Diving New Guinea Island... When the 16th century Portuguese and Spanish explorers first arrived in the far-eastern part of what was then called the Malay Archipelago. They had no way of knowing they had stumbled upon the second largest island in the world. Neither could they possibly know that the island is one of the most biodiverse places in the world. Occupying just 0.5% of the Earth's surface, but with almost 10% of its species ... And that is just on the land! What they did note though was the similarity between the indigenous people and those of the Guinea region of Africa. Which is how the island came to be called New …
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Amazing Socorro Diving
Amazing Socorro Diving- a true “bucket list” adventure if ever there was one! This group of four islands is located in the Pacific Ocean, some 600 kms from the west coast of Mexico. And it offers some quite unique underwater experiences and is almost synonymous with giant oceanic manta ray encounters. Often referred to as the “Mexican Galapagos” these islands are so special that in July 2016 they were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then in November 2017 the government of Mexico created North America’s largest marine protected area. And made the whole area a national park with total bans on fishing, mining and tourism …
Underneath Edithburgh Jetty
Underneath Edithburgh Jetty... Located on the south-eastern tip of the Yorke Peninsula. The small town of Edithburgh is home to what is possibly the absolute best of all the many wonderful jetties of South Australia. Dived on a good day with optimal conditions, “Edith” as it is known locally in the SA dive community, is a stellar dive. One that ranks highly among the “must do” dives in Australia. Plus, if you can get there for a few days during the week, there is a good chance you will have the place (well underwater that is…) to yourself! Built in 1983 primarily to facilitate the export of locally produced salt around Australia and …
Diving in PNG – Intro and Overview
Diving in PNG... At the closest point of contact just 6km separates Australia from Papua New Guinea. And yet there is so much that is different between these two close neighbours! Australia is a first-world country with many things that are the admiration of the world. Such as generally excellent health, education and social systems, a robust and fully functional democracy together with an average life expectancy of 83 years. PNG on the other hand is very much a third-world country. Which has major issues with its health and education systems, an operating but troubled democracy and an average life expectancy of just 64 …
Rodney Fox – An Aussie Icon
Rodney Fox... I love reading and spend many “quiet time” hours studying my seemingly ever-expanding book collection. And I am particularly fond of autobiographies written by people who have found a way to do something incredible. Whether that be in politics, exploration, adventure or sport. The insight I get in to the author’s persona, ethics and integrity is always interesting and often truly inspiring! But… for all the biographies I have read. Only once did the author look over my shoulder and ask me what I reckoned about their book! So it was last November when Rodney Fox took the time to seek my opinion on his book “Sharks, the …
Big Animals in the Azores
Big Animals in the Azores... Like the tips of icebergs, the islands of the Azores are the peaks of a remarkable chain of underwater mountains. Which are so large, they rank among some of the highest in the world. They rise up from the Azores Platform, a huge area of nearly 6 million km2. Which in itself is just a small part of the incredible Mid Atlantic Ridge, that runs the complete length of the Atlantic Ocean. From the far north and the Arctic Ocean, to the deep south and the Southern Ocean. The Azores Platform is some 2000m below the ocean surface. But the Mid Atlantic Ridge is grounded on to the sea bed another 2000m below that. …
Australian Great White Shark Diving
Australian Great White Shark Diving - Our great brown land down-under, is known for many things... The beaches, the Red Centre, the Great Barrier Reef and the seemingly endless supply of dangerous creatures… However, few of those creatures are considered as terrifying, intimidating and downright BIG as the great white shark. White pointers, as they are often referred to locally, are portrayed as brutally efficient, man-eating monsters. Which constantly patrol our coastlines looking for unsuspecting swimmers and surfers. Much like Freddy Krueger stalks Elm Street looking for victims to participate in the latest nightmare! And when …
Where to Dive in East Timor
Where to Dive in East Timor... On the 20th May 2002, a new country was born to the north of Australia. It was a very painful experience for its people, one they had fought long and hard for. Earning the respect of even those who had opposed its separation from Indonesia. The country, Timor Leste, emerged from centuries of foreign rule - 455 years as a colony of Portugal. And then 24 years under Indonesia after it was “annexed” by its much larger neighbor. In what is a long and sorry tale of colonial exploitation, followed by brutal Cold War “realpolitik”. Timor Leste arrived in the world in a pretty sorry state. With the land …
Underwater Photography in PNG
Underwater photography in Papua New Guinea... PNG, as is it more commonly referred to, is located just south of the Equator and to the north of Australia. It is a large and diverse nation that is known principally for its unique tribal cultures, incredible landscapes and excellent scuba diving. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the main diving locations in PNG. Along with what you can expect to photograph there, but it’s a big topic… So I have tried to provide enough information and insight in to those locations. Plus links you can follow for more detailed information elsewhere on this website. The Best Dive …