Aqua-Firma

24/01/2026

Coming close to cheetahs, leopards, lions and more in the shadow of Africa's volcanoes, the Great Rift Valley and the iconic Serengeti plains, is something truly special.
https://www.aqua-firma.com/experiences/safaris-tanzania-serengeti-ngorongoro-great-migration
Follow the link above to a gallery of images taken on one of Aqua-Firma’s Great Migration & North Tanzania Safaris last month.
https://www.aqua-firma.com/destinations/tanzania
Photo: Ralph Pannell (Aqua-Firma)

07/12/2025

Here's images from AQUA-FIRMA's Whale Shark Research, Coral Reef & Photo trip currently running in Tanzania. It is hosted by two researchers who have dedicated their lives to the research and protection of these magnificent animals: MMF's Dr Chris Rohner & Dr Clare Prebble; alongside Aqua-Firma photographer & director, Ralph Pannell.
https://www.aqua-firma.com/destinations/tanzania
Whilst MMF research helps to develop a clearer picture about whale shark biology and movements around our Oceans, it also reveals the existential threat whale sharks face. With data gathered by Chris, Clare and other shark scientists Aqua-Firma sponsor, whale sharks have just been given the highest level of protection by CITES: the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.
To find out how to join an Aqua-Firma whale shark trip in Tanzania, the or visit:
https://www.aqua-firma.com/marine-life/whale-shark-rhincodon-typus-research-conservation-photography-dive-snorkel
December has proven to be a peak time for seeing whale sharks in , where we can also snorkel or scuba dive amongst some of Tanzania's most diverse and beautiful

08/11/2025

John Cleese a & Aqua-Firma in a cinema near you!
We are a little bit proud to say that this photograph, taken by Aqua-Firma director & photographer, Ralph Pannell, of a rare Cleese’s Lemur (Avahi cleesei), will be appearing in a new John Cleese documentary movie this month.
‘John Cleese Packs It In’ is a behind-the-scenes portrait of a comedy legend on the road. John uses this photo to express his passion for lemurs and their conservation; and his pride in having this particular lemur named after him.
To see the movie, check out https://johncleeseincinemas.com as well as your local cinema listings.
For information about Woolly Lemurs and where to see them visit:
https://www.aqua-firma.com/wildlife/lemurs/woolly-lemur

30/08/2025

It’s International Whale Shark Day so here are some images from our next Whale Shark Research target: Madagascar. These images were taken on Aqua-Firma’s Whale Shark Research – Marine Life, Lemurs & Islands trip last October, which is usually the peak month for whale shark aggregations in our study area.
We are fully booked for October 2025, but click below for details about how you can join us in October 2026:
https://www.aqua-firma.com/experiences/madagascar-whale-shark-research-islands-marine-life-lemurs
And click below for a gallery of images taken on our October 2023. It’s not just whale sharks we see:
https://www.aqua-firma.com/news/2023/11/02/madagascar-whale-shark-wildlife-marine-life-photo-gallery
For more Ocean Giant Expeditions including Galapagos, Komodo, Tanzania & Norway visit:
https://www.aqua-firma.com/experience-types/ocean-giant-research-conservation-photography

29/07/2025

In recognition of World Nature Conservation Day on 28th July:

AQUA-FIRMA | Pantanal4Climate Project

17/07/2025

Our Rainforest4Climate projects usually focus on but our latest target is the of . Covering 140,000 km2 The Pantanal is the World's largest wetland and one of the best places to see Giant River Otters and Giant Anteaters. Click below for details about our efforts to restore a part of this area to wilderness:
https://www.aqua-firma.com/news/2025/07/02/pantanal-conservation-climate-change-co2
And click here to find out how you can join us to experience this amazing area:
https://www.aqua-firma.com/experiences/pantanal-wildlife-cruise-paraty-rio-rainforest
Photos by Ralph Pannell

08/06/2025

We could not have asked for a better World Oceans Day, sharing the seas of Oman with Whale Sharks and two of our expert Whale Shark & Manta Ray Research hosts : Dr Simon Pierce and Dr Chris Rohner.
This is early days of new research in Oman, today taking spot pattern IDs to compare with whale sharks already seen here and neighbouring countries. We were also collecting plankton to identify what food is attracting whale sharks to the study area.
You can join our teams this year and next, first of all on AQUA-FIRMA's Komodo Manta Ray, Coral Reef & Dragons trip in Oct 2025 (for snorkelers & scuba divers). Dr Simon Pierce, Director of the Marine Megafauna Foundation, will be hosting alongside AQUA-FIRMA Marine Scientist, Charlotte Caffrey:
https://www.aqua-firma.com/destinations/indonesia
Simon will next host AQUA-FIRMA Shark Insights & Photography Dive Liveaboard in the Galapagos 27 July - 03 Aug, 2026:
https://www.aqua-firma.com/destinations/galapagos
Dr Chris Rohner is Principal Scientist at MMF and will be hosting our Tanzania Whale Shark Research & Coral Reef Photography trip 01 - 08 Dec, 2025:
https://www.aqua-firma.com/destinations/tanzania
This trip is for snorkelers or scuba Divers alike. Trip leader in Tanzania will be AQUA-FIRMA director & photographer, Ralph Pannell.

21/05/2025

On our 9th year of Whalewatching & Snorkel trips to Silver Bank in the Caribbean, the Humpback Whales were ready, waiting ….and provided us with encounters beyond expectation!
Some days were action packed: exciting fin-slapping, tail lobbing and explosive full breaches - always accompanied by our squeals of delight!. Others were chilled, resting beneath our little boat, hydrophone deployed, rising to spy hop reminding who’s watching who.
Beneath the water, when mum and calf are relaxed in their sanctuary, we can respectfully to witness their tenderness and bonding. Incredible sights of calf playing first on mum’s back, then nose; and even taking a break to suckle. Sometimes this was overwhelming to see, bringing a tear to the eye, with even our second timers declaring “It does not get better than this”; and I honestly had to agree : )
Join us for our 10th Anniversary at Silver Bank 07-14 March, 2026. For details visit:
https://www.aqua-firma.com/experiences/swim-with-whales-silver-bank-humpback-whalewatching
by trip host & Marine Scientist, Charlotte Caffrey

25/04/2025

It’s of which the KING Penguin was named in recognition of being the largest of all … .until the discovery of an even larger species which was promoted to EMPEROR.
Today we celebrate the King for surviving near extinction at our hands; and for completely blanketing South Georgia today to the delight of all our guests who admire them in their thousands along her shores.
https://www.aqua-firma.com/destinations/south-georgia
God Save the King! …. as well as the other 17 species of our fascinating friends.
Photo credit: Shifaan Thowfeequ

AQUA-FIRMA Eco Travel | Polar Voyages | Wildlife & Marine Life Safaris | Scuba Diving | Snorkel & Freediving | Ocean Giant Expeditions led by Marine Scientists, Researchers, Photographers & BBC Presenter Ecologist guides

26/03/2025

Schooling hammerhead sharks; some of the world's largest whale sharks; pods of dolphins surrounding us in the shallows; oceans filled thick with fish; eagle rays; playful sealions ... the Galapagos has so much to offer underwater.
For Deeper Insights into the underwater world of the Galapagos, join one of the world's leading shark experts, Dr Simon Pierce, on AQUA-FIRMA's Shark Insights & Photo Dive Liveaboard to the Galapagos in prime whale shark season.
https://www.aqua-firma.com/destinations/galapagos
Simon is director of the Marine Megafauna Foundation whose research & conservation work these trips help to fund. When you come onboard, you will learn some of the very latest research findings from around the world, plus have the option to receive personal advice to help you photograph moments which will take your breath away.
(27 July - 03 Aug, 2026)

AQUA-FIRMA | Galapagos Above & Below Water Travel Experts

20/03/2025

We are delighted to be resuming our Research, & trips this December. Aqua-Firma expert host will once again be Dr Chris Rohner, seen in this image taking photographs of the unique spot pattern each whale shark possesses.
Chris is Principal Scientist at the Marine Megafauna Foundation & this trip helps to fund his work. Not only is Chris a true expert in his field, his enthusiasm makes for a most inspiring experience.
To find out how to join us on this tropical gem of an island, visit:
https://www.aqua-firma.com/destinations/tanzania
December has proven to be a peak time for seeing in our research area. In a different part of the island, we can snorkel or scuba dive amongst some of Tanzania's most diverse and beautiful
Photos by Dr Simon Pierce (MMF) & AQUA-FIRMA trip leader, Ralph Pannell

31/12/2024

Face-to-face with 11 S***m Whales & a few other scenes from Aqua-Firma Ocean Giant Expeditions in 2024. Click here:
https://www.aqua-firma.com/experience-types/ocean-giant-research-conservation-photography .. to see how you can join us in the company of and more in 2025 & 2026. AQUA-FIRMA's hosts include leading researchers, marine scientists & underwater photographers. Destinations range from Tropical , the & ; to and