Want photos that look like postcards? I like how this session gives you both underwater photos and overwater portraits with a real professional underwater photography setup, not just a quick snap. Another big plus is how the guide (Fatima) keeps things friendly and organized, so you always know what to do and where to be. The main thing to plan around is boat transfer costs and any extra gear you want (like snorkeling kits or watersports equipment), since those are not included.

You’ll spend about 5 hours starting at 8:30 am from Malé, and if you’re staying on one of the supported islands, you can meet the team there instead of paying for the longer transfer.

One more practical note: you do need to be comfortable in the water. And because it’s weather-dependent, the shoot may be rescheduled if conditions aren’t right.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Up to 20 edited photos + a 1-minute edited video included
• Underwater and overwater shots in the same 5-hour session
• Optional drone photos and videos for extra angles
• Multiple island options with different boat-transfer costs, including Villingili for underwater only
• No snorkeling or watersport equipment provided (you rent it separately)
• Fatima-style guidance: professional, friendly, and focused on getting the right shots

How the underwater-and-overwater photo concept actually works

This is a photo-first experience built around one simple idea: the Maldives is stunning both above water and under it. The team takes creative portraits with you as the subject, using different settings and “moments” instead of one generic photo spot.

You can expect shots that cover several looks:

• Underwater portraits (the star of the show)
• Overwater photos in the sea setting
• Photos “in the sea” style, where you’re close to the waterline
• Optional pool photos when a pool is available on your island or lodging area
• If you rent watersports activity from the island’s watersports center, you can be photographed while doing that activity

The photos are meant to feel intentional and varied, not like a checklist. I especially like that the session isn’t just about getting one cool underwater frame; you also get above-water shots that keep your Maldives story balanced.

What you get: the editing package

The included package is straightforward and valuable: you get up to 20 edited pictures of you plus one 1-minute edited video.

This matters for two reasons:

• Editing is where a good photo becomes a keepsake. You’re not relying on raw snaps.
• The short video gives you motion memory—often the easiest way to relive the “feeling” of being there, even years later.

Also, the guide’s approach (Fatima in the reviews) is clearly about quality and preparation. People highlight how she communicates well beforehand and works to get the right shots during the session. That’s exactly what you want, because underwater photography is all about timing and repeatable positioning.

The 5-hour flow from Malé to your water scenes

The session starts at 8:30 am in Malé. It runs around 5 hours total, and then the experience ends back at the meeting point.

Here’s how to think about the timing, even though exact minute-by-minute stops can vary by island and conditions:

• You begin with orientation and setup so you’re not guessing.
• Most of the session is then spent on two tracks: underwater shooting and overwater/sea shooting.
• If you choose the drone option, you’ll add time for drone photos and videos while the light and visibility are best.
• If watersports are part of your plan, you’ll photograph those moments only if you’ve arranged the activity through the island’s watersports center.

A big practical bonus: your group is private. Only your group participates, so you’re not waiting your turn in a crowded line while everyone else shoots.

Island choices: Thulusdhoo, Dhiffushi, Gulhi, Guraidhoo, Kudagiri, Villingili

You’ll have several supported islands where the team can meet you and run the shoot. If you’re already on one of these islands, you can meet directly there (often the easiest way to reduce logistics).

The islands listed are:

• Thulusdhoo
• Dhiffushi
• Gulhi
• Guraidhoo
• Kudagiri
• Villingili (underwater only)

Boat transfer charges are a key part of your real cost. Here are the fees you’ll want to budget:

• Villingili: 1 USD per person both ways
• Thulusdhoo: 25 USD per person per way
• Gulhi: 25 USD per person per way
• Guraidhoo: 30 USD per person per way
• Dhiffushi: 30 USD per person per way
• Kudagiri: Full charge 45 USD per person (departure at 8:00)

Two things I’d do before you book:

1. Confirm which island your shoot will use and price out the transfer for your group size.
2. If you’re staying on one of the islands already, ask whether meeting directly there can save you money and time.

Villingili note (the underwater-only option)

Villingili is marked as underwater only. That can be great if your priority is the underwater portraits and you don’t care about pool or overwater staging shots. If you want the full mix, choose a different island.

Drone option: extra angles with your 5-hour session

If you pick the drone option, the team will capture drone photos and videos during your shoot. For many people, this is the difference between “nice photos” and “wow, that looks like a film.”

Just keep expectations realistic:

• Drone work still depends on weather and visibility.
• You’ll want to plan your day around timing, since you’re stacking underwater and overwater photo sessions with drone capture.

If you like the idea of getting shots that show both you and the surrounding water from above, the drone add-on is a strong fit.

Equipment rules: what’s covered and what you must rent

This is the part that can surprise people, so I’m glad it’s clearly stated.

The team is responsible for the photoshoot only. They do not provide equipment such as:

• kayaks
• snorkeling gear
• mermaid tail outfits
• or other water sports equipment

They also note that the speedboat fee is not included. And snorkeling equipment isn’t included either.

So what should you do?

• If you want snorkeling, watersports, or anything beyond standard swim conditions, book those through a watersports center on the island.
• You can ask for help finding what you need, but the third-party rentals are not their responsibility.

This matters for your value math. If you’re planning a full “experience day” with gear, budget extra for rentals and transport. If you’re fine with a clean plan where your only paid “activity” is the photo session, this setup can actually be simpler than you’d expect.

Water comfort and weather: the real gatekeepers

Two conditions are made explicit:

• You should be comfortable in the water
• The experience requires good weather

“Comfortable in the water” doesn’t automatically mean you must be an expert swimmer, but you should feel at ease being in the sea environment and following the shoot direction.

The good news: the experience says that most people can participate, and service animals are allowed.

The weather piece is important because the underwater portion and drone portion both depend on conditions. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Price and value: is $156.68 per person worth it?

The listed price is $156.68 per person, and it’s typically booked about 19 days in advance on average. There are also group discounts, which can make this much more affordable for small groups.

When I look at value here, I focus on what’s included:

• Up to 20 edited photos
• 1-minute edited video
• A professional underwater photography setup
• Optional drone footage

That’s a lot of “final output” for one session. In many places, you’d pay separately for underwater photo services, and drone work is often priced as a separate add-on. Here, the structure is built to combine both.

But you do have two cost add-ons to count before deciding:

• Boat transfers to the island (varies widely)
• Any equipment you rent from the island’s watersports center

A smart move: price it both ways.

• Option A: Underwater + overwater portraits only.
• Option B: Add drone, and add one watersports moment if you want it.

If you add transfers and rentals, your total may creep up. If you keep it photo-focused, the package can feel like good value for what you get at the end.

Who this is perfect for (and who should rethink it)

This experience is a great match if you want:

• A curated photo set showing you both underwater and above water
• A pro-guided shoot where someone is actively working to get the right shots (the Fatima feedback is consistent on that point)
• A keepsake deliverable that includes both photos and a short video

It’s less ideal if you expect the team to supply snorkeling gear, kayaks, or watersports equipment. Since those are not provided, you’ll need to plan rentals yourself and pay separate fees.

It also helps if you like clear direction. Underwater photos go better when you’re not improvising.

A quick reality check on logistics (without the stress)

This is a private tour/activity, so it’s only your group. That’s a big quality-of-life upgrade in a busy destination.

You’ll start in Malé and end back at the same meeting point. For island stays, the transfer cost can be a dealbreaker or a non-issue depending on where you’re already based.

Finally, remember that the shoot is weather-dependent. Build flexibility into your schedule so a reschedule doesn’t wreck your whole trip plan.

Should you book this underwater and drone photoshoot?

If your main goal is high-quality Maldives photos you can actually frame or share for years, I think this is a strong booking.

I’d book it if:

• You care about both underwater and overwater portraits
• You want edited deliverables (not just raw files)
• You’re willing to be comfortable in the water and follow the shoot guidance
• You’re okay handling your own rentals if you want watersports gear

I’d skip or rethink it if:

• You don’t want to pay island transfer fees
• You expect the shoot to include snorkeling equipment or watersports gear
• You’re likely to be stressed by weather-driven rescheduling

For many people, this is the simplest way to turn Maldives water beauty into a real, edited memory set—especially with a guide like Fatima who clearly focuses on friendly preparation and getting the shots right.

FAQ

How much does the Malé underwater and drone photoshoot cost?

It costs $156.68 per person.

How long is the experience?

The duration is about 5 hours (approx.).

What time does it start?

The start time is 8:30 am (Malé local time).

What’s included in the price?

You get up to 20 edited pictures and 1 minute of edited video.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included.

Can I add drone photos and videos?

Yes. There is a drone option, and the team will take drone photos and videos if you choose it.

Do I need to pay for boat transfer?

Boat transfer is not included. If you’re not already on the destination island, you’ll need boat transfer, and the listed prices vary by island.

How much are boat transfers to the islands?

Boat transfer fees listed include: Villingili 1 USD per person both ways, Thulusdhoo 25 USD per person per way, Gulhi 25 USD per person per way, Guraidhoo 30 USD per person per way, Dhiffushi 30 USD per person per way, and Kudagiri 45 USD per person with departure at 8:00.

Is this a private experience?

Yes. It is a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

What happens if weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.