Engaging a private dive guide enables you to enjoy a more independent itinerary based on your personal goals and wishes. Photo by Wayne MacWilliams

Wakatobi’s guides have a thorough understanding of the local marine life’s habits and habitat. If there’s something specific you would like to see, whether you are on scuba or snorkeling, they know the best areas to search, and can coach you on the best way to approach and interact with the subject.

“As a photographer, one of the biggest advantages of having your own private dive guide is being able to stay a bit longer at certain spots to get the image you want, without concerning yourself with having to keep up with a group,” says Marcus. “As fellow underwater photographers know, our recreation often requires you to move at a much slower pace. Macro photography in particular can be very time consuming, and your attention is often focused entirely on what you are doing,” he says.

Guest Scott Friedman, who took this profile of a ghost pipefish, was quite pleased with how much he learned in just a short time working with Wakatobi’s photo pro. Photo by Scott Friedman

Imaging assistance

Within the Private Dive Guide program there is also on-request underwater photography services and workshops overseen by Wakatobi’s resident photo pro, Marco Fierli. Whether you arecv new to underwater photography or are an accomplished image-maker, Marco can tailor a lesson or an entire program to fit your specific needs. “It’s incredible how much I was able to learn and assimilate so quickly,” says guest Scott Friedman. “Having the session on land the night before certainly helped, but what really stood out about Marco was his ability to hone in on my specific skills and knowledge level. He also has a remarkable talent for teaching and communicating while under water.”

Whether you are new to underwater photography or are a more seasoned veteran, Wakatobi’s photo pro can tailor a program or even a single session to fit your needs. Photo by Walt Stearns

“Marco’s approach to teaching, along with the hands-on underwater guidance, were excellent, and it gave me a great jump-start to underwater macro photography,” says guest Tim Short. “I learned in one day what would have taken me a month to learn on my own through trial and error,” he says.

In addition to instruction and assistance Wakatobi has two complete Seacam housed systems available for guests to rent: one with a Canon 5D Mark II, the second with a Canon 5D Mark III. Each housing can be fitted with a wide choice of lenses from our collection (Canon 16-35mm f2.8, 8-15 fisheye zoom, 100mm and 50mm macro) with matching dome and macro ports. We also have Seacam 150 strobes to complement the system. Additionally, guests staying in our villas are provided a complimentary try out with either one of these superb underwater photographic systems. The dive center also stocks a number of compact camera systems available for rental, including the Olympus Tough 3 for those who have not yet taken the leap to DSLR.

An added bonus

A visit to Wakatobi is a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in nature at its finest and most pristine. Adding the services of a private dive guide personalizes this to the ‘nth degree, and ensures that you get the best possible experience each time you enter the water.

It’s time to experience all the Wakatobi has to offer! Contact us at office@wakatobi.com or complete a quick trip inquiry at wakatobi.com.

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