How to Capture Stunning Underwater Images on an Ocean Safari in Baja California Sur

The ocean safari experience in Baja California Sur is anything but ordinary. It’s fast-paced, exhilarating, and filled with moments you’ll remember for a lifetime. A true Odyssey. Whether you're drifting beside a school of mobula rays, watching striped marlin hunt, or witnessing the elegance of an orca cruising through the sea, these encounters offer truly unforgettable opportunities—for adventure and for capturing stunning underwater images.

Sharing the water with giants—two perspectives, one incredible whale shark encounter on a Baja Odyssey expedition

As a professional underwater photographer, I’ve spent countless hours chasing light and wildlife in this wild, unpredictable environment. Capturing compelling images in these conditions isn’t always easy—there’s often no time to adjust your settings or reposition for a better angle. But that’s also what makes it so rewarding.

Whether you're shooting with a high-end DSLR, a compact camera, or a GoPro, preparation is key. Knowing what to expect and how to adapt will give you a better chance of catching that once-in-a-lifetime frame.

This article won’t dive into camera settings—that’s coming in a future post—but it will walk you through some essential tips that can help you make the most of your next ocean safari and help you capture stunning underwater images on you ocean safari in Baja

Research

If you’re reading this, you’re already on the right path. Doing a bit of homework before heading out on an ocean safari can make a huge difference—not just in your underwater photography, but in your overall experience.

Understanding your subject is one of the most valuable tools in wildlife photography. The more you know about an animal’s behavior, the better your chances of being in the right place at the right time to capture something truly special. Research can also help you recognize signs that an animal is stressed or uncomfortable. Respecting those cues not only protects the wildlife—it also leads to longer, more meaningful encounters. And those are the moments when natural, compelling images tend to happen.

For example, swimming directly into a school of mobula rays will almost always spook them. I’ve learned from experience that it's far better to stay calm and patient—let them get used to your presence. If they relax, they’ll often drift closer to the surface where the water is clearer and the light is better. That’s when you have the chance to capture those beautifully lit, ethereal images.

"Mobula rays as far as the eye can see—captured with a 180° fisheye lens on a Mobula & More expedition with Baja Odyssey. Spot the lens distortion?"

It’s also worth digging into the environment the animals live in. Why are they in a particular area at a certain time? What time of day are they most active? These kinds of insights help you plan your time on the water more effectively. A basic Google search is a great starting point, and for more detailed info, Google Scholar, marine biology papers, and reputable wildlife documentaries (just maybe not the Shark Week kind!) can offer deeper context.

And don’t forget to research the location itself. Knowing the morning air temps, daytime highs, and water temperatures helps you pack appropriately—there’s nothing worse than being too cold to concentrate. Sea conditions can influence whether you’ll want to take a motion sickness tablet the night before. Even knowing where to find the best taco after a long day can make life a little easier.

When we’re warm, comfortable, and well-fed, we’re more present—and being fully present is when the best images happen.

Stay tuned for our Ocean Safari Essential Gear checklist for help on what to bring on your next ocean safari.

Reach Out to an Expert

Scientists, researchers, guides, and expedition leaders often spend years—sometimes lifetimes—studying and working closely with the wildlife you’ll encounter on an ocean safari. They’re driven by passion, and many are more than happy to share their knowledge. That kind of insight can give you a real advantage in the water.

Details like the best locations, animal behavior patterns, what to expect during certain interactions, and how to conduct yourself around marine life can make a world of difference when it comes to capturing meaningful, respectful images. Whether it’s chatting with your guide, reaching out to a local marine biologist, or even saying hello to me before we hit the water—those conversations often lead to valuable tips, resources, and new perspectives.

Underwater photographers are usually just as eager to share their experience. We put countless hours into getting the shot, and we take pride in our work. If you come across a photo that inspires you, don’t hesitate to reach out to the photographer. Most of us—including myself—are happy to talk about how a particular image was made. We might even share what lens we used or how we approached a specific subject, which can really help you plan your own shots.

I’ll be sharing more insights like this in upcoming posts, book mark this page so you can stay tuned for the next instalment in this blog series of feel free to reach out and say Hello.

These beautiful creatures are built for the hunt. During the sardine run, with a few key techniques, you can capture stunning images of these fast, agile predators.

Plan Your Shot

Most ocean safaris focus on encounters with a particular species—whether it’s marlin, mako sharks, blue whales, or bull sharks. Before you hit the water, take some time to think about the kinds of images you’d love to capture. Are you aiming for a clean portrait, or do you want to freeze a moment of action—like a marlin hunting or a shark cruising past a freediver? Maybe you’re hoping to capture interaction between different species. Whatever your vision, narrowing down your goals helps you approach each encounter with intention.

Start by imagining the shot: What kind of lighting will you need? Where should you position yourself in the water? What lens or settings might work best? If you're working with a model or a dive buddy, how should they be framed within the scene?

When I’m looking for inspiration, I’ll often scroll through images taken by others of the same subject. I pay close attention to what makes certain shots stand out—whether it’s the composition, lighting, or a unique behavior captured in the frame. This helps me clarify what I’m aiming for, and how I might approach it differently.

Of course, the ocean has a way of tossing even the best-laid plans overboard the second you jump in. The action is fast, fluid, and often unpredictable. But this is exactly why I believe planning matters. Thinking through different shooting scenarios beforehand helps me react quickly and make instinctive decisions when things start moving fast.

Personally, I love photographing sharks just below eye level—so I plan to drop a meter or so as they approach to get that powerful, engaging angle. With orcas, I think surface-level split shots are especially striking, so I try to stay up top when they come near. Having these ideas in mind ahead of time gives me a massive edge when the moment finally arrives.

Split shots can be challenging, but the results are incredibly striking—half above, half below, all unforgettable.

Listen to the Guide and Captain

Your guide and captain are some of the most valuable resources you’ll have on an ocean safari. Many have spent season after season on the water, tracking wildlife, observing behavior, and learning the best ways to approach marine animals respectfully. They’re not only there to keep you safe—they genuinely want you to have a great experience and capture incredible images.

Make sure to listen carefully to their briefings and follow their instructions in the water. They’ll help position you in the best possible place for an encounter and often have insights into the specific animals you’re hoping to photograph. I’m always happy to share advice too—if you’re looking to fine-tune your approach or just want a few underwater photography tips, don’t hesitate to ask.

That said, I do want to include one important caveat. If at any point you feel that the animal’s well-being is being compromised—or that it’s being pressured or harassed—it’s absolutely okay to speak up. Even experienced guides and captains can occasionally get caught up in the excitement of the moment. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. A responsible guide will always be open to that conversation. If your concerns are dismissed or ignored, that’s a serious red flag—and it may be time to reconsider getting in the water.

The animal always comes first. Ethical interactions are not only more rewarding—they’re the only way to ensure that these incredible experiences are sustainable for the future.

Be Ready

The action on an ocean safari is fast, unpredictable, and often over in a flash. One moment you’re scanning the horizon, and the next you could be slipping into the water alongside marlin, sea turtles, sharks, dolphins—or even whales. Being ready at a moment’s notice is key to making the most of these encounters.

That’s why it’s so important to stay organized and keep your gear within arm’s reach. I’ve found that small details can make a big difference. Things like loosening the straps on your fins so you can slip them on quickly, pre-loosening your dome port cover, double-checking your camera settings, and keeping your mask right by your feet—these little habits can save precious seconds.

And in this game, seconds matter. They can be the difference between watching an animal disappear beneath the surface or being in the water, camera up, and ready to capture something extraordinary. The more often you’re able to get in quickly and smoothly, the more opportunities you’ll have to land that dream shot.

Want to dive deeper into underwater photography? Get in touch and let’s talk!

Be A Respectful Underwater Photographer

Respect is at the heart of every great wildlife encounter—and every great image. Rushing toward an animal or crowding it in hopes of getting the shot rarely works. More often, it ends the interaction altogether, scares the animal away, and can even put both you and the wildlife at risk.

Patience and presence are key. Give animals space, let them move naturally, and allow their curiosity to bring them to you. Not only is this better for their well-being—it also leads to more authentic, intimate moments. The best shots I’ve ever captured happened when the animal approached me, not the other way around.

Respect extends to the people around you, too. Everyone on the boat is there for the same reason: to enjoy time on the water and have meaningful encounters with wildlife. A bit of cooperation and consideration goes a long way. Share space, help each other out, and keep the mood on board positive—it makes the experience better for everyone.

Ocean safaris are a team effort, and when the energy is good, the entire trip feels more relaxed, productive, and fun. Respect the animals, respect your crew, and the rewards will follow—often in the form of that once-in-a-lifetime shot. I hope you join one of you up an coming trips to see this for yourself.

Blue sharks are a photographer’s dream—curious, graceful, and incredibly engaging in the water. With a little patience, they’ll come right up to your dome. Want to see for yourself?

Be Flexible

One of the best (and most challenging) things about ocean safaris is that you never really know what’s going to happen. That unpredictability is what makes them so exciting—but it also means you need to stay flexible, especially when it comes to underwater photography.

Sometimes the animals don’t show up. Sometimes the visibility drops, the weather shifts, or the subject you were hoping for just isn’t cooperating. These moments are where creativity comes in. If someone keeps drifting into your frame, shift your perspective—maybe the interaction between human and animal becomes part of the story. If the mobula aren’t around, but a curious sea turtle floats by, slip in and make the most of it. There's always something worth photographing in this vibrant, ever-changing environment.

On my mobula expeditions, I often come across sea turtles. Some are skittish, but others are surprisingly friendly and make for incredible subjects. I’ve taken countless photos of them, but I still find myself jumping in whenever I get the chance—trying a new angle, chasing different light, or simply exploring a fresh way to tell their story.

Being open to the unexpected is part of the magic. Sometimes, your best image of the day won’t be the one you planned for—it’ll be the one you didn’t see coming.

See familiar subjects in a new light—sometimes the best shots are from below. Have fun experimenting and try something different!

Final Thoughts

Research, preparation, and a flexible mindset can make a big difference when it comes to capturing great images on an ocean safari. Combine that with respect—for the wildlife, your guides, and your fellow guests—and you’ll set yourself up for a rewarding, memorable experience both in and out of the water.

Personally, I approach every safari with an open mind. My goal is simply to enjoy a day out on the ocean with good people and wild animals in their element. Anything beyond that—a perfect interaction, a golden moment, a once-in-a-lifetime shot—is just icing on the cake. I end every day with a smile, and if I’m lucky, a few images that tell a story I’ll never forget.

And if the animals don’t cooperate or the conditions aren’t ideal—don’t stress. That’s the nature of the wild. Our team captures images and video on every trip, and we’ll make sure you go home with something special to remember the experience.

Ready to turn your ocean safari dreams into reality? Join us in Baja California Sur for unforgettable encounters—and the chance to capture them forever. Plan your Odyssey today Feel free to reach out anytime—I’m always glad to help