Join An Ocean Expedition
Upcoming Expeditions
Underwater Diving Gannets | Shetland | 2027
Dates:
• 29th April to 5th May 2027 [1 SPOT LEFT]
• 17th June to 23rd June 2027 [FULLY BOOKED - WAITLIST AVAILABLE]
Type: Snorkelling / Scuba Diving + Topside Photography
Group size: 4 customers max
Target: Northern gannets underwater and on land. Puffins (on land)
The barrage of diving gannets is electrifying, streams of bubbles erupt behind as they torpedo into the water with pointed beaks and open eyes. These handsome seabirds are just as agile in the water as out, reacting incredibly quickly to one another amidst the organised chaos of the hunt. Their white bodies perfectly contrast with the dark waters beneath the cliffs, and the resulting pictures cannot fail but impress.
Shetland challenges and thrills you in equal measure. For nature lovers, it holds a magnetic appeal as there are sadly few places left like it in the world. I love its isolation, I love its wilderness, and I love the feeling of endless possibility as we explore these living coasts.
This expedition focusses on meeting northern gannets underwater. The intimacy of the encounters and the photographic opportunities are unparalleled.
Sardine Run | South Africa | July 2027
Dates: 15-22 April 2027 [Fully Booked - Waitlist Available]
Type: Open Ocean Safari with Snorkelling / Freediving and optional Scuba Diving
Group size: 6 customers max
Target: Baitballs, Dolphins, Whales, Cape Gannets, Sharks.
For as long as I’ve been part of the ocean community, the Sardine Run in South Africa has been spoken about with near-mythical reverence. A true bucket-list experience—one that promises both challenge and exhilaration in equal measure.
Often described as “the greatest shoal on earth,” the sardine run is an explosion of life. Vast schools of sardines draw in a formidable cast of predators—sharks, dolphins, whales, and seabirds—each attacking with speed, precision, and relentless energy. It’s one of the most dynamic wildlife spectacles on the planet.
The goal? A front-row seat to the chaos.
But nothing this special comes easy. Finding the perfect bait ball demands expert guides, aerial support, and no small amount of luck.
In 2027, I’ll be heading to South Africa for my first sardine run expedition.
Baja Monster | Mexico | Oct - Nov 2027
Dates: 24 October to 6 November 2027 [2 SPOTS LEFT]
Type: Combination scuba diving and snorkelling / freediving
Group size: 6 customers max
Target: Sea Lions, Mobula Rays at night, Striped Marlin, Baitballs, and much more!
My dream expedition to Baja Sur during the Mexican sardine run season. No one else offers this itinerary. Over two weeks, we will chase the best light and the most compelling wildlife encounters, wherever they lead us.
The water is warm and clear, and the ocean hosts a series of jaw-dropping wildlife encounters. Sea lion pups are at their most playful, while juvenile mobula rays sweep past on night dives. The region’s abundance of marine megafauna is such that you can reasonably expect encounters with three or more species of cetaceans. Add to this the Mexican sardine run—vast open-ocean bait balls pursued by striped marlin—and you have one of the most dynamic marine ecosystems on the planet. There is simply nowhere else where this level of predator–prey interaction unfolds so reliably in warm water with such exceptional visibility.
Raja Ampat | Indonesia | Private Yacht
Dates: 11 night itineraries - season runs from October to April. Dates booked according to client preference.
Type: Private charter of yacht for single client party. Snorkelling or Scuba Diving
Group size: Private booking of entire boat, can accommodate 2 to 8 customers.
Target: World’s best coral reefs. Bottlenose dolphins.
Raja Ampat plays host to the most biodiverse ocean area on the planet. Nowhere else will you find so many coral and fish species in one area. These are the richest coral reefs, a place like no other.
The remoteness of the region combined with a private yacht offers you the opportunity to explore in a unique and comfortable manner. The limestone islands and turquoise lagoons offer a visual feast to match what we find underwater.
This itinerary is entirely bespoke and the schedule can be entirely adjusted to suit your needs. Snorkelling and scuba diving will be a daily feature with up to 4 dives a day should you wish. These are quite simply the best coral reefs on the planet, packed with healthy coral and fish life. We will also pursue a unique opportunity to swim with dolphins. You can also venture out on kayaks and for hikes, including a search for the beautiful birds of paradise.
Client Testimonials
“I have joined Henley on multiple trips and must say that he has the most exciting adventures for underwater photography. I must commend his drive for conservation and desire to preserve the environment so we can continue to see these amazing moments in the oceans. Not only does Henley offer an amazing adventure, he also provides his expertise with underwater photography and assists with post-processing for your images. I am looking forward to my next adventure with Henley, which will not be soon enough!”
“I’ve joined Henley on multiple expeditions and I intend to continue doing so for one simple reason: each time, I come home with a new trove of epic moments in the ocean and invaluable insights from Henley on how to create better imagery. He readily shares his expertise (everything from fieldcraft to editing to photo contest submissions), and he only works with the best operators to maximize the likelihood of amazing wildlife encounters while maintaining a safe and responsible code of conduct. There are no guarantees in the ocean, but I guarantee you’ll be glad you joined one of these trips.”
“If you had told me a couple of years ago that I would be photographing sharks, I’d have said you were crazy. But, thanks to Henley’s enthusiasm and encouragement, that’s exactly what I was doing last summer. A diving trip with Henley is the Rolls Royce of how to explore and photograph the underwater world. He doesn’t just provide the essentials – meticulous planning, expert technical skills, first-class teaching, a broad knowledge of marine wildlife and familiarity with the best dive spots – he’s also great company both in and out of the water.”
What does it feel like?
My expedition-style trips are perfect for adventurers with a passion for marine life. Our goal is to bring a small number of individuals and share both unique underwater experiences, and an ocean lifestyle. We seek to escape the crowds and chase the very best encounters. Underwater photographers and videographers will be extremely well catered for - we know what you need and will do everything in our power to put you in the water with the best possible chance of creating memorable imagery.
That being said, having an underwater camera is by no means a requirement for either attendance or enjoyment of these trips.
A familial environment occurs very fast on this type of expedition. Tired, elated, and salty, we will be bonded by the shared experience of scouring the ocean for things very few have ever witnessed. These are not relaxing holidays in the conventional meaning of it, nor are they standard dive trips. By signing up, you are joining our team of ocean nomads. We will go above and beyond to give you the experience of a lifetime. For those wishing to join, we expect that you embark on the expedition with a positive, patient mindset, and a willingness to help the rest of the team (that can be as simple as pouring waters for everyone when you grab a glass).
Ethos
Leading these trips as a photo pro, my primary principle is that your images should come before mine. Also, every customer is entitled to equal opportunity, whether they have a big or small camera, or no camera at all (that’s right, don’t be scared off non shooters!)
We will make sure that you get the first and best opportunities to create memorable images.
We get everything from complete newbies to professional underwater shooters coming on these trips, and I am there to provide as much, or as little, help as you need. At the very minimum, we will be aiming to get you in the right place, at the right time, with the right background information, to keep you safe and with the very best opportunity at coming home with images and memories you love.
If you would like comprehensive coaching for everything from gear set-up to post production, I am there to help. Indeed, post-processing in Lightroom and Photoshop is usually a popular evening activity, and I’m very happy to provide advice on selecting and editing images.
How to find out about expeditions:
The first place I will advertise expeditions is via my newsletter. They sometimes book up fast, so if interested, please do sign up using the box below.
Also don’t hesitate to drop me a message thephotographer@henleyspiers.com to start the conversation and find out what I have in the pipeline. Even if no spaces are immediately available, knowing your interest means I can contact you directly as soon as an opportunity opens up.
Bespoke Diving & Photography Trips
Ocean exploration customised to your needs and wants.