MALDIVES • APRIL 18-25, 2026

Justin Lutsky, a bonafide underwater photography magician (his work on this page doesn’t lie), and Abbey the Everyday Mermaid, have developed their latest Submerge experience: the Maldives 2026 Underwater Modeling Workshop. In fact, this is more than a workshop, it’s a dive adventure! Set against calm turquoise waters and uninhabited islands, the week is dedicated to creating stunning ocean-inspired art. Basecamp is the Blue Force One, where guests will have the entire vessel available to model, dive or simply relax. Participants will learn underwater modeling tips, tricks, and techniques, plus have the opportunity to shoot in new aquatic environments with the support of the Submerge team. Want a private island to use as a backdrop or place to chill? Deal. Want all meals included too? Done. How about mantas by day, mantas by night, sharks, more sharks, a couple more sharks, rays, eels, turtles and large schools of fish are all (almost) guaranteed. And while most tourists take home t-shirts and cheap airport jewelry as souvenirs, models enrolled in this workshop will leave with gorgeous photo and video content unlike any other. It’s gonna be sick!

Who is this for? Underwater model enthusiasts and professionals alike who want to create unique content in a private, all-inclusive setting. From first timers to accomplished mermaids, this trip will not disappoint! The Submerge team will assist, instruct, and educate every step of the way.

You only live once.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Dive sites visited are subject to weather conditions and local seasonal knowledge. Final route taken is at the absolute discretion of the captain and cruise director. All dives are conducted from a boat. Shore diving is not offered from the Blue Force One. Diving is only available for certified divers. All activities, amenities and meals listed above are included in the Seasick and Submerge package unless otherwise noted. Optional activities have an additional fee and are not included in the package.

MODELS WHATCHA GET

Pre-Trip Consultation: Work with the Submerge team on wardrobe, hair, and makeup for underwater modeling. Know what to bring and how to prepare.

Underwater Modeling Presentation: An overview of the unique skills and techniques required for successful underwater photo shoots such as breath hold training, buoyancy control, and movement techniques. Safety protocols and effective communication with the photography team is also examined.

Breath Hold Coaching Session: Learn the fundamentals to breath hold safely and effectively while posing underwater including how to maximize lung capacity, relaxation methods to conserve air, and static + dynamic apnea practices to build confidence and endurance.

Model Coaching Session: Learn the fundamentals of posing underwater, mastering buoyancy, controlling body position, managing props or costumes, and maintaining relaxed photogenic expressions. Throughout the trip models will get hours of quality breath hold and pose coaching in various settings.

3 Open Water SCUBA-Assisted Portrait Sessions: Taking underwater modeling to the next level! Venture out into the ocean to explore Maldives’ incredible underwater seascapes. Here, several one-of-a-kind photoshoots will be staged at various locations with the full support of an experienced dive team. With the expertise and guidance of a dedicated safety diver, models confidently explore the art of underwater modeling using compressed air. This technique enables improved buoyancy, increasing models’ abilities to strike dynamic and graceful poses.

Beach Portrait Session: Dry off and clean up for a stunning photo shoot on the beach. The perfect combo: Indian Ocean, white sand beach, a gorgeous model, and the Submerge team.

Deep Dive Debrief Sessions: A valuable opportunity to convene each evening and review the day's underwater images. During these briefings, models can receive constructive feedback, discuss modeling + breath hold techniques, and share insights on potential improvements. This collaborative environment fosters learning and growth.

Online Image Gallery: Get access to a preview gallery of all images from the trip. Favorites can be selected for retouching.

8 Professionally Retouched Digital Images: High quality and professionally edited masterpieces of each model’s favorite shots.

Boat Dives: Up to 3 dives daily + 1 night dive are available (certified divers).

Surprise Land Tours: Uninhabited island and sandbar visits. No hotels. No restaurants. No random people. Just pure paradise.

Plus: Items and services listed in the “Package Includes” section below

MODELS OPTIONAL WORKSHOP EXTRAS

Exclusive Mertailor Experience Package: Ever wanted to be a real life mermaid? Mertailor and Submerge created an exclusive tail design only available to workshop participants. This isn’t borrow or rent a tail, this is own a custom monofin and tail! Package includes: 1 Mertailor Fantasea Fin Three Monofin, 1 Exclusive Submerge Whimsy Fantasea Skin, and 2 additional retouched images.

Manta Night Portrait Session: Hold on tight, this is gonna be amazing! Includes 2 Professionally Retouched Digital Images.

Nurse Shark Night Portrait Session: Don’t worry, they don’t (normally) bite. Includes 2 Professionally Retouched Digital Images.

Additional Open Water SCUBA-Assisted Portrait Sessions: A legendary opportunity for those wanting to dive deeper into their underwater modeling. Schedule an additional portrait session. Model in open water on breath hold, or with the assistance of SCUBA cylinders and safety divers. Incorporating SCUBA cylinders and safety divers allows models to stay underwater longer (vs the typical free dive photo shoot) and increases creative opportunities. 2 additional retouched images from this session are included.

Fine Art Prints: Want something tangible, something to proudly display? Then a physical print is the solution. All photos will be captured in incredible detail making large format printing at any size and on any material possible. Price varies per size and medium.

Additional Retouched Images: All models will receive 8 professionally retouched digital images as part of the package, but additional images are available for purchase.

Behind the Scenes Content: Submerge will capture BTS underwater content, perfect for social media reels or simply reliving those amazing moments.

Personal Highlight Video: A custom edited highlight video (up to 2-minutes) of each model’s personal photo session experience.

MALDIVES

The Maldives is located at the equator in the Indian Ocean, approximately 300 miles southwest of India. The Maldives is comprised of more than 99% sea and less than 1% of land (crazy) and is made up of 26 natural ring-like atolls. Each atoll literally spans miles across with a coral reef encircling a lagoon and deep channels dividing the reef ring. As if that wasn’t cool enough, there could be 10, 20 or even 50 islands within each atoll (pictured below). Confused? The photo illustrates islands within the atoll, not the atoll itself.

Continent: Asia (South Asia) • Capital Island: Malé • Total Islands: 1,192 • Inhabited Islands: 290 • Resort islands: 90 • Atolls: 26 • Highest Elevation: 7'10" • Average Elevation: 4'11" • Population: 560,000 • Time: UTC+5 • Industries: Tourism and Fishing • Electricity: 240V • Currency: Rufiyaa (USD 1 = MRF 15.44) • Official Language: Dhivehi • Religion: Sunni Islam • Working Hours: 8:00am-3:00pm, Sun-Thu

WEATHER AND CLIMATE

Because the country straddles the equator, the Maldives is obviously tropical, with temperatures around 75-91°F year-round. Maldives has two distinct seasons: dry season (northeast monsoon) and wet season (southwest monsoon). The dry season extends from December to April. The wet season is from May to November. January, February, March, and April are the driest months in the Maldives and are often considered the best 100+ diving days of the year.

April Averages - High Temp: 90°F • Low Temp: 81°F • Sea Water Temp: 85°F • Daylight Hours: 12.25 • Sunshine Hours: 11 • Rainy Days: 9 • Monthly Precipitation: 3.7 in

BLUE FORCE ONE

The Blue Force One was awarded the Best Built Liveaboard in 2014 by the Liveaboard Association of Maldives. It then received the honor of Best Liveaboard Yacht in 2018 by the Maldives Boating Awards. This stunning luxury cruiser is in a class of its own. Its beautiful design and special attention to detail ensures quality and luxurious comfort for all guests. The Blue Force One is designed to meet and exceed the high expectations of even the most experienced traveler or anyone visiting the Maldives looking for a journey of a lifetime on an exclusive ship.

This unique 138' long wooden vessel boasts twelve cabins and can accommodate up to 24 guests. With sleeping accommodations on three different decks, the ship is incredibly spacious. Choose from a Master Suite, Junior Suite, Master Cabin or a Deluxe Cabin. Each suite and cabin have individually controlled air conditioning and en-suite bathrooms. There is no shortage of relaxation space aboard the Blue Force One. Guests can chill in or around the Jacuzzi, three sun decks, upper deck bar, or living room. Guests are also welcome to take out stand-up paddle boards and kayaks in their free time.

As if the 138' mothership wasn't enough, the Blue Force One has a separate 75' diving Dhoni (a multi-purpose motorboat). All diving is conducted aboard the Dhoni which houses the compressors and dive gear. That means much more space aboard the Blue Force One because the back deck isn’t dedicated to dive stations and dive equipment. It also means less noise as tanks are being filled on a completely different boat. Diving at its finest.

Blue Force One - Type: Motor Yacht (M/Y) • Year Built: 2013 • Length: 138' (42m) • Beam: 36' (11m) • Cruising speed: 9 knots • Number of passengers: 24 • Water Desalination Plants: 2 • Generators: 2

Dhoni - Year Built: 2020 • Length: 75' (23m) • Beam: 23' (7m) • Cruising speed: fast enough • Number of passengers: 24 • Compressors: 3 • Membrane Nitrox System: 2 • Head: Yes • Shower: Yes

ACCOMMODATIONS: Total 12 suites/cabins. 2 Master Suites, 2 Junior Suites, 1 Master Cabin, 7 Deluxe Cabins. Double and/or Twin beds. All suites/cabins have individually controlled air-conditioning with gorgeous interiors and trendy fittings, en-suite bathrooms with fresh hot and cold water, hair dryer, remote control for lights, 32" TV with in-house movies, satellite, WiFi, and safe.

FACILITIES: Sundeck Jacuzzi. 3 solariums with sunbeds and mattresses (located on the bow, stern and the sundeck). Bar on the upper deck. Living room with sofas and a 65" TV with in-house channels, satellite navigation and film system. Daily housekeeping. Onboard stand-up paddle boards and kayaks. Audio & video entertainment. Outdoor Dining. Rinse facilities for underwater cameras.

DELUXE CABIN (7 Available: 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 111)
Full bathroom, hair dryer, remote control for lights and air-conditioning, 32" TV with in-house movies, satellite, WiFi, and safe.

MASTER CABIN (1 Available: 101)
Full bathroom, hair dryer, remote control for lights and air-conditioning, 32" TV with in-house movies, satellite, WiFi, and safe.

JUNIOR SUITE (2 Available: 110, 112)
Full bathroom, hair dryer, remote control for lights and air-conditioning, 32" TV with in-house movies, satellite, WiFi, and safe.

MASTER SUITE (2 Available: 108, 109)
Full bathroom, hair dryer, remote control for lights and air-conditioning, 32" TV with in-house movies, satellite, WiFi, and safe.

LOWER DECK
• 1 Master Cabin with double bed, bathroom and shower (Cabin 101)
• 6 Deluxe Cabins with double bed and single bed, bathroom and shower (Cabins 102 - 107)

MAIN DECK
• 2 Master Suites with double bed, bathroom, shower, and jacuzzi for two people (Cabins 108 and 109)

UPPER DECK/BRIDGE
• 2 Junior Suites with double bed and single bed, bathroom and shower (Cabins 110 and 112)
• 1 Deluxe Cabin with 2 single beds, bathroom and shower (Cabin 111)

DIVING

The Maldives is one of the world’s richest marine areas. Over a thousand species of fish and other underwater “things” inhabit the Maldivian waters. The monsoon tides of the Indian Ocean create a collection of small marine creatures as well as microscopic plant cells. This in turn creates a hub for all kinds of underwater animals who gather in these waters lured by the abundance of food. What does that mean? Simple. The Maldives is one of the best dive destinations in the world (maybe top three) to have close underwater encounters with large animals. Every day, every dive is all about “the big stuff”.

The ability to see whale sharks, mantas, schooling sharks, dozens of rays, huge schools of fish and many other large subjects is an obvious draw, but the less mentioned night dives also make the Maldives unique. Divers typically associate night dives with small “macro” critters: crabs, shrimps and other tiny animals that tend to prosper in the dark. The Maldives is different. Nights are filled with manta dives, schooling nurse shark dives, and dives where large predators hunt. Guests can expect to conduct four or five bad ass night dives during the charter (and yes “bad ass” was just used).

Most dives in the Maldives take place along a faru (reef), a thila or giri (both describe underwater pinnacles), in a kandu (channel), or on a wreck. Diving is always conducted via a Dhoni that travels alongside the mothership (with the exception of one or two “dips” from the back of the mothership when mantas or nurse sharks make an appearance).

Dive Season: Diving is good all year long, but the southwest monsoon brings some rain between May - October, especially June - August. From December to March the water currents flow through the atolls from east to west, creating fantastic visibility along the eastern atolls and large numbers of mantas in the soupy waters of the western atolls.

Depth: 10'-130'+ (Shallow reefs to deep sea mounts) • Visibility: 60'-100' • Currents: Range from nada to rippin’ (Especially strong in the atoll passes) • Skill Level: Beginner - Advanced • Water Temp: 85°F

THE HOSTS

¹ Maldives Tax ($185), Green Tax ($84), and Service Tax ($160) must be paid to Seasick Productions by February 1, 2026.
These fees will be forwarded to the Blue Force One prior to arrival

FLIGHTS + TRANSIT HOTELS

SAMPLE ITINERARY AS OF JANUARY 20, 2025

Each guest must purchase (required):
• 1 roundtrip international ticket from the USA to Maldives (MLE)
• Inbound: 1 night transit hotel in Maldives

*1 stop minimum required for all international flights. Layover varies by airline carrier

Each guest should purchase (recommended):
• Inbound: 1 night transit hotel in Dubai
• Return: 1 night transit hotel in Dubai

Notes:
• All guests will embark and disembark Blue Force One at the Maldives International Airport (MLE)
• Maldives International Airport: Velana International Airport (MLE)
• Guests must arrive in the Maldives one day before boarding the Blue Force One (arrive on April 17)
• Dubai transit hotel option 1: Emirates may provide a complimentary hotel room (call them for details) but the property is located outside the airport. Simple visa and immigration procedures required.
• Dubai transit hotel option 2: pay to stay at the Dubai International Airport Hotel located inside the airport. No visa and immigration procedures required.
• Maldives transit hotel: guests may stay at any hotel they prefer. Most hotels standard policies are check-in after 2:00pm and check-out before 12:00pm.
• Although the airline industry uses “Malé” as the destination name (and port of entry) within the Maldives, the Velana International Airport (MLE) is actually located on Hulhulé Island (not on Malé). The recommended hotel is located on Hulhumalé Island. Hulhulé Island and Hulhumalé Island are attached via a short road. Guests will never be required to go to Malé during the trip.
• Airport transfers to/from the transit hotel: not included in Seasick package. Guests must arrange.
• Airport transfers to/from the liveaboard: included in Seasick package. Blue Force will provide.

LOS ANGELES - MALDIVES
DEPARTING: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15 • RETURNING: SATURDAY, APRIL 25
ESTIMATED COST: $1,375

MALDIVES DOMESTIC FLIGHT INFORMATION

Maldives domestic flights are not required as the trip will start and end at the Velana International Airport on Hulhumalé Island. Blue Force One will provide roundtrip transfers to/from the liveaboard.

DUBAI TRANSIT HOTEL

Dubai International Airport Hotel (Inside Terminal 3)
Inbound (if necessary): Check In Thursday, April 16 • Check Out Friday, April 17
Outbound (if necessary): Check In Saturday, April 25 • Check Out Sunday, April 26

In some cases, Emirates provides complimentary accommodation, entry visas, airport transfers and meals for passengers with extended transit times in Dubai. This service may be available if there is no connection of less than eight hours available and the transit time in Dubai is between 8 and 24 hours.

Transit accommodation is at the discretion of Emirates. Not all fares are eligible for this stopover service. Please contact Emirates to confirm whether this service is available. Charges may apply. Confirmation of your hotel in Dubai does not guarantee entry into the State of Dubai. This is entirely at the discretion of the Dubai Immigration Authority. Emirates is not liable in the event entry is not permitted, despite of a hotel booking.

MALDIVES TRANSIT HOTEL

H78 Maldives
Inbound: Check In Friday, April 17 • Check Out Saturday, April 18
Outbound (if necessary): Check In Saturday, April 25 • Check Out Sunday, April 26

Located on Hulhumalé Island. 10 minute drive from the Velana International Airport

Room reservations should include breakfast for two guests plus roundtrip airport transfers

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

DEFINITIONS: “Company” is defined as Underwater Exposures, Inc. dba Seasick Productions, incorporated in terms of the laws of California, United States of America. "Company Affiliated Parties" is defined as the Company, Justin Lutsky, Abbey Blake, Submerge, its directors, members, partners, employees, agents, consultants, suppliers, and contractors. “Guest” is defined as any person or persons placing a booking (whether provisional or confirmed) with the Company and who contracts with the Company for any of the Services together with his/her spouse, dependents and companions. “Services” is defined as the provision of accommodation, transport, transfers, scuba diving and snorkeling activities, tours or any other activities or services provided by the Company and the procurement by the Company of the provision of accommodation, transport, transfers, scuba diving and snorkeling activities, tours or any other activities or services by any Third-Party Contractors.

GENERAL: Price based on double occupancy group rate. Single supplement, extensions, additional services, and all other items not listed in itinerary are not included. All prices subject to change without notice. A $2,000.00 deposit per person is required with each Guest reservation. Company reserves the right, without advance notice, to make changes or cancellations, in part or in whole, as circumstances dictate. Any deposit or payment made to Company or any representative of Company shows acceptance and acknowledgement of the terms and conditions as stated herein.

CHANGES TO RESERVATIONS: Any request by Guest to amend or change a booking once it has been confirmed, may be accommodated by Company subject to availability. If Company is able to assist, a reasonable administrative fee may be charged. Any such administrative fees shall be invoiced to the Guest and must be settled as per the standard terms applicable to the booking. If the invoice is not paid within such time, Company may construe such non-payment as an act of cancellation on the part of the Guest and the provisions of the cancellation clause shall apply. All reservations, confirmed bookings, and Company’s services are non-transferable.

CANCELLATIONS TO RESERVATIONS: Refund (less cancellation fee) may be issued if reservation is cancelled four months prior to departure date and if another Guest can fill the vacancy. All authorized refunds will be assessed a $1,000.00 cancellation fee. No refund or credit will be made for Services not utilized by Guest. No cancellations shall be accepted within 30 days of trip departure.

FORCE MAJEURE: “Force Majeure Event” is defined as any event which is beyond the control of the Company, including, but not limited to a national strike, act of war, armed conflict, insurrection, civil commotion, terrorism or the threat of terrorism; any act of God including but not limited to epidemic, pandemic, lightning, earthquake, flooding, fire, cyclone, hurricane, typhoon, tidal wave, storm, volcanic eruption and other unusual and extreme adverse weather or environmental conditions; any event which falls within any of these categories that is suffered by Third-Party Contractors of the Company, who are involved in the receipt or provision of the Services; and or any other cause or contingency beyond the control of the Company. The Company shall not be deemed to be in breach of any of its obligations to Guest due to any Force Majeure Event. If the Company is affected by a Force Majeure Event, it may in its sole and absolute discretion, amend or cancel any of the Services or the remainder thereof, or to make any alteration in route, accommodation, transportation or arrangement in the event of the Services or any part thereof being rendered impossible, illegal or inadvisable.

GUEST INSURANCE: If scuba diving is a Service used by Guest, Company requires Guest to possess a dive accident insurance policy prior to using any of Company’s Services. If scuba diving is not a Service used by Guest, Company requires Guest to possess an international accident and medical evacuation insurance policy prior to using any of Company’s Services. Information on dive accident insurance can be found at the Divers Alert Network’s website: www.diversalertnetwork.org. In addition, Company recommends trip insurance in the event a Guest must cancel the trip. Information on trip insurance can be found at the Divers Alert Network’s website: www.diversalertnetwork.org or the DiveAssure website: www.diveassure.com.

RESPONSIBILITY: Company acts only as agents for the Third-Party Contractors providing transportation, accommodations, diving and other Services. All tickets and vouchers issued constitute the sole contract between the Guest and Company. Company or its representatives shall not at any time be responsible in any way for loss, injury, or damage arising from any Force Majeure Event, act of government, theft, sickness, customs regulations, delay, cancellation error, or any cause beyond its control. Company or its representatives accepts no liability for the consequences of the personal activities of any Guest who is personally responsible for decisions concerning health, safety, fitness for diving and snorkeling, or any other circumstances beyond its control.