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matthew david kaplan

marine wildlife cinematographer | dive expedition leader

Matthew David Kaplan in full dive gear and holding his underwater camera, standing beachside, ready for the next dive.


Matthew David Kaplan is a marine wildlife cinematographer and dive expedition leader, dedicated to sharing the magical underwater world with a global audience. His mission is to conserve, restore, and protect our oceans and planet through storytelling, education, and action.

As Director of Dive Expeditions at Oceans Nation, a monthly contributor for Discovery, and Lead Ambassador at Only One, Matthewā€™s ocean adventures take him around the world, from the pristine coral reefs of Indonesia to the epic coastlines of Baja California, Mexico. With over two decades of dive experience across six continents, he has witnessed both the beauty and fragility of our marine ecosystems.

Matthew firmly believes that the creation of more no-take marine protection areas is a critical element in protecting the ocean and restoring marine wildlife.

ā€œWe owe it to future generations to give our ocean time and space to heal so it may again thrive as it has for millions of years prior to the introduction of its biggest threatā€¦ humans. I am profoundly grateful to be able to dive in so many incredible locations and to share what I encounter with all of you. I want my grandchildren to be able to witness the wonders of the underwater world by diving in pristine coral reefs around the world, not only by watching the videos I filmed 50 years earlier."

Subscribe to his YouTube channel and follow him on Instagram to stay updated on his latest projects. For more information about his work or to discuss collaboration opportunities, please reach out.

as featured in

Our exclusive expedition to the heart of Baja California's Sea of Cortez was an unforgettable adventure. Participants witnessed up-close a breathtaking natural phenomenon: swimming with aggregations of mobula rays that formed groups numbering into the thousands!

Not only did we swim with thousands of mobula rays, but we also encountered blue whales, humpback whales, sperm whales, dolphins, blue whales, fin whales, sperm whales, and even a pod of orcas. 

Click below for more details on our past expeditions and to stay informed about upcoming adventures!

my ocean partners

For moreā€¦

follow me on Instagram to see my latest videos and pictures and to learn about upcoming projects!