Packing for Underwater Photographers: Raja Ampat Edition

Raja Ampat is an underwater wonderland, offering a kaleidoscope of photographic opportunities:

• Colorful reef walls with sponges, soft corals, and schools of fusiliers
• Shallow mangroves where roots and reefs meet in soft, filtered light
• Tiny macro life like pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, and shrimp
• Open water encounters with manta rays, sharks, and schooling barracuda

June to September brings ideal conditions for photography, with clear water and beautiful natural light.

Thanks to decades of conservation led by Papua Diving and local communities, these reefs remain some of the healthiest in the world, making every shot count.

When traveling to Raja Ampat, you need a packing plan that covers what to bring, how to protect it, and how to travel with it safely.

1. Core Camera Gear

Bring the essentials that match your shooting style:

• Camera & underwater housing – Inspect O-rings and seals before leaving.
• Lighting – Strobes or continuous lights to restore natural colors lost underwater.
• Lenses – Wide-angle for reefscapes and big animals; macro for tiny critters.
• Arms, clamps & trays – For flexible and stable lighting setups.
• Batteries & memory cards – Multiple spares so you’re never caught short mid-trip.

Pro tips: Pack housings and ports in padded inserts or wrapped in clothing inside a hard case to prevent damage in transit.

2. Spare Parts & Tools

• Small failures can ruin a dive day. Be ready to fix them yourself:
• Spare O-rings for housings, strobes, and ports.
• Port grease, cleaning cloths, and brushes for maintenance.
• Compact tool kit – Hex keys, small screwdrivers, and a lens blower.
• Extra chargers & travel adaptors – Plus a multi-socket strip to maximize limited outlets.

3. Protection & Organization

Keep your gear safe, dry, and easy to find:

• Silica gel packs: Control humidity inside housings.
• Dry bags & padded pouches: Separate and protect accessories.
• Ziplock bags: Keep small items together and safe from saltwater spray.
• Labels on all gear: Saves time during fast turnarounds between dives.

While you’re in Raja Ampat, how you handle and store your gear between dives is just as important as how you pack it.

For practical, on-location care techniques, check out our guide on how to care for camera gear during your Raja Ampat dive holiday.

4. Carry-On vs. Checked Luggage Strategy

• Carry-on: Camera bodies, lenses, housings, strobes, memory cards, and lithium batteries (always in carry-on, never checked).
• Checked luggage: Heavier, less fragile items such as wetsuits, fins, and clothes.
• Use airline-approved hard cases or padded backpacks that fit overhead bins.

5. Power & Data Management

• Daily backups to external hard drives (stored in separate bags for safety).
• Dual-voltage chargers – Ideal for destinations like Sorido Bay Resort with both 220V and 110V outlets.
• Bring enough charging gear to run multiple devices overnight between dive days.

6. Travel Logistics & Peace of Mind

• Check airline carry-on limits and prepare a printed inventory for customs.
• Consider an ATA Carnet for smooth transit with expensive gear.
• Insurance – Ensure it covers theft, flooding, and accidental damage.

7. Post-Trip Care

As soon as you return:

• Rinse housings and strobes in fresh water, dry completely, and store with O-rings removed.
• Recharge batteries and restock silica gel so you’re ready for your next trip.

Sorido Bay Resort offers dedicated support for underwater photographers with convenient facilities and expert guidance:

• In-room camera workstations with spacious sink and dual-voltage charging (220V & 110V)
• On-site SEACAM Center offering technical support, housing checks, and maintenance advice
• Access to yearly SEACAM Workshops (paid events), gatherings where photographers share skills, critique images, and learn advanced techniques from experts

With the right prep and on-site support, you can focus fully on creating impactful images.

In Raja Ampat, technical skill is only the starting point.

The real magic lies in capturing moments that tell a story, coral spawning under a full moon, a dive guide gently pointing out a rare critter, a reef alive with the movement of schooling fish.

By including human–ocean connections, conservation efforts, and the subtle beauty of marine life, your images become more than decoration.

They become a visual voice for the sea, showing the world what’s possible when ecosystems are protected and allowed to thrive.

Workshop Dates: July 20-26 & August 10-16, 2025

Our SEACAM workshops this year were a resounding success, with fantastic feedback and an amazing time shared by all attendees. The workshops focused on enhancing underwater photography skills through hands-on practice and expert guidance.

Here's a recap of what was covered:

Day 1: Introductions

We kicked off with introductions and setting expectations for the week ahead.

Day 2-3: Wide-Angle Photography

We focused on mastering wide-angle techniques, from composition to lighting.

Day 4: Wide-Angle & Macro Photography

A mix of wide-angle and macro photography helps attendees explore both worlds in underwater shooting.

Day 5: Over & Under Shots at the Blue Water Mangroves

A standout moment: we took attendees to the mangroves for over & under shots, an iconic aspect of Raja Ampat’s unique underwater landscape.

This full-day trip allowed participants to capture stunning visuals while experiencing one of Raja Ampat’s most scenic areas.

Day 6: Macro Photography

Diving deep into macro photography, attendees perfected their close-up shots, learning techniques to capture the smallest details.

Day 7: Rest Day & Flexible Learning

A chance to rest, relax, or explore any additional topics the attendees wanted to cover, ensuring a personalized experience.

Daily Dive Schedule:

Each day included two morning dives, offering the perfect opportunity to apply what was learned in the classroom.

We carefully selected dive sites where the current was manageable, so participants could focus on capturing quality images without rushing. This allowed them to practice the theory and techniques from each session.

SEACAM Equipment Trials:

We understand that not all attendees had access to high-end equipment. To ensure everyone could fully engage, we provided the opportunity to try SEACAM gear.

While the workshop encouraged confidence in using attendees' existing equipment, the SEACAM trials allowed them to experience the difference high-quality gear can make.

Digital Darkroom Sessions:

Every day, Don Silcock led digital darkroom sessions, demonstrating how to process images in Photoshop. Attendees also had their own images processed by Don, showcasing the potential of digital editing to enhance their underwater shots.

As an added bonus, each participant received a free 2-hour call with Don to work through their post-processing techniques or any additional questions they had.

Claudia and Michelle Bez

“We've been photographing for about 20 years, and the SEACAM workshop was fantastic. We’ve really fine-tuned our photography skills and feel confident underwater. The post-processing training was incredible too.

At first, it seemed like a lot, but now we feel equipped to implement everything we've learned. Don Silcock is a wonderful teacher, patient and generous with his knowledge and equipment. We highly recommend this workshop!”

Phil Hawley

“I’ve been an underwater photographer for 25 years and already had great experience. However, Don has streamlined everything into 3 simple steps that saved me years of in-water trial and error. It’s definitely worth it!”

For further details on the SEACAM workshops and the unique offerings at the Raja Ampat SEACAM Center, please explore more about the center.

Additionally, don’t miss our SEACAM workshop recap video on Instagram, where we highlight key moments and behind-the-scenes footage from the event. Watch the recap on Instagram.