#Pictures of deep blue shark with divers

[yandere-writer-momo]

Omg a diver want to take a picture of blue tang reader but a giant shark that manage to swim over to the the reef manage to come also I feel bad for the deep sea fish like motobe the guy can't swim on the reef

Fun fact did you know that lionfish is considered invasive in Atlantic region so baki always fighting this hunter

Maybe If Sikorsky and gaia become sea water mermaid what would they be?

Yes! That’s why I made Baki a lion fish. BECAUSE HE IS INVASIVE. There’s no getting rid of him (plus venomous so he’s deadly)

But Sikorsky is a moorish idol merman and Gaia is a butterfly fish.

And I forgot Retsu and Muhammed Ali Jr.

Retsu is a mantis shrimp merman and Muhammed is spotted eagle ray

[thetragicallynerdy]

fungi anon back from the dead! sorry i was gone so long but i am back with a lorge fern i found while walking today for u! what's a twizzler? and what deep sea creature is ur fav? thoughts on whales? ily!

fungi anon!! hello pal!! ooooh thank you for the fern it's gorgeous!!!

a twizzler is a strawberry or cherry red licorice candy that is sold in North America! red licorice is soft and slightly chewy like black licorice, but sweet and fruit flavoured. it looks like this!

[ID: a picture of several twizzlers, which are a red licorice candy made into long twisty strips of candy, all fanned out over a pale pink background. End ID.]

fun fact about twizzlers: they are hollow and u can bite the ends off and use them to drink things like straws :)

also heck yeah whales!!! okay i'm doing this without googling (and to be honest i don't know a lot about whales so this may be wrong oh well) so some whales rated in no particular order are:

orca whales - okay look they're just so neat ok?? did you know they are a natural predator of moose?? both because moose can swim in the ocean (COOL) but also because orca whales are just big and scary and kill things?? SO COOL. Also they look like they're wearing tuxedos so automatic 100/10 for style alone

beluga whales - beluga whales would get a much higher rating but their very squishy large head is sorta unnerving even if it is also a VERY neat thing that adds to their unique biology. however, i am cursed with an image of a diver pressing on one's head and it haunts me. 8/10

blue whales - BIG. SO BIG. THEY'RE LIKE A BARGE SHIP BUT SUBMARINE STYLE. 15/10 ma'am you're so big

humpback whales - okay i don't always know the difference between humpback whales and blue whales (except blue whales are bigger) but i know that BARNACLES GROW ON THEM!!!! which is amazing and they look so cool. 10/10 old sea creeture aesthetic.

whale sharks - probably not actually whales, but they get an honorary mention! i love them. imagine getting to be a whale but also a shark. they're so flat. 10/10.

ok i legitimately don't think i know any other whales i am sorry so our list ends there! but thank you i love whales very much, i think they are very cool, like sharks i really have very little understanding of which is which but they are still NEAT! and overall my fav thing they do is blow water out of their blowholes which is very cool and i wish i could do

i hope you have a lovely evening pal!!! or whatever time it is where you are. i am giving you a small painting of a chicken that i painted the other day :)

[feral-cockroach]

this post contains a video ID and an image ID.

[Video ID:

a video of a scuba diver underwater. the diver wears a black wetsuit and is swimming through cloudy, greenish blue water, at a presumably deep depth. they swim with their back to the camera before stopping and turning to face the camera, swimming vertically in the water.

while they are facing the camera, a large shark emerges from the cloudy waters, barely visible until it is directly behind the diver, and bumps the back of the diver's head with his bottom jaw. the diver jumps and ducks his head down, covering his head with his hands as the shark swims past, disinterested.

end ID]

[Image ID:

a photo of a comic strip or picture book of some sort. it contains five panels.

panel 1: a close up of a drawing of white hands, the left hand open with the palm facing inwards, and the right hand in a fist. on the left side, the right fist is away from the left palm. on the right side, the right fist is against the heel of the left palm. at the bottom, in large black text, it reads "fucking" in all caps.

panel 2: a drawing of a white individual wearing a blue wetsuit with goggles on. the background is light blue. their arms are wide apart, and below the panel is black text in all caps that reads "big"

panel 3: a close up of the drawn individual's face, with their right hand up in the center of their face, palm out and fingers together. at the bottom, the text reads "shark" in all caps

panel 4: a close up of the individual's side profile. they are facing to the left with their left hand up, in a fist with their thumb pointing behind them. the bottom text reads "behind" in all caps

panel 5: the last panel is a bust shot of the individual, facing the viewer, with their right hand up in front of them. they are pointing their index finger at the viewer. the text at the bottom reads "you" in all caps.

end ID]

this is my first time doing a video ID, so any and all criticism is welcome. this is also my first time doing an ID of this sort of image, where i am describing something visual rather than a screenshot of text, so any and all criticisms are welcome on both of these IDs. thank you all, and i hope this helps

[anand07723]

Unveiling the Depths: A Dive into the Enchanting Waters of Gili Trawangan with Blue Marlin Dive

Nestled in the heart of the Indonesian archipelago lies the captivating island of Gili Trawangan, a paradise for scuba enthusiasts seeking underwater wonders. Picture turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and a myriad of marine life gracefully dancing beneath the surface. As the sun sets, leaving hues of orange and pink on the horizon, a unique adventure awaits those who dare to explore the mysteries of the deep. Among the various scuba diving havens on the Gili Islands, one name stands out—the renowned Blue Marlin Dive Gili Trawangan. Join us on an underwater journey where the magic of scuba diving meets the excellence of Blue Marlin Dive, unlocking the secrets of Gili Trawangan's aquatic realm.

Scuba Diving in Gili island Trawangan – Unveiling Nature's Masterpiece: Gili Trawangan, part of the Gili Islands, has long been a haven for scuba diving enthusiasts worldwide. The crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and captivating underwater landscapes make it a prime destination for those seeking an unparalleled diving experience. Blue Marlin Dive Gili Trawangan, with its years of expertise and commitment to excellence, takes this experience to new heights.

Exploring Underwater Treasures: Blue Marlin Dive offers a range of scuba diving packages tailored to cater to both novice and experienced divers. Whether it's the vibrant coral gardens of Shark Point, the intriguing underwater sculptures of Nest, or the adrenaline-pumping currents of Manta Point, each dive is a unique adventure. The instructors at Blue Marlin Dive Gili Trawangan are not just guides; they are storytellers, weaving narratives of the ocean's mysteries and ensuring that every plunge into the abyss is an unforgettable tale.

Tailored Services for Every Diver: What sets Blue Marlin Dive apart is its dedication to providing personalized services. From beginners taking their first breaths underwater to seasoned divers exploring advanced sites, the team at Blue Marlin Dive Gili Trawangan tailors each experience to match the individual needs and aspirations of the divers. The emphasis is not just on technical skills but on creating an environment where the wonders of the underwater world come alive.

Conservation and Education Initiatives: Beyond the thrill of exploration, Blue Marlin Dive Gili Trawangan is committed to marine conservation and education. The dive center actively participates in coral restoration projects and conducts educational programs to raise awareness about the fragile underwater ecosystems. Divers, thus, become not only explorers of the deep but ambassadors for the preservation of the marine environment.

How Blue Marlin Dive Gili Trawangan Can Help You Dive Deeper: Blue Marlin Dive goes beyond being a diving center; it's a gateway to a world of underwater wonders. The expert instructors, state-of-the-art equipment, and commitment to safety ensure that every dive is not just an adventure but a journey into self-discovery. Whether you're a beginner seeking a PADI certification or a seasoned diver looking for the next challenge, Blue Marlin Dive Gili Trawangan has the expertise and resources to make your underwater dreams a reality.

In conclusion, Blue Marlin Dive Gili Trawangan encapsulates the spirit of exploration and wonder that defines scuba diving in Gili Islands. From personalized services to conservation efforts, this dive center goes beyond the ordinary, creating an experience that lingers in the hearts of divers. As you embark on your underwater escapade, have you ever wondered what mysteries the depths of Gili Trawangan hold for you? Blue Marlin Dive invites you to dive in and discover.

[godivemex]

Bull Shark Diving: Exploring the Depths of Adventure

Diving into the deep blue sea, surrounded by a sense of both excitement and trepidation, is an experience sought after by many adventurers. Among the diverse marine creatures that captivate our imagination, bull sharks stand out as formidable predators and fascinating creatures. In this article, we embark on an underwater journey, exploring the world of bull shark diving. Join us as we delve into the thrilling and enlightening experience of encountering these magnificent creatures up close and learn about the importance of conservation efforts in safeguarding their future.

The Mighty Bull Sharks: Bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) are known for their robust build, powerful presence, and adaptability to various habitats. They derive their name from their stocky shape and aggressive nature, which has earned them the reputation of being one of the most dangerous shark species. Found in coastal waters and freshwater rivers worldwide, including regions such as the Caribbean, Australia, and South Africa, bull sharks possess a unique ability to tolerate a wide range of salinities, making them versatile predators. Their tenacity, combined with an impressive jaw strength and acute senses, makes them apex predators in their ecosystems.

The Thrill of Bull Shark Diving: For daring adventurers seeking an adrenaline rush, bull shark diving provides a one-of-a-kind experience. Picture yourself descending into the depths of the ocean, your heart pounding with anticipation as you approach the territory of these magnificent creatures. As you peer into the abyss, the crystal-clear waters reveal the shadows of bull sharks gliding gracefully through their domain. Your initial apprehension transforms into awe and respect as you witness their power and agility firsthand. It's a surreal encounter that few will forget.

Conservation and Education: While bull shark diving offers an exhilarating adventure, it is crucial to recognize the significance of responsible tourism and conservation efforts surrounding these creatures. Bull sharks face various threats, including overfishing, habitat loss, and pollution. By supporting sustainable diving practices and engaging in responsible tourism, divers can contribute to the protection and preservation of bull shark populations.

Many dive operators in destinations like Mexico, Fiji, and South Africa implement strict guidelines to ensure the well-being of both divers and the sharks. They work closely with researchers and conservation organizations to gather valuable data, raise awareness, and support initiatives aimed at safeguarding these magnificent creatures. Through education and respectful interactions, divers can foster a deeper understanding of bull sharks and promote their conservation in the long run.

Source of url :-

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Cenote diving

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[teeking-magic]

Life is what you make it. So choose wisely. Keep moving and growing. #stayclearfromstagnation

[boutiquemains]

Pictures of deep blue shark with divers

The following rakning is sorted after criteria which are in our opinion the most relevant for divers. We were evaluating the most important criteria when someone aspires to dive with blue sharks, namely: Making sure your patience is not tested for too long… Criteria to Rank the Best Places to Dive with Blue Sharks We show you the places on this planet where you are circled by these magnificent and elegant creatures rather sooner than later. Suddenly, the silhouettes of the blue sharks turn into detailed pictures just in front of your eye and are in reach, but before you know it they have turned around, Often, a blue shark dive is experienced as the following: Divers hang in the water between 20 and 30 meters and their patience is tested before, if you are lucky, dark shadows arise in the distance coming closer and closer. Also, divers must always pay attention to their depth and orientation.ĭo you like diving with sharks? Have a look at our recent article about Great White Shark Diving. Generally, it is recommended to have great buoyancy control. It means waiting in the endless blue, but as wise men say, patience and endurance are the keys to the highest rewards.Īs most blue shark dives are conducted in blue waters without any orientation during the dive, they should not be taken lightly. Best Places to Dive with Blue Sharksīlue Sharks are at home in the open ocean, hence, diving with them often involves being “out there”. Unfortunately, indigestible garbage can also be found regularly in its stomach. In addition, it hunts smaller shark-types.įishery-remains thrown into the sea supplement their diet. The main part of its food represents fish of any size, mainly schools of fish such as herrings, mackerels, sardines or tunas. The blue shark, as a large deep-sea shark, eats almost everything it can capture. In the Pacific ocean, it can be found in all warm temperate areas. Also, in the Indian Ocean, blue sharks are occasionally found between the 35th and 13th southern latitude near the coast (for the ones of you who are into geography P). In the South Atlantic, the shark regularly occurs as a deep-sea species off South Africa and off the South American coast (Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay). In the Northwest Atlantic, it is mainly found far off the coast of Florida and the Antilles, where it is a summer guest in the Gulf of Maine, off Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. Blue sharks also populates the Mediterranean Sea and is a summer visitor to the North Sea, the Skagerrak, and waters off Norway. Very often blue sharks are sighted in the North Atlantic from the south coast of Great Britain to Senegal as well as around the Azores, the Canary Islands, Cape Verde, and Madeira. It occurs as a resident in all tropical to temperate sea areas and is probably the most widespread species of all sharks. The blue-shark lives usually off the coast-shelf and dives into a depth of approximately 350 meters. Let’s focus on just observing instead of overfishing them. Today, the blue shark is marked as near threatened by the Red List of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.Level of endangerment near threatenedīlue Sharks are incredibly gentle creatures towards humans. Hence, the rest of their bodies are mostly used for fish meal production. Aside from the fins, blue sharks are not particularly tasty. Decreasing the demand for this soup could already help to contribute conserving this beautiful and gentle shark species. Primarily, the shark’s fins are sought after by shark-fin soup enthusiasts. This makes the blue shark the most heavily caught fish on earth. Endangerment of Blue Sharksīlue Sharks are decreasing in number worldwide as 10 to 20 million sharks are killed per year by humans. Blue sharks are also incredible swimmers, traveling over 4000 miles within 3 months.īefore we dive in to where to find the most promising places to dive with blue sharks, let us give you some background information about them. In the recorded history of shark bites, which started in 1580, there have been only four fatal accidents – less than once every 100 years. Another characteristic of them, which makes them so attractive to dive with is there curious but gentle behavior. You can read the whole article from the beginning or jump straight to the most relevant chapter for you:įun Facts About Blue Sharks Get to Know Blue Sharksīlue sharks are a favorite for divers and underwater photographers for their beauty and speed. In this article, you learn all about blue sharks and where to dive with them. The Top 10 Fastest Animals in The World.The Top 10 Biggest Animals In The World.

[bitchvirgo]

🍉

this is deep blue, the world’s (presumed) largest great white shark. there is also a really stupid diver next to her. deep blue is estimated to be 22 feet long, and in most pictures/videos captured of her she’s pregnant. little is known about how great white sharks mate, but good for her. deep blue is normally seen off the coast of guadalupe island in mexico, but in this particular shot she was vacationing in hawaii. i love deep blue

[sohannabarberaesque]

During a late-night jam session with Peter Potamus' diving crew at their base of operations

(Which, know, is a beachhouse colony along the Pacific coast of Southern California, somewhere between San Diego and Los Angeles, well off I-5 as a matter of fact. And it's during one of those convocations of Peter Potamus' divers which are basically a mix of MeetUp and refresher course to review diving techniques and try out new dive gear.

(As the session opens, our intrepid group is seated at the fire alongside the Pacific's shore as the tide sweeps in....)

PETER POTAMUS, getting to the highlight of the session: I thought you might all find fascinating a rather interesting bit of Polynesian lore which I came across during one of my recent sojourns to the isolated parts of Polynesia--as in a Polynesia of sheer wonder and fascination made even more interesting by the natives wearing pretty much themselves, and liking it!

MILDEW WOLF, somewhat stunned by that revelation: Actually, Peter means the natives are naked!

PETER POTAMUS: Mildew made a good point there, if a bit on the snarky side; yes, nakedness IS a commonplace with these same Polynesians ... but it's mainly driven by tradition as much as comfort. And it's especially true when they're diving, swimming with dolphins or even surfing ... they just can't help but feel so natural in their nakedness!

SQUIDDLY DIDDLY, somewhat observant: I should say so myself!

PETER POTAMUS: Which, you might say, is the point of the story I'm about to relate. It's a story I picked up during one of my visits to Hidden Polynesia, and was related to me by a crown prince of their King--who, I have to admit, was rather young for his age, but related it in such a way as piqued my interest!

HIS FELLOW DIVERS: [Ad-libbed shouts of "Do tell! Do tell!", for the most part]

PETER POTAMUS: What's amazing about this story is that this involves a princess of a nearby archipelagic kingdom with whom that particular such had a close relationship ... and that such was when this particular princess was in a Polynesian sort of a "tomboy" state, willing to take on male challenges even though she was female! She was roughly ten or eleven years of age, and for some reason, the king of those particular islands called for this princess to see him coming out of her sleep one morning.

MAGILLA GORILLA, munching away on a banana: So what exactly did the king want with her, to begin with Peter?

PETER POTAMUS, continuing: I was about to get to that ... at any rate, this particular king, who was getting rather on in years, called upon the princess to undergo some tests to prove herself worthy of her presence and position, tests of established native tradition among especially the royalty and chieftains ... and among the tests she had to undertake was one of riding in some rather extreme waves to shore on a "native" surfboard ... and I mean a surfboard of koa wood, perhaps the finest surfboard material known to Hidden Polynesia--and traditionally reserved for the nobility!

MILDEW WOLF, again with snark: Were there other tests this princess had to go through to, uh, prove herself?

PETER POTAMUS: Another one she had to undergo was her diving to the depths of The Blue Lagoon, which was something like 30 feet, in the company of sharks as much as dolphins ... and wearing herself as well! And at any rate, His Majesty called upon this princess to tell her that such was the day she was to undergo such tests of her worthiness, this having been revealed by his astrologers and kahuna some time beforehand!

HARDY HAR-HAR, ever the pessimist (even with Lippy the Lion): Well, how did it come out exactly?

PETER POTAMUS: Hardy, I was about to get to that ... following a number of ritual prayers and blessings, our princess took to the waters of The Blue Lagoon for the diving part of her test. To dive down among sharks as much as dolphins, and not show any fear or cowardice--and, of course, naked besides! Following some ritual deep breaths in the shallows of the Lagoon, which she was to rely on throughout, our princess dived in ... and dive in she did, sensing the presence of a coral reef close to the bottom as was undergoing a mix of decay as much as renewal! And as she dove deeper and deeper, gradually sensing the sensation of her body vis-a-vis the lagoon's waters, she couldn't help but sense the presence of a number of reef sharks close to hand, not to mention makos and hammerheads ... as well as a pod of dolphins not that far off as she approached bottom, where she was to briefly sit cross-legged and meditate without fear as such sharks passed by, some rather close to her ... and for some reason, one blue shark came wonderfully close to the princess' body, gently rubbing each other close as she was preparing to make her ascent. And yet, you had to picture just how it was possible for her to actually handle a shark in the same way natives would handle a dolphin while swimming with them in such wonderful closeness?

HIS FELLOW DIVERS: [Ad-libbed remarks of admiration and disbelief as to how such could be pulled off]

PETER POTAMUS, continuing the tale: What wonderfully graceful moves did she make for her age underwater as she did with a shark! And what a feeling such must have been in her Polynesian nakedness!

WALLY GATOR, intrigued as pretty much everybody else: And yet not manage to have been eaten by those sharks, don't you know! So where was this surfing-related test?

PETER POTAMUS: As for the surfing part of her test to prove her place, once she recovered from the dive, our princess was taken by outrigger canoe to an outer break off a rather modest island fronting upon a reef whose waves were not only rather substantial, but were traditionally reserved for the nobility ... and at a designated point, the canoe came to a standstill, whence the board was placed into the water, followed by the princess boarding same. Within a few minutes, the break came along--the signal for her to go into the "duck dive" to enter the wave from underwater. It may have been a little hesitant at first, but boy, did that dive feel wonderful on her as she broke the surface and mounted the board for the obligatory ride to shore within the green room of the gods!

WALLY GATOR: "Green room of the gods"--where have I heard THAT one before?!

PETER POTAMUS: So, positioning her body in the standing position essential to surfing, this princess began to barrel her way through waters as were heavy on the corals to such extent as made the waves as massive as they are ... only about ten feet from shore, for some reason she slipped off the board and fell into the waters, with her wondering what was bound to happen next as she was tossing and spinning around, intense corals close to the bottom as could risk cutting her open to injury ... but amazingly, as if instinct called for it, a dolphin swam close by this reef and sensed the peril the princess was facing. The dolphin signalled to the princess to grab his dorsal fin and hang on tight as shore approached, practically underwater all the way, with the very reef at hand flashing by throughout!

HOKEY WOLF, curious: So, how did the princess fare in the end?

PETER POTAMUS: Crawling onto the shore of the modest little island, catching her breath even, the princess wondered what exactly was to follow ... and after a short rest, she walked to a nearby cove to find the same dolphin who had rescued her from the surfing portion of the test jumping up and about in the waters, as if wanting to guide her back to her home island ... which she accepted, and with plenty of "quality time" underwater that amounted to discovery of herself, and then some! [Pause, as if to build up the suspense] When it was all over, and she has returned to home shores, she asked, "Well--?"

And, after a brief pause, such royalty serving as the judges, so to speak, signalled where she had passed, for the most part. Especially where a somewhat older prince noted where her slipping off the surfboard during the surfing test may have been accidental, but that the dolphin's rescuing her, and taking her in a sort of adventure over that legendary reef, may have been a rather unlikely, yet interesting, sort of test in and of itself.

[Another pause] Now--any questions?

[In essence, a stunned sort of amazed silence fell upon the divers, considering the sort of story as was just related being itself unbelievable.]

[topfygad]

Dream Dives Around the World

An underwater agenda for scuba divers, whale watchers, and shark seekers.

Adventure Ocean World | POSTED ON: April 1, 2019

  Divers in French Polynesia get to glide with triggerfish. Photo By: Global Pics/Getty Images

If writing the new National Geographic book 100 Dives of a Lifetime: The World’s Ultimate Underwater Destinations taught me anything, it’s that the diversity of environments in the water rivals that on land. Although ocean covers more than 70 per cent of the planet’s surface, we’ve explored a mere five per cent of it. So for those looking to channel their inner adventurer, our aquatic realms offer abundant opportunity. Yet only some three per cent of the ocean is protected, which is why National Geographic works with researchers such as Explorer-in-Residence Enric Sala, who launched the Pristine Seas initiative with the goal of saving the ocean’s last wild places. Here are 19 dive sites spanning the globe that provide insight into the undersea world we’re striving to protect.

—Carrie Miller

Indonesia

Reef Riches

With some 500 species of coral, including gorgonians and sea pens, Raja Ampat is diving fit for a king—or four kings (Raja Ampat translated). Pro Tip: For easy access to the reefs, stay on a liveaboard boat.

Cayman Islands

The Great Wall

Little Cayman Island’s Bloody Bay Wall feels like an undersea spacewalk, as the blue abyss plummets more than a thousand feet. Pro Tip: Tour the research facilities of the Central Caribbean Marine Institute.

South Africa

Adrenaline Rush

Aliwal Shoal hosts species from nudibranchs to humpback whales, but it may be most famous for the annual sardine run, when millions gather to spawn. Pro Tip: Ask local dive operators about the specific timing.

Antarctica

Ice Ice Baby

Penguins scoot just below the surface in Antarctica’s Ross Sea. Photo By: PAUL NICKLEN/National Geographic Image Collection

Dives below the frozen Antarctic surface reveal agile penguins and octopi with blood pigments to help them survive the numbing temps. Pro Tip: You’ll need special freeze-protected regulators.

Maldives

The Big Time

The underwater pinnacles surrounding oval-shaped Ari Atoll attract whale sharks and manta rays, which feed in the plankton-rich channels. Pro Tip: The best time to see these marvels is February to May.

Mexico

Caving In

Once revered by the Maya, cenotes in the Yucatán are now treasured by divers. Strange rock formations and potential archaeological finds lend an Indiana Jones vibe. Pro Tip: Vet the dive operators well.

Bahamas

Shark Peek

Share the warm, crystalline waters of Tiger Beach with beautifully patterned tiger sharks that swim around a shark feeder who’s clad in protective gear. Divers kneel in fixed positions on the white sand behind the feeder to watch the show. (If you’re an especially intrepid traveller, book a trip to Port Lincoln, Australia, the only place where you can dive in an ocean-floor cage with great whites.) Pro Tip: Don’t get complacent with these extraordinary—but wild—creatures.

Cuba

Liveaboard & Learn

In Los Jardines de la Reina marine reserve, accessible only by liveaboard, divers have the opportunity to see elkhorn coral, silky sharks, and saltwater crocodiles. Pro Tip: Obtaining a Cuban visa for an Indian traveller can be cumbersome; visitors are advised to go through an established travel agent.

Marshall Islands

What a Wreck

In the Marshall Islands, wrecks attract both divers and snorkellers. Photo By: Design Pics Inc/ALAMY

Within the lagoon of remote Bikini Atoll lies a graveyard of battleships and destroyers—the legacy of U.S. nuclear tests in the mid-20th century. Pro Tip: Hone wreck-diving skills at easier sites first.

U.S.A.

Citizen Science

With the Coral Restoration Foundation in Key Largo, Florida, divers help “plant” corals and monitor new growth on the reef. Pro Tip: Learn about upcoming volunteer dive programs at coralrestoration.org.

Canada

Cold Comfort

Known for wrecks, reefs, and rich marine life, British Columbia’s Barkley Sound has become a cold-water hot spot. Pro Tip: The sheltered location allows for year-round diving.

U.S.A.

Night Moves

Swooping through the inky black waters, manta rays with 20-foot wingspans feed on plankton while divers look on from the sea floor near Kona, Hawaii. Pro Tip: Let the mantas dictate the interaction.

Iceland

Freshwater Fissure

Dive in and touch both the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The Silfra fissure in Thingvellir National Park is literally a place where worlds collide. Pro Tip: A dry suit is a must.

Wispy sea fans wave from a reef in Raja Ampat, Indonesia. Photo By: Alex Mustard/Minden Pictures

New Zealand

Stranger Things

In Fiordland, a layer of freshwater on top of saltwater chokes off light, causing creatures of the deep to rise to viewing level. Pro Tip: The road out is a mountain pass, so add extra time to decompress.

Australia

Crowd Pleaser

Julian Rocks Marine Reserve lies off Australia’s most easterly point, near Byron Bay, and smack in the middle of the East Australian Current. Sea creatures migrating along the coast—humpback whales, manta rays, sand tiger sharks—stop in for a visit, joining the resident population of cuttlefish, wobbegong sharks, and turtles. Byron Bay is a top destination for experienced divers as well as newbies learning the ropes. Pro Tip: Don’t miss a hike up to the Cape Byron Lighthouse, one of the world’s best places to spot migrating whales.

U.S.A.

Bouncing Back

Hurricane Maria pummelled Puerto Rico, but it also gave the sea a breather from tourist traffic, making this a good time to go. Pro Tip: The vast majority of island hotels and businesses have reopened.

Bonaire

Small Wonders

At the Bonaire National Marine Park, get up-close looks at frogfish, banded coral shrimp, and Seuss-like nudibranchs. Pro Tip: Divers pay a one-time entrance fee and attend an orientation dive.

Ecuador

Fantasy Islands

Where can you dive with marine iguanas, sea lions, whale sharks, and hammerheads in the same day? It’s got to be the Galápagos. Pro Tip: To protect the fragile environment, diving is restricted; plan ahead.

French Polynesia

Drifting Away

Channels act as underwater slides between the open ocean and the atolls of the Tuamotu Islands, allowing divers to glide along with triggerfish and wrasses. Pro Tip: Practice with currents beforehand.

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[ahemans28-blog]

6 reasons why you should visit Belize!

As some of you may know Belize is a small country located in Central America with a population over 300,000 but under 400,000. Belize welcomes about one million tourists each year. There are a quite a few exciting reasons to visit and explore. Here a few reasons why!

1. Belize has one of the biggest blue holes in the world and is 407 Feet deep. Divers from all over the world go there to explore inside the blue hole. They have scuba diving tours to help guide you while you're down there. It's an amazing view to water wild life like sharks, and all kinds of fishes.  #bluehole

2. Bird watching is one of the very popular things to do in Belize specifically watching the Keel-billed toucan which is the national bird of Belize. People come from all over the world to see the rainbow colored beak bird. There are many kinds of birds in the jungles and when you visit you'll be able to hear the many different bird sounds of Belize. 

3. A very famous tourist site are the Maya Ruins. There are quite a few but Altun Ha is the most popular and closest ruin to Belize City. These Ruins were built about 3,000 years ago  by the Mayan empire. Visitors are allowed to walk up the steps and see the views from way up top. Put your camera's away and take in the moment out of respect for the site.  #MayaRuins

4. Hey that's me ziplining at Jaquar Paw in my family's hometown Belize! Jaquar Paw is located in Belmopan and they also have water cave tubing. It's a really fun experience to slide along on the ropes and enjoy amazing views. Put on your sneakers and athletic wear and get climbing up so you can slide on down! #Jaguarpaw 

5. Oh the cayes(keys) of Belize is a must do! The scenery, the people, the shops, the pretty beaches, are all one boat ride away. There are many cayes but some popular ones are San Pedro, Caye Caulker and Ambergris caye where you may get lucky to spot quite a few celebs vacationing. The boat rides are so much fun and you get to catch beautiful views of the coastlines and the ocean while getting a sweet breeze through your hair. 

6. Oh but we can't forget the food! Belizeans sure know how to add the right spices and seasonings to popular dishes that will make your mouth water for more. The picture is a dish called Salbutes made of freshly hand made corn tortilla from the masa dough with cooked shredded chicken breasts, onion habenero sauce, red pepper, and cilantro. This dish is one of my faves. When you come to Belize you should try out the other popular dishes like the chicken or pork tamales, Panades, Ducunu, meatpie, conch, and tacos. 

I hope you enjoyed my brief blog about Belize and got a few reasons to visit the beautiful country. Hope to see you there soon!

Author: Alison Hemans

[kademaki]

The Bottomless Blue - Chapter Six

Merman!General Hux x Reader fic

Now that Hux has made a plan to break out, he send you to a sea witch named Kylo Ren to collect the supplies needed

previous

“That will never work! We need a different plan!” you sighed as you sat on the floor next to the merman’s tank.  “I was almost caught last week, you can’t expect to just walk out of the front door. That one security guard is still wary of me, he’ll be watching me for a while.”

“You wouldn’t have been caught last time if you had taken your scientist friend’s access card.  Without this becomes more difficult.”  The merman flicked his tail in annoyance.

A little over a week ago, the merman had told you his plan to break out of the aquarium and it had gone terribly.  His plan had involved you taking a cart from one of the labs and hiding him underneath it while covered by a sheet out of the back door and into your car after closing.  But you hadn’t anticipated on all of the labs being locked down due to the scientists testing the new samples taken from the merman.  You had been caught by a security guard and in a panic had said you had an appointment with Luke to discuss the research team’s findings.  The security guard hadn’t believed you but when he called Luke, Luke had gladly played along and verified your meeting with the guard.  Luke came to collect you and spent the following hour showing you new things they had found in the cave before questioning your intentions.  You were sure you had fooled him with harmless flirting to convince him you were honestly just coming down to visit him. But in your opinion, it was still risky and too soon to try again.  

“If I had taken Luke’s access card, he just would have noticed and gotten security to revoke access to it and make him a new one before we could use it.” you sighed, “We need a way to get you out of here that won’t cause a scene and keeps them from knowing it was me that helped you. I’m out of ideas, it’s been days and I have nothing. ”

The merman nodded before sinking down in the tank.  You watched as he let his body sink in the tank.  Even when he wasn’t actively swimming, his body seemed so graceful in the water.  You watched until he sank below your level and down to the next out of your view.  He’d been here for three weeks before you’d found out he was here, if you included the past two weeks of trying to get him out, he’d been here for over a month.  Stuck in this tank that while big enough to house sharks comfortably, must have seemed claustrophobic to him compared to the ocean.  He had told you that he usually swam miles a day and could swim up the coast in a matter of hours and the limited room of the tank kept him feeling cramped in the space.  

You wondered how much he missed the open sea but he kept his feelings to himself and barely showed you any emotions aside from his eagerness to escape.  You wanted to help him but it was a difficult task.  You had to sneak him out while keeping his tail hydrated.  It’s not like you could load him into a wheelbarrow filled with water and wheel him out the front door.  You let your mind wander as you stood and began to clean the room, you clearly weren’t coming up with any ideas tonight and it seemed the merman wasn’t either.

Just as you were packing up the mop and trash you had picked up, a splash from the tank caught your attention.  You looked up to see the merman staring at you intently.  You furrowed your brow as he opened his mouth to speak.

“I’ve just realized, this whole time, I’ve trusted you with getting me out of here and I do not even know your name.”

“My name? Its Y/N.” you hesitated, you wanted to ask what his name was but with how closed off he tended to be would he tell you?  “What’s your name?”

“It’s Armitage.  Armitage Hux but you can call me Hux.” You wondered why he would want to be called by his last name but didn’t voice your thoughts since you were glad to learn more about him.  “Now, Y/N, I think I have a sure fire way to get myself out of here but I need you to help me without question.”

Without question? That was a weird way to for him to word it. What was he going to ask you to do?  The merman must have sensed your hesitation because he spoke again.

“I won’t ask you to kill anyone.  There just may be the risk to your job and possibly your sanity but nothing permanent.”  He said with a chuckle.  “That last part was a joke,” he added when he saw your uneasy expression.  “So will you help me?”

“What’s the plan?”

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It was cold.  That’s all you felt.  You shivered inside your wetsuit as you dove deeper into the ocean’s depths.  You could barely see in front of you aside from the beams of light from your mounted headlight and flashlight.  You were starting to get paranoid as the mouth of a cave came into view.  

“Listen carefully, I need you to trust me.  No harm will come to you if you do as I say. Do you understand?” you nodded as Hux continued, “Good. Do you have a map?” You shook your head before remembering the map app on your phone.  You opened it and handed your phone to him, surprised he knew how to use it and was able to with his pointy almost claw-like hands.  

“It should be obvious that I am not the only one of my kind at this point.  There are even creatures that are more frightful than I.   I need you to go to the ship and gather these items if your scientists haven’t taken them already.  Then you will go to this location in your boat and dive to a cave here.” You looked at the spot he marked on the map, there was no land and it was well past the ocean shelf drop off.  

“But there is no land there? How can there be a cave? I don’t have the equipment to make a dive that deep.  The pressure alone could kill me if the nitrogen narcosis doesn’t drive me insane first!”

“The items you get from my ship will help you.  You can’t bring them here for me to help you with because we will likely get caught but I can tell you to how to use them to help your human body make the dive.  Moving on-” you huffed, you weren’t convinced but motioned for him to continue anyway, “I must warn you, the cave is inhabited by a sea witch.”

“A sea witch?!” you shot to your feet as your mind began to race.  You weren’t even sure if you liked the idea of human witches being real.  The movies always depicted witches casting curses on people and the last place you needed to be cursed was in the ocean with a limited oxygen supply.  

“Yes, a sea witch. Now, if you would let me finish.” You nodded and sat back down.  “ You will need to trade with him the items from my ship for a ring.”

“What kind of ring? Like one with diamonds and gems?” The merman sighed.

“No, not with diamonds.  But the ring he gives you should have gems on it.”

“How will I know it’s the right ring?” you questioned, not wanting to risk your life only to bring back to the wrong jewelry.

“You’ve seen the ring’s matching bracelet before in the ship.  If I remember correctly, I swam in on you taking photographs of it the first time I caught you in my quarters.”

Your mind went to that day and the pictures you took.  You remembered the box of trinkets and the gemstone bracelet.  So the ring would match the bracelet, simple but covered in an obnoxious amount of gems.  You laughed to yourself at the thought of the merman wearing such an ostentatious bracelet. But then you remembered the sunglasses and shot glass in the box as well.  

“I remember the bracelet, it was in the box on your desk.  But why did you have a shot glass and sunglasses in the box too?  How did you get them? What do you need them for?” The merman waved off your questions.  

“If I make it out of here, I’ll show you what they are for.”  You were okay with that.  It’s not like you had expected a real answer anyway.  “Back to the sea witch, when you are trading for the ring, you must be sure to only trade him the items on the list.  He will already know that I am in trouble when you ask for the ring.  He will try to use that as leverage to trick you into giving him more than what is necessary to trade for the ring.  You must not let him manipulate you.  Do you understand me?”

You wondered why the witch would want to trick you since you were human and all but useless underwater but you told the merman you would not be manipulated.

“Good.  The witch’s name is Kylo Ren. Once you have the ring we can go from there.  It’s getting late, you should get home and rest.  I know it is the weekend and you have the next two days off.  You should rest tonight, collect the items from the ship in the morning and make the dive tomorrow to the cave at noon when the sun is at its highest. Then rest the following day before bringing the ring to me.”

“Why do I have to make the dive at noon?” you questioned.  You preferred to dive early in the morning before the other boats were out on the water and the water was quiet and calm.

“You need to go when the sun is at its highest and brightest in case you get lost and can’t find the surface.  Many divers have died because they could not find their way back to the surface and the pressure of the water destroyed the jackets they use to pull them to the surface. If I don’t see you on Monday, then I’ll know you were not able to find your way back to the surface.”

You cursed at the memory and how you had found yourself to be swimming this deep into the ocean.  You had gone to the shipwreck and gathered the items on Hux’s list without a problem.  The research team hadn’t found much use for the crates of coins in which Hux’s items were buried so they’d left them virtually untouched.  Among items Hux had wanted were specific rings covered in gems from the crates as well as a few shark and orca teeth.  You weren’t sure of the significance of these items but you had packed them and brought them with you.  When you were this deep in the ocean, it felt as if each small ring was weighing you down like a rock.  

You pulled out the small diving map you had brought with you and attempted to check your location.  You were so far down that the gases in your scuba tanks were causing you to feel light headed and weakened your dexterity.  You had spent so much time trying to adjust the tanks to get the mix of gases just right to avoid nitrogen narcosis but you could feel the effects starting to show.  It was only a matter of time before you either found the cave and the witch or you started hallucinating and died from the narcosis.  

You thought back to what Hux had told you about the items to help you survive in the depths.  He had written on the list for you to take a paste from his quarters to rub on your neck.  He claimed it would help with your breathing and reduce the nitrogen and helium building in your body.  You had tried it at the ship but hadn’t felt any different after applying it.  You thought about reapplying it now that you were now at least 300 feet below and could feel the pressure much stronger but you were too afraid to stop with the looming darkness below you.  Instead, you thought of the other item Hux had told you to use, a ring covered in blue sapphires.  He said it would allow you to see in the dark but you were afraid to use it as well.  You saw what kinds of creatures the research team pulled from these depths and you were afraid that you would be able to see them lurking below you, waiting for you to go crazy so they could rip you to pieces and eat you.

Instead, you kept swimming deeper down towards a rock formation Hux had noted on the map.  As you got closer, your flashlights seemed to get dimmer, as if the beams of light could no longer penetrate through the darkness around the rocks.  You could feel the paranoia growing inside you as it became harder to see the way in front of you.  You looked up and could barely see the sunlight filtering down through the water.  While you could see the sunlight, even it did not reach far enough to illuminate the water this far down.

With a sigh, you checked the map again before securing it in your waist belt and swimming deeper into the darkness.  You stopped once you were at the rock formation.  It was covered in strange markings that you couldn’t decipher.  You wondered who made the markings and why.  You looked below you and saw an opening in the rock formation that led into a dark cave.  You swam down to the entrance and paused.  

On one hand, this was part of the plan Hux had made.  On the other hand, you were just a human and Hux was a mermaid who said a sea witch lived in this cave.  You joked internally that you had hallucinated everything, Hux and the sea witch.  For all you knew, you were dreaming and still at the shipwreck for the first time while the nitrogen narcosis set in and slowly drove you toward insanity.  

You felt the anxiety starting to fill your body with dread so you decided to try to apply the paste Hux had you make.  You took it from your waist belt and pulled the neck of your wetsuit away before rubbing some of the paste onto your neck.  Immediately, you felt the effects, your breath came easier and you could feel your body relaxing as you breathe easier.  Your body was less tense and you could feel the dexterity in your limbs coming back with each breath you took.  If the paste actually worked, maybe the ring would too.  You fished it out of your waist belt while putting the paste away.  You stared at it in your palm, turning it over before slipping it onto your finger.  Almost instantly the darkness around you lit up.  It was as if there were lights all around you and you could see further down into the sea than you ever could before.  It was almost as if it was daylight underwater.  You took a moment and looked over the rock formation edge below you.  

You could see all of the strange fish swimming along below you.  You were certain that the few lantern fish you could see were just as unnerved by your presence as you were.  This was amazing, you never knew such things could exist to help you explore the ocean, you’d have to talk to Hux about borrowing these once he was free.  You took a breath and turned back towards the cave.  Unlike the rest of the ocean that was now illuminated, the cave was still dark.  Maybe the cave was unaffected by the ring’s power because of the sea witch inside it? You were unsure but started to swim into the cave.

The darkness was unnerving.  Thanks to the paste, you could breathe just fine now with very little to no symptoms of the nitrogen narcosis but it did not do anything to quell the anxiety the darkness was causing you to feel.  The beams of your flashlight were almost useless, only lighting the way in front of you by a few feet.  You began to wonder if you were swimming into the right cave or if you were swimming to your death in an empty cavern when you started to see small lights on the floor of the cave.  You swam down closer to the bottom of the cave for a closer look and realized they weren’t lights at all but in fact small bioluminescent coral.  You paused as you recalled the only previous bioluminescent corals to be found were only in the Red Sea.  What were these corals doing here?  You looked around and saw that the corals formed a path that led you deeper into the cave before they started to grow along the sides and ceiling of the cave.  

You followed this coral “path” further before you noticed the water was getting warmer.  You were so deep in the ocean that you knew the water should not be warm unless you ran into an underground current.  As you pondered this, you saw something move from the corner of your eye.  The anxiety in you flared again as you slowly turned to see what had caught your attention.

You turned to see a dark inky mass coming towards you surrounded by the coral covered cave walls.  You watched as the dark mass took shape in your eyes and you realized it was an octopus.  You were shocked as you watch the octopus stop a few yards from you and uncurled itself to reveal the torso of a man.  He wasn’t as pale as Hux, he was more tanned and had a scar on his left eye.  What shocked you the most was instead of two legs, he had eight.  Well, eight tentacles for legs.  Even though you had seen Hux’s tail up close and knew that other creatures had to exist but you hadn’t expected to find the sea witch like this.  

You watched frozen in place as the sea witch straightened to an impossibly large size in front of you.  He cocked his head to the side and examined you from head to toe.  As he looked you over, you cursed internally at your lack of preparation.  His tentacles swished back and forth in the water as he considered you from across the cave.  You knew you had to speak to the sea witch but you hadn’t thought about what you’d actually say to him.  Luckily, or unluckily for you, the sea witch spoke first.

“Who are you? Humans are rare this far down.  Most of your kind go mad before they can make it this far.”  You wanted to answer him but if you took off your mask to try and speak, you would lose oxygen.  Besides, your words would most likely come out as bubbles and a dull roar anyway.  Instead, you made wild gestures at which he ignored.  His eyes fixated on the neck of your wetsuit where you had messily applied the paste.  “A friend of the merpeople? Only they know how to create that paste to helps humans breathe.”  

You nodded unsure of how to communicate with him until he spoke again.  “That paste will grant you the ability to breathe without your human air mask.  Take it off and you will be fine.”  your brow furrowed as you considered what he said.  With some hesitation, you reached for the clasp of your oxygen mask and slowly pulled it off.   Surprisingly, you didn’t feel the water rush into your lungs at all.  Instead, it felt as if you were breathing the same as you did on dry land.  You took a moment to adjust to the feeling with a few deep breaths, Hux’s paste had worked better than you thought.  You couldn’t believe that you could actually breathe underwater.  These thoughts were interrupted by the witch speaking again.  

“Now that that hideous mask is out of the way, answer my question.  Who are you?”

“My name is Y/N.  Are you Kylo Ren?”  You replied as you straightened yourself.

“I am but Y/N, tell me, how did you a mere human, find yourself here in my cave with a paste from the merpeople?” He said glancing at your neck again.

“I am a friend of Armitage Hux.  He sent me here to trade with you.”  you pulled the bag containing the items Hux had listed from your waist belt to present to the sea witch.  The witch glanced at the bag in your hand with disinterest.

“What would Hux possibly want to trade with me for? The last time we traded he was sure he wouldn’t need anything from me again.” He said raising an eyebrow.  

“Hux wants to trade you these for a ring-”

“I have traded many rings to Hux each has its own purpose.  He has everything he needs from me.  I have nothing left to offer him and he has nothing of value to me. ...Unless he sent you to me as something to trade.”  The witch swam closer to you and you felt your body tense as he neared.

“No, this ring is special, he said it matches the bracelet he already has.  Do you know it?”  At that, the witch turned his head in thought before looking back at you.  

“What has Hux gotten himself into that he would need that ring?  Surely,  he has no use for it since he has the bracelet. It makes it even more foolish to send a human here after it. Unless... “ he trailed off before turning back to you and laughing.  “Has Hux got himself captured by humans?  Is that why he sent you? A human to retrieve it?”  As he laughed, you noticed his teeth, they were sharper than Hux’s seemed.  The perfect size and length that could tear into your flesh and eat you without a problem. You wanted out of this cave as soon as possible.

“Will you trade with me or not?” You asked feeling a little impatient.  The witch’s expression changed as he considered you again.

“What will you give me for it? Hux would not send you empty-handed for the ring.”  You handed him the bag with items and watched as he dumped them into his hands.  He picked through the items before scoffing.  “These are good but not enough for the ring.”  

“That’s all I have to trade with.” You said with an uneasy feeling.  Hux had said the witch would try to leverage you into giving up something else to help him.  You had a feeling he was about to try to convince you to give up something valuable.

“How about we make a deal?”  His tentacles seemed to sway with new energy as he mentioned making a deal with you.  

“What kind of deal?” You said trying to keep the trepidation from your voice.

“Since what Hux has provided here is almost enough, why don’t you agree to do me a favor.  I don’t know when, but someday I will require help from a human.  If you agree to help me when I call on you without hesitation and with no questions asked, I will give you the ring to help Hux.”

You mulled the offer over in your head.  Owe a sea witch a favor? What would he make you do?   Would he make you hurt someone?  Was it worth agreeing to if you didn’t know what he could ask you to do? Kylo Ren must have sensed your internal struggle because when he spoke again, it was to reassure you.

“You would not have to harm anyone if that is what you are worried about.  I do not deal in that kind of magic.”  

You looked him in the eyes and tried to find any trace of dishonesty but you were only met with his impassive stare.  With a sigh, you realized this was your best option for saving Hux.  

“I will make the trade with you.”  You watched as Kylo Ren’s face turned up in a smug grin.

“I’m glad to hear it.”  With a wave of his hand, the ring appeared in his hand and you reached out to take it when he pulled his hand away.  “Ah, ah, ah, you forget Y/N, we have to seal the deal first.”  

Your brows furrowed, seal the deal? Was agreeing to the deal, not enough?  

“We witches seal all of our deals with a kiss.” That was all the witch said before you felt one of his tentacles slide up your back and push your mouth closer to his.  A second later, his mouth was on yours and you felt an electric shock go through your body.  Within the next second, you were back on the ground confused as to what just occurred.  It was only when you felt Kylo Ren pushing the ring into your hand did you realize he had kissed you.  

“Don’t worry about the electric jolt you felt.  A witch’s kiss can have the intensity of a moray eel.  It’s how I know you’ll honor your end of the deal when the time comes.  Remember, you owe me whether you are able to save Hux or not.  I’ll see you again soon Y/N.”  and with that, he began to drift off back into the darkness of the cave the way he came.

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[thisisluxurytravel]

Diving in Maumere: The Ultimate Diving Guide

If you love diving, then Maumere is the best place to be if you want to have the dive sites to yourself, unlike Bali, where you now see more tourists underwater than fish. Diving in aumere has lots of features that make it a great place for a wonderful diving experience. The proximity of the deepest ocean crack at 9000 meters gives room for plenty of big fish activity. It offers a stunning diving experience with turtles, sharks, and you might see whales if you visit in November.

1. Getting to Maumere

From Bali, getting to Maumere won’t take more than two hours, we have the new direct flights from Denpasar to thank for that. Garuda is the best airline to go with, they are very reliable and permit luggage weight of about 20kg. Getting to the dive resort from there will take just 20 minutes by car.

2. Where to stay when diving Maumere

Maumere is a remote location, if you are expecting a luxurious accommodation, strike that out. But that does not mean you won’t enjoy your stay in this relatively undeveloped place. Ankermi happy dive – a simple resort by to the sea – is the best place when diving in Maumere. They offer different kinds of bungalows like backpacker rooms with shared bathrooms, and luxurious bungalows (also called lilyponds bungalows). Besides the beautiful sea view surrounded by palm trees and fish ponds offered by this resort, those luxurious bungalows also have AC and hot water located on the side of the resort, offering a private sea view terrace with lounge chairs.

It is advisable to book three to four months in advance due to the popularity of this resort in high season, especially if you are interested in the staying in the lilyponds bungalows. The beach in front of the resort is not good for swimming because it is rocky nature. There is a little beachfront café where most people visit after diving; you can hang out there and share your diving stories at the end of the day. We saw two large yachts anchored in the bay during our visit, so this is a nice option for yacht owners.

The hosts are fantastic, Ankermi and his wife Claudia usually hang out with guests during sunsets to share fascinating local stories. I strongly advise you shun the review of this resort on tripadvisor, do not believe the bad reviews you see there. This place is simple but delightful.

2. Diving in Maumere

From the resort to most dive sites takes about 60 minutes. The area is not that crowded, we were there for 5 days, and we did not come across any other dive boats.

Ankermi diving is so cool, even though their noisy motorboat is not big enough and feels overcrowded when full. If you are expecting a luxury dive trip, you will be disappointed. Stay focused on the diving and go with the flow if you want to enjoy this dive trip.

You should also watch out for the many walls around the islands, covered in large stag coral tables and beautiful gorgonian fans (sea fans), and entwined with different varieties of anemone flowers and neon coloured Alcyonacea (soft corals), and lots of reef fish you can think of.

Despite its healthy coral, the water visibility can be limited but you can’t compare it to the 40 meters visibility that you usually get in places like Alor or Komodo. Diving in Maumere is really good, but I feel the water visibility might prevent Maumere from becoming one of the world’s best diving locations as it is a bit harder to get clear pictures.

One of the dive sites, Babi island has a unique surface interval that is a paradisiac beach. I don’t usually wish for longer surface intervals but I could have stayed on the Babi island beach for the whole day! During our stay, we saw dolphins on a daily basis; they enjoy swimming with the boat. An amazing experience even if we did not get to see them underwater.

3. Dive sites near Maumere

Check out the description below about the site’s features.

The Channel

This is a slop linking down to a sandy bottom, it is framed with big gorgonians, coral gardens, and sponges. You are more likely to see ribbon eels, ghost pipefish, lionfish and frogfish in this area. If you are lucky, you also get to look at hunting hammerheads and eagle rays in this area due to the strong current. The flow of current through this 2km wide channel is pretty strong, so this dive site is not for amateurs but experienced divers. You can down to the deeper part through the coral garden scattered with sand; this area features a giant mountain of sand with sea fans and coral blocks. You can observe the amazing underwater scene in this area (about 30 meters deep) featuring marble rays, eagle rays, tunas and mackerels on the sand surface. Continue flowing with the current until you arrive at the stunning coral garden.

The Crack

The crack was formed by an earthquake that ripped the reef open in 1992, lots of little fish and corals love to hide in this spot. It is located about 20 metres in a reef beneath the water, the length of the 70 centimetres crack is about 30 meters. You will find a steep wall filled with corals as the follow the crack. You may be lucky to see rays and sharks if you look down the crack.

Majella’s Ledge

This is a nice spot to view nurse sharks, reef sharks, and hammerheads – if you are that lucky. This deep ledge is located at 35m.

Marajagong

This region has a touch of everything you can ever imagine, it is a steep wall with different jutting platforms. Reach for the wall down the slope to the platform; it’s about 14m. This fantastic spot features different varieties of reef fish, lobster, frogfish, sharks, sea turtles, nudibranchs, octopus and colourful corals, this spot is well known for schooling tuna and mackerel.

Babi Island wall

Pulau Babi, also known as the pig island faces the Flores Sea and is bordered at the north end with coral reef. You will find a small tidal flat where two villages were built if you go down south. In 1992, a tsunami – with waves topped at 5.6 meters – hit Pulau Babi and destroyed the villages found on the flat sandy land. About 263 out of the 1093 people living in the location lost their lives to the tsunami. The villages had to be abandoned, and reconstruction was not permitted when the region was declared too risky to be inhabited. You will only find makeshift bamboo huts in the location currently, there are used once in a while for fishing.

You will find the barrier reef tappers at the southern end of the island, you will see a lot of crevices and crack with corals in the shallow. The Palau Babi wall is a nice drop off with lots of corals, and relaxing on the beach in-between the dives is amazing; we were opportune to see a few turtles and sharks.

Muck dive in front of the resort

There are different suitable dive sites on the coast for muck diving. You get to see frogfishes, mimic octopus as well as nudibranchs. Another unique feature about this dive site is that it features lots of endemic species. According to reports, Rudie Kuiter – a photographer – has catalogued over 1200 fish species in Maumere Bay alone, including species new to science.

5. Diving in Maumere: best time to go

Maumere also experiences rainy seasons. It is advisable you plan your diving in Maumere between April to October if you want to avoid the rainy season and enjoy a wonder, calm sea, and stunning visibility during your dives. The high season falls between July and August. It is advisable you book in advance to secure a spot due to the limited boat and accommodation capacity. You can also visit during November and December periods; you are more likely to see whales during this period. If you are a fan of large sharks, visit during April and May, these are the best periods to see a whale shark.

6. Other activities besides diving in Maumere: the Kelimutu volcano

An interesting thing about your visit to Maumere is that you get to do other things besides diving. You can visit the Kelimutu volcano in Kelimutu. Get the most out of your visit to Maumere by visiting this three coloured lake; it’s only 3 hours away from Maumere. If you plan on spending your whole day here, the trip is worth it. The hike is also easy; it will not take more than 30 minutes. The 3-colored lakes are unique for natural phenomenon. The constant changing of colours and different varieties of colour in the lake makes it so beautiful. The local inhabitants in this region see the lake as a place where the departed souls reside. They believe that the god of the afterlife, Mae, as well as the people who died, will sit at the base of the lakes according to their good deeds in life. Thus, the names of the lake are connected to it. When translated, they represent the souls of the people, the spirits of young people, and the spirits of soothsayers. The dramatic and unpredictable change in the lakes’ colour makes it one of the natural phenomena one needs to see; colour changes from blue or green to red or black. Furthermore, the steep road to the lakes is precarious, making it more mystical and mysterious. There is no strong evidence to describe what is responsible for the changes in colour, but scientist believes that volcanic gas activities are responsible for the chemical reactions between the natural minerals in the lakes.

Maumere is only a short direct flight away from Kupang and Komodo that both offer really good diving. Read my review of Kupang diving and Komodo diving. There is also interesting tribes encounters in West Timor and the possiblility to cruise Komodo water or stay in Luxury at Komodo latest luxury resort.

[decksandtreks]

JOIN @brahmkornbluth and me as we jump aboard Crystal Serenity next month (30 October 2021) for a last-minute, all-inclusive cruise to The Bahama. Swim with dolphins at Blue Lagoon Island. Snorkel with reef sharks as they are being fed by scuba divers at Bimini. Take a dip with the swimming pigs at Great Exuma Island. Deep-sea fish. Bird watch. Relax on the beach. You choose. Enjoy the best-available stateroom at time of booking on this 7N Luxury Bahamas Escape: ~ Deluxe Stateroom with Large Picture Window: US $1,999* per traveller ~ Deluxe Stateroom with Veranda: US $2,449* per traveller * Based on double occupancy. Special solo fares are available. Taxes, port fees and charges are an additional $315. CONTACT me to join us and to book this incredible experience. For more information: https://www.crystalcruises.com/voyage/nassau-roundtrip-ocy211030-07 (at Decks & Treks Travel) https://www.instagram.com/p/CUBMFV0BQ3T/?utm_medium=tumblr

[orbemnews]

The Ocean’s Youngest Monsters Are Ready for Glamour Shots For most scuba divers, few places underwater match the visual thrill of a kaleidoscopic coral reef teeming with colorful fish. For Jeff Milisen, a marine biologist and photographer in Kona, Hawaii, there is no better place to dive than an open stretch of deep ocean. At night. “There’s a whole lot of nothing,” he said. “There’s no bottom, no walls, just this space that goes to infinity. And one thing you realize is there are a lot of sea monsters there, but they’re tiny.” Of course, there are big monsters, too, like sharks. But the creatures Mr. Milisen is referring to are part of a daily movement of larval fish and invertebrates, which rise from the depths to the surface each evening as part of one of the largest migrations of organisms on the planet. The emerging hobby of taking pictures of them is known as blackwater photography. Most of the larvae are no bigger than a fingernail; others are even smaller. And they can easily be mistaken for bits of seaweed or drifting detritus. But up close, when captured with a camera using a special lens called a macro, the animals can appear to loom as large as wild animals on a safari — a safari on another planet. Five years ago, Mr. Milisen began sharing his photos in a Facebook group, and there he discovered a community of passionate nighttime adventurers who were capturing images of living things rarely seen before. Perplexed and astonished by what they were photographing, Mr. Milisen and others in the community, called the Blackwater Photo Group, began contacting fish scientists, asking for help in identifying what they were seeing. Even the most seasoned specialists responded with incredulity. “The No. 1 thing people, even scientists, ask is: ‘What the hell is that?’” said Ned DeLoach, an experienced underwater photographer, who, with his wife, Anna, and the writer Paul Humann, has published eight books on marine fishes. “Why these images are so spectacular and so popular is they’re so otherworldly. People have never imagined that creatures like this exist, and that has attracted photographers.” David G. Johnson, curator of fishes at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, was one of the first scientists to be contacted by members of the Facebook group. He said he was immediately smitten by the images. “You have behavior, colors,” he said. “It really is a great advance in terms of what we can learn about the early life history of fishes.” As the blackwater hobby has taken off, gaining adherents around the globe, more and more photographers have captured stunning images and videos that reveal a secret world of bizarre, tiny animals that scientists have struggled for decades to better understand. Many of the images have gone viral on social media, and some recently won major underwater photography awards. Now, scientists like Dr. Johnson want to formalize the collaboration with blackwater photographers. In a paper published on Tuesday in the journal Ichthyology & Herpetology, scientists from Hawaii, along with Dr. Johnson and others at the Smithsonian, have outlined how they hope to enlist more nighttime underwater photographers, most of whom have no scientific background, to participate in marine research. If the photographers could collect specimens of the tiny animals they photograph, DNA could be extracted and analyzed. So far, the scientists leading the effort have recruited about a dozen divers, who have collected more than 60 specimens for analysis. More are in the pipeline. “We’re building a collection that for the first time has a live image,” Dr. Johnson said. “We get the specimen and create a DNA record tied to it.” He expects scientists with a knack for underwater photography to join the effort as well. Marine researchers hope that examining images of animals photographed in their natural surroundings and pairing those images with data drawn from techniques such as dissection and DNA barcoding will significantly expand the knowledge of how these animals change over time and why they behave as they do. Ideally, the work will also shed light on the mysterious daily migration of creatures, called the diurnal vertical migration, that takes place every night in every ocean around the globe. The diurnal vertical migration includes trillions of tiny animals, many in the larval stage, that rise from great depths of 1,000 feet or more to just beneath the surface to feed. The journey takes place at night, scientists believe, because it allows the animals to avoid predation by larger fish that locate their prey visually. The baby fish return to the lightless deep before sunrise. Like many insect species and frogs, most marine fishes and invertebrates look and behave vastly different in their larval stages than they do as adults. The fish larvae are often festooned with flamboyant, streaming appendages to help them navigate the currents or imitate other species such as poisonous jellyfish. Some have enormous eyes and broadcast a rainbow iridescence that would not look out of place beneath a glass counter at Tiffany’s. Most marine fishes and some ocean invertebrates go through this two-stage life cycle. Scientists believe that the drastic shift in form is a product of evolution and natural selection. “Larvae and adults are each living in a completely different evolutionary arena,” Dr. Johnson said. “The larvae make their living in the open ocean currents, which is such a different place than where they’re going to settle out, like the sandy bottom, a coral reef or the deep sea.” The larval stage of many sea creatures transpires in the open ocean, which is difficult to study, and little is known. Almost all of the previous understanding of what these animals look like comes from expeditions that collected them in large conical devices called plankton nets, which are dragged behind research vessels. The technique began over 150 years ago, gaining prominence with the Challenger expedition from 1872 to 1876, organized by the British government. There have since been some major advances in the technology, but the basic technique is largely unchanged. Plankton nets draw the animals into a large open ring and funnel them into a jarlike device called a cod end. As water is forced into the jar, the animals are easily crushed and usually die before reaching the surface. Many creatures, such as jellyfish, salps and glittery, orb-shaped animals called ctenophores, are so delicate that they are mushed into a gelatinous goo that researchers on boats pull from the jars by the handful. The animals that remain intact are fixed in an alcohol solution, which prevents them from decomposing, but which turns them ghostly white. Often the delicate filaments and fins break off, making it impossible to know how the animals looked and behaved while alive. “Those filament appendages are extremely important,” said Luiz A. Rocha, a marine biologist and curator of fishes at the California Academy of Sciences who is not involved in the project. He said that they can be used for mimicry, movement or camouflage. “Because all that information is lost when collected in the nets, the photographs can open up an entirely new research area to understand why they have these features and what they use them for,” he said. Open water observation of fish larvae is not new, but it was mostly practiced during the day. The technique, called blue water diving, began in the 1980s when a group of California scientists, hoping to overcome the problems with plankton nets, began taking boats out while the sun blazed overhead. William M. Hamner, a retired ecologist and evolutionary biologist at the University of California, Los Angeles, was a pioneer of blue water diving and developed many techniques to drift and dive in the open ocean that are used today by blackwater divers. “The fact that we started blue water is simply because no one cared enough about plankton at the time to go to all the effort to observe them in the wild, and I did,” Dr. Hamner said. In both blue and blackwater diving, scuba divers usually travel far offshore, often 10 miles or more, where the seafloor may lie several thousand feet below. They descend 50 to 100 feet beneath the ocean while clinging to a tether that hangs from a boat or from a buoy on the surface. In blackwater diving, however, powerful underwater lights are attached to a tether to illuminate the water, often attracting animals, including sharks. The avocation is not for everyone. “There’s a whole new sensory experience when there’s no top or bottom,” said Ms. DeLoach, one of the photographers. “It’s the closest I think I’ve come to being in outer space.” For the photographers, capturing an image of something never observed, let alone photographed, before becomes almost an addiction. “What’s really fascinating is when you send the scientists something and they have no idea what it is,” said Steven Kovacs, a dentist in Palm Beach, Fla., and a frequent contributor to the Facebook group, who has been blackwater diving for five years. “Or it’s the first time being seen. That’s one of the greatest thrills of all.” The photographers have reason to gloat. Some scientists say the images, paired with DNA from collected larvae, have the potential to revolutionize the study of larval fishes. “We believe this approach opens a new window for our understanding of these larvae and raises exciting questions for future research,” said Ai Nonaka, a researcher at the Smithsonian and the lead author on the paper. Dr. Johnson hopes that the project will inspire a new generation of underwater photographers to become citizen scientists and participate in research. “We’ve been doing this for four to five years, but it’s still new,” said Mr. DeLoach, who began collecting specimens for the Smithsonian with his wife in 2019. “There’s so much that hasn’t been discovered yet. It’s a pretty handy thing to have a specimen in the Smithsonian collection with your name on it.” Other scientists who study larval fishes are happy to give the photographers their due credit. “I think that this is one of those special cases in which the underwater photography people actually realized something quite valuable and cool before science did,” said Tom Shlesinger, a marine biologist based in Florida who is a convert to blackwater photography. “It really opened my eyes and mind to the fact that we actually know very little about what’s going on in the sea at night.” Source link Orbem News #glamour #Monsters #Oceans #Ready #shots #youngest

[bbcbreakingnews]

Scientists to explore a 425-foot underwater sinkhole off Florida

An expedition off the coast of Florida will explore a mysterious sinkhole that extends 425 feet beneath the ocean floor.

Next month, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will explore the crevasse, an underwater sinkhole referred to as a ‘blue hole’, for the first time.

The contents of blue holes are still fairly mysterious as are their frequency and typical location. According to the NOAA, their depth and structure can also make them difficult to access. 

‘Blue holes’ like the Amberjack (pictured) have been the subject of previous studies and have been shown to contain a surprising array of biological diversity

‘The opening of a blue hole can be several hundred feet underwater, and for many holes, the opening is too small for an automated submersible,’ the NOAA writes,

‘In fact, the first reports of blue holes did not come from scientists or researchers, but actually came from fishermen and recreational divers.’ 

The NOAA says that the year-long expedition will being in August and explore a 425-foot deep blue hole known as Green Banana – the sinkhole is located 155 feet below the surface.

The team will include scientists from Mote Marine Laboratory, Florida Atlantic University, Georgia Institute of Technology and the U.S. Geological Society.

While the content will remain a mystery until the expedition has been completed, prior studies have shown that they can contain a diverse range of biological life.

A blue hole about 30 miles off Sarasota known as ‘Amberjack Hole’ was explored in 2019 and was found to be an ‘oasis in an otherwise barren seafloor’ according to the NOAA.

The Green Banana (pictured) extends for 425 feet below the ocean floor. The opening is 155 feet below the surface and is located in Florida’s Gulf Coast

Among the discoveries were two intact, albeit dead, smalltooth sawfish, an endangered species. One of the sharks, a 12-foot-long male, was collected for study, according to the NOAA. 

In addition to searching for new signs of life, scientists are also looking to unlock more details about how the sinkholes are formed in the first place. 

According to the NOAA, researchers will check to see if the submersion of the ocean floor is linked to an intrusion of Florida’s groundwater.

The post Scientists to explore a 425-foot underwater sinkhole off Florida appeared first on BBC BREAKING NEWS.

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