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Photo Gallery: St Eustatius
In our new Gallery feature, we let the photos tell the story… Each Gallery showcases a selection of outstanding images on a chosen theme, taken by our Underwater Photography Editors Nick and Caroline of Frogfish Photography. This week, we focus on the tiny but beautiful Caribbean Island of St. Eustatius.
St Eustatius is a Caribbean island that is very close to our hearts. We lived on this volcanic island, working as dive instructors at Dive Statia, when we first started out in the diving world. We also worked as marine park wardens for a few months at the end of our stay. We were involved in the sinking of the island’s most famous wreck, and were the first people to dive, the 100 metre long Charlie Brown. Statia (as it is fondly known) is a small island with some great diving. Almost all of its coastline is a protected marine park, and this really apparent when you head underwater and see the amazing marine life. Turtles thrive here, and are found sleeping on the artificial reefs at night. You may never have heard of St Eustatius, but once you have been there, your heart will never leave. Visit www.scubaqua.com and www.statia-tourism.com to find out more.
Image 1: A hawksbill turtle on the Charlie Brown wreck. The turtle’s flipper briefly touches my camera dome as it swims past. The wreck of the Charlie Brown has been underwater for over 10 years now and plenty of marine life has made it their home.
Image 2: Nurse sharks live in many of the overhangs that are cut into the reef and this one surprised Caroline. As you can see, fantastic visibility is common around these waters, so when we visit, we like to shoot in wide angle.
Image 3: Huge barrel sponges sit on the tops of the reef, and Caroline has posed near this one to show off its size. If you look inside these sponges you might find a turtle, porcupine fish, arrow crabs and more.
Image 4: The bow of the Charlie Brown. The odd shape of the bow is because this ship used to be a cable layer. I think this shot works very well in black and white and the diver really emphasises the huge size of this impressive wreck that lies in 30m of water.
Image 5: The reef is in fabulous condition, as it has been a marine park since 1996 with all waters protected that are 30m deep or shallower. In this shot, Caroline approaches a trumpetfish, with her fins high in the water so as not to touch any part of the reef.
Image 6: There are a whole host of wrecks that have been sunk as artificial reefs on Statia. This tug boat is one of the oldest and has amazing coral and sponge growth on it and in it. It this shot, Caroline has gone into the wheelhouse carrying strobes that fired remotely, so that Nick could light both the bow of the boat and the inside of the wheelhouse at the same time.
Image 7: A final shot of one of our favourite wreck dives – the Charlie Brown. You can see here the amazing visibility as you descend towards to the wreck in clear blue Caribbean water. We have returned to the island on several occasions, and it has been amazing to see how the marine life continues to make this into a home. I hope we can return soon.
Want to hear more?
Here is Dive Centre Owner Mike talking about Statia:
https://www.scubaverse.com/dema-2016-review-scubaverse-talks-mike-scubaqua-st-eustatius-watch-video/
For more from Nick and Caroline, visit www.frogfishphotography.com
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Embark on a Journey Beneath the Waves
We can’t wait to welcome you to Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort for an inspiring journey into the world of underwater photography. Prepare to be captivated by the beauty and diversity of Bunaken’s marine life as you embark on an unforgettable adventure beneath the waves. Reserve your spot today and get ready to dive into a world of endless discovery!
For more info, contact Lydia at Oonas Divers: 01323 648 924 / Lydia@oonasdivers.com
Join Us at Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort, Indonesia!
Discover the mesmerising underwater world of Bunaken National Park, boasting some of Indonesia’s healthiest reefs and an array of marine life, from enchanting frogfish and leaf fish to graceful turtles and majestic sharks. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a novice enthusiast, there’s something for everyone in this breathtaking aquatic sanctuary.
Why Choose Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort?
Set against the backdrop of Bunaken’s stunning underwater landscape, Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and luxury. Our spacious dive boats ensure a smooth and enjoyable photography experience, while our state-of-the-art camera room provides ample space for photographers to store and prepare their equipment. With our knowledgeable staff at your service, you’ll have all the guidance you need to explore Bunaken’s underwater wonders with confidence.
For more info, contact Lydia at Oonas Divers: 01323 648 924 / Lydia@oonasdivers.com
An Unforgettable Photography Workshop
Mark your calendars for September 24th to October 3rd, 2025, as we invite you to join us for a 9-night underwater photography workshop led by renowned British photographer, Dr. Alex Tattersall.
For more info, contact Lydia at Oonas Divers: 01323 648 924 / Lydia@oonasdivers.com
Delve into the intricacies of wide-angle and macro photography as you embark on over 23 dives guided by Dr. Tattersall himself. Whether you’re looking to refine your skills or take your photography to the next level, this exclusive workshop promises an unforgettable experience amidst the stunning backdrop of Bunaken National Park.
For more info, contact Lydia at Oonas Divers: 01323 648 924 / Lydia@oonasdivers.com
Secure Your Spot Today!
Spaces for this exclusive workshop are limited, so don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to hone your underwater photography skills in one of the world’s most breathtaking diving destinations. Prices start at £4,995. For full details on flights and pricing, please contact Lydia Lodge at Oonas Divers: 01323 648 924 or email Lydia@oonasdivers.com.
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