#frogfish are peak

[metal-mum]

Frogger is a Frogfish don't @ me

Not my best but she's honest work. Prolly will redo it digitally or something, yippee!

[drabblewatch]

Headcanon Request (x3):  Whats your headcanon for what the overwatch crew would look like if they were mermaid/mermen? 

Note: A couple of these were inspired by some merfolk au art that @morianrhod drew some time back, you can find them on the blog here!

Also, Bastion, Zenyatta and Orisa weren’t included, as they are most likely some sort of omnic-equivalent in this merfolk AU, similar to what they are now but adapted for life in the water. Mer-Omnics anyone?

McCree is of the seahorse subspecies of merfolk, his tail dark brown in color and scarred from his years of battle. Though he may not be the strongest or the most graceful swimmer among the bunch, he can certainly hold his own territory without too much difficulty using the small barbs along the sides of his tail that, if they pierce skin, would render intruders wracked with pain.

Pharah carries much of the appearance of the swordfish subspecies, though it’s hard to say if her heritage is mixed or not. Regardless, she’s without peer in terms of grace and speed in her swimming, easily able to outpace and out-maneuver many people who think they are good enough to challenge her. Her fins and tail are striking in the mixture of blue shades, often making her naturally hidden in the deeper waters.

Hanzo + Genji are both koi fish, with beautiful marking very much tied to their family line. Genji has taken on much of his father’s color (a brilliant jade) while Hanzo took much after his mother (a sapphire blue). Though neither are venomous, they certainly make up the lack of anatomical defenses with their skills in hand-to-hand combat within even the murkiest, darkest spots of the ocean.

Reaper is a bit of a mystery, hidden by layers of personally-tailored clothing made of seaweed and kelp. Some say that he was some tropical subspecies from the west-coast, but others disagree. For the very, very few who have gotten a peak of him beneath the mask, they claim he has the striking, almost terrifying appearance of an anglerfish. The only tell of his hybrid or mutated background is the slight gleam of teeth beneath his mask or the sharp glare of his eyes.

Soldier 76 doesn’t really know what he is anymore. Some people say he looks plain, with scars covering most of his body from years of battle. Medical experiments from years before has left his body a mix of species, many of them lost in memory or never told to him in the first place. His scales are nearly bleached of color, but his tail is long, his fins graceful--if someone didn’t know him well enough, they might call him some tropical, show-boaty sort, but don’t let that fool you from his raw physical speed and strength.

Sombra is a blackfin snapper, though instead of red scales, hers are a glistening, royal purple that seems to seemlesly meld into her skin. While she may seem harmless at first, her extensive cybernetic enhancements would quickly prove otherwise, a mistake that most people wouldn’t live long enough to realize. It is said that she collects secrets on almost all of the most prominent merfolk of all the seas.

Tracer is a butterfly fish! She’s small, but she’s fast and energetic, her personality only furthered by the bright yellow and orange colors that cover her body. She may be small, but she’s very talented in battle, knowing how to use her size and speed to her advantage against other, particularly larger, opponents.

Junkrat + Roadhog are very hard to place, largely due to the huge dosage of radiation that bathes the Australian waters. Roadhog is very hefty, his tail long and powerful, and his coloring is mildly reminiscent of a black marlin, while Junkrat is nearly impossible to place with his muddled brown coloring and smooth, scale-less tail, his fins tattered and ripped from years of being careless.

Mei is a seal! Specific subspecies is hard to tell, but she certainly is from a colder climate. She’s very energetic, but isn’t the fastest or most graceful swimmer, especially when she’s in a warmer climate. 

Doomfist is a mantis shrimp. You know, the shrimp that can punch their prey so hard that they create airbubbles with hundreds of pounds of force? He’s an intimidating-looking guy, though not as used to the wide-open spaces of some patches of the ocean. Nevertheless, you do not want to pic a fight with this mer, he will completely ruin your day and probably punch you into next week.

Torjborn is hard to tell, especially since he doesn’t much talk about his family background. Nevertheless, his short, muddy-colored tail is a slight tell that he reins from some coastal-born subspecies like a frogfish or mudfish. 

Widowmaker may seem at first like some deep-sea fish in origin, with her pale body and ghostly-shaped fins, looking more like the whisps of a spirit than anything else. For those who are close or observant enough, you may slowly realize that her body shape matches far more closely to a goldfish, maybe even something akin to a koi or other carp subspecies. For someone who seems to cold, she has a brilliant, tropical background.

D.Va doesn’t like to talk about it all that much, but she’s a finepattern pufferfish. She doesn’t like to talk about it much because, as a kid, other mers loved to make her angry so she’d puff up--it took a long time for her to calm down each time. She’s learned to control it to an extent and is more familiar with using an exoskeleton suit as a weapon, but still uses the barbs on her body to ward off predators if it comes to it.

Reinhardt is a lionfish. Bold, awe-inspiring, but extremely venomous when provoked, which led him into being a top-notch fighter for his native ocean-country, and subsequently Overwatch agent. He’s made strides to keep his barbs short and avoids accidentally pricking those he cares about, but it can sometimes be hard to manage when he’s otherwise an extremely excitable mer.

Winston is an absolute mystery. [If someone can offer their thoughts, I am totally happy to add it here!]

Zarya isn’t hard to identify as an orca, with her distinct black/white color scheme. She’s big, she’s powerful, and she’s ready to defend her home from anyone who dares to threaten it. Rumor has it that she once sunk a human ship that got too close to her ocean-country’s territory.

Ana is a cichlid, specifically black and blue-striped. Don’t let her dainty, tropical looks fool you, she gained the notoriety of being a leader of Overwatch for a reason, particularly for her stubborn, aggressive yet passionate nature for protecting those she cares about. 

Mercy is, as one may guess at first sight of her, a freshwater angelfish. White and gold in color, she’s not so great in any sort of battle, but she’s pioneered a lot of medical treatments for many species of mers. She’s very well-known for her contributions to nanotechnology and the aid in acclimation of freshwater and saltwater fish to either environment.

Symmetra is a tropical fish from the warm, colorful ocean waters. It’s not clear what specific species she is, if any, but her beautiful bodily design of blue, black and gold is definitely enough to catch anyone’s attention, if her skills in hard-light technology isn’t enough. It’s very hard for mers to capture such a skill, but she seems to have a natural affinity for the incredible material much akin to her almost royal-looking appearance.

Lucio is a bit of a mixture of several subspecies of mer, but he certainly has a fair bit of frogfish in his background, aiding in his ability to camouflage himself in most environments. His tail and fins are a muted, dark green. 

[mangosarah-blog1]

The Complete Guide to Discovering Island of St Lucia

Discover St. Lucia

If you are thinking of a vacation in the Caribbean then consider St. Lucia. It is nestled to the east of the Caribbean between Martinique and St. Vincent. This tropical island’s natural beauty coupled with fascinating attractions has seen it attract thousands of visitors annually. 

From the pristine beaches and finest natural harbors to a dramatic landscape that is characterized by deep valleys and towering peaks, this island is strikingly beautiful and worth exploring. St Lucia gives you an opportunity to drive through a volcano. 

You will also be amazed to wake up to a symphony from the birds of paradise as they are commonly known. Unlike the rest of the Caribbean, this island offers diverse cuisine and culture that is distinguished by Indian, African, French, Spanish, British and Caribbean influences. 

There are many reasons you need to go on vacation on this Caribbean island.

Top 5 Attractions to Look Out for in St. Lucia

Apart from being an ideal destination to relax, this island boasts of numerous attractions that offer adventure. Consequently, you can engage in many fun activities that will complete your vacation experience. 

Here are the top 5 attractions you must visit in St. Lucia

·The Pitons – These are twin towers and a major topographic feature that soar from the sea to unbelievable heights. The small piton that is also referred to as Petit Piton stands at 750 meters while the large Piton that is also known as Gros Piton stands at 798 meters.  

These Pitons that are a result of volcanic activity dating back to over 300,000 years ago attract visitors by their scenic beauty.

· Anse Chastanet Coral Reef – This is a treasure trove of marine life where you can see soft corals, colored sponges, brain corals and boulder coral. You can also see frogfish among other fish varieties like wrasse, goatfish, parrotfish, barracudas and chromis. 

There is also a lace coral ecosystem that is home to crabs, eels and lobsters. Above the surface, you will enjoy the breeze on the sheltered beach as well as amazing views of the Pitons.

·Marigot Bay – This is considered the most beautiful bay St. Lucia has to offer. Vista point offers the best view of this bay where you can see lush hillsides plunging in the pretty beach that is palm fringed. There are also yachts on the deep blue waters. You can catch a water shuttle here to get to bay hotels on the other side.

·Morne Coubaril Estate – This popular stop within the tourist circuit overlooks that elegant plantation of coconuts, cocoa as well as manioc. You can go on a guided tour of these plantations as well as the tropical gardens where you can see the processing of these food products. 

There is also a traditional village replica where you can see what life was like back in the day. Conclude your tour by enjoying a hearty Creole food at this plantation’s restaurant.

· Soufriere – A fishing village around the beautiful bay. Some of the prominent features of this town include the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the town square. 

There is so much to sight see at the Wharf especially cruises. It is also important to note that this is the birth place of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte’s wife, Josephine.

There are many other attractions as well as things to do in St Lucia. Some of the activities that you can engage in include snorkeling, diving, horse riding, sailing, excursions, bird watching, fishing, hiking and sun bathing among others. 

In summary, you cannot go wrong with a vacation to St. Lucia rather, you can be sure to have a time of your life.

[lifeunderthewaves]

Hairy Frogfish "peak of the action", yawning. by BarryCline OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

[mrbobgove]

Best Dive and Topside Destinations

Scuba diving has long been the domain of adventure-seekers and adrenaline junkies. Luckily, many of the world’s best scuba destinations also offer topside adventure. If you, too, thrive on the extraordinary, each of these countries is an excellent spot to get the most out of your vacation. Here we’ll look at five of the best dive and topside destinations, defined not only by their world-class dive sites, but also by terrestrial adventures to match.

Indonesia

Bromo volcano at sunrise

Underwater

This nation comprised of more than 17,000 islands boasts some of the best dive sites on the planet. Some highlights of this spectacular archipelago include the wreck of the USAT Liberty in Tulamben, Bali, Komodo National Park and Lembeh Strait. The Liberty was an American cargo ship that saw action during both World War I and II before succumbing to Japanese torpedo fire off the Balinese coast in January 1942. Nowadays the ship is an impressive (and popular) dive site, accessible to divers of all certification levels. Komodo National Park is famous for its teeming reefs and magnificent pelagic encounters, including reliable manta sightings year-round. If you’re more into macro, head to Lembeh Strait, the muck-diving capital of the world. Here, you’ll see rare species including tiny cephalopods, pygmy seahorses and frogfish on a daily basis.

Topside

Indonesia’s rugged landscape is home to 13 percent of the world’s volcanoes so mountain climbing attracts adrenaline junkies. Two of the archipelago’s most impressive peaks are Mount Bromo and Mount Rinjani. Indonesia is a favorite among surfers as well. Each of its main islands provides ample waves for everyone from absolute beginners to pros. Indonesia is also filled with weird and wonderful wildlife. Adventure-seekers will find no greater terrestrial thrill searching for rare species like the endemic Komodo dragon, found only on Komodo and Rinca Islands within the eponymous park. The orangutan population has faced decimation largely due to our consumption of palm oil, but you can still find some of these beautiful creatures in the jungles of Indonesian Borneo.

Costa Rica

Irazú Volcano

Underwater

Costa Rica has always featured highly on adventuresome divers’ bucket lists. A wealth of dive sites litter both its Pacific and Caribbean coasts, not to mention the legendary Cocos Island. On the mainland, Isla Murcielagos, or Bat Islands, offer perhaps the country’s most exciting dive sites. Here, divers have the chance to get up close with the resident bull sharks. Cocos Island, though, is in a class of its own, and is well worth the 300-mile journey from the mainland. Towering pinnacles emerge from the deep blue, creating great upwellings of nutrient-rich water. This, in turn, attracts a staggering amount of pelagic life. One never knows quite what to expect out in mid-ocean, but Cocos is particularly famous for its incredible shark sightings, boasting a plethora of different species. Whales, rays, dolphins and game fish are also common here.

Topside

Costa Rica’s magnificent beaches and lush rainforests provide opportunities for adventure at every turn. Canopy zip lining has become the defining pursuit of this country’s tropical interior. Whitewater rafting is also popular in Costa Rica, and one of the best places to try it is the beautiful (and in some places, intimidating) Pacuare River. There are plenty of opportunities for trekking too. Explore the elevated cloud forests of Monteverde in search of the elusive sloth. Scale Cerro Chirripo, the highest mountain in Costa Rica. On a clear day, climbers can see both coasts from Chirripo’s summit. Other Costa Rican adventures include windsurfing on Lake Arenal and surfing the beaches of Guanacaste province.

South Africa

Underwater

South African diving has to be some of the most adrenaline-fuelled on the planet, characterized by an abundance of seriously big sharks. In False Bay and Gansbaai, you can come face-to-face with great whites, but true adrenaline junkies are likely to prefer the shark-diving sites of Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks. Here, divers can encounter tiger sharks, bull sharks and many other species outside of a cage, an experience that is both exciting and authentic. From June to July, South Africa is also home to the Sardine Run, quite possibly the most exciting marine wildlife phenomenon of all. During the run, countless sardines migrate north along a narrow corridor of cool Cape water in a gigantic bait ball. A melee of predators follows, including sharks, dolphins, seabirds, whales and game fish.

Topside

Game viewing in South Africa is both some of the best and most affordable on the continent. Self-drives are the best way to see the Big Five: lions, leopards, rhinos, buffaloes and elephants. South Africa is also home to the world’s highest bridge bungee jump, at Bloukrans Bridge on the border of the Eastern and Western Cape. South Africa is also blessed by endless stretches of isolated beach, perfect for horseback riding, blow-carting, surfing, stand-up paddle boarding and much, much more. For those who truly want to experience the best of both worlds while on vacation, this remarkable country is also home to Tiffindell, one of only two ski resorts in Southern Africa.

Egypt

Abu Simbel

Underwater

The Red Sea is every diver’s dream, combining warm waters, unparalleled visibility, and thriving marine life. Liveaboards are the best way to make this dream a reality. Most itineraries focus either on the northern or the southern Red Sea. In the north, highlights include the Straits of Tiran and the Ras Mohammed National Park, both of which offer magnificent reefs that positively teem with life. In the south, a favorite site is Elphinstone Reef, famous for regular sightings of oceanic whitetips. Of the Red Sea’s many wrecks, the most famous is the SS Thistlegorm, sunk in 1941 by two German bomber planes.

There’s equally impressive wreck diving on the Dunraven, the Chrisoula K, the Carnatic, and Giannis D. The Red Sea is also home to one of the world’s deepest blue holes. Near Dahab, it’s accessible to recreational divers via the famous Bells to Blue Hole dive route.

Topside

Egypt is steeped in history and culture. Dramatic landmarks and natural features are a perfect playground for any intrepid traveler. Although the pyramids at Giza are undoubtedly the country’s most iconic feature, the Sinai desert also offers many opportunities for adventure. Quad-bike and 4×4 safaris are an excellent way to experience the desert in all its arid glory. For a more authentic taste of desert life, adventure-seekers should try a mounted camel-trek. You’ll see the desert’s spectacular dunes and canyons in much the same way as the Bedouin people have for thousands of years. Egypt is also home to the Nile. Although it is primarily the domain of larger cruise vessels, it is possible to go sailing on its historic waters.

Mexico

Ek’ Balam, Yucatan Peninsula

Underwater

When it comes to diving, few places in the world offer as much diversity as Mexico. From the colorful reefs of Cozumel to the high-octane pelagic action of the Revillagigedo Archipelago, Mexico offers something for every diver. Off the Yucatan Peninsula, Isla Mujeres acts as an aggregation site first for Atlantic sailfish between February and March, and later for whale sharks between May and September. On the west coast, Guadalupe Island offers the very best in great-white cage diving, combining crystal clear water with some breathtakingly huge sharks.

Socorro Island in the Revillagigedo Archipelago is also famous for its creature encounters. You can swim alongside manta rays, sharks and even humpback whales during their annual migration. The Yucatan also offers spectacular cenote diving, whereby qualified divers can explore the peninsula’s fascinating subterranean rivers. The Baja California peninsula offers more pelagic action at Gordo Bank, sea lion encounters at Los Islotes and reefs pulsing with life at Cabo Pulmo Marine Park.

Topside

On the mainland, Mexico’s terrestrial adventures are just as varied and exciting. The Yucatan’s subterranean rivers create intricate cave systems, which are perfect for spelunking and caving. The Cancun region is also famous for watersports of all kinds, particularly kitesurfing and parasailing. Mexico has a fascinating past, too. Adventure-seekers can experience a different kind of thrill as they explore the ruins of the Mayan civilization. Many of these ruins are still hidden within the tangle of the encroaching jungle, which makes a visit feel like traveling back in time. This country’s beautiful mountain regions also offer ample opportunity for outdoor adventures. Extreme kayaking, horseback riding and zip lining are just a few options.

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[wayneooverton]

Best Dive Sites in Zanzibar Archipelago

The idyllic, tropical Zanzibar Archipelago lies in the Indian Ocean just off the coast of Tanzania and Kenya. Surrounded by many smaller islands, are the main islands of Pemba, Mafia and Unguja, the island we usually refer to as “Zanzibar.” Ungujais home to the capital of Zanzibar City, known as Stone Town. All three of these islands offer spectacular diving year-round with water temperatures ranging from 77 to 84 F (25 to 29 C) and visibility sometimes up to 130 feet (40 m). Here are our picks for the best dive sites in Zanzibar Archipelago.

Zanzibar Island (Unguja)

Zanzibar Island is the largest of the three with a number of different areas, all offering unique and spectacular diving experiences.

Where is it

Zanzibar lies off the coast of Tanzania, about 37 miles (60 km) northeast of Dar es Salaam. Zanzibar has an international airport, with international flights usually stopping in Kenya or mainland Tanzania. A ferry also departs daily from Dar es Salaam to Stone Town on Zanzibar, taking between 1.5 to 2 hours.

What makes it special

There are a number of fantastic dive locations all around Zanzibar.

Mnemba Island 

Mnemba is a private-island resort, but non-guests are allowed to dive the reefs surrounding the island, which are part of a marine reserve. Dive operators from Zanzibar schedule regular dive trips here. These reefs house more than 600 species of fish and three species of dolphins. The island also serves as a nesting place for green turtles between February and September.

Nungwi

On the northeast tip of Zanzibar you’ll find a diver’s paradise in Nungwi. Relaxed, shallow dives feature ornate ghost pipefish, seahorses, harlequin shrimp, leaf fish and frogfish. Big game fish and shark encounters are not uncommon on deeper sites. You’ll often spot dolphins and turtles in the water around Nungwi as well.

Kizimkazi 

Kizimkazi is a small village that’s gained notoriety for offering dolphin tours in a marine-protected area. Unfortunately, most operators don’t run the tours in a manner that is safe or ethical for the animals. Education and conservation volunteers are working in the area to improve the situation, which offers wonderful macro diving. If you dive here, give the dolphin tours a miss. Do your research and join a reputable dive center instead.

Fumba 

Fumba is also a marine-protected area, less-crowded and commercialized than many other places on the island. The beaches are not as nice as in other areas, which means there are fewer divers. That translates to pristine coral, abundant fish life and a reef all to yourself on most dives.

Stone Town 

Stone Town is the main city on Zanzibar. Diving around Stone Town — really the islands offshore — offers a wide variety of coral gardens and tropical fish. There are three wrecks as well, and whale sharks often migrate past the reefs.

Paje, Bwejuu and Jambiani 

Located on the southeast coast of Zanzibar Island, this area offers some interesting dive sites including the lagoon and the Cement Wall, where you can still see three anchors from a ship that lost its cargo of cement in the 1930s. Divers often see sharks, napoleon wrasse, and turtles.

Details 

There’s plentiful accommodation on Zanzibar, from hostels to luxury hotels. There are also a large number of dive centers in the popular tourist areas.

Getting around Zanzibar is easy and convenient. Private taxis are available all over the island and prices are usually negotiable. It’s best, however, if you agree on the price before you get in. For a budget option you can use the local buses called dala-dalas.

You can also rent a car on the island, but if you do so, find company with good reviews and one that has regularly serviced cars. Some companies do not offer break down or exchange services. There are many police checks on the roads so ensure that the rental car is road-worthy, and you have all the required documents: your driver’s license, the temporary Zanzibar driver’s permit, and the car insurance and road license stickers displayed on the windshield.

There are no ATMs outside of Stone Town, although some hotels might let you swipe your card and give you cash if you pay a surcharge.

Zanzibar has a large Muslim community and it is best to cover your legs and arms when you move away from the beach area. Limit public displays of affection in order to respect the local culture.

When to go 

Although diving is good year-round, March is the best month for diving. It also brings cooler weather with occasional rain. April to May is the rainy season, with more rain from November to mid-December. July to October and mid-December to mid-January are the busy times on Zanzibar Island.

Pemba Island

Pemba is the second-largest island in the archipelago but less developed than Zanzibar Island. It sees a lot less tourists than Zanzibar and features more hills and plantations. It is also one of the world’s largest producers of cloves.

Where is it 

Pemba lies about 56 miles (90 km) northeast of Zanzibar Island.

What makes it special 

Diving on Pemba Island is excellent and offers occasional manta sightings, lots of mobulas and eagle rays from January to March, turtles and reef sharks. Mesali Island is part of a conservation area and is home to a pod of dolphins and turtle nests as well.

Details 

There are flights between Zanzibar Island and Pemba twice a day, taking about 30 minutes each way. There are both fast (two hours one-way) and slow (seven hours one-way) ferries running between Zanzibar and Pemba. Trips on the fast ferry could be rougher and slightly less safe, especially when entering the Nungwi Channel.

Because there is less tourism on Pemba, accommodation and dive operators in the area are limited. Accommodation mostly caters to luxury travelers with a few budget-friendly options. Diving will cost a bit more too, but fantastic sites make up for expense.

Most of Pemba’s population is Muslim, so women should consider wearing long skirts, covering their shoulders and wearing head scarves while traveling. Men should cover their legs and shoulders.

When to go

The best time to go to Pemba is during the dry season from July to late October. November to March sees some rain but is still a good time to go. Heavy rains come to Pemba in April and May. Most of the hotels and lodges close during this period.  

Mafia Island

While it’s most famous for snorkeling with whale sharks, Mafia Island also has some great diving.

Where is it 

Mafia Island is about 93 miles (150 km) south of Zanzibar Island and 71 miles (115 km) south of Dar es Salaam.

What makes it special

There is a pinnacle where you can see reef fish as well as pelagic fish, turtles, rays and schools of batfish. There is also a wall and overhangs with an archway full of fish. Here you can see sailfish, tuna, nudibranchs, leaf fish and reef sharks among many, many other animals.

Details 

Mafia Island is about a 30-minute flight from Zanzibar Island and Dar es Salaam.

The island is the least developed of the three and thus there is a very limited amount of accommodation and dive-operator options.

When to go 

There are two dry seasons on Mafia Island. The hot dry season is during January and February, while the cool dry season is from July to October, the best time to visit. The long rainy season is from March to June, with its peak in April and May. The short rainy season is November and December.

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[mrbobgove]

Best Scuba Diving in Northern Mozambique

The East African nation of Mozambique features almost 1,500 miles (2,300 km) of coastline along the Indian Ocean. And, thanks to all this oceanfront real estate, there’s amazing diving along the entire coast. We’ve covered the diving in southern Mozambique here and here. Now, we’ll highlight some of the best scuba diving in northern Mozambique. The waters here have not seen as much over-fishing as other areas in the world, which means that the reefs are teeming with both micro and macro marine life.

Getting to and around in Mozambique

Getting around in Mozambique is a bit more difficult compared to well-traveled destinations, so you must plan ahead. While inexpensive local chapas, a form of local transportation that could range from a minivan to an open-bed truck, and buses travel along the coast daily, they are not always the most reliable or safest forms of transport. Tourist buses and shuttles are better options. It’s best to travel only during daylight hours and to avoid Mozambican roads between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Private taxis or self-driving rental cars are also options. Most of the EN1 highway spanning Mozambique north to south is tarred and in fair condition, although you’ll likely want a 4-wheel-drive vehicle.

If you self-drive, adhere to the speed limits as they are strictly enforced. The speed limit in Mozambique is 100km/h (62 mph) outside of towns with 80/60 km/h (50/37 mph) in towns. Speed limits are strictly monitored with fines readily given for transgressions, so drive carefully. Add several extra hours to your travel time, no matter the destination, as everything in Mozambique is very much on African time.

You can reach many dive destinations by flying to a nearby airport and then either taking a taxi or arranging for airport pickup from your hotel. As with the roads, flights and airports also work on African time so be prepared for your journey to take longer than you planned.

When to go

Rainy season falls between December and March and it can get quite humid during this period. From June to October the weather is pleasant, with June to August being the coolest months. Winter in Mozambique is still warm, with temperatures during the day ranging from around 80 to 86 F (27 to 30 C). Cyclone season is from February to May, although usually this time of the year has mostly calm weather and cyclones seldom affect the coast of Mozambique.

Note that Mozambique is a malarial area, so take precautions with anti-malaria medication, mosquito nets and bug spray.

With visibility up to 100 feet (30 m) and water temperatures averaging around 28 C (82 F), mixed in with white beaches and African hospitality, the scuba diving in northern Mozambique truly has so much to offer. Here are our picks for the can’t miss sites.

Nacala Bay

Where is it: Nacala sits on a bay, Baia de Fernao Veloso, in northern Mozambique. You can reach it via car or flight. If you travel thorough Mozambique via road, total driving time from Maputo to Nacala could take between 31 and 35 hours. Alternatively, you can fly to Nampula, about 110 miles (180 km) west of Nacala, where you can rent a car (preferably a 4×4) and make your way to Nacala. There are a number of flights weekly from both Johannesburg and Nairobi to Nampula. The drive from Nampula to Nacala will take between 2.5 and 4 hours.

What makes it special: Nacala Bay has dive sites for both novices and more experienced divers. There are abundant coral gardens, some walls and a few swim-throughs. The marine life is diverse, with lots of nudibranchs, leaf fish, ribbon eels, frogfish and ghost pipefish. Advanced divers can dive at Stables, which features strong currents and lots of seahorses. Spectacular night dives are possible from the beach.

Details: There are a few dive centers and lodges in the area catering to a variety of tastes and budgets. Dive sites vary quite a bit in depth, which makes Nacala a great destination for divers of every experience level. Sites range from 60 to 130 feet (18 m to 40 m). Although the water temperature ranges from 75 F (24 C) from July to September to 86 F (30 C) from January to April, with an onshore breeze there might be tiny jellyfish in the water, so a full wetsuit is best.

When to go: February and August are the windier months, which lowers visibility. The best time to visit is between May and September. 

Pemba

Where is it: Pemba is located 260 miles (420 km) north of Nacala via car. If you have time, this makes for a great addition to your road trip through Mozambique. Driving time between Nacala and Pemba is around 5 to 7 hours. Driving time from Maputo to Pemba is around 34 to 37 hours. If road-tripping isn’t your thing, there are flights from Johannesburg to Pemba twice a week. Flights between Maputo and Pemba are once a week, subject to change monthly. You can also reach Pemba by flying in from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

What makes it special: Pemba — not to be confused with Pemba in Zanzibar — has untouched coral, diverse marine life and beautiful beaches. The continental shelf drop-off starts at around 50 feet (15 m) and goes down to 400 feet (120 m). Because many dive sites here are around 100 feet (30 m), it is the perfect playground for advanced divers. Marine life around Pemba includes reef fish, a variety of corals, sharks, rays and even black marlin. On a dive close to the mouth of the Tari River you could see napoleon wrasse, reef sharks and snowflake soapfish. Diving the shelf in Pemba could mean spotting some mobula rays or even a mola mola as well.

Details: Accommodation ranges from five-star hotels to modest resorts and self-catering units. Pemba is becoming one of the best places for diving in Mozambique with a number of dive operators to choose from. Water temperatures range from 75 F (24 C) between July and September to 86 F (30 C) between January and April.

When to go: February and August are the windier months, which lowers visibility. The best time to visit is between May and September. 

Quirimbas Archipelago

Where is it: The Quirimbas Archipelago sits 37 miles (60 km) north of Pemba as the crow flies. Most accommodations can assist you with transport from Pemba to the Quirimbas islands. There are some direct flights from Dar es Salaam to the islands.

What makes it special: With 27 islands in the largest marine protected area on the African continent, the Quirimbas Archipelago offers amazing diving. The area is still very much unexplored and thus the coral and marine life is pristine. Between Pemba and Tanzania, this area is truly off the beaten track and has much to offer the adventurous diver. There is an abundance of game fish, manta rays, whale sharks and at least eight species of shark in the area. You might also see pods of dolphins, schools of barracuda and kingfish and migrating humpback whales. Five of the ocean’s seven turtle species live in the Quirimbas Archipelago. You might get a chance to see some of them lay eggs on the beach in season, usually the last few months of the year leading into March as the peak nesting season. Check with your dive operator for peak nesting times.

Details: With dive sites ranging from 46 to 60 feet (14 to 80 m), the Quirimbas Archipelago has something for everyone. There are several dive operators, hotels and lodges on many of the islands, allowing you to tailor an ideal dive holiday. Water temperatures range from 75 to 86 F (24 to 30 C), so speak to your dive operator about the best exposure protection for your visit.

When to go: During the winter (June to August) the weather is drier with mild temperatures and low winds combined with more marine animal sightings. The average winter air temperatures range from 59 to 79 F (15 C to 26 C). Rainy season is between mid-November and April.

The post Best Scuba Diving in Northern Mozambique appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.

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[mrbobgove]

Understanding Light in Underwater Photography

It might seem a bit cliché to say that light in underwater photography is everything, but that statement couldn’t be more accurate. Here we’ll break down the different types of light and explain them in simple terms. We’ll also lay out some ideas for how to use and understand light and lighting to improve your macro and wide-angle images underwater. Remembering our three main terms from the last installment, we’ll examine how using the proper f-stop, shutter speed and ISO can improve your shots right away.

Before moving on, let’s define some common terms when it comes to lighting. “Ambient light” is already present in a scene and it refers to natural light. Photographers create “lighting” with a torch light or strobe flash. We also use the term when evaluating the light in an image. To understand the light better, let’s concentrate on wide-angle images first and include the sunlight.

Using light for wide-angle images

Most W/A images balance ambient light in the background while using a strobe flash in the foreground to provide the color. Balancing and blending the two types of light creates a true sense of what it looks like underwater.

Open apertures, slower ISO and slower shutter speeds allow light to come into the frame and create more natural depth. Even when water clarity is compromised, its color can sometimes illustrate the approximate location of the image.

Use shutter speed for the background and f-stop for color in the foreground. Either keep your f-stop open and allow the two lights to blend together, or stop down to create a greater contrast in the background or when shooting up toward the sun.

Light is very fickle and always changing underwater. Learning how to look at it and the surrounding water can become honed skills, which will help you quickly evaluate your strobe powers and settings based on the environment.

Correcting for color loss

As sunlight passes vertically through the water, red disappears very quickly. This leaves us with dulled color, as well as diminishing vibrancy and contrast. Relying on post-processing to correct the color loss isn’t the best practice in this case either. When using the saturation sliders, our reef scenes quickly begin to look like a pack of Skittles and the blues become purple. This is hugely evident when printing.

In some cases, red filters work to add back the loss of the red in the shallows. You can shoot a natural image with a red filter when the sunlight is rich. This is a great option for shooting sharks, shallow reef-tops or even whale sharks, particularly in turbid water.

When strobe or torch light pass through water horizontally, they also lose color, filtered out from the water AND diluted from the sunlight. Nearness to your subject is key in both wide angle and macro for this reason, so get close.

Reef scene

Controlling the background light and blending it with the foreground color gives a more natural look to a reef scene. We quickly lose contrast in the foreground, so remember to get close for better strobe saturation. With an abundance of pinks and reds, you may need to de-saturate your image to make it more realistic. 

A smack of jellyfish

These jellyfish inhabit the green water of Monterey Bay, California. The green water is important to this image as lets the viewer know right away that it was not shot in a tropical environment. Concentrate on a single subject and light it properly to replicate a scene like this — it’s far preferable to light one subject well than many poorly.

Wide-angle frogfish

Getting a close-focus image with a wider angle of view is also fun to do with a wide-angle lens. Lighting can be tricky so watch for flaring and backscatter in the corners. My strobes were a bit too close to the dome ports; by pulling them back just slightly I corrected the problem.

  Light rays

Pick up natural light rays in the shallow water with the right angle toward the surface. It’s great to capture light beams in the shallow water but there must be light beams to shoot the light beams. It’s impossible to capture something that doesn’t exist.

  Using light for macro images

For macro images, I always encourage eliminating the ambient light altogether with two quick “set it and forget it” settings: low ISO and fast shutter speed.

Producing the richest colors for macro photography is a function of strobe and f-stop rather than shutter speed. Strobe flash produces the most colorful portraits of subjects. Using our three main tools once again, we set our ISO to the lowest setting and shutter speed to the fastest synch speed. This creates the barrier needed to eliminate ambient light altogether, and allows our strobes to better saturate our intended subject.

Many of the high-value targets for macro photography live on the substrate or match their habitat so closely that it’s often difficult to make them stand out against their background. This is further exacerbated by bright sunlight in the shallow areas. Instead of looking at the sunlight to evaluate the water like we would for wide-angle images, we should look at the sand instead. This helps us evaluate reflectivity for overexposures and offers ways to create a shadow for more dimension.

Nearness to your subject and filling the frame are both great techniques as well. You’ll not only create rich strobe saturation on your subject but also eliminate the funky green/blue coloration from the background.

Orientation to your subject is important when considering your composition in macro as well as wide-angle images. If a subject is against a wall, try not to shoot straight at it. Move next to the wall, come in from the side or even from below.

If your subject appears two-dimensional, you’ll only need a single strobe. This creates a nice, dark background when the strobe is angled down. You’ll only need dual strobes in macro shots if you’re taking the head-on approach or considering the background for color.

  Warty frogfish

This warty frogfish is casting its lure, hunting for its next meal. I shot this subject in a linear fashion and used only one strobe. This prevented over-flashing in the background and naturally increased contrast while decreasing the chances for backscatter. When shooting behavior, it’s important to dial in your technical settings. Make sure your technical settings are dialed in because oftentimes won’t get a second chance. Shutter speed and ISO eliminated the ambient light in the background leaving me to concentrate on just my strobe angle/power and f-stop.

  Slow shutter speed

You can capture the moment of movement intentionally in macro images by slowing the shutter speed. The frame can still be dark if you study the substrate and try to shoot the subject when it passes a deeper crack or cranny. Two strobes, both angled inward to rake the light across the subject, and a slower shutter speed freeze the subject’s eye and create the trailing tail movements. Strobe flash will freeze the action if it isn’t diluted by the sun, again made possible by low ISO, but this time with a slightly elevated f-stop.

Blue background

Going a little extreme on this shot, I wanted to illustrate that you can include blue in a macro image. It requires a balance between shutter speed and f-stop, just as with wide-angle images. This helps create contrast with black or dark subjects or with nudibranchs that have a dark body or rhinophores.

  Peak of the action

The ultimate contrast results from strong strobe saturation, higher f-stops, low ISO and fast shutter speed. This combination will place a high demand on your strobes but will ultimately pay off. Color, contrast and action are a winning combination for any behavior-focused image, and understanding how to control the light will allow you to shoot stronger images in any environment.

Using your strobes properly

Many shooters have dual strobes without realizing that always using both on the same power is perhaps creating flat frames. Thinking of the strobes separately is a key to begin developing an image that has more dimension through proper use of light and shadows. Shooting with your strobes on manual is the best way to learn.

Strobe angle, strobe power and proximity to your subject will be your greatest tools in creating well-lit images. Knowing how to read the ambient light and how to adjust for it will soon become second nature. Practice is everything, so keep at it and enjoy the learning process.

By guest author Mike Bartick

The post Understanding Light in Underwater Photography appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.

from Scuba Diver Life http://ift.tt/2hFukPS

[wayneooverton]

Understanding Light in Underwater Photography

It might seem a bit cliché to say that light in underwater photography is everything, but that statement couldn’t be more accurate. Here we’ll break down the different types of light and explain them in simple terms. We’ll also lay out some ideas for how to use and understand light and lighting to improve your macro and wide-angle images underwater. Remembering our three main terms from the last installment, we’ll examine how using the proper f-stop, shutter speed and ISO can improve your shots right away.

Before moving on, let’s define some common terms when it comes to lighting. “Ambient light” is already present in a scene and it refers to natural light. Photographers create “lighting” with a torch light or strobe flash. We also use the term when evaluating the light in an image. To understand the light better, let’s concentrate on wide-angle images first and include the sunlight.

Using light for wide-angle images

Most W/A images balance ambient light in the background while using a strobe flash in the foreground to provide the color. Balancing and blending the two types of light creates a true sense of what it looks like underwater.

Open apertures, slower ISO and slower shutter speeds allow light to come into the frame and create more natural depth. Even when water clarity is compromised, its color can sometimes illustrate the approximate location of the image.

Use shutter speed for the background and f-stop for color in the foreground. Either keep your f-stop open and allow the two lights to blend together, or stop down to create a greater contrast in the background or when shooting up toward the sun.

Light is very fickle and always changing underwater. Learning how to look at it and the surrounding water can become honed skills, which will help you quickly evaluate your strobe powers and settings based on the environment.

Correcting for color loss

As sunlight passes vertically through the water, red disappears very quickly. This leaves us with dulled color, as well as diminishing vibrancy and contrast. Relying on post-processing to correct the color loss isn’t the best practice in this case either. When using the saturation sliders, our reef scenes quickly begin to look like a pack of Skittles and the blues become purple. This is hugely evident when printing.

In some cases, red filters work to add back the loss of the red in the shallows. You can shoot a natural image with a red filter when the sunlight is rich. This is a great option for shooting sharks, shallow reef-tops or even whale sharks, particularly in turbid water.

When strobe or torch light pass through water horizontally, they also lose color, filtered out from the water AND diluted from the sunlight. Nearness to your subject is key in both wide angle and macro for this reason, so get close.

Reef scene

Controlling the background light and blending it with the foreground color gives a more natural look to a reef scene. We quickly lose contrast in the foreground, so remember to get close for better strobe saturation. With an abundance of pinks and reds, you may need to de-saturate your image to make it more realistic. 

A smack of jellyfish

These jellyfish inhabit the green water of Monterey Bay, California. The green water is important to this image as lets the viewer know right away that it was not shot in a tropical environment. Concentrate on a single subject and light it properly to replicate a scene like this — it’s far preferable to light one subject well than many poorly.

Wide-angle frogfish

Getting a close-focus image with a wider angle of view is also fun to do with a wide-angle lens. Lighting can be tricky so watch for flaring and backscatter in the corners. My strobes were a bit too close to the dome ports; by pulling them back just slightly I corrected the problem.

  Light rays

Pick up natural light rays in the shallow water with the right angle toward the surface. It’s great to capture light beams in the shallow water but there must be light beams to shoot the light beams. It’s impossible to capture something that doesn’t exist.

  Using light for macro images

For macro images, I always encourage eliminating the ambient light altogether with two quick “set it and forget it” settings: low ISO and fast shutter speed.

Producing the richest colors for macro photography is a function of strobe and f-stop rather than shutter speed. Strobe flash produces the most colorful portraits of subjects. Using our three main tools once again, we set our ISO to the lowest setting and shutter speed to the fastest synch speed. This creates the barrier needed to eliminate ambient light altogether, and allows our strobes to better saturate our intended subject.

Many of the high-value targets for macro photography live on the substrate or match their habitat so closely that it’s often difficult to make them stand out against their background. This is further exacerbated by bright sunlight in the shallow areas. Instead of looking at the sunlight to evaluate the water like we would for wide-angle images, we should look at the sand instead. This helps us evaluate reflectivity for overexposures and offers ways to create a shadow for more dimension.

Nearness to your subject and filling the frame are both great techniques as well. You’ll not only create rich strobe saturation on your subject but also eliminate the funky green/blue coloration from the background.

Orientation to your subject is important when considering your composition in macro as well as wide-angle images. If a subject is against a wall, try not to shoot straight at it. Move next to the wall, come in from the side or even from below.

If your subject appears two-dimensional, you’ll only need a single strobe. This creates a nice, dark background when the strobe is angled down. You’ll only need dual strobes in macro shots if you’re taking the head-on approach or considering the background for color.

  Warty frogfish

This warty frogfish is casting its lure, hunting for its next meal. I shot this subject in a linear fashion and used only one strobe. This prevented over-flashing in the background and naturally increased contrast while decreasing the chances for backscatter. When shooting behavior, it’s important to dial in your technical settings. Make sure your technical settings are dialed in because oftentimes won’t get a second chance. Shutter speed and ISO eliminated the ambient light in the background leaving me to concentrate on just my strobe angle/power and f-stop.

  Slow shutter speed

You can capture the moment of movement intentionally in macro images by slowing the shutter speed. The frame can still be dark if you study the substrate and try to shoot the subject when it passes a deeper crack or cranny. Two strobes, both angled inward to rake the light across the subject, and a slower shutter speed freeze the subject’s eye and create the trailing tail movements. Strobe flash will freeze the action if it isn’t diluted by the sun, again made possible by low ISO, but this time with a slightly elevated f-stop.

Blue background

Going a little extreme on this shot, I wanted to illustrate that you can include blue in a macro image. It requires a balance between shutter speed and f-stop, just as with wide-angle images. This helps create contrast with black or dark subjects or with nudibranchs that have a dark body or rhinophores.

  Peak of the action

The ultimate contrast results from strong strobe saturation, higher f-stops, low ISO and fast shutter speed. This combination will place a high demand on your strobes but will ultimately pay off. Color, contrast and action are a winning combination for any behavior-focused image, and understanding how to control the light will allow you to shoot stronger images in any environment.

Using your strobes properly

Many shooters have dual strobes without realizing that always using both on the same power is perhaps creating flat frames. Thinking of the strobes separately is a key to begin developing an image that has more dimension through proper use of light and shadows. Shooting with your strobes on manual is the best way to learn.

Strobe angle, strobe power and proximity to your subject will be your greatest tools in creating well-lit images. Knowing how to read the ambient light and how to adjust for it will soon become second nature. Practice is everything, so keep at it and enjoy the learning process.

By guest author Mike Bartick

The post Understanding Light in Underwater Photography appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.

from Scuba Diver Life http://ift.tt/2hFukPS

[wayneooverton]

Best Scuba Diving in Dominica

Lonely Planet recently named the relatively unknown Caribbean island of Dominica (Dom-in-EEK-ah) one of the top 10 countries to visit in 2017. This strikingly beautiful island erupts straight out of the Caribbean Sea. Small settlements hug the coast, dwarfed by the steep volcanic mountains that form the island’s spine. Plump cumulous clouds perpetually brood over its lush peaks, blanketed with the most easily accessible primary rainforest in the Caribbean. As gorgeous as it is topside, the scuba diving in Dominica is just as remarkable.

Marketed as the “Nature Island,” Dominica delivers. Birders come seeking the endemic Sisserou parrot (Amazona imperialis) and other rare species. Adventurers trek up 4,747-foot (1,447 m) Morne Diablotins peak or hike eight miles (13 km) to Boiling Lake, the world’s second-largest hot spring. Film buffs paddle up the Indian River – one of 365 on the island – where scenes from Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest were filmed. Others volunteer at the sea-turtle hatchery or go whale-watching off the western shore. Here, a 19,600-foot (6,000 m) trench offers food and safe passage for migrating sperm whales. But this is all prologue to some of the best scuba diving in the Caribbean.

World-class scuba diving

Dominica’s diving is some of the best in the Caribbean, with most dive sites along the western, leeward side of the island. In our experience, the sites dotted in and around Soufriere Bay in the south offer the most exciting diving on the island, with a variety and abundance of marine life that’s rare among other Caribbean dive destinations. The water is warm (81 to 85 F/28 to 29 C) and clear, with at least 50 feet (15 m) of visibility. The currents are few, and local dive staff are fun and knowledgeable.

A 3mm wetsuit is enough protection for most dives. Divers of any level are welcome, though an advanced open-water certification to 100 feet (30 m) comes in handy for the pinnacles and some wall dives. With that said, here’s a rundown of the best scuba diving in Dominica.

Champagne Reef

Probably the most well-known of Dominica’s dive sites is Champagne Reef, a few miles south of Roseau. Divers and snorkelers alike can bathe in the briny champagne of warm bubbles where volcanic gasses vent through small fissures in the hard-rock coral.

One of the few shore dives on the island, the entry is from a shoreline of stones the size of baseballs. By a depth of 10 feet (3 m), the stones have grown to algae-covered basketballs, interspersed with black-and-white urchins. There’s a remarkable variety of life, especially considering the elevated water temperature in the shallows. Porcupinefish, bold and uncharacteristically fearless, waddle among the abundant branches of yellow tube sponges. Soapfish play dead in the rubble. Arrow crabs brandish their blue-tipped claws.

Eventually the reef slopes down to around 33 feet (10 m). Here, the piles of boulders turn into a shallow wall. It’s easy to stay well above 60 feet (18 m), watching a trunkfish banging against hard coral, snacking on tiny invertebrates. A juvenile spotted drum performs its characteristic ribbon dance. One barrel sponge, a common feature of Dominican dive sites, hosts a huge channel-clinging crab. As the wall completes a long, slow curve to the left, soldierfish stand guard, moray eels jut out from crevasses, and assorted crabs skitter and hide.

At last the wall once again gives way to the boulders of the shallows, where the water warms noticeably as bubble streams flow to the surface. A fireworm braves the heat to crawl across a bubbling rock. In some areas, the water, blurred by thermocline, is hot to the touch.

Scott’s Head Drop Off

Scott’s Head Drop Off sits in Soufriere Bay, in the southwest corner of the island. The bay is an underwater volcanic crater that offers dramatic underwater topography. The dive starts in the calm bay over a shallow, sandy area with coral bommies and areas of seagrass providing protection for nudibranchs and many small and juvenile fish. About 10 minutes into the dive, there is a drop off to a 130-foot (40 m) deep shelf. This, in turn, slopes down into the crater’s abyss.

Most divers stay relatively shallow, perhaps dipping down to 70 feet (23 m) to wave hello to a vermillion longlure frogfish. Along the way, divers may see anything from a large school of smallmouth grunts to a tiny wire coral shrimp. Out in the blue, a quick flash of silver may be a tunny or fast-moving barracuda. Up in the shallows, divers cans hunt for nudibranchs and other critters on their safety stop.

Swiss Cheese

If you like swim-throughs, you’ll love Swiss Cheese. The relatively shallow (52 feet/16 m), aptly named site features a number of swim-throughs. Many shelter schools of grunts or squirrelfish that give divers the side-eye as they pass through. The swim-throughs, a labyrinth of hills, valleys, a wall, and a bit of flat shelf combine to create an underwater obstacle course teeming with marine life. At safety-stop depth, lace coral, sea rods, gorgonians and sea fans form an underwater garden, with barrel sponges and brain coral offering some landscape architecture. Vivid reef fish swarm and flit like butterflies. A comedy routine breaks out: a surgeonfish appears to be chasing a triggerfish. A throng of brown chromis methodically dart in the light current, sucking in a feast of plankton. The dive is truly fun for everyone — divers and fish alike.

Dangleben’s Pinnacles

Dangleben’s Pinnacles sits on the northern edge of the Soufriere crater, which means it’s relatively exposed to the deep channel west of the island. Because of this, most dive shops won’t do this dive in current, as there is no place to hide. This is one of the deeper dive sites, with a minimum depth of 59 feet (18 m), but up to 98 feet (30 m) if you really want to explore.

And you will want to explore. It’s wonderful to follow experienced guides as they zigzag among the five pinnacles, freeing up divers’ attention to take in the sheer volume and variety of marine life. The truly gargantuan barrel sponges are among the biggest in Dominica. The sponges and corals explode in reds and yellows, purples and pinks, greens and blues. Sea creatures as large as a southern stingray and as miniscule as a pea crab share in the abundance. Juvenile angelfish, porcupinefish, a free-swimming sharp-tailed eel, an enormous giant basket starfish coiled up in a barrel sponge — this is one of the most vibrant reefs we’ve seen in the Caribbean.

Dangleben’s North

At first, Dangleben’s North seems like a rather mundane dive site. It starts over a barren sandy bottom with a few slivers of coral. Guides take the group west, away from the island, along a rocky channel lined with barrel sponges. At last, the channel opens to low hills of large-pored boulder and brain coral. This is where the excitement begins.

The reef teems with anthias, wrasses, butterflyfish and trumpetfish. A tiny painted frogfish hides in some pencil coral. A juvenile spotted drum wiggles and waves its ribbonlike fins. A long-snouted seahorse sways in some algae. A curious mutton snapper does a swim-by. A coney – neon yellow with blue freckles – attracts attention. The dive circles shallower over a sponge-encrusted reef. An orange, white, yellow and black clown crab has chosen a terrible place to hide: on a green finger sponge. A school of creole wrasse jumps and circles. The next thing you know, the 60-minute maximum dive time has flown by. Maximum depth on this busy dive site is around 52 feet (16 m), which makes it ideal for new divers as well as photographers.

Crater’s Edge

Situated at the southernmost point of the Soufriere crater, the calm Caribbean meets the raging Atlantic at this site, creating ample opportunities to spot pelagic creatures like rainbow runners and tuna. The confluence of the two bodies of water can create strong currents, so dive operators only attempt this legendary dive when conditions allow. Because of the depth at this dive site, with a maximum of 100 feet (30 m) and likelihood of at least some current, Crater’s Edge is best for experienced divers.

Orientation and getting there

A former British colony, Dominica is part of the Lesser Antilles archipelago in the southeastern Caribbean Sea. It sits between Martinique and Guadeloupe, about 1,400 miles (2,250 km) southeast of Miami. Its 71,000 citizens are sprinkled throughout the 290-square-mile (750-square-km) island. The highest population concentrations are along the west coast, particularly in the capital of Roseau and the town of Portsmouth.

Confusingly, the main airport is not Canefield Airport, near Roseau. Rather it’s the Douglas-Charles Airport, which is situated on the northeast corner of the island, about an hour’s drive from the capital. Because neither airport runway is long enough to accommodate long-range jets, there are no direct flights from the U.S. However, plans are in the works to extend the runway at Douglas-Charles. This should help the tourism authority achieve its goal of doubling the number of inbound tourists from the current rate of about 75,000 per year.

Guest author Christina Koukkos is a New York-based freelance writer and editor. She covers scuba diving, responsible tourism, off-beat destinations, cultural travel and other topics. She’s a certified PADI dive instructor and MSDT as well as an amateur underwater (and topside) photographer. Learn more about her on her website,  her blog, on Instagram or Twitter.

  The post Best Scuba Diving in Dominica appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.

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[mrbobgove]

Best Scuba Diving in Dominica

Lonely Planet recently named the relatively unknown Caribbean island of Dominica (Dom-in-EEK-ah) one of the top 10 countries to visit in 2017. This strikingly beautiful island erupts straight out of the Caribbean Sea. Small settlements hug the coast, dwarfed by the steep volcanic mountains that form the island’s spine. Plump cumulous clouds perpetually brood over its lush peaks, blanketed with the most easily accessible primary rainforest in the Caribbean. As gorgeous as it is topside, the scuba diving in Dominica is just as remarkable.

Marketed as the “Nature Island,” Dominica delivers. Birders come seeking the endemic Sisserou parrot (Amazona imperialis) and other rare species. Adventurers trek up 4,747-foot (1,447 m) Morne Diablotins peak or hike eight miles (13 km) to Boiling Lake, the world’s second-largest hot spring. Film buffs paddle up the Indian River – one of 365 on the island – where scenes from Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest were filmed. Others volunteer at the sea-turtle hatchery or go whale-watching off the western shore. Here, a 19,600-foot (6,000 m) trench offers food and safe passage for migrating sperm whales. But this is all prologue to some of the best scuba diving in the Caribbean.

World-class scuba diving

Dominica’s diving is some of the best in the Caribbean, with most dive sites along the western, leeward side of the island. In our experience, the sites dotted in and around Soufriere Bay in the south offer the most exciting diving on the island, with a variety and abundance of marine life that’s rare among other Caribbean dive destinations. The water is warm (81 to 85 F/28 to 29 C) and clear, with at least 50 feet (15 m) of visibility. The currents are few, and local dive staff are fun and knowledgeable.

A 3mm wetsuit is enough protection for most dives. Divers of any level are welcome, though an advanced open-water certification to 100 feet (30 m) comes in handy for the pinnacles and some wall dives. With that said, here’s a rundown of the best scuba diving in Dominica.

Champagne Reef

Probably the most well-known of Dominica’s dive sites is Champagne Reef, a few miles south of Roseau. Divers and snorkelers alike can bathe in the briny champagne of warm bubbles where volcanic gasses vent through small fissures in the hard-rock coral.

One of the few shore dives on the island, the entry is from a shoreline of stones the size of baseballs. By a depth of 10 feet (3 m), the stones have grown to algae-covered basketballs, interspersed with black-and-white urchins. There’s a remarkable variety of life, especially considering the elevated water temperature in the shallows. Porcupinefish, bold and uncharacteristically fearless, waddle among the abundant branches of yellow tube sponges. Soapfish play dead in the rubble. Arrow crabs brandish their blue-tipped claws.

Eventually the reef slopes down to around 33 feet (10 m). Here, the piles of boulders turn into a shallow wall. It’s easy to stay well above 60 feet (18 m), watching a trunkfish banging against hard coral, snacking on tiny invertebrates. A juvenile spotted drum performs its characteristic ribbon dance. One barrel sponge, a common feature of Dominican dive sites, hosts a huge channel-clinging crab. As the wall completes a long, slow curve to the left, soldierfish stand guard, moray eels jut out from crevasses, and assorted crabs skitter and hide.

At last the wall once again gives way to the boulders of the shallows, where the water warms noticeably as bubble streams flow to the surface. A fireworm braves the heat to crawl across a bubbling rock. In some areas, the water, blurred by thermocline, is hot to the touch.

Scott’s Head Drop Off

Scott’s Head Drop Off sits in Soufriere Bay, in the southwest corner of the island. The bay is an underwater volcanic crater that offers dramatic underwater topography. The dive starts in the calm bay over a shallow, sandy area with coral bommies and areas of seagrass providing protection for nudibranchs and many small and juvenile fish. About 10 minutes into the dive, there is a drop off to a 130-foot (40 m) deep shelf. This, in turn, slopes down into the crater’s abyss.

Most divers stay relatively shallow, perhaps dipping down to 70 feet (23 m) to wave hello to a vermillion longlure frogfish. Along the way, divers may see anything from a large school of smallmouth grunts to a tiny wire coral shrimp. Out in the blue, a quick flash of silver may be a tunny or fast-moving barracuda. Up in the shallows, divers cans hunt for nudibranchs and other critters on their safety stop.

Swiss Cheese

If you like swim-throughs, you’ll love Swiss Cheese. The relatively shallow (52 feet/16 m), aptly named site features a number of swim-throughs. Many shelter schools of grunts or squirrelfish that give divers the side-eye as they pass through. The swim-throughs, a labyrinth of hills, valleys, a wall, and a bit of flat shelf combine to create an underwater obstacle course teeming with marine life. At safety-stop depth, lace coral, sea rods, gorgonians and sea fans form an underwater garden, with barrel sponges and brain coral offering some landscape architecture. Vivid reef fish swarm and flit like butterflies. A comedy routine breaks out: a surgeonfish appears to be chasing a triggerfish. A throng of brown chromis methodically dart in the light current, sucking in a feast of plankton. The dive is truly fun for everyone — divers and fish alike.

Dangleben’s Pinnacles

Dangleben’s Pinnacles sits on the northern edge of the Soufriere crater, which means it’s relatively exposed to the deep channel west of the island. Because of this, most dive shops won’t do this dive in current, as there is no place to hide. This is one of the deeper dive sites, with a minimum depth of 59 feet (18 m), but up to 98 feet (30 m) if you really want to explore.

And you will want to explore. It’s wonderful to follow experienced guides as they zigzag among the five pinnacles, freeing up divers’ attention to take in the sheer volume and variety of marine life. The truly gargantuan barrel sponges are among the biggest in Dominica. The sponges and corals explode in reds and yellows, purples and pinks, greens and blues. Sea creatures as large as a southern stingray and as miniscule as a pea crab share in the abundance. Juvenile angelfish, porcupinefish, a free-swimming sharp-tailed eel, an enormous giant basket starfish coiled up in a barrel sponge — this is one of the most vibrant reefs we’ve seen in the Caribbean.

Dangleben’s North

At first, Dangleben’s North seems like a rather mundane dive site. It starts over a barren sandy bottom with a few slivers of coral. Guides take the group west, away from the island, along a rocky channel lined with barrel sponges. At last, the channel opens to low hills of large-pored boulder and brain coral. This is where the excitement begins.

The reef teems with anthias, wrasses, butterflyfish and trumpetfish. A tiny painted frogfish hides in some pencil coral. A juvenile spotted drum wiggles and waves its ribbonlike fins. A long-snouted seahorse sways in some algae. A curious mutton snapper does a swim-by. A coney – neon yellow with blue freckles – attracts attention. The dive circles shallower over a sponge-encrusted reef. An orange, white, yellow and black clown crab has chosen a terrible place to hide: on a green finger sponge. A school of creole wrasse jumps and circles. The next thing you know, the 60-minute maximum dive time has flown by. Maximum depth on this busy dive site is around 52 feet (16 m), which makes it ideal for new divers as well as photographers.

Crater’s Edge

Situated at the southernmost point of the Soufriere crater, the calm Caribbean meets the raging Atlantic at this site, creating ample opportunities to spot pelagic creatures like rainbow runners and tuna. The confluence of the two bodies of water can create strong currents, so dive operators only attempt this legendary dive when conditions allow. Because of the depth at this dive site, with a maximum of 100 feet (30 m) and likelihood of at least some current, Crater’s Edge is best for experienced divers.

Orientation and getting there

A former British colony, Dominica is part of the Lesser Antilles archipelago in the southeastern Caribbean Sea. It sits between Martinique and Guadeloupe, about 1,400 miles (2,250 km) southeast of Miami. Its 71,000 citizens are sprinkled throughout the 290-square-mile (750-square-km) island. The highest population concentrations are along the west coast, particularly in the capital of Roseau and the town of Portsmouth.

Confusingly, the main airport is not Canefield Airport, near Roseau. Rather it’s the Douglas-Charles Airport, which is situated on the northeast corner of the island, about an hour’s drive from the capital. Because neither airport runway is long enough to accommodate long-range jets, there are no direct flights from the U.S. However, plans are in the works to extend the runway at Douglas-Charles. This should help the tourism authority achieve its goal of doubling the number of inbound tourists from the current rate of about 75,000 per year.

Guest author Christina Koukkos is a New York-based freelance writer and editor. She covers scuba diving, responsible tourism, off-beat destinations, cultural travel and other topics. She’s a certified PADI dive instructor and MSDT as well as an amateur underwater (and topside) photographer. Learn more about her on her website,  her blog, on Instagram or Twitter.

  The post Best Scuba Diving in Dominica appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.

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[wayneooverton]

All the Best of Wakatobi

In the very southeastern region of Sulawesi, between the Banda and Flores Seas, sits a small group of islands known as the Tukangbesi Islands. Jacques Cousteau dove the region first, which he christened an “underwater Nirvana.”

Today, these islands are known as Wakatobi. Wakatobi Dive Resort has more than 43 documented dive sites. I have visited Wakatobi twice but only dived around half the sites yet in my opinion they are some of the healthiest coral reefs in the Indo region. And because of the resort’s stewardship and the community’s protection, these reefs seem to be improving. So, while I cannot give you a definitive guide to the dive sites of Wakatobi, here are some of my favorites.

[See image gallery at scubadiverlife.com]

Roma

This is my No. 1 choice. Roma Reef features a wide underwater seamount with giant barrel sponges that sit among the coral cover, all adorned with frills of multicolored crinoids. Sea fans drape from opportune edges into the current flow. Cabbage and lettuce corals form artistic mazes and massive sculptures of Capricorn coral create Fibonacci swirls under glittering glassfish. The top of the mount has a smaller pinnacle that is dense with life and a perfect end to the dive. Carpeted in leather corals and soft-coral plumes, Acropora corals plus a scattering of anemones, it is a haven for chromis to hide among and feed above. Banded sea snakes course through the corals, stopping only to delve deep into a hole seeking a hiding fish. Depth range: 16 to 82 feet (5 – 25 m).

Blade

Not always accessible depending on weather conditions, this also means Blade enjoys some of the best visibility. Here, narrow ridges that plummet into the blue abyss join several underwater mountain peaks. The top is so narrow and the fall so steep that if this site were above water, you would be too afraid to move in case you slipped. Here, you can soar above the ridges like an eagle in flight. Growth on the top and sides of the ridges and peaks is littered with plate corals, giant sponges, gorgonians and red sea whips. Everything is covered in crinoids enjoying the current. Depth range: 10 to 180 feet (3 to 55 m).

Teluk Maya

This site is a wonderful mix of many different terrains in one location. A coral garden slopes down to a white-sand bay, filled with sea pens and garden eels. The sand graduates down to a wide coral pinnacle, which becomes a steep drop-off on its opposite side. Thick coral and sponge growth covers the pinnacle, including a massive rose of Capricorn coral facing the sand. After exploring the deeper sands, pinnacle and drop-off, head to the right side to find a large undulation of potato coral that’s home to hundreds of chromis with hunting lionfish and banded sea snakes. Depth Range: 0 to 197 feet (0 to 60 m).

House Reef

This is an incredible macro dive, great to do as a fourth dive of the day. It can even be an alternative to one of the boat dives, as you can dive it for as long and as slow as you like. The steep wall offers many overhangs and nooks full of life. Resident turtles sleep among the corals and there are nudibranchs of all types at all depths. Various anemones, especially near the boat jetty, are home to territorial anemonefish. If you are a real macro aficionado, don’t miss the rubble top inside the reef edge and the seagrass beds. You may find gobies, sea moths, nudibranchs, blue-ringed octopus, frogfish and more. Depth range: 0 to 130 feet (0 to 40 m).

Wakatobi Resort details

Wakatobi is a luxury eco-resort with four ocean-view villas, 15 beach bungalows, and nine palm bungalows. All accommodations are fully air-conditioned. A longhouse sits at the end of the dock and includes a relaxation lounge area as well as the dive center    and large camera room. A separate restaurant serves dishes equal to any 5-star hotel and able to cater to almost every dietary need.

Electricity and camera-equipment capability

Both 220v and 110v outlets are available. There are large camera tables with storage shelves and compressed air inside a climate-controlled room. Two separate rinse tanks are maintained purely for camera equipment.

Diving

Wakatobi offers unlimited diving; how much is up to you. There are three boat dives per day. Custom-made boats offer ample shade, camera tables, and onboard toilets. You can also dive the house reef as a shore dive or use a taxi boat to see more of this incredible 1.8-mile (3 km) reef. You can also do night dives on the House Reef. Dive durations generally max out at 70 minutes and I highly recommend nitrox.

You can book your own dive guide to help you focus your dive on each site to best achieve your desires in what you want to see or photograph/video.

Airport Transfers

Wakatobi staff greet you at the international airport in Bali and will assist you to your hotel for the evening, which you can organize through Wakatobi prior to arrival (A one-night stay in Bali is recommend prior to your domestic flight). They will then notify you of the flight time the next day and subsequently assist you all the way through to your domestic check-in the next morning, as well as on your return flight to Bali after your stay.

Entry and Exit Requirements

You must possess a passport with at least six months remaining validity. For 30 countries, no visa is required to enter Indonesia. As of February 2015 your ticket price will include the departure tax.

Climate

Wakatobi is a year-round diving destination. Average daily temperatures are around 79 to 86 F (26 to 30 C). Water temperatures vary dependent on season and fall within the same range, so a 3 or 5 mm wetsuit is advised.

By Glen Cowans and Louise Stazzonelli

The post All the Best of Wakatobi appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.

from Scuba Diver Life http://ift.tt/2p3rAOF

[mrbobgove]

All the Best of Wakatobi

In the very southeastern region of Sulawesi, between the Banda and Flores Seas, sits a small group of islands known as the Tukangbesi Islands. Jacques Cousteau dove the region first, which he christened an “underwater Nirvana.”

Today, these islands are known as Wakatobi. Wakatobi Dive Resort has more than 43 documented dive sites. I have visited Wakatobi twice but only dived around half the sites yet in my opinion they are some of the healthiest coral reefs in the Indo region. And because of the resort’s stewardship and the community’s protection, these reefs seem to be improving. So, while I cannot give you a definitive guide to the dive sites of Wakatobi, here are some of my favorites.

[See image gallery at scubadiverlife.com]

Roma

This is my No. 1 choice. Roma Reef features a wide underwater seamount with giant barrel sponges that sit among the coral cover, all adorned with frills of multicolored crinoids. Sea fans drape from opportune edges into the current flow. Cabbage and lettuce corals form artistic mazes and massive sculptures of Capricorn coral create Fibonacci swirls under glittering glassfish. The top of the mount has a smaller pinnacle that is dense with life and a perfect end to the dive. Carpeted in leather corals and soft-coral plumes, Acropora corals plus a scattering of anemones, it is a haven for chromis to hide among and feed above. Banded sea snakes course through the corals, stopping only to delve deep into a hole seeking a hiding fish. Depth range: 16 to 82 feet (5 – 25 m).

Blade

Not always accessible depending on weather conditions, this also means Blade enjoys some of the best visibility. Here, narrow ridges that plummet into the blue abyss join several underwater mountain peaks. The top is so narrow and the fall so steep that if this site were above water, you would be too afraid to move in case you slipped. Here, you can soar above the ridges like an eagle in flight. Growth on the top and sides of the ridges and peaks is littered with plate corals, giant sponges, gorgonians and red sea whips. Everything is covered in crinoids enjoying the current. Depth range: 10 to 180 feet (3 to 55 m).

Teluk Maya

This site is a wonderful mix of many different terrains in one location. A coral garden slopes down to a white-sand bay, filled with sea pens and garden eels. The sand graduates down to a wide coral pinnacle, which becomes a steep drop-off on its opposite side. Thick coral and sponge growth covers the pinnacle, including a massive rose of Capricorn coral facing the sand. After exploring the deeper sands, pinnacle and drop-off, head to the right side to find a large undulation of potato coral that’s home to hundreds of chromis with hunting lionfish and banded sea snakes. Depth Range: 0 to 197 feet (0 to 60 m).

House Reef

This is an incredible macro dive, great to do as a fourth dive of the day. It can even be an alternative to one of the boat dives, as you can dive it for as long and as slow as you like. The steep wall offers many overhangs and nooks full of life. Resident turtles sleep among the corals and there are nudibranchs of all types at all depths. Various anemones, especially near the boat jetty, are home to territorial anemonefish. If you are a real macro aficionado, don’t miss the rubble top inside the reef edge and the seagrass beds. You may find gobies, sea moths, nudibranchs, blue-ringed octopus, frogfish and more. Depth range: 0 to 130 feet (0 to 40 m).

Wakatobi Resort details

Wakatobi is a luxury eco-resort with four ocean-view villas, 15 beach bungalows, and nine palm bungalows. All accommodations are fully air-conditioned. A longhouse sits at the end of the dock and includes a relaxation lounge area as well as the dive center    and large camera room. A separate restaurant serves dishes equal to any 5-star hotel and able to cater to almost every dietary need.

Electricity and camera-equipment capability

Both 220v and 110v outlets are available. There are large camera tables with storage shelves and compressed air inside a climate-controlled room. Two separate rinse tanks are maintained purely for camera equipment.

Diving

Wakatobi offers unlimited diving; how much is up to you. There are three boat dives per day. Custom-made boats offer ample shade, camera tables, and onboard toilets. You can also dive the house reef as a shore dive or use a taxi boat to see more of this incredible 1.8-mile (3 km) reef. You can also do night dives on the House Reef. Dive durations generally max out at 70 minutes and I highly recommend nitrox.

You can book your own dive guide to help you focus your dive on each site to best achieve your desires in what you want to see or photograph/video.

Airport Transfers

Wakatobi staff greet you at the international airport in Bali and will assist you to your hotel for the evening, which you can organize through Wakatobi prior to arrival (A one-night stay in Bali is recommend prior to your domestic flight). They will then notify you of the flight time the next day and subsequently assist you all the way through to your domestic check-in the next morning, as well as on your return flight to Bali after your stay.

Entry and Exit Requirements

You must possess a passport with at least six months remaining validity. For 30 countries, no visa is required to enter Indonesia. As of February 2015 your ticket price will include the departure tax.

Climate

Wakatobi is a year-round diving destination. Average daily temperatures are around 79 to 86 F (26 to 30 C). Water temperatures vary dependent on season and fall within the same range, so a 3 or 5 mm wetsuit is advised.

By Glen Cowans and Louise Stazzonelli

The post All the Best of Wakatobi appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.

from Scuba Diver Life http://ift.tt/2p3rAOF

[wayneooverton]

Best Dive and Topside Destinations

Scuba diving has long been the domain of adventure-seekers and adrenaline junkies. Luckily, many of the world’s best scuba destinations also offer topside adventure. If you, too, thrive on the extraordinary, each of these countries is an excellent spot to get the most out of your vacation. Here we’ll look at five of the best dive and topside destinations, defined not only by their world-class dive sites, but also by terrestrial adventures to match.

Indonesia

Bromo volcano at sunrise

Underwater

This nation comprised of more than 17,000 islands boasts some of the best dive sites on the planet. Some highlights of this spectacular archipelago include the wreck of the USAT Liberty in Tulamben, Bali, Komodo National Park and Lembeh Strait. The Liberty was an American cargo ship that saw action during both World War I and II before succumbing to Japanese torpedo fire off the Balinese coast in January 1942. Nowadays the ship is an impressive (and popular) dive site, accessible to divers of all certification levels. Komodo National Park is famous for its teeming reefs and magnificent pelagic encounters, including reliable manta sightings year-round. If you’re more into macro, head to Lembeh Strait, the muck-diving capital of the world. Here, you’ll see rare species including tiny cephalopods, pygmy seahorses and frogfish on a daily basis.

Topside

Indonesia’s rugged landscape is home to 13 percent of the world’s volcanoes so mountain climbing attracts adrenaline junkies. Two of the archipelago’s most impressive peaks are Mount Bromo and Mount Rinjani. Indonesia is a favorite among surfers as well. Each of its main islands provides ample waves for everyone from absolute beginners to pros. Indonesia is also filled with weird and wonderful wildlife. Adventure-seekers will find no greater terrestrial thrill searching for rare species like the endemic Komodo dragon, found only on Komodo and Rinca Islands within the eponymous park. The orangutan population has faced decimation largely due to our consumption of palm oil, but you can still find some of these beautiful creatures in the jungles of Indonesian Borneo.

Costa Rica

Irazú Volcano

Underwater

Costa Rica has always featured highly on adventuresome divers’ bucket lists. A wealth of dive sites litter both its Pacific and Caribbean coasts, not to mention the legendary Cocos Island. On the mainland, Isla Murcielagos, or Bat Islands, offer perhaps the country’s most exciting dive sites. Here, divers have the chance to get up close with the resident bull sharks. Cocos Island, though, is in a class of its own, and is well worth the 300-mile journey from the mainland. Towering pinnacles emerge from the deep blue, creating great upwellings of nutrient-rich water. This, in turn, attracts a staggering amount of pelagic life. One never knows quite what to expect out in mid-ocean, but Cocos is particularly famous for its incredible shark sightings, boasting a plethora of different species. Whales, rays, dolphins and game fish are also common here.

Topside

Costa Rica’s magnificent beaches and lush rainforests provide opportunities for adventure at every turn. Canopy zip lining has become the defining pursuit of this country’s tropical interior. Whitewater rafting is also popular in Costa Rica, and one of the best places to try it is the beautiful (and in some places, intimidating) Pacuare River. There are plenty of opportunities for trekking too. Explore the elevated cloud forests of Monteverde in search of the elusive sloth. Scale Cerro Chirripo, the highest mountain in Costa Rica. On a clear day, climbers can see both coasts from Chirripo’s summit. Other Costa Rican adventures include windsurfing on Lake Arenal and surfing the beaches of Guanacaste province.

South Africa

Underwater

South African diving has to be some of the most adrenaline-fuelled on the planet, characterized by an abundance of seriously big sharks. In False Bay and Gansbaai, you can come face-to-face with great whites, but true adrenaline junkies are likely to prefer the shark-diving sites of Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks. Here, divers can encounter tiger sharks, bull sharks and many other species outside of a cage, an experience that is both exciting and authentic. From June to July, South Africa is also home to the Sardine Run, quite possibly the most exciting marine wildlife phenomenon of all. During the run, countless sardines migrate north along a narrow corridor of cool Cape water in a gigantic bait ball. A melee of predators follows, including sharks, dolphins, seabirds, whales and game fish.

Topside

Game viewing in South Africa is both some of the best and most affordable on the continent. Self-drives are the best way to see the Big Five: lions, leopards, rhinos, buffaloes and elephants. South Africa is also home to the world’s highest bridge bungee jump, at Bloukrans Bridge on the border of the Eastern and Western Cape. South Africa is also blessed by endless stretches of isolated beach, perfect for horseback riding, blow-carting, surfing, stand-up paddle boarding and much, much more. For those who truly want to experience the best of both worlds while on vacation, this remarkable country is also home to Tiffindell, one of only two ski resorts in Southern Africa.

Egypt

Abu Simbel

Underwater

The Red Sea is every diver’s dream, combining warm waters, unparalleled visibility, and thriving marine life. Liveaboards are the best way to make this dream a reality. Most itineraries focus either on the northern or the southern Red Sea. In the north, highlights include the Straits of Tiran and the Ras Mohammed National Park, both of which offer magnificent reefs that positively teem with life. In the south, a favorite site is Elphinstone Reef, famous for regular sightings of oceanic whitetips. Of the Red Sea’s many wrecks, the most famous is the SS Thistlegorm, sunk in 1941 by two German bomber planes.

There’s equally impressive wreck diving on the Dunraven, the Chrisoula K, the Carnatic, and Giannis D. The Red Sea is also home to one of the world’s deepest blue holes. Near Dahab, it’s accessible to recreational divers via the famous Bells to Blue Hole dive route.

Topside

Egypt is steeped in history and culture. Dramatic landmarks and natural features are a perfect playground for any intrepid traveler. Although the pyramids at Giza are undoubtedly the country’s most iconic feature, the Sinai desert also offers many opportunities for adventure. Quad-bike and 4×4 safaris are an excellent way to experience the desert in all its arid glory. For a more authentic taste of desert life, adventure-seekers should try a mounted camel-trek. You’ll see the desert’s spectacular dunes and canyons in much the same way as the Bedouin people have for thousands of years. Egypt is also home to the Nile. Although it is primarily the domain of larger cruise vessels, it is possible to go sailing on its historic waters.

Mexico

Ek’ Balam, Yucatan Peninsula

Underwater

When it comes to diving, few places in the world offer as much diversity as Mexico. From the colorful reefs of Cozumel to the high-octane pelagic action of the Revillagigedo Archipelago, Mexico offers something for every diver. Off the Yucatan Peninsula, Isla Mujeres acts as an aggregation site first for Atlantic sailfish between February and March, and later for whale sharks between May and September. On the west coast, Guadalupe Island offers the very best in great-white cage diving, combining crystal clear water with some breathtakingly huge sharks.

Socorro Island in the Revillagigedo Archipelago is also famous for its creature encounters. You can swim alongside manta rays, sharks and even humpback whales during their annual migration. The Yucatan also offers spectacular cenote diving, whereby qualified divers can explore the peninsula’s fascinating subterranean rivers. The Baja California peninsula offers more pelagic action at Gordo Bank, sea lion encounters at Los Islotes and reefs pulsing with life at Cabo Pulmo Marine Park.

Topside

On the mainland, Mexico’s terrestrial adventures are just as varied and exciting. The Yucatan’s subterranean rivers create intricate cave systems, which are perfect for spelunking and caving. The Cancun region is also famous for watersports of all kinds, particularly kitesurfing and parasailing. Mexico has a fascinating past, too. Adventure-seekers can experience a different kind of thrill as they explore the ruins of the Mayan civilization. Many of these ruins are still hidden within the tangle of the encroaching jungle, which makes a visit feel like traveling back in time. This country’s beautiful mountain regions also offer ample opportunity for outdoor adventures. Extreme kayaking, horseback riding and zip lining are just a few options.

The post Best Dive and Topside Destinations appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.

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[pinetreepilgrimage]

YIPPEEE MORE FROGFISH FROGER

i do NOT get how some people see her and go “hmm.. thats a frog” like ???? shes got the frogfish whiskers and frogfish are ANGLERFISH why would a freshwater frog be in the ocean.. crying…

Frogger is a Frogfish don't @ me

Not my best but she's honest work. Prolly will redo it digitally or something, yippee!