This is my original drone photo trip! After 4 very successful editions, it is now time for the fifth edition in May 2025.
With a small group of enthusiastic drone photographers we will create the adventure of a lifetime. This is the kind of trip you will be telling your grandchildren about! 😍
Over the course of 7 days I will show you the best drone spots, help you to improve your drone photography through live workshops in the field and composition/editing workshops in our private villa. We’ll share best practices and tips in a small group of like-minded participants. And in general we’ll just have a lot of fun in the most incredible location in Europe.
Only 6 spots available per week! 🥳
Interested? Join my trip now:
Fill out your details below to to get all the info + how to book your spot!
Azores drone trip 2025 in a nutshell:
6 people + myself
7 days of adventure on São Miguel island
10-16th OR 17-23rd of May (7D/6N)
1 private luxury villa with pool & panoramic ocean view
With a private chef to prepare us some delicious Azorean food
Sunrise & sunset drone shoots at the most epic locations
Several outdoor adventures (mountain biking & little-known hiking trails*)
1 whale watching tour** 🐋
Drone photo workshops in the field
Composition & Lightroom editing workshops at the villa
Learn to shoot with (local) models
Natural volcanic hot pool relaxation in an epic setting
* moderate fitness is required 🥾
** in 2021 we saw a pod of 9 sperm whales just chilling at the surface. In 2022 we saw a blue whale passing by and a big male sperm whale, chilling next to our boat. In 2023 we saw 2 fin whales flanked by a blue whale. In 2024 we saw a group of 3 sei whales and several sperm whales. These moments are definitely a highlight for the participants! 😍
Our luxury villa on São Miguel:
As usual on my drone trips, we’ll be staying in a beautiful luxury villa with pool and ocean view. This private villa will be our home for the 7 days, so you can relax in all comfort in between the shoots, we can easily get together for the composition & Lightroom workshops and of course enjoy our chef’s delicious home-cooked meals every evening.
You’ll have the choice between a single room or a shared room (2 pax). Each room comes with a private balcony with amazing ocean view.
Typical day:
In order to catch our locations in golden hour light, we’ll get up early every day. Usually during the day I have activities planned or one of the composition/Lightroom workshops. Here’s a typical day on the Azores drone trip:
Rise and shine + prepare your breakfast
5:30: departure sunrise location
Breakfast on the spot
10:00 back at the villa / activity
Back-up & charge batteries / relax
13:00: lunch at the villa (self-service)
Pool time or composition / Lightroom workshop
15:00 departure sunset spot
20:00: driving back in the dark
Back-up & charge batteries / refresh / shower
21:00 dinner at the villa (private chef)
Sleep
These timings are indications. We will be flexible to circumstances / opportunities. All locations / activities are optional, if you wish to skip one and sleep in, it’s your holiday ☺️
Rock pool – Azores drone trip
Azores drone trip pricing:
All prices are all-inclusive, meaning your transportation from Ponta Delgada airport (PDL), your accommodation (7D/6N), transportation during the week, 1 whale watching tour, outdoor activities, entrance fee volcanic hot pools, all food & drinks & snacks are included.
On top of that you’ll get daily drone coaching in the field and composition/Lightroom workshops in the villa from me personally.
Price: €2.600
Shared room (2pax)
Standard size single beds
Shared bathroom
Balcony w/ ocean view
Price: €3.100
Single standard room
Standard size double bed
Shared bathroom
Balcony w/ ocean view
Not included: your own flight to São Miguel airport (PDL).
Azores drone trip testimonials:
Want to go PRO?
Johan will show you how! Johan was our amazing guide, teacher and cheerleader, training us with his wisdom and insights across an amazing, intense 6 day adventure across São Miguel. We – of course – came away with epic photos, but also better skills, great memories and new friends. Join the club!
Simon Heather
United Kingdom 🇬🇧
Azores drone trip 2022
Everything you could expect and more
1st drone trip with Johan (but def. not the last) and it’s been a blast! Johan knows all the best spots and had backup locations in case of bad weather. The group I was part of was great and I have made some lifelong friends. Learned a lot from Johan and the group. The Azores offers a lot of opportunities for drone photography and with Johan’s guidance, you are bound to get great shots. The editing sessions were very informative, as well as the constructive feedback. Looking forward to the next one! ?
Venkat Velagala
United States 🇺🇸
Azores drone trip 2023
Great trip for drone beginners
As a newbie to drone photography I was a bit apprehensive. However, the trip was very relaxed. Johan was always there to help and give advice. The locations on this trip are amazing: wonderful opportunities for drone photography. And the accommodation and food are highly recommended as well !!
Sofie Rysheuvel
Belgium 🇧🇪
Azores drone trip 2022
Expectations exceeded 😍
Through 6 days of intense droning I gained a lot of confidence in handling tricky situations, because Johan is always around to help. We worked with models, launched the drone from a boat, always chasing the ‘money shots’ and editing them in Lightroom. I met like-minded people from different countries and had a lot of fun. Johan is always in the best mood, being our tutor, guide, host and driver. I’m definitely joining again!
Sabine Gerold
Germany 🇩🇪
Azores drone trip 2022
Definitely looking forward to the next one! 🤩
Johan was outstanding, offering daily workshops on drone settings, composition, and Lightroom editing. With only six participants from across Europe, we received personalized attention, greatly improving our skills. The experience was a perfect blend of learning and relaxation. I came away with enhanced photography techniques, stunning photos, and new friends. Highly recommended for any drone photography enthusiast!
The villa and the Italian chef were absolutely perfect and allowed a well deserved rest between excursions!
Colas Decloitre
France 🇫🇷
Azores drone trip 2024
Stop what you’re doing and go with Johan!
Next to composition and the right timing, I’ve learned that it’s all about pushing your own limits and trusting your gear. The knowledge, adventures & people you get to meet are really worth the trip.
Florian De Lange
Belgium 🇧🇪
Azores drone trip 2021
Can’t wait to book my next trip!
Just wrapped up an incredible drone workshop in the Azores with Johan and a fantastic group! Each day, we explored stunning locations, capturing breathtaking views and perfecting our drone skills. Johan’s coaching on getting the best shots and flying tips was invaluable. The experience was elevated by amazing food prepared by a talented chef every evening. Highly recommend this workshop for anyone looking to take their drone photography to the next level! Can’t wait to book my next trip away with him! ☺️
Matt Amin
United Kingdom 🇬🇧
Azores drone trip 2024
Amazing workshop in a fabulous destination
I benefited immensely from the drone workshop. I am always *so nervous* when I fly my drone in less-than-perfect conditions and Johan coached me through that. Now, I’m a confident flyer thanks to Johan’s personalized coaching. We worked on my individual needs of composition, editing and using more of the drone’s capabilities. I’m already missing my fellow droners and the gorgeous island of São Miguel. I learned so much that I hope to join another one soon! 😍
Gina Morello
United States 🇺🇸
Azores drone trip 2023
It’s worth it!
What? Testing the wind resistance of your drones and fly in various locations in Sao Miguel! This is what Johan offers, in an intense and friendly way from golden hour to sunset, either on a beach or at the top of a mountain. You will practice various situations of droning, and have good time and memories with friends. Pro or beginner, should you want to improve your skills then go with him! 💪 See you in next trip Johan
Noël Nyamsy
Cameroon 🇨🇲
Azores drone trip 2023
You will be extremely satisfied
Without hesitation or mental reservation, I suggest you add Johan’s Drone Adventures to your bucket list, or the starting of the same. After completing my third adventure, I can offer some in-depth insight. Your droning competencies will not hinder what you will gain after an adventurous 6 days. I can assure you Johan will meet you at your skill level and deliver you to new heights. Why 3 adventures so far, because Johan is committed. I am confident, you will be extremely satisfied to what Johan can deliver, in his means.
Irving Donaldson
United States 🇺🇸
Azores drone trip 2023
Makes you want to wake up at 5.30am
The drone trip with Johan makes you want to wake up at 5.30am each day to not miss the perfect lighting for your shot. Amazing landscapes, a lot of useful tips and practice, great teamwork – all while creating lifetime memories. A perfect example that sometimes you can mix work with pleasure 😍
Monika Klenowska
Switzerland 🇨🇭
Azores drone trip 2022
I’ve started saving for the next trip ☺️
I got a lot more than I anticipated. I was immediately met with challenges, flying in complex situations and over the ocean, shooting with a model next to a tall waterfall. However Johan was always there to reassure and guide me. Besides all the photo opportunities, Johan made sure that we were indeed on a holiday. We enjoyed the natural thermal baths and our chef served excellent Italo-Azorean food in our beautiful villa. I will remember this trip forever! 😍
Andy Scherpenberg
Belgium 🇧🇪
Azores drone trip 2022
Unforgettable and irreplaceable
Starting as a complete beginner, Johan has been so patient with me, I cannot believe the progress I’ve made during this trip! Whenever you have a question, he doesn’t just roll out the answer, he makes you actually find and understand the solution, so that you can confidently apply them, even when he’s not around. Our team was so amazing, we just instantly bonded, and my face has been hurting from laughter all week! I’m already missing these random people so much. Go book your trip now, or I will take your spot! 😇
Nina Mercuur
Netherlands 🇳🇱
Azores drone trip 2023
Just do it, you won’t regret it 😎
It doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced drone pilot or you just have a few flights, with or without photo or film experience, Johan will assist you on your own level. Get ready for the best locations, the best food and a great time!
Arno Raps
Belgium 🇧🇪
Azores drone trip 2022
🤩 Indescribable journey 🤩
Thrilling, mind-blowing, awe-inspiring, hair-raising, life-changing, exhilarating, astonishing, impressive, phenomenal, mind-bending, surreal, once-in-a-lifetime, unforgettable, otherworldly, heart-pounding, adrenaline-pumping drone experience. Thank you Johan and the rest of the group ☺️🙏 ¡Hasta la próxima!
Sergio Ramiro
Spain 🇪🇸
Azores drone trip 2023
Definitely worth every penny
I have been flying various drones for three years and also been on other photography workshops. In comparison Johan’s daily planned adventures & personal coaching tips in photography composition & flying a drone was a great lifetime experience well worth it. Our villa was immaculate clean & comfortable, along beautiful outdoor scenery. The private chef was also wonderful and cooked some delicious meals that were well planned out. Excellent experience ☺️
Ron Sobers
United States 🇺🇸
Azores drone trip 2023
Raise your drone level with Johan
What a trip! Everything was organized as promised beforehand. We visited the most beautiful spots at sunrise and sunset to get the best out of our drones. Do you want to raise your drone level? Go with Johan!
Erwin Cammaerts
Belgium 🇧🇪
Azores drone trip 2021
Best experience ever 🤩
If you are insecure and lacking confidence, please book a drone trip now! I can guarantee you Johan will give you the support and teaching that you need to be that guy/girl. I went from not being sure and not knowing what to do, to a fully organized guy with a plan. And now I am so proud of everything I’ve captured and recorded! Best experience ever 🤩
Alekssander Gaspar
Portugal 🇵🇹
Azores drone trip 2024
Incredible! If in doubt, book a trip!
I had the most AMAZING time on Johan’s Azores trip. I very very rarely fly my drone due to not feeling confident. By the end of the trip I was so much more confident in my abilities. Before, I wouldn’t fly if I felt even a hint of wind and now I’m happy putting it up in wind and rain to get the right picture!
Johan was an incredible host, organizing an array of activities and different drone spots. He was very informative and a fantastic teacher. He was incredibly calm, patient and honest with all of us, giving us room to learn at our own pace and reassuring if we were stressing. Definitely will be booking again! 💪
Morven Smith
United Kingdom 🇬🇧
Azores drone trip 2024
One of the best trips of my life
From the luxury villa with the chef to the drone locations and activities – everything was planned to perfection. I learnt so much on the first day alone. Johan’s planning, knowledge, expertise, guidance and patience is unparalleled. Returning home with amazing memories, new friends and some insane drone shots from the incredible island of São Miguel, Azores. Whale watching with the drones was the absolute highlight. A once in a lifetime experience 😍 – I’m already thinking about my next drone trip and you should too!
Tanvi Kalia
India 🇮🇳
Azores drone trip 2024
(Hopefully not) Once in a lifetime!
Johan‘s trips are packed with a wide variety of activities that will inspire every pilot to think outside the box when it comes to composition and how to get great shots. Flying in different environments and different (weather) conditions significantly increases your confidence in just 1 week. The limited number of participants allows for individual coachings and skill improvement as well as group workshops (e.g., photo editing). Great people, great trip (and great food/drinks) – as a famous Austrian colleague would say: I‘ll be back!
Simon Altmann
Austria 🇦🇹
Azores drone trip 2024
**Worth the wait!**
I had to postpone my trip by a year due to health issues, but this drone workshop was definitely worth the wait! Johan’s expert guidance while flying in all sorts of challenging scenarios really helped boost my confidence. Fast-paced but super well organized, we even managed to sprinkle in some relaxing activities like soaking in thermal baths and enjoying delicious food. If you want to boost your drone skills in the stunning landscape of the Azores, I highly recommend this trip!
Nela Fell
Croatia 🇭🇷
Azores drone trip 2024
You won’t regret it!
If you are looking to fly intensively everywhere and all day long you are in the right place! Enjoyed so much discovering Azores through Johan’s eyes and sharing these days with passionate droners. Definitely an experience that you won’t regret!
Romain Nicoloso
Hong Kong 🇭🇰
Azores drone trip 2023
Probably the best gift I’ve ever received 🙏
My friends wanted to give me a great gift for my birthday! I’ve been passionate about drone photography for several years. So they gave me this trip to the Azores. It was a bull’s-eye! I learned a lot and gained self-confidence in flying, composition and photo editing. The trip itself was a great adventure, filled to the brim with interesting places. It made me re-discovered the Azores again. Great organization, good coaching and workshops, lots of new tricks for both standard and FPV drones. I wholeheartedly recommend this well-mannered Belgian. Johan knows how to use drones at the higher level.
Paweł Struczewski
Norway 🇳🇴
Azores drone trip 2024
Unmissable experience!
I have been using the drone for years but Johan’s courses are the perfect mix to increase your knowledge. Beautiful locations to practice with Johan attentive and ready to advise you. Fantastic accommodation where you can relax and have dinner together in the evening after perhaps watching the videos you filmed. Johan helps you overcome your limits and introduces you to observing the world from another perspective. Unmissable experience, thanks Johan. Surely I will join you in another of your adventure!
Gianna Galeota
Italy 🇮🇹
Azores drone trip 2024
Level up your drone skills
The perfect way to level up your drone photography and video skills! In a small group of drone-minded people, you get to see the most beautiful places on the island! We also spent several hours at sea to capture amazing footage of dolphins and whales. Everything was organized in the best possible way. Just chill, relax and enjoy the ‘Drone Adventures’!
Miel Capals
Belgium 🇧🇪
Azores drone trip 2022
Once in a lifetime experience
For me it was a once in a lifetime experience. A trip full of activities and lot of tips & tricks to make my drone shots go from ‘OK shots’ to ‘WOW shots’ 😍
Niek Vandenabeele
Belgium 🇧🇪
Azores drone trip 2021
Boy, was I more than pleasantly surprised!
I am an experienced photographer with decades of experience. I signed up, because of the exotic locations and perhaps learn a thing or two. Johan skillfully interacted with each of us at the knowledge level we each had. He encouraged us to look at things differently and shared his experience and experiences joyfully. We all became better photographers, more than we expected, as well as adventurers. And the group forged a long-lasting bond.
Jeff Noreman
United States 🇺🇸
Azores drone trip 2022
A magical trip
The Azores adventure in May 2021 was a magical trip. I had more fun pushing my limits that week than in a year of droning over flatland.
Patrick Lemli
Belgium 🇧🇪
Azores drone trip 2021
Just fantastic! Go for it!
The drone trip with Johan was an enriching experience on so many levels. Not only did it surpass my expectations in terms of learning the usage of drones, but added so much more to my overall understanding of capturing with a bird’s eye view! However, the trip is not just about that, it is a holistic experience – amazing companions, engaging conversations, soulful times, visits to beautiful places, unexplored treks, amazing dinners and a lovely place to stay in! The week gave me so much and I cannot recommend this experience enough! Thank you, Johan!
Rahul Nene
India 🇮🇳
Azores drone trip 2024
Much more than a trip to learn how to fly your drone
Now that I’m back home, I realize this trip was much more than learning how to fly my drone. It was an adventure that included so much more, the whole trip is focused on you enjoying every moment, the conversations with your companions, relaxing in a spectacular villa, enjoying delicious dinners by our chef. In short, it’s a trip that includes holidays, constant learning, non-stop fun and memories for a lifetime … And all of this with Johan making sure that you don’t have to worry about anything and that you can just live the moment 🙏
Fernando Gómez
Spain 🇪🇸
Azores drone trip 2024
Fabulous ! 😍
Just back from the drone trip … and still buzzing! I was pretty much a beginner dronie, but from day 1 I started learning. Johan is a wonderful coach, very supportive and encouraging. Not only has he built up my confidence in flying, he has expanded my knowledge in photography and post-processing. On top of that, you really don’t have to think about anything! It felt like a 5 star service from start to end. Thank you ? Our group was also soooo much fun, lifelong friends were made and we’re already talking about booking another trip !!
Louisa Pollard
United Kingdom 🇬🇧
Azores drone trip 2023
Like from another world
The trip was very well organized. We had long days with a great mix of drone flying, workshops, relaxation time, and good food. Every evening ended with an excellent dinner. Thanks to Johan, you gain a lot more confidence. You learn how to start or land the drone in your hand and what to do when you lose the signal. Because of this workshop, I want to fly more with the drone and explore new places. It was great to meet people from different countries who share the same passion. With Johan’s coaching and workshops, you think much more about how to compose a picture and video.
Michael Erlbeck
Germany 🇩🇪
Azores drone trip 2024
Johan makes the difference!
During my Azores adventure, I discovered I had no clue on what I was doing. Sure I took plenty of drone shots, but it was the coaching from Johan that now makes my audience linger and want more. Through my improved photos they are able to travel with me! 😉
Irving Donaldson
United States 🇺🇸
Azores drone trip 2022
When can I go again?
Dronetrippin’ with Johan was amazing. He showed all the best drone spots and had many tips and tricks to share! Only one question remains … when can I go again!
Dimitrie Deman
Belgium 🇧🇪
Azores drone trip 2021
Interested? Join my trip now:
Fill out your details below to to get all the info + how to book your spot!
We leave in ...
Highlights of the Azores drone trip:
The island of São Miguel has many cool drone spots. To give you an idea, here are some of my highlight locations that we’ll definitely try to include in our 7 days together 👍 (click to enlarge)
FAQ drone trip:
I'm a beginner, can I join this trip?
Yes, definitely. On every trip I get participants with different experience and skills, and I coach everyone on their own level. You need to be able to fly basic manoeuvres, the rest we'll learn on the trip, through my personal coaching, by learning from each other and through the composition workshops in our villa.
Regardless of your starting point, all participants go home with a much-boosted self confidence while flying the drone and can now fly under any circumstances.
Do I need my own drone?
Yes, you are supposed to bring your own drone and fly your own drone. If you have a spare drone, it's always good to bring it as well. I will also bring a back-up drone in case something happens.
That being said, I guide the participants during all flights and it's very rare that a drone crashes or is lost. Really.
What drones are supported?
I know pretty much all cinematic DJI drones by heart. Most often I see DJI Mavic 2/3 series, DJI Mini 3/4 series, DJI Air 2/3 series. More and more FPV drones as well, such as the DJI Avata 1/2 or the original DJI FPV.
Occasionally, participants also bring an Autel drone, which is completely fine. However I'm less familiar with their app and settings. In the end, it all comes down to the same thing though. So don't worry.
Who is this Johan?
Hi there 👋 I’m a professional drone photographer and educator from Belgium. I’m always traveling around the world to create beautiful and creative drone shots. I love taking photos of spectacular landscapes and looking for cool topdown patterns. My Tatacoa Desert photo won the 'Abstract' category in the prestigious Aerial Photography Awards 2020.
I have worked with brands such as DJI and PolarPro. You can see my videos for the launch of the DJI Mini 3 in 2023 and more recently also for the launch of the DJI Air 3. Commercially I also work a lot with tourism boards and the best luxury hotels all over the world. Atlantis the Royal in Dubai was my latest big hotel project, where I was contracted as the director of aerial photography, spanning both drone photography - with the Inspire 2 - and helicopter shoots.
When I’m not traveling, I like to educate other drone photographers through my drone trips. It's already been 4 years since I launched my first drone trip to the Azores! And ever since, I've been building on this experience to create more unique drone trips for you.
Apart from drone trips, I also do 1-on-1 coachings and run the Drone Adventurers Community.
Where are the other participants from?
My trips have really become very international. I attract participants from the USA, over Europe to Asia. I would say the majority is from Western and Central Europe though. Browse through my testimonials to discover the different countries!
Last time I checked I counted 24 different countries 😲
Will I be the only female in the group?
Actually surprisingly, the majority of my participants are female. About 60% vs 40% male. So you will def. not be the only one. I love having a good gender balance, it makes for the most fun groups.
Can I bring my partner?
No, I only accept drone photographers. No +1's. This is to ensure that the focus remains on the droning and learning aspect of the trip. And we can all nerd out about drones without any interruption or social judgement 😇
You are of course free to add some days before or after the trip with your partner, to explore the destination even more. I would even recommend that.
What if I need to cancel my trip?
In the unfortunate event that you need to cancel your trip, reach out to me immediately!
Before 3 months to departure: You have already paid your down-payment, which is not refundable.
Within 3 months of departure: The 2nd and final payment has been made and is not refundable.
If I still find a replacement for your spot, I will refund you 60% of the final payment and you can keep 60% of the down payment as a credit for a future trip.
Here are some drone photos from the previous Azores drone trips: