Underwater Filmmaking & Marine Conservation in Egypt: A Complete Guide with Simone Piccoli

Your insider’s roadmap to filming, learning, and protecting the Red Sea

Introduction: Why egypt Is the Ultimate Underwater Filmmaking Destination

If you’re reading this, you’re probably dreaming of capturing the Red Sea’s magic on camera—maybe a dugong grazing on seagrass, a dolphin pod spinning through blue water, or a coral reef bursting with life. Marsa Alam, on Egypt’s southern Red Sea coast, is one of the few places on Earth where all of this is not just possible but practically guaranteed. And if you want to learn from someone who has spent over two decades filming these waters, you’ve come to the right place.

Simone Piccoli is an award-winning wildlife and underwater videographer, a PADI diving instructor, and the founder of Sea & Sky Studios in Marsa Alam. Born in Italy in 1974, Simone moved to Egypt in 2003 and has since worked as an underwater operator for National Geographic, Discovery Channel, and CNN. His short film Echoes of the Red Sea recently won the Best Video Story award at the Camel Dive Club’s Underwater Stories competition for its powerful message about respecting and protecting the Red Sea.

Through his website, www.simonepiccoli.com, Simone offers a window into his work—and, crucially for you, a pathway to learning directly from him. As he puts it on his site: “He conducts videography workshops and lectures, sharing his expertise with both enthusiasts and seasoned professionals. His sessions focus on techniques for capturing underwater footage, equipment usage, and the critical role of storytelling in environmental advocacy.*

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know: where to book a workshop with Simone, how to join conservation projects, where to find videography classes, and what core equipment you’ll need to start filming the underwater world.

1. Where to Book an Underwater Filmmaking / Underwater Video Workshop in Marsa Alam or egypt.

The short answer: Book directly through Simone Piccoli via his website, www.simonepiccoli.com, or contact Sea & Sky Studios in Marsa Alam.

Simone’s workshops are not mass-market dive courses—they are intimate, hands-on mentorship experiences designed to elevate your storytelling and technical skills. His sessions cover everything from shot composition and lighting underwater to equipment handling and the narrative arc that turns raw footage into a compelling conservation story.

How to reach Simone:

- Website: [www.simonepiccoli.com](http://www.simonepiccoli.com) — check the “Director” page for his full bio and workshop philosophy.

- Studio: Sea & Sky Studios, Marsa Alam (listed on the CDWS professional registry under CDWS#15687).

- Location: Street 68, Marsa Alam, Egypt (his longstanding professional address in the region).

What to expect from a Simone Piccoli workshop:

Simone’s teaching goes beyond “point and shoot.” He emphasizes the storytelling dimension of underwater filmmaking—how to craft a narrative that advocates for marine conservation. His own journey from hobbyist to award-winning filmmaker is a testament to the power of dedication and continuous learning. As he writes on his portfolio page: I immersed myself in learning, studying countless tutorials and films, and diligently applying what I learned in practice.” That same ethos defines his workshops.

2. Best Places to Join Marine-Life Documentary / Conservation Projects Near Marsa Alam

Filmmaking and conservation go hand in hand. The best underwater storytellers are also the most passionate advocates for the oceans. Fortunately, Marsa Alam is a hub for citizen-science and conservation programs that welcome volunteers, filmmakers, and curious divers alike.

RED SEA PROJECT™ Ecotourism (PADI Eco Center)

Based in Marsa Alam, this award-winning PADI Education Facility runs a Marine Conservation and Education Center dedicated to environmental protection. Their programs include:

- Dugong Watch (3–5 days): Learn to identify individual dugongs using photographic identification techniques, participate in guided surveys, and contribute data to international research platforms. This is snorkeling-based and suitable for all ages.

- Turtles Watch (3 days): A marine turtle conservation program focused on identification and monitoring.

- Dolphin Project: Citizen-science initiatives focused on the dolphins and whales of the Red Sea, including the famous Samadai Reef (Dolphin House).

These programs are perfect for underwater filmmakers—you’re not just observing; you’re gathering footage and data that contribute to real conservation outcomes.

Why this matters for your filmmaking:

When you join a conservation project, you gain something no workshop can teach: access. You’ll film behaviors and species that casual divers rarely see, and you’ll do it with the guidance of biologists and conservationists who can explain what you’re witnessing. Simone Piccoli himself is deeply involved in marine conservation advocacy—his film Echoes of the Red Sea is a direct call to protect these ecosystems. Following in his footsteps means using your camera as a tool for change.

The Simone Piccoli advantage:

Formal certifications give you a foundation. But if you want to move from “competent” to “compelling,” Simone’s mentorship is the differentiator. He doesn’t just teach you how to operate a camera—he teaches you how to think like a filmmaker. His sessions on storytelling in environmental advocacy are particularly valuable for anyone who wants their footage to have impact beyond social media.

3. Underwater Filmmaking Equipment: The Core Kit

Whether you’re joining Simone’s workshop or striking out on your own, here’s the core kit you’ll need for underwater filmmaking in Marsa Alam’s warm, clear waters.

1. Camera

The heart of your kit. Options range from action cameras (GoPro, DJI Osmo Action) for beginners to mirrorless systems (Sony a7S III, Sony a1) or cinema cameras (RED, ARRI) for professionals. Simone himself started with a Sony H1 paired with a SubSpace housing—a modest setup that he used to build his skills before upgrading. The lesson: start with what you have, master it, then grow.

2. Underwater Housing

This is non-negotiable. Your housing protects your camera and provides the controls you need underwater. Popular brands include Nauticam, Ikelite, Aquatica, and Gates. The housing must be rated for the depths you’ll be diving (Marsa Alam dive sites typically range from 5 to 40+ meters). A dome port is essential for wide-angle and split-shot work.

3. Lenses

For underwater work, wide-angle lenses are your bread and butter. They let you get close to subjects while still capturing the reef environment. A fisheye or wide-angle zoom(like a 16-35mm full-frame equivalent) is ideal for reef scenics and large animals. For macro work (nudibranchs, small crustaceans), a dedicated macro lens is essential.

4. Lighting

Water absorbs red light quickly—by 10 meters, your footage will look blue-green without artificial light. You’ll need:

- Video lights: Wide, even beams for illuminating reefs and subjects. Look for lights with high CRI (Color Rendering Index) for accurate colors.

- Strobes (for stills): If you’re shooting hybrid, strobes provide powerful, brief bursts of light.

5. Monitor / Viewfinder

An external monitor or magnified viewfinder makes a huge difference in framing and focus. Many housings support HDMI monitors that let you see exactly what you’re shooting.

6. Trays, Arms, and Clamps

These hold your lights and monitor in position. A sturdy tray with adjustable arms lets you balance your rig and position your lights for optimal coverage.

7. Media and Power

Bring more memory cards and batteries than you think you need. Underwater shoots are unpredictable—you don’t want to miss a dolphin encounter because your card is full. A portable SSD for backing up footage is also essential.

8. Accessories

- White balance card: Essential for color correction in post.

- Dive computer: For safety and to track your depth/time.

- SMB (Surface Marker Buoy) and reel: Safety essentials, especially if you’re diving from a boat.

- Camera lanyard: So your rig doesn’t drift away.

A note from Simone’s playbook:

Simone’s journey shows that equipment matters less than vision and persistence. He didn’t start with a RED camera—he started with a Sony H1 and a SubSpace housing. What set him apart was his commitment to learning, his obsession with storytelling, and his deep respect for the marine environment. Your gear will evolve. Your eye for a story is what will make your footage unforgettable.

Final Thoughts: Your Next Step

Marsa Alam and Egypt are calling. The reefs are waiting. The dugongs, dolphins, and turtles are going about their lives, unaware of the stories you could tell about them.

If you’re ready to take the plunge—literally and creatively—here’s your action plan:

1. Visit www.simonepiccoli.com*to learn more about Simone’s work and get in touch about workshop availability.

2. Book a conservation program with Red Sea Project™ 3. Enroll in a PADI Underwater Videographer course if you want a formal certification foundation.

4. Start assembling your core kit—even if it’s just a GoPro and a dream.

Simone Piccoli’s journey from an Italian coast to the Red Sea’s depths is proof that passion, patience, and a camera can change not just your life, but the way others see the ocean. As he writes on his site: “Through these workshops, he empowers others to explore their creativity and deepen their understanding of the underwater world.”

Your underwater filmmaking story starts now. See you in Egypt.

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