Is a phone in a waterproof pouch good enough?

For shallow snorkelling it can work, but pouches often fog and blur. A dedicated waterproof housing or an action camera gives much clearer results.

What time of day is best for underwater photos?

Late morning to early afternoon, when the sun is high and light reaches deepest into the water.

Photography guide

Underwater Photos for Snorkellers in the Maldives

By IM Studio · Updated 28 Oct 2026 · 2 min read

The Maldives is one of the easiest places in the world to take underwater photos. Lagoons are shallow, the water is warm and clear, and house reefs often start a few fins from the beach. A few simple habits make the difference between blue blur and frame-worthy shots.

Choosing a camera

Action cameras are compact, tough and shoot good video. Their wide lens suits big scenes like reef walls and turtles.
Compact waterproof cameras handle stills and colour better than most action cams.
Phones in a proper housing work well if the housing is rated for snorkelling depths. Soft pouches are a last resort.

Whatever you use, attach a wrist strap or a float.

Use the midday sun

The middle of the day is harsh for beach portraits but ideal underwater. With the sun overhead, light reaches deep into the water and colours look brightest. In the early morning and late afternoon, the reef looks noticeably bluer and darker.

Technique that works

Get close. Water reduces contrast and colour fast. Half a metre from your subject beats two metres with zoom.
Shoot slightly upward. It puts the bright surface behind your subject and adds depth.
Stay level and calm. Slow movements keep sand settled and fish relaxed.
Take bursts. Moving subjects and gentle swell make burst mode your friend.
Fix colour later. A simple white balance correction in editing brings back the reds and yellows.

Protect the reef

Never stand on or touch coral, and don’t chase or corner marine life. Use reef-safe sunscreen, or better, a rash guard. Good photos come from patience, not pursuit.

Want to be in the shot?

Underwater portraits of couples need a second person, careful timing and practised breath-holds. IM Studio offers underwater add-ons at our covered resorts. Ask us when you book.