I recently returned from an incredible trip to Raja Ampat. The trip was done on Dune liveaboards, one of the only liveaboards that still operate in Raja Ampat, Indonesia on the off-season (windy, wet, or "low-season"). On off-season there are no Manta rays present and the weather is more unpredictable. Sea can be choppier and visibility underwater is also a bit more variable. On our trip we were lucky with the weather and visibility underwater was predominantly good, crew of course making decisions on the divesites and the diving conditions as the trip progresses.
All Indonesian crew on this trip and they worked fantastically, taking care of every need that the customers needed. Very good and experienced crew and dive guides.
On board there were a good selection from different nationalities among customers, that usually also makes it very interesting socially. Diving anyway is one of those sports that brings people together socially with ease, talking about dives, marine life, experiences etc. together. The talking subject of course broaden as the trip goes on and people get to know each other. Divers were from many different experience levels, varying from open water divers to instructors.
The cuttlefish. Perspective of the shot on these animals sometimes looks like it’s something from a monster movie, Cthulhu or something. Also shooting directly against the sun always creates challenges for the camera and taking the shot. © Sami Lindroos
The Dune liveaboard cruise director Tian shows how to properly model for the camera on the safety stop. The reflection from his dive mask was a bonus. © Sami Lindroos
Half and half shots. Generally difficult shots to shoot, there are so many variables. Don’t know what the success rate is in general with the photographers but I usually ending up shooting the memory card on full. © Sami Lindroos
This sweetlips school of fish were found in the dive site called Cape Kri, at 38m (124ft.) depth. My instructor buddy Paul (the model on the picture) was quickly on the ball. With some medium current pushing against the school, it was not so easy for buoyancy to get the shot, I had to pretty much reverse at the same time as taking the photo. The depth also didn’t give us much time to plan the shots underwater. It’s always a safari underwater, difficult to plan exactly how to take a photo when there is constant changes on how marine life and conditions change. Very rarely have I’ve seen as tight school of fish in formation as this school of sweetlips. © Sami Lindroos
Like many shots of hard and soft coral, the coral bleaching can be sometimes seen in Raja Ampat dive sites, but generally I found the situation to be a lot better than what I’ve seen in other countries and places. In general, there are not many places in the world that can top the variety and amount of corals that Raja Ampat has anyway. © Sami Lindroos
The fish shot under a pier in Arborek. Fish in Raja Ampat like to hang under piers and this school of sardines was huge! It was so many fish that it was actually difficult to figure out how to photograph them. So, found this nice soft coral to the front for few of the shots. © Sami Lindroos
Additional Viewing
Featured Customers | Sami Lindroos Expanding Your Environment
Underwater Photography in Raja Ampat with Grant Thomas
Looking for the Beauty and the Beast: A Trip to Raja Ampat and West Papua Indonesia
An Insider's Guide to Liveaboard Diving
What's in My Camera Case | Diving in Raja Ampat, Indonesia [VIDEO]
Sami Lindroos shoots the Nikon D850 inside an Ikelite Underwater Housing, focusing primarily on wide angle imagery. Sami travels the world over diving and photographing and believes that expanding your comfort zone is the best way to improve both personally and professionally. Originally from Finland, Sami is a diving instructor and tech diver. Follow ore of his work on Instagram @underwaterwonderland and Facebook.
