News
Manta-tastic Socorro
We sailed over night from San Benedicto to Socorro, and once again woke up to see flat calm seas and only a single other boat for company. Today we are diving Cabo Pearce, a series of volcanic pinnacles that descend deeper as you move away from the leeward side of the island. The topography is astonishing and worth diving, regardless of the marine life. But as we sat down for our briefing on the top deck of Belle Amie, in the sunshine, there was talk of sharks and mantas that are always a possibility at these incredible islands.
Our first dive was at 7:15am and Team Shark, as our dive group is known (those that are happy to dive without a divemaster guiding), always goes in first. There are eight of us in the group and we hop onto a RIB to take us in close to our descent spot. As we descend the seascape is breath-taking. Whitetip sharks glide across the sea bed every few minutes and there are small shoals of fish surrounding each rock. Huge moray eels poke their heads from almost all the crevices in this rocky sub terrain world. Everyone is looking out into the blue, hoping for one of the big animals we are here to see. We are lucky – some of our group see a huge dolphin that comes in just close enough for us to get a good look without getting a great shot! Others encounter a huge Chevron Manta, who comes to look at each diver in the group, and enjoy their bubbles. All too soon, it is time to head back up. But, we still have three more dives here today…
Another breakfast and it is time for our second dive of the day. Same dive site, as we will dive this all day, but each time is different. On dives two and three (after lunch) it is all about the mantas. We see both the Chevron and Black colour morphs on these dives. These mantas seem to love bubbles and hover over divers. If you exhale a few times, you might even see them quiver their whole bodies, and it is hard not to equate this with some form of pleasure. Their wing spans are in the region of 6 or 7 meters and they move slowly enough to get a good look, get a photo or two and also to appreciate the magical moment.
Last dive of the day done now, and another incredible close-up encounter with an inquisitive manta tops off a great first day diving Socorro. It has been Manta-tastic! What will tomorrow bring?
For more from Nick and Caroline, visit www.frogfishphotography.com.
Blogs
Four opportunities to go pro in 2024 with Dive Friends Bonaire
Dive Friends teaches the Instructor Development Course (IDC) several times a year to students who are eager to share their passion for diving with the world.
Dive Friends is known for the personal approach throughout the course. Their in-house course director will lead the students through every essential step, mentoring them to achieve their fullest potential as a dive instructor.
Applications for the following IDC start dates are now open:
- 12 April
- 5 July,
- 20 September
- 29 November
Partnership with Casita Palma
If the student opts for the IDC-Deluxe or IDC-Supreme package, their accommodation will be arranged for them at Casita Palma. This small and quiet resort is within walking distance from Dive Friends Bonaire’s main dive shop location and has everything you need to relax after an intense day of IDC training. Breakfast is included, so the student will always be fuelled and ready for their day.
Contact Dive Friends Bonaire’s Course Director Eddy for more information: coursedirector@divefriendsbonaire.com.
Blogs
SOMABAY: Scubaverse Trip Review (Watch Video)
In a video created exclusively for Scubaverse.com, Jeff Goodman visits SOMABAY in the Egyptian Red Sea to experience the diving on offer there.
Book your next Red Sea dive adventure with SOMABAY! For more information, visit www.somabay.com.
Stay at the Breakers Diving & Surfing Lodge when you visit! For more information, visit www.thebreakers-somabay.com.
Find out more about ORCA Dive Clubs at SOMABAY at www.orca-diveclubs.com/en/soma-bay-en.
-
Blogs3 months ago
‘Simply the Best’ – Quintessential Red Sea Diving
-
News2 months ago
Hone your underwater photography skills with Alphamarine Photography at Red Sea Diving Safari in March
-
News2 months ago
Capturing Critters in Lembeh Underwater Photography Workshop 2024: Event Roundup
-
Marine Life & Conservation Blogs3 months ago
Creature Feature: Nurse Sharks
-
News3 months ago
Join Lembeh Resort’s Macro Photography Workshop with Scott Gutsy Tuason this April
-
Miscellaneous Blogs3 months ago
Book Review: The Lives of Seaweeds
-
Marine Life & Conservation Blogs2 months ago
Creature Feature: Swell Sharks
-
Blogs3 months ago
A day in the life of Marsa Shagra with Sea to Sky