This has to be one of the most compelling photo safaris available for the ambitious underwater stills or videographer, especially if you are selling your work professionally. Our 12 day charter to get the best possible stock images and video footage of whale sharks and mantas rays is geared around the strict requirements of the serious underwater photography enthusiast, freelance and full time professional underwater and wildlife photographer or cameraman.

Everything possible has been done to ensure that you have the best possible photo and video opportunities with these ocean icons. We've chosen the Maldive Islands in October/November for the consistency with which these animals are encountered. Sea Queen, operated by Maldives Scuba Travel, is our liveaboard base for the expedition. Maldives Scuba Tours probably have more liveaboard experience in these waters than anyone and their fleet is renowned for offering a quality diving experience that brings serious underwater photographers and filmmakers back to Sea Queen time and again.

Key to our safari's success is Anne-Marie Kitchen-Wheeler. Anne-Marie is one of the most knowledgeable, experienced and respected dive guides in the Maldives. Anne-Marie has, for some years, conducted formal studies of manta rays in her home waters. She is considered a leading expert on their behaviour. Our decision to offer this safari was based on Ann-Marie leading it and this is one of the unique benefits of joining this cruise. When professionals are shooting photo-stories and documentaries, the individuals who return with the best results usually depend heavily upon local expertise. Anne-Marie will provide the insights, so often missing on ordinary trips, that will help you better understand manta and whale shark behaviour. You'll find her evening presentations enthralling and the information shared invaluable. This knowledge will enable you to maximise your shooting potential and, we intend, help you get shots and footage that far surpass.

We have chartered Sea Queen for just eight guests. Her normal complement is a dozen. By greatly reducing the number of guests on the boat we can provide you with much better experiences with the rays and sharks. Most places have now been taken. Mark Koekemoer will be on board, representing Ocean Optics and Mavericks Diving. His technical expertise will be available to you at all times and a small amount of back up stills equipment will be on hand for emergency use.

This is a flagship safari for Ocean Optics and Mavericks Diving. It is ambitious in its scope. But Mark and I firmly believe that if you really want to achieve the best possible images and have a great experience with the largest fish and the largest ray, this type of commitment is called for. And, of course, while the main focus is on these two incredible subjects, you'll enjoy fabulous Maldivian diving as well.

If you'd like to snap up the last couple of berths, please call Mark now.

Best wishes for a fabulous safari,

Steve.

• To learn more about Anne-Marie's manta ray research watch her on the UnderwaterChannel.tv. There's wonderful manta cinematography by Blue Planet and Planet Earth cameraman, Peter Scoones.
• Read the full brochure (pdf)