At Soul Scuba Divers we are organizing night dives from Monday to Friday every night! This week's blog post gives you Ben's view of his first-night dives ever with Soul Scuba Divers!
NIGHT DIVES ALA BEN
For many divers, a trip to Raja Ampat is high on the bucket list. Encouraged by the dense coral gardens, endless biodiversity, and thriving ecosystems, divers flock to this Paradise on Earth. With an average dive filled with everything from schools of batfish to the well-disguised wobbegong or the macro-lovers pygmy seahorse, there is an overwhelming amount to see wherever you look.
At night, this all changes. The swaying polyps of soft corals close and retract, fish skitter away from the beams of torches, and invertebrates hang just inside their holes waiting for a meal to pass by. With the schooling fish asleep and sharks out hunting in the dark, the focus of the dive shifts to a focus on the small critters.
Coming from the temperate reefs of New Zealand, my eyes are poorly adjusted to spotting camouflaged animals best compared to the size of a grape. This led my first-night dive at Yenbuba Jetty to be predominantly focused on the strobing lights of the divers in front of me, rather than studying the seafloor beneath. The dive seemed more chaotic than a daytime dive, with cones of light flashing over the reef and beyond as divers twisted around to look in cracks and overhangs.
After an hour underwater spotting little more than a few shy fish, I was amazed to hear about the other guests who had found pygmy seahorses, decorator crabs, and plenty of nudibranchs.
As a Divemaster Trainee at Soul Scuba, my lack of macro-vision was dispiriting, with guides and instructors often showing guests reef critters that I could barely see when pointed to, let alone find by myself. As I began to guide more dives, the pressure to find something interesting weighed on my mind.
This week, determined to find something more than a sleeping Anglefish, I once again descended at Yenbuba Jetty just after dusk to complete my second-night dive. I can happily report, this dive ranks as one of my top dives ever. With a bit of prereading and a focus on slowing down, I discovered heaps of macro life nestled amongst the corals. From massive crabs to many isopods and amphipods, a baby cuttlefish, and an octopus curled away in a hole, the dive did not disappoint.
Compared to my first night dive, this one felt serene and poised. Like a city late at night, the quiet streets hiding a thriving night scene for those who know where to look. The focus of a torch beam and the reflective eyes of the reef’s inhabitants helps zoom in on the life happening in the reef’s pockets and corners.
With this second night dive inspiring confidence and a love of macro, I’ve been finding more nudibranchs, shrimp, and other gastropods on dives throughout the day. With some of the best diving in the world within 10 minutes of the Dive Centre, I’m excited to continue learning about these small reef creatures’ habitats and expanding what I can find underwater. Writer Divemaster @sailingkiwi
Guidelines for First-Timers at Night Dives
Night diving in Raja Ampat is a thrilling adventure, but it’s also an entirely different experience compared to daytime dives. If you’re a first-timer, it’s important to approach the night dive with a few key guidelines in mind to make your experience safe and enjoyable:
1. Ensure You Have the Right Gear
While the standard dive equipment is essential, night diving requires a few additional tools to enhance your safety and visibility. You’ll need a reliable dive torch with extra batteries, as well as a backup light just in case. You may also want to consider a dive light that attaches to your gear for hands-free use when taking photos or exploring smaller critters.
2. Master Buoyancy Control
During the day, it’s easy to get distracted by the sights around you, but at night, you’ll need to stay calm and focused. Maintaining good buoyancy control is crucial as your focus will shift more to the small creatures and intricate features of the reef. Practice slow, deliberate movements and make sure your gear is secure to avoid disturbing the fragile marine environment.
3. Pay attention to Your Guide
The night dive can be disorienting, especially for first-timers. It’s easy to lose track of your surroundings with reduced visibility and light, so staying close to your guide is important. Your guide will know the best areas to explore and help spot some of the more elusive critters that may be hidden in the coral.
4. Be Respectful of Marine Life
Many creatures that come out at night are shy and sensitive to disturbance, so avoid shining your torch directly into their eyes, and never touch or chase marine life. Keeping a safe distance and moving gently ensures that you don’t scare away the delicate creatures, giving you the chance to observe them in their natural habitat.
5. Slow Down and Take Your Time
Night diving rewards patience. Many of the most interesting creatures are small and well-camouflaged, requiring a keen eye and a slow approach to find. Don’t rush your dive; let your torch beam guide you slowly along the reef, taking in the subtle beauty of the macro life. The quieter, calmer environment at night often brings out creatures that aren’t visible during the day, so be prepared to take your time to enjoy the experience.
6. Stay Relaxed
Night diving can feel like a completely new experience for many divers, but it’s also one of the most rewarding. Relax and embrace the experience. The quiet, the dark waters, and the sense of mystery make every moment underwater feel special. Stay calm, keep breathing slowly, and enjoy discovering the hidden world beneath the surface of Raja Ampat. Writer Anni Kytomaki
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