News
Underwater Photography in Mexico
Principally there are three main areas for diving along the ‘Riviera Maya’ which have well developed diving provision:
Cancun itself, with the surrounding, nearby reefs, several wrecks and La Musa (concrete statues depicting the moods of mankind – well worth a visit).
Cozumel, simply wonderful and kaleidoscopically coloured reefs, abundant marine life and sometimes, deep drop-offs.
Playa del Carmen (Playacar), reef diving, Bull Shark diving, and of course……
The Cenotes.
All of these destinations are within easy travelling distance of each other, so much variety offering ‘top ten’ tick box dives in abundance.
But the point of this little article is to chat about the frustrations and pleasures of trying to do justice in photographic form to adequately convey the colours, wildlife and clear water.
Nowadays just about every newbie diver’s first kit purchase is a camera and housing so that they can ‘capture their memories’ – come on, we all did it. Sadly the results are usually terrible and stored in electronic memories in huge numbers. I remember sitting through interminable sessions watching slides that my parents had taken to be followed by the guests showing theirs.
I’m sure the bit of me that died during those darkened room viewings has a lot to do with my subsequent vagueness and inability to concentrate.
So some time ago I set out on a mission to:
1. Not subject my friends and family to the same, showing them hundreds of not so great pictures.
2. Actually try to make better images (note the use of the word image here?? Can’t call them snaps or pics any more).
3. Try not to spend too much money, inasmuch as I don’t have any.
In reverse order, the way Sports Personality of the Year does it,
3. Not spending too much money – ouch!!! I use a Canon S95 and Canon housing, INON Z240 strobe, INON wide angle ‘wet’ lenses with various arms ranging lights etc, etc (this was the cheap option!!!).
2. A fully manual camera, fill-in light and wide angle lens, good images are automatic, right ?? Wrong.
There are many sources of information regarding underwater photography written by far more learned people than me. However, one thing I’ve noticed, is that socially, photographers can attract, shall I say, ‘negative vibes’ from staff and other customers on dive trips.
At my stage on the UW photographic learning curve I need time to take the shot. I can’t just fire off several rounds into the reef and come back with a masterpiece. My results are delivered from almost painful adjustments and experiments.
Time is of the essence when you’re a photographic grasshopper. Other divers just don’t understand your needs. The more time you spend shooting that colourful slug, the shorter their boredom threshold becomes (an opportunity for them to continue developing their buoyancy skills I say).
The dive guides in Mexico were relaxed about us hanging off the back of the dive if a tad unprepared for how distant we’d get. Once they became accustomed to our needs it worked well as it tended to separate us from the other guests.
Photographers tend to hog the best spot to see the beasties, worried that they will disappear if confronted by flailing, gasping and panting newly qualified frogpersons. This too can cause annoyance.
By being a little detached from the group these potential irritations were removed. Win – win!!
So, if like me, you need time to practice with an absolutely huge range of subjects in some of the best conditions you’re ever likely to encounter, then try Mexico.
Wildlife – and I don’t mean the mosquitoes – is massively varied and plentiful. It’s also quite tame. A little care and patience, planning and thought will allow you to approach the animals quite closely. In my experience they seem to tolerate divers more than other places I’ve visited and as such make great models. The turtles are amazing, really awesome.
Among the wide variety of life on display are huge shoals of grunts on the shallow reefs of Cancun. The lack of depth and great light give a wealth of opportunity to practice taking photographs. Truly, the quantities of fish on the reefs here need to be seen to be believed, and I’m told that they are resident all year round.
So, that’s me trying to offer some tips for the beginner.
My last point, not subjecting loved ones et al to viewings of my ‘works of art’… well, I can see where my Parents were coming from. It’s true, I am turning into my Dad.
Travel to these destinations was provided by The Scuba Place:
+44 (0) 207 644 8252
First class accommodation and world class diving are available for all levels of experience and interest. Sail-fish and Whale Shark expeditions in the summer, Bull sharks in the winter, supreme reefs and the Cenotes all year round. Couple that with the welcome Mexico offers and, well… you’ll love it.
3rd AUGUST 2024 – 1 or 2 WEEK PROGRAMMES
Daily water programme with Snorkelling & Scuba Diving.
Beginners or qualified, something for all.
Leave the kids with the Splash Team for days of Excitement, Fun & Adventure!
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
There are various options for accommodation with options for 2, 3, 4 or 5 guests.
Eco Huts provide accommodation for families of up to 4. The best option to enhance the adventure and closest to camping with basic facilities. For August we will provide central air cooling for all the Eco Huts.
Deluxe Chalets are only suitable for 2 guests. Fully air conditioned rooms with private bathroom and other facilities.
Boutique Rooms are available for families of up to 5.
Individual bespoke rooms fully air conditioned with private bathroom and other facilities.
Eco Huts: £675 per adult / £425 per child / Under 8 FREE of charge
Deluxe Chalet: £830 per adult / £505 per child / Under 8 FREE of charge
Boutique Room: £925 per adult / £550 per child / Under 8 FREE of charge
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
This is a truly unique opportunity to have a Family Desert Adventure totally away from it all! You will be based at the remote Roots Red Sea on the coast of the Egyptian Eastern Desert, 140km south of Hurghada city.
Red Sea Splash main focus is Snorkelling & Scuba Diving but that’s not all, we provide a rounded week of activities in support.
Pool& Field Games – Arts & Crafts
Marine Biology Workshops
Cultural Activities – Orienteering Adventures
Roots Red Sea have established strong links with the local communities of Hamerwain & El Quseir affording our guests to have a true taste of the local culture, SPLASH CAMP embraces this opportunity and bring in the local children to join in the fun with our adventure seekers.
During the day, families are welcome to take part in all activities together or the kids can be left with the SPLASH CAMP team while the parents enjoy the facilities or go diving themselves!
At the end of the day, its family time while the SPLASH CAMP team take a break. For those with the energy, there are family evening activities planned a few evenings.
Open Air Movie Night – Desert Star Gazing Walk & Talk
El Quseir Evening City Tour
The second week is very special, we head off on the Big Blue for a liveaboard safari around Fury Shoals.
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
U-8 Splash Club
Sadly we can’t offer Scuba Diving to the Splash Club but we can have lots of fun Snorkelling & Free Diving!
Splash Club includes:
Certified Snorkel Course – Marine ID Games – Intro to Free Diving
Arts & Craft Sessions – Adventure trails – Cultural Playtime – Pool Games
U-12 Explorer Club
In addition to an exciting snorkelling and Free Diving Programme in the Splash Club we can take you under the water on SCUBA to a whole new world of fun and wonder. If you are under 10 your first breath under water will be as a Bubblemaker and continue with daily Seal Team Missions. From 10 we will complete a Discover Scuba Diving experience in the amazing Red Sea. Alternatively we offer a full junior certification programme to become an international qualified Scuba Diver.
U-16 Adventurer Club
For qualified Scuba Divers regardless of age it’s the Adventurer Club and exploration of the local reefs and marine life. There will be 2 dives every day with the Open Ocean marine field station team who will introduce you to Red Sea marine life and workshops on marine research. Alternatively there are opportunities to continue your scuba diving certifications with our instructional team.
Parents are welcome to join the club activities and join the courses.
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
Big Blue might seem like the new kid on the block, but the team behind the highly acclaimed liveaboard is far from that. They have been running Red Sea safaris since the late 1980’s and were in fact part of the early pioneers who ventured out to the unknown on vessels that in today’s world, really shouldn’t have left the harbour! It’s that experience and the years of operating the award-winning Roots Red Sea resort which truly set Big Blue apart from the crowd!
Large lounge area, spacious sun deck and terrace deck.
Airy restaurant with five tables with up to six chairs per table, serving a varied and delicious menu with special dietary requirements catered for.
The spacious cabins have side by side beds and a large walk in wet bathroom.
Ample dive deck for divers & snorkelers.
Safety is everyone’s priority, whether you are relaxing on board, swimming, snorkelling or diving.
On board Big Blue is fitted with smoke alarms, emergency lighting and a fire alarm system. The lower corridor has a full-size door fire exit at the bow and open stairs to the stern. There are evacuation plans in each room along with life jackets, glass breaker tool and a fire extinguisher.
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
Red Sea Splash at Fury Shoals is a very rare opportunity to get involved with marine biology expedition for children and adults. Open Ocean biologists are on board to provide fascinating and entertaining facts about the marine life you will see. The team will provide workshops on marine life identification and survey methods both of which, should you wish, you will have the chance to put into practice during your safari.
The week is open to snorkelers, scuba divers and non divers too!
Fury shoals is perfect for first time mariners as it offers plenty of protection from the weather.
We board at Port Ghaleb on Saturday evening and prepare to set sail early on Sunday morning.
Heading south, our first day will be diving the reefs of Abu Dabbab before sailing overnight to reach our ultimate destination the Fury Shoals.
Here we will spend four days swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving amazing reefs. This includes guaranteed DOLPHIN encounters at Sataya Reef! After the last dive we haul anchor and head back to Abu Dabbab for our final two dives before disembarking our boat BIG BLUE.
Camp Extension Cost*
Adult £650 per adult
Under 16 £350 per child
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
FURTHER INFORMATION – INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM
TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
If you’re passionate about the underwater world, listen up! We’ve got an incredible opportunity for you to experience the vibrant reefs and majestic marine life of Nusa Penida, Bali, Indonesia.
info@purediveresort.com / +62 811 3999852 / www.purediveresort.com
Pure Dive Resort isn’t just another dive centre; it’s a team of experts dedicated to providing world-class scuba diving and freediving adventures around Nusa Penida, Lembongan, Ceningan, and even Bali.
info@purediveresort.com / +62 811 3999852 / www.purediveresort.com
Whether you’re a seasoned diver or completely new to the sport, Pure Dive Resort has something for you:
For certified Divers: Discover stunning dive sites, encounter manta rays, seasonal mola-mola (sunfish), and a dazzling array of marine life.
For beginners: Embark on your scuba journey with beginner programs like Try Scuba and Basic Diver, Open Water and Advanced certifications.
Freedivers: Explore the depths on a single breath with guided freediving experiences and courses.
Exclusive Scubaverse Offer: Save on Your Next Adventure
As a valued Scubaverse follower, you get an exclusive 10% discount on any Dive & Stay or Learn & Stay package booked at Pure Dive Resort for 2024. Dive into the crystal-clear waters, explore breath-taking reefs, and create unforgettable memories in this diver’s paradise.
Visit https://www.purediveresort.com/package-offers/ to explore amazing packages and claim your discount with the code: SCUBAVERSE10
info@purediveresort.com / +62 811 3999852 / www.purediveresort.com
Ready to make a splash?
See you in Nusa Penida!
-
News3 months agoHone your underwater photography skills with Alphamarine Photography at Red Sea Diving Safari in March
-
News2 months agoCapturing Critters in Lembeh Underwater Photography Workshop 2024: Event Roundup
-
Marine Life & Conservation Blogs2 months agoCreature Feature: Swell Sharks
-
Blogs2 months agoMurex Resorts: Passport to Paradise!
-
Blogs2 months agoDiver Discovering Whale Skeletons Beneath Ice Judged World’s Best Underwater Photograph
-
Gear News3 months agoBare X-Mission Drysuit: Ideal for Both Technical and Recreational Divers
-
Gear Reviews2 months agoGear Review: Oceanic+ Dive Housing for iPhone
-
Marine Life & Conservation2 months agoSave the Manatee Club launches brand new webcams at Silver Springs State Park, Florida