order to meet the boat in Pangai Harbour. This expedition will sail through the myriad of islands making up the Ha’apai island group, and end in the Vava’u island group allowing participants to the best of both island groups in one trip.
For the most part our days will be spent sailing around looking for cooperative whales. At night, the captain and crew will anchor at different island locations according to whale activity & weather conditions.
The Ha’apai group consists of a series of islands and seamounts that are known to be a popular area for Humpback Whales. Seldom visited by tourist boats, the whales here are often curious about people.
The Vavau island group is the most developed in terms of tourism and has a lot of whale swimming charter boats, dive operators, fishing boats, restaurants, and sailboats. The islands and town here here are picturesque and fun to visit but not of concern in terms of competition whale swimming as we intend to go to places well out of range of most day boats.
Day 1 - 3
0900 Step aboard and meet our friendly and professional staff who will introduce you to the safety and comforts of the vessel. Afterwards will be a presentation on whale photography. The tips and techniques covered will help participants get set up for the days ahead.As we sail from Pangai, we enter the whale playgrounds of the Ha’apai islands. Dave and Tris Keen know of some islands in this area that always seem to produce wonderful Humpback whale encounters.
Day 4 25/09/2012
This day is spent sailing north we head for the Vava’u island group. During the passage we will encounter a series of sea mounts known to have large numbers Humpback whales. Whale sharks, sunfish, and billfish are amongst the marine megafauna that have also been sighted in these waters.Day 5- 8
From Vavau, we will sail 40-50 miles further north to Toku and Fonualei. These isolated islands are where the Blue Planet got their famous humpback whale footage. False Killer whales, Pilot whales Spinner Dolphins and Oceanic White Tip sharks are just a few of the diverse marine life that have also been spotted in these waters.Day 9
We will look for whales all day while working our way south to Vavau' for our final night.Please note that this itinerary is subject to weather and safety conditions and may be changed accordingly. This Voyage covers some 250 nautical miles and guests must be aware that there is a possibility of encountering rough ocean conditions. In the case of sustained winds of 20-25 knots or more some anchorages may not be possible, and this will alter the schedule. All participants should be comfortable snorkeling in deep water. Trip insurance is mandatory.
9 days $5,175 AUD. Airport or hotel pick up and drop off provided.
Clients from the United states, Canada, and Europe can book with Douglas J Hoffman & Maui Photography in Hawaii. Clients from Australia can book with Whale Discoveries. Contact Douglas for information via email, at Dhimages@maui.net, phone 808 879 0260, or skype DouglasHoffman1
Domestic flights are needed.
Once in Tonga participants will need a domestic ticket to get to Ha’apai or Vavau’.Interisland flights
Please visit www.chathamspacific.com
See also the Kingdom Pass: www.chathamspacific.com/kingdom-passTrip two you will need a domestic flight schedule that takes you from Tongatapu to Ha’apai and returns from Vavau to Tongatapu.
Pictured above is the new boat Douglas J Hoffman will be hosting whale swim and photography adventures from Sept/Oct 2012 and 2013 in Tonga. More images will come as the boat is fitted with gear and prepares to make its way to Tonga for the season. The vessel is called Wildlife and she is a new 54 foot cat owned by Whale discoveries, check the video down below...
Looking ahead to 2013 we have more underwater dive tours planned.
Email questions to Douglas at Dhimages@maui.net
Guided Underwater Photography Tours |
Testimonials
Richard Stewart of Ocean Realm Media...
"Dear Douglas, your work is truly amazing! Such a consummate perfectionist, an awesome eye for creativity with an infusion of environmental passion - this is the blend that fuels such vision seen in your images!"
Dwight Okumoto, Past president of Professional Photographers of Hawaii...
"Douglas has innovative ideas with his photography. His dedication to continually improve in his trade is a plus with the industry's high standards. He has been an active supporter of our Hawaii State association and the Professional International association."
Mark Strickland Marine Photography...
"I've known Douglas for many years, and he's always impressed me as a very talented photographer and teacher. Perhaps more important, though, is his dedication to customer service. Whether he's leading an international expedition, directing an art project or teaching a photo workshop, Douglas is not satisfied until his clients have had the best possible experience. I recommend him highly."
Ken Fields Photographer...
"I am very impressed with the specialized underwater photography of whales, dolphins, sharks and other sea life by Douglas Hoffman. His skill is evident in his work and his finished products are some of the best I have ever seen."
Tim Rock Photographer, editor, group leader, writer...
"I have worked with Douglas in many facets of the travel and photography business. I continue to do so. He is knowledgeable, personable and dedicated. He has made me happy with the results of our endeavors and, even more importantly, made my clients happy with their endeavors. And I am very particular about whom I bring into contact with my clients. You will get professional results with Douglas."
Randy j Braun Photographic Artist...
"I watched Doug make steady and serious progress during the past 10 years that I have known him as a fellow professional photographer, and workshop leader. Doug takes his craft seriously, and he works with passion. Doug has shared professional advice with me, and I consider his knowledge and stature within the fine-art photography industry to rank amongst the top of our pier group. I give a top-notch recommendation for Douglas Hoffman."
Doug,
We loved meeting you aboard the Nai’a in Tonga this year. You and Mark made the trip. Your advice on behavior in the water to enhance our encounters was greatly appreciated. Your photography class onboard was wonderful. Your photo tips and most importantly the loan of your camera to my husband that flooded his was just incredibly generous. To top everything off, you were funny and just a delight to be on a boat with. I will carry the memory of your quote from one of the days when I was a bit miffed at a photo op ruined by a fellow snorkeler but trying to be grateful for the opportunity to be in the water with the magnificent whales. You said, “It’s not all about the shot. That’s what I say when I’m lying!” Thank you for leading a great trip. We hope to travel with you again soon.
Lauren Greider – San Diego
I recently returned from my third dedicated whale photography expedition with Douglas Hoffman, and couldn’t be more pleased. There is always an element of luck involved with such endeavors, and we enjoyed some very good fortune on this trip. More important, though, are factors that only come together through the efforts of a capable group leader: thorough planning, attention to detail, and a flexible, conscientious attitude that is invaluable in remote locales. As always, Doug sought out the most experienced captains and operators, and generally made sure things ran smoothly, often in spite of considerable difficulties. He also offered valuable insight on whale behavior and photographic techniques, and invariably treated his guests fairly and respectfully. I think everyone who participated in this trip would agree: Doug is enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to travel with… I recommend any of his expeditions highly.
Sincerely,
Mark Strickland
Oceanic Impressions Photography
American Society of Media Photographers Member since 1997
Doug's desire to please his customers is matched only by his passion for photography and love for the sea. I consider Doug not just a Guide, but a true Teacher and Friend.
Eric Gerlach
Canada
My name is Marty Wolff. I had the great pleasure and good fortune recently, to have selected Doug Hoffman as my Tongan Humpback Whale Swim Guide. We have since become friends. I had heard from another Marine Photographer that Doug did the guided trip to Tonga and then, by chance (are there really accidental meetings?), we bumped into each other at Mauis' Annual WhaleDay. His calmness was reassuring immediately. We spoke about his prior guide experiences & he quickly convinced me that the investment of time & money would be well worth it. An understatement! He prepared us very well for the trip so that we had very realistic expectations. The Boat & Captain selected in Tonga were excellent. These choices were key. His other great trait was his insight into putting together a group of people that would work as a swim unit. The experience itself was awesome. We swam for 7 days in a row, being on the water for about 6 hours a day, and spent at least 2 hours each day actually in the water with either a Mom & Calf or a competition group. I have had some pretty incredible water events in my days on this planet. For me, it was an unforgettable event & the Images I came away with were stellar. Thanks Doug!
Marty Wolff
Marlin Creative
Maui
Douglas is a pleasure to travel with, staying upbeat and always keeping customer needs in the fore. His extensive knowledge of whale behavior is a real plus and his photographic expertise helps put people in the right place to get the optimum shots. I look forward to my trips with Douglas.
Tim Rock
Guam
