Capture the Underwater World on Malapascua Island
The PADI Digital Underwater Photography course teaches you to take great photos beneath the surface. You’ll learn camera settings, composition, and lighting techniques — and leave with shots worth sharing. Malapascua’s diverse marine life makes it one of the best places in the world to start underwater photography.
Learn to dive in paradise
Course Overview
A one-day specialty combining a knowledge session with two open water dives. Use your own camera or borrow one from us.
- Duration: 1 day
- 2 open water photography dives
- PADI Digital Underwater Photographer certification
- Camera equipment available to hire
Course Overview
The course has two main components:
Knowledge Development
Learn about camera types, settings, exposure, composition, and underwater lighting. Your instructor covers how to get sharp, well-lit images in different conditions — from wide-angle reef scenes to close-up macro shots.
In-Water Practice
Practice handling your camera in the water before the open water dives, getting comfortable with controls without affecting your buoyancy.
Open Water Dives
Two guided dives at Malapascua’s best sites. Thresher sharks, nudibranchs, frogfish, and colourful reef fish are all excellent subjects. Your instructor gives feedback after each dive.
Study Materials
The course uses the PADI Digital Underwater Photographer manual, available in print or as a digital download.
Study materials are included in the course price.
Prerequisites
Prerequisites
You must hold a PADI Open Water Diver certification (or equivalent). Minimum age is 10. No prior photography experience required.
Download medical exam formYour Instructors
Our instructors are experienced divers and photographers who know Malapascua’s dive sites well. They’ll help you find great subjects and get the most from every dive.
Underwater Videography
If video interests you more than stills, ask about the PADI Underwater Videographer course — same structure, focused on shooting and editing underwater footage.
Both photography and video courses can be combined into a single media package.
Combine Courses
The Digital Underwater Photography course pairs well with Advanced Open Water or any PADI specialty. Ask about combination packages during your stay on Malapascua.
Inquire about this course
Inquire about this course
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