Special Treat for California Divers
The sunlight filtering in through the amber canopy of the kelp forest. This majestic and mysterious sight is a special treat reserved only for those divers who are willing to put on the 7mm wetsuit or dry suit and jump into the cold California water. A chance to swim through a dense forest of giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) when the lighting is just right is one of the reasons why many of us keep diving here.
Kaleidoscope of Color
Seamount and reef covered with colorful soft coral and sponges in clear blue water. This is a good example of what a diver sees at Raja Ampat, Indonesia. This remote area is underwater photographer’s heaven. The wide-angle photographers enjoy the colorful reef and large schools of fish while the abundance of small creatures keep the macro photographers busy. Of course you don’t have to be a photographer to enjoy Raja Ampat. The view is stunning and diving is very dynamic.
Ruddy Fusilier Swarm around a Coral Head
A large school of ruddy fusilier (Pterocaesio pisang) swirls around a coral head in Raja Ampat, Indonesia. These fish can be blue to blue-green or silvery red in color, with red to black tail tips. They often form large schools like this in the Indo-West Pacific regions.
Big Smile!
After a spectacular dive at Raja Ampat, Indonesia, we were all smiles! Our dive guide whipped out his shades and gave me a big grin as I got my camera ready.
Fish Hug!
I envy the local dive guides who get so intimately familiar with dive sites and the resident wildlife in the area. This Napoleon wrasse and our dive guide have developed a special bond between them over the years. There is such trust that the fish would swim over to him and let him touch it and even hug it! I was filled with awe to witness this display of inter-species friendship.
