Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Jan/Feb 2017
Issue 94
The magazine that doesnt
have to say anything here
An experience
without equal
At Wakatobi, you dont compromise
on comfort to get away from it all. Our
private air charter brings you directly
to this luxuriously remote island,
where all the indulgences of a five-star
resort and luxury liveaboard await.
Our dive team and private guides
ensure your in-water experiences are
perfectly matched toyour abilities and
interests. Your underwater encounters
will create lasting memories that will
remain vivid and rewarding long after
the visit to Wakatobi is concluded.
While at the resort, or on board the
dive yacht Pelagian, you need only
ask and we will gladly provide any
service or facility within our power.
Thisunmatched combination of world-
renowned reefs and first-class luxuries
put Wakatobi in a category all its own.
www.wakatobi.com
Issue 94/2 www.uwpmag.com
Contents 37 Less is more
by Mike Ross
Underwater Photography
3 Editorial A web magazine UwP94 Jan/Feb 2017
4 News Travel & Events
14 New Products
54 Palm Beach, Florida 68 Parting Shots
by Walt Stearns by Alex Mustard and Dan Bolt
41 Freshwater Fishes
by Jack Perks
47 Poor Knights, NZ
by Alex Stammers
66 My Shot
by Charlotte Sams
34 Fantasea revisited Cover shot by
by Jussi Hokkanen Alex Mustard
www.backscatter.com/learn/trips-and-classes/trips.php?ID=278
www.SeahorseLiveaboard.com www.bradleyphotographic.com
info@seahorseliveaboard.com
Issue 94/7 www.uwpmag.com
Jason deCaires Taylors Underwater Sculptures
www.underwatersculpture.com
www.wetpixel.com
A
N
L
O
Issue 94/8 www.uwpmag.com
N
Moorea Ocean Adventures
www. downunderpix.com
Standard Features:
Vacuum valve standard on DL models; optional on FL model
Supremely functional control layout with access to all
important camera features
ABC-PC and Lexan construction is strong and fundamentally
corrosion resistant
Balanced aluminum base with left-hand quick release handle
Made in the USA
Find an Authorized Ikelite Dealer at Ikelite.com.
New Products
Nauticam NA-H4D Hasselblad H4D/H3D systems NEW
TYPE
Nauticam sets new standards
for underwater image quality by
introducing our NA-H4D housing for
Hasselblad H4D/H3D systems.
Sensors used in H System backs
are approximately twice the size
possible with 35 mm digital SLRs,
featuring more pixels than 35 mm
digital systems and providing better
resolution and clarity. The pixels in H Underwater Housing for the Sony 6300
System backs are also larger, which
means less noise in your images and
better dynamic range with clearly
APSO-A6300
ZEISS 50mm Macro, 12mm Wide
improved detail. Hasselblad digital programmable
the extra large knobs, settings can and 16-70mm that are suitable
backs on H cameras also allow the interface allows you to customize the for high image camera were added.
be adjusted effortlessly. Shutter
exploitation of powerful features camera according to your particular
release is activated via a lever, by the
such as IAA (Instant Approval desires or working styles.
right index finger; the 2-stage lever
Architecture), DAC (Digital color The NA-H4D housing allows
mechanism is designed to increase the
aberration and distortion correction), convenient access to all functions
tactility by improving the feedback
HB RGB and 3F RAW for unique of the camera, maximizing the
from the cameras shutter button,
natural color solution, lifting the exploitation of this superior system
hence eliminating accidental release
combination above and beyond underwater and making sure that
while focusing. Moreover, the lever
the norm and well into the leading all important moments are captured
located close to the right handle can
position of medium format digital without hassle. The housing is
be customized to reach either the
photography. also extremely well balanced; its
AEL or the true focus functions of
The H Systems central lens thoughtfully designed profile means
the camera; while a circular multi-
shutter allows flash sync at all that when the camera is placed
directional pad, within comfortable
shutter speeds, enabling use of within, the system is almost buoyant
reach by the left thumb allows
flash in all lighting conditions. H underwater.
smooth and swift photo browsing and
cameras contemporary design and Both front and rear control
navigation through the menu.
intuitive operation provide simple wheels are within easy reach by the
and convenient handling and the right thumb and middle finger; with http://acquapazza.jp/en
http://acquapazza.jp/en
www.nauticam.com
Issue 94/14 www.uwpmag.com
This is iBubble
APSO-A72D
Underwater Housing for the Sony ILCE-7M2/7RM2
HOUSINGS
www.ikelite.com www.360rize.com
MACHINED ALUMINUM
FUMBLE-FREE FLIP DESIGN
PERFECT UNDERWATER COLOR
PROFESSIONAL +15 MACRO LENS
COMPATIBLE WITH :
WWW.FLIPFILTERS.COM www.macplus.com
Issue 94/17 www.uwpmag.com
Two new upgraded
FROM POINT & SHOOT
Keldan lights TO PROFESSIONAL
KELDAN stands for compact
lights that are not only extremely
bright, but offer the best beam and
colors for specialty applications such
as underwater videos
KELDAN is continously working
on the improvement of their product
line and have made an upgrade of
the VIDEO 4X FLUX and Video 8X
FLUX.
Underwater Camera Housing for SONY RX100 M4
The MDX-5D Mark lll and the housing to easily accommodate larger
MDX-5D Mark lll ver. 2 housings can diameter lenses.
be converted to accommodate both All controls have luminescence
the EOS 5D Mark lV and the EOS 5D stickers which glow in dark
Mark lll (fees apply). environment.
Important controls can be Equipped with the Optical
operated whilst holding the grips. Viewfinder 0.5x as standard. Other
Frequently-used buttons such as ISO, optional viewfinders such as the
AF Point Selection and Multi-function VF180 1.2x, VF45 1.2x and Optical
Selection buttons are operated by Viewfinder 0.8x can be used.
external levers, allowing quick and Sync Cord 2-pin Connector
accurate operation. enables use of conventional
The Port Lock prevents the port hardwired Sync cable (Manual mode
from turning or loosening and the Port only).
Lock lever is specifically located to Accessory port enables use of
avoid being unlocked accidentally. Leak Sentinel (vacuum sensor).
The housing is equipped with a Built-in leak sensor immediately
lens-lock release button which makes alerts you to water ingress.
it possible to change lenses easily, Equipped with two sacrificial
without opening the housing. zinc diodes (one on the front case
The cameras diopter adjustment and the other on the rear) to prevent
uw dial can be operated from outside the
housing. This feature is useful when
electrolysis damage.
Tripod screw mount is located
CAMERA two or more people with different on the centre underside of the
STOREO eyesight use the housing. housing.
UWCamerastore is WeeFine distributor for Europe.
Pulling out the Focus/Zoom
Dial gives sufficient room inside the www.seaandsea.com
Issue 94/20 www.uwpmag.com
Aquatica Ikelite 200FL TTL Housing
Canon 5DMk IV housing for Nikon D3300, D3400
Advanced Lighting Technology DSLR Cameras
www.ikelite.com
APSG-dpQ
precision machined aluminium dive range extremely versatile.
lights that are compact and light to Utilising Cree LEDs and high-
handle but bright and powerful to use. efficiency constant current circuitry
Orcatorch Technology Ltd is to maximise the conversion of power
an integrated company specializing to light, Orcatorch lights keep a high
in the R&D, manufacture, sales and brightness until the battery is totally
marketing of high performance LED spent.
flashlights for scuba diving, outdoor To ensure an even and efficient
adventure, the police and military. beam, aluminium alloy reflectors are
This is all done in-house with their used along with toughened, scratch-
own R&D centre, CNC machines, resistant glass (coated on both sides).
product assembly lines and testing Robust construction in hard-
labs. anodised finish aluminium ensures the
The range of dive lights includes units are lightweight with good heat
compact backup lights, primary dive dissipation and every ORCA dive light
lights, umbilical canister lights and has to pass a 150mt water pressure
video lights. Accessories such as the test.
hand/wrist mounts along with the
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Issue 94/29 www.uwpmag.com
Canon 1Dx Mark II Review
By Backscatter Staff
https://vimeo.com/178632898
Crazy about
underwater photography?
So are we...
on hard drives when shooting higher CFast cards. Our test pilots didnt
frame rates, but youll double your experience any of these Sandisk
chances to get the shot. issues, but one had a catastrophic
issue with a Lexar 256GB card
Lexar Vs. Delkin CFast Cards that was unrecoverable. Currently
The Canon 1DX II is outfitted Backscatter is only recommending cameras
Ocean Leisure Cameras is
the one-stop central London
with (1) CF and (1) CFast card slot. Delkin 256GB CFast cards as they underwater photography
specialist store.
All 4K 60P recording longer than 10 have been the only cards without HOUSINGS
seconds must be recorded to the new reported issues. Stay tuned for more Address:
CFast card. At a blistering 6GB per feedback from the field. LIGHTS
11-14 Northumberland Ave
London, WC2N 5AQ
www.backscatter.com www.oceanleisurecameras.com
add a small washer inside the main www.deepshots.co.uk I have a lens that nobody makes
jog wheel control lever to make the gears for. Can you help?
housing compatible with this model
- YES we can!
also.
It will be interesting to see what
www.magic-filters.com
Issue 94/41 www.uwpmag.com
Freshwater Fishes
of Britain
by Jack Perks
I suppose when most underwater
photographers think of freshwater photography
in the UK, they instantly think of Stoney Cove,
Leicestershire, with its leviathans like pike and
bold perch. Some may even venture to Capernwray,
Lancaster, with huge shoals of stocked trout
and sturgeon hugging the lakebed. Theres a
whole host of species present in the British Isles,
from tiny loach to huge catfish. Its been a great
pleasure to try to film and photograph all 56 of
them. I started off as an angler and naturalist,
with photography coming much later to me. I was
always mesmerised by watching fish from the
bank but now I barely ever pick up a rod. I noticed,
compared to bird photography, there were very few
fish photographers (probably a reason for that!) but
admired the work of such photographers as Trevor
Rees, Michel Roggo and Rob Cuss who has become Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. Max length 120cm (47.2in). Max weight 27.2kg (60lb)
a good friend and funnily enough lives quite close Another American species imported for sport fishing, Rainbow Trout are found all over the British Isles.
to me! They seldom breed in our climate, although exceptions include a notable population in the Derbyshire Wye.
Freshwater fish can be found in all manner of HABITAT: Prefers fast-flowing rivers and streams but equally at home in large lakes and reservoirs.
habitats, from the industrial canals that create ideal Nikon D7000, Ikelite housing, Tokina 10-17mm, 1/400th @ F7.1. 800 ISO
homes for Perch and Gudgeon to large torrent-
filled rivers full of Atlantic Salmon and Grayling. autumn waiting for a snack. They are the origin for though its not clear what the mussel gets out of this
They are an integral part of the ecosystem for many the word chubby. Bitterling are a small fish that arrangement.
creatures as a food source but are much more than were accidentally introduced to the UK. They dont The book is designed as an easy guide to view
that and hold many fantastic behaviours and stories. cause any major issues but have a fascinating way every one of the 56 species of freshwater fish we
Chub are a greedy river fish that will eat anything of breeding: in the spring, the female deposits eggs presently have in the UK, including non-native
from beetles, small fish, mice and even fruit, with into a live swan mussel then the male fertilizes species and marine species that will penetrate up
the chub hanging around under the bushes in the them. Its thought they do this to protect the young - river. Its a very visual ideal for children and anyone
else who wants to get a glimpse into bream. We have some real oddities dwelling species and different to say the least. Most fish are very
the underwater world of freshwater turn up from time to time as well like perspectives it offers, I mostly use skittish, though it varies from species
fish. It includes chapters on how to albinos, deformities, hybrids and the other techniques for my freshwater to species and even in individuals
spot and find fish which is harder than unknown fish! fish photography because most are some are more bold than others. Ive
most would think; looking down from I go into detail about how I found in fairly shallow water and, had grayling hit me in the face when
a bridge, they can all look the same, capture the underwater images, from more often than not, rivers. The snorkelling one day and another day
but scan them closer and youll see scuba to wellies and everything in- large quarries that we often dive in I struggle to get within 10 feet of
subtle differences such as the broad between. Though I do scuba dive are biologically poor. Freshwater them. Then there are the conditions:
back of a chub or slim shape of a sometimes, for some of the deeper photography is not an easy task, its often cold and hazardous and
the many diseases you can catch are slightest rain will colour the water, is something I hold very dear to hundreds of reserves, many of which
always in the back of my mind (I particularly for lowland rivers, while me and although theres no specific hold bodies of water, and fish can
figure I must have built up a tolerance spate rivers will clear up faster and organisation just for freshwater fish often go unnoticed. My local patch is
by now with the amount of rivers Ive they still flow at a high rate. in the UK there are plenty that help Attenborough Nature Reserve, which
been in). Weather is key as even the Freshwater fish conservation them. The Wildlife Trusts manage is a 226-hectare wetland area and a
magnet for birdlife and other species. many species. many people just dont come into contact with. It can
When doing a survey, I asked how Eels have declined by 95% in be read in one go or easily dipped in and out of. Its the
many fish species they have recorded the last 50 years or so due to barriers, culmination of years of research and hard work, which
over the 50 years that the site had parasites and habitat loss while rivers Im immensely proud of. My work to try and help
been open - to which they replied, are still in a bad way with pollutants protect freshwater fish with photography continues with
Two! I picked a net up myself and entering them, though they have future projects in the pipeline.
added six new tiddlers to the list. improved somewhat.
Putting in reedbeds allows a home and The book is an easy read full of
nursery for many species and cleaning facts, figures and of course plenty of
Jack Perks
gravels allows spawning habitat for www.jackperksphotography.com
underwater pictures of species that
the walls, hiding amongst the sponges and seaweed. cover the walls feeding on the current while In mid water and out into the blue, schools
Due to being swept and nurtured by the Nudibranches in an array of colours and shapes can of Trevally and Kawahi group together to feed on
Pacific Ocean currents, the walls and sea floor be found feeding and mating. Triplefins hop around the rich planktonic life. They intern, are hunted by
are smothered in a rich colouring of sponge and the reef. The Blue-Eyed Triplefin and their electric large Yellow Tail Kingfish that power through the
invertebrate life easily matching some of the blue eyes candy-coloured red and white-striped schools sending them scattering in panic. Kingfish
colorful coral eeefs of nearby tropical destinations. bodies standing out from the rest. Shy Blennies are inquisitive and will often sweep in alone or in
This splash of colour allows for some beautiful poke their heads out from their home within and groups to inspect a diver. Large King fish can get
background that make your macro subjects stand orange or yellow sponge making for a perfect over two meters in length.
out. framed subject to photograph. Shrimps, crabs and If youre lucky, Bronze Whaler sharks can be
Looking closely at the walls and reef reveals Spiny lobsters hide amongst the reef. Within the seen regularly - sometimes alone or in groups. Other
an array of life just waiting to be explored with a depths of caves and arches species usually found at shark species pass through the islands; Mako, Blue
macro lens. Jewel anemones of pink and purples deeper depths can be discovered. sharks and Hammerheads are sometimes seen on
the more open ocean sites during the rays on the coast tend to be more January large mature stingrays can be degrees. The cooler water reduces the
summer months. approachable. found hovering within the archways plankton blooms and the visibility
With-in the Islands sheltered Each Season brings with it during the day, while they wait for can sometimes be an outstanding
shallow dive sites, offer different something different to the Islands the dusk to begin their mating courtships. 60 meters plus. The shorter days of
topography with gardens of kelp summer months from December to Another summer visitor is the winter bring lower sun angles that
forests and sand flats. These tend to April bring in clear warm blue water Starry Toad Puffer fish These pelagic penetrate the archways giving a
be where the most approachable and from the East Australian Current. fish usually only found in the open dappled light into the depths of caves
friendly fish can be found. Sandager The water temperature in Summer is ocean unfortunately find their way and arches allowing for some creative
Wrasse and Pink Pig fish approach usually around 19-21 degrees - this swept in by the Easterly winds. Puffed photo opportunities.
and follow divers around and are brings the pelagic visitors like Manta up at the surface and clinging together It is around this time that Seals
often interested in their reflections in Rays, Sun Fish, Turtles, Marlin and in tight schools as the islands resident make their appearance arriving up
the domeport of the camera. Mako Sharks past the islands. It snapper population attack and devour from the south to hunt the local fish
Eagle rays and Stingrays are is also the season where the Large them from below. schools. Usually found swimming
also found resting on the sand flats Southern Stingrays choose the In the autumn and winter months close to the islands at the surface or
between the reefs and unlike the archways to mate. Towards the end of the sea cools down to around 15-12 lounging on some rocky outcrops
on several spots around the islands. feed relentlessly on the salps. schooling fish shelter with the arch. that covers the walls and bottom.
These playful animals can show up Several dive sites stand The hardest part of photographing Mating stingrays, large schools of
when you least expect it, to literally out amongst many that have this site is deciding to go Wide angle fish huge kingfish and Bronze Whaler
swim circles around you. become popular with underwater or Macro as both will produce some sharks make this an exciting site.
Springtime is usually when the photographers. great photographs. Blue Maomao Arch is famous for
plankton blooms begin the islands Northern Arch at the top of the Tie Dye arch is located at the its schools of Blue Moamoa fish that
exploded in a soup of life. Vast Islands is a narrow archway that cuts pinnacles, it is a group of exposed hide in the shadows and line the wall
amounts of salps appear, feeding on through an outcrop of the island only rugged islands and rocks several from one end of the arch to the other.
the plankton making it feel like diving about 10 meters wide at the surface kilometers south from the main Island A natural window halfway through the
in jelly. However, with the lower vis as it drops down to 40 meters to group. An enormous archway with arch allows light to stream in on the
this is when the macro life is at its the bottom before sloping off to the three enormous entranceways is school making for great photographs.
most colorful. Nudibranches pair up depths. Its vertical walls are carpeted invisible from the surface and only Its a shallow dive site so allows for
to mate laying their spiral egg cases. with an array of colorful sponge reveling its self as you descend. The plenty of bottom time. Very large
Jewel anemones spread out to feed on and anemones life that is swept by Arch gets its name from the Tie Dye football size scorpion fish lay on the
the current and reef fish population the current. Mating stingrays and of colour of sponges and anemones bottom of the arch while in the kelp,
Adventures.
The Poor Knights is often over
looked by passing photographers
heading to more tropical destination
nearby. However, to the underwater
lower the power of your strobes when photographer looking for a new
photographing them as they can destination and something completely
reflect light and blow out the colour. unique to photograph, it is worth the
Look around sponges for time and effort to explore - you wont
Blennies and Triplefins living within be disappointed!
it makes a more pleasing back ground
than the rock face.
There are plenty of Moray Eels Alex Stammers
around the Knights the Mosaic Moray
is the most impressive with its toothy
mouth and mottled patterned skin.
Keep an eye out for the Grey Moray TECHNIQUES TRAVEL
www.alexstammersphotography.com
www.divephotoguide.com contact@divephotoguide.com
Issue 94/52 www.uwpmag.com
Dont settle for 2nd best
When divers think of big animal heavy hitters that call Palm Beach
destinations their minds often turn to home is both long and distinguished,
distant corners of the world such as including some of the largest groupers
the Galapagos, Azores, Silver Banks in the world, all five species of sea
or Cocos Island. But theres another turtles native to the Atlantic, and
location that, while not as exotic, is more than a dozen species of shark,
rapidly gaining recognition as a mecca including lemon, bull, reef, sandbar,
for big animal encounters. I know this silky, dusky, tiger and greater
place well, because I call these waters hammerhead. And although rare,
home. encounters with both whale sharks
Floridas Palm Beach County and great whites have taken place
is best known as a winter home of here.
the mega-rich. But just offshore of
the beachside mansions, another Diving with the Ancient Baby leatherback sea turtle rests up before making a dive into the depths of the
world awaits, and it is populated Mariners Gulf Stream of Palm Beach, FL. Canon 7DmkII inside a Nauticam housing shot
by an impressive cast of outsized Sea turtles have long been a in manual at 1/160 sec at f/11, ISO 200 with a Tokina 10-17mm lens at 17mm.
marine life. Those with only a passing familiar part of the Palm Beach Lighting provided by a pair of Sea & Sea YS-250 strobes set at 1/8 power from less
knowledge of the diving scene may Florida diving scene. Coming face than a foot away.
make statements such as Oh yeah, to face with these non-threatening
you do a lot of drift diving there. But and often quite large marine reptiles (Lepidochelys kempii), which may the Palm Beaches in Jupiter. So far, I
while the technique of drift diving is so common that if you see fewer reach 36 inches / 90cm in length as have come across only three in all my
is certainly the means by which area than two during a course of dive, an adult, averaging around 100 lbs. / years of diving off Jupiter.
reefs and wrecks are explored, it is not its considered a really slow day. 45kgs. They are easily mistaken for Another rare sighting for divers
by any means the primary attraction. Thats because this 45-mile stretch a young loggerhead, with the most is the giant Leatherback (Dermochelys
What makes the Palm Beach of coastline is one of the few telltale difference being the carapace coriacea), a turtle which at full
area so compelling is the marine life. places where all five of the Atlantic (shell), which on a Kemp is both maturity can measurer over 6 ft. / 1.9
I am not talking about profusions of species of sea turtles - Loggerhead, slightly flatter and rounder. Although m in length, and weigh up to 1,100
pretty little reef fish, although they are Hawksbill, Green, Leatherback found predominantly in the Gulf of lbs. / 500 kgs. The largest leatherback
here. Im referring to the wide cast of and Kemps Ridley - are known to Mexico, there is a small population of recorded was 6.5 ft. / 1.98 m in length,
big-ticket showoffs that can make the converge. Kemps that live off Floridas eastern and tipped the scales at 2,019 lbs. /
heart skip a beat when they appear The smallest member of coast between the states northern 915 kgs.), making it a colossus in the
suddenly out of the blue. The list of this group is the Kemps Ridley border and the northernmost end of world of living sea turtles. While in-
(late May June), it is not unheard will barely make it to the reef before the protruding upper jaw, which bears than 24 inches / 60 cm in length. Once
of to count as many as 20 to 30 adult falling asleep in her tracks. Even more a strong resemblance to a hawks in a while I will come across a fully
loggerheads scattered about the comical are the ones that conceal their beak. Often times, divers will come mature turtle in the 36 inch / 91 cm
bottom during the course of one dive. heads under a small overhang while upon one of these turtles using that range, but these I tend to write off as
Most will be females, recovering leaving the rest of their massive body specially designed beak to dig in and transient turtles just passing through.
from the physical expense of hauling exposed to the worldits a bit like a tear small chunks off a sponge. In
their large bodies out of the water and poor attempt at parking a large truck fact, sponges form a primary part of Shark Alley
up a sandy slope in the night, Once in small tool shed. the hawksbills diet, which explains Seeing a large shark can add
ashore, they must dig a hole deep Another highly abundant species why they are a common feature on the excitement to any dive. And in Palm
enough to bury the 100-plus eggs they of sea turtles found along the Palm sponge-rich reefs of Palm Beach. One Beach waters, things can certainly
lay, then drag themselves back to the Beach Coast is the Atlantic hawksbill thing I find interesting is that, unlike get exciting. The members of the
sea to repeat the ritual 10 days later. (Eretmochelys imbricata). Next to a leatherbacks, greens and loggerheads, shark family you are most likely
The most telling evidence of recent Loggerhead they are a smaller and hawksbills rarely nest here, as most of to see here are the nurse, Atlantic
nesting is when a big female is so more agile species, identifiable by the these turtles encountered are largely reef, lemon and bullin that order.
bugged out from exhaustion that she ornate coloration of their shell, and adolescent individuals measuring less Several reefs up between Jupiter and
Goliaths would like you to believe. For the to these more inquisitive and social chase the fish. Your best results will
In recent years, Palm Beach has most part, they can be big babies, with fish as the super models, eager to come by following rule number one
seen the return of the giants. A full- most habitually retreating to a safer pucker for the camera while the diver and moving slow.
grown goliath grouper can exceed 500 distance or disappearing down into fires off shot after shot. Where the fish Over the course of the past five
lbs. / 220 kgs in weight, and measure hole on a wreck the moment they feel are this compliant, you can do almost years, diving with Goliath Groupers
up to 7 ft. / 2.1 m in length, easily threatened. Now and then, a bolder anything short of giving it a bear hug. have grown to become such a
making them the largest tropical reef fish might sound off with a short series If you happen to meet one of these signature trait to Floridas entire Palm
dwelling boney fish in the world. of loud booms, but that behavior is fish, remember there are a few simple Beach region that they just about
When confronted by one, they will typically all bark and no bite. rules to follow: Keep your movements eclipse all other attractions. Finding
command your attention. Yet despite Now and then you may find a fish slow and deliberate, as they also dont one is pretty much guaranteed at most
their formidable size and somewhat that swims out from cover and seems like being surprised. Dont put your wrecks, along with a few stretches of
dense demeanor, goliaths are not the indifferent to the presence of divers. hands in front of its face as it could reefs that have a permanent resident
ferocious brutes some spear-fishermen Local underwater photographers refer result in the fish biting you. Dont population. Drop in on wrecks like the
Zion Train or MG-111 off Jupiter, or nowhere else in the world. These species of grouper, the goliaths visibly can go from good to
the Castor wreck south of Boynton gatherings can draw 90 or more fish path to romance is more marathon exceptional (60-100 ft /18-30 m. Not
Beach, and you should find no less to five specific sites, each of which than sprint, with some making the only is it a spectacle that sometimes
than 8 to 12 of the barrow shape is within easy reach of dive charters journey from considerable distances defies words, it also makes for one
behemoths milling about. In similar between Jupiter and Boca Raton. The as far away as 350 miles/560 hell of a photo opportunity.
fashion, the Mizpah or Danny Wrecks first four I already mentioned; MG- kilometers. Once in Palm Beach Back to the question what is
off West Palm Beach will have at least 111, Zion Train Wrecks and Mizpah waters their spawning season will there to experience in Palm Beach? I
4 to 5 big fish present most of time. (all three sit in depths of 90 ft /27 m take up the entire months of August would think you will find more than
When things really start to get or less), the Castor Wreck off Boynton and September. This provides divers Oh yeah, you do a lot of drift diving
exciting is towards the end of July, as Beach which sits in 110 ft / 34 m. The with a unique opportunity to get there.
the late summer months of August and fifth site, called Hole-in-the-wall, sits incredibly close to the entire spawning
September are this fishs spawning off Jupiter and is a bit deeper, with a aggregation of a critically endangered
season. At this time, the fish come profile of 120 140 ft /36-42 meters. species in one of the most accessible
together in aggregations that are found In comparison to most other places in the world, where underwater
Gulf Stream Effect escarpments are far from featureless, the clearest waters divers will meter depth range, where the presence
The Palm Beach Coast differs which brings us to the Gulf Stream. encounter in Florida, with underwater of colonial sponges, gorgonians, and
from the Florida Keys in the variety This mighty river within the visibility reaching up into the 24 to hydra-corals are highly abundant
and nature of its coral reefs. Instead of sea is the second largest oceanic 30-meter range. and most varied. This covers reefs
the shallow spur and groove fringing current on the planet that begins down The proximity of the Gulf Stream in splashes of color, from orange
reef formations typical of the Keys, the western Caribbean with a pathway does far more than provide divers elephant ear sponges and deeper-hued
bottom contours along Palm Beach that takes it up and around South with inviting water clarity and warmer orange and red tree sponges to my
take the shape of elongated limestone Florida, up the U.S. East Coast and temperatures in the winter. The favorite of the bunch, the red polyp
ridges formed in an earlier millennia on into the North Atlantic all the way Streams constant flow enlivens area octocorals, with their eye-popping
when sea levels were 30 to 140 ft / to the British Isles. This massive flow reefs, bringing the nutrition needed vibrant red to iridescent orange hues.
9 to 42 meters lower than they are of clear, tropical water tracks closer for corals, sponges and bottom fish But all that is mere garnishing on the
today. Varying in height from 3 to as to shore along Palm Beach County life to thrive. Evidence can be seen plate when you see what the main
much as 18 feet (1 to 6 meters) above than anywhere else along the North most readily on the outlying reefs entre is often comprise of.
the sand, these elongated limestone American Continent. This provides and wrecks in the 45-90 feet / 14-28 Between these two adjoining
factors (width of the shelf and Wreck Diving the Mizpah Corridor and Governors wreck known as the Amaryllis, with
presence of the Gulf Stream) coastal Just about every coastal region Riverwalk Wreck Trek, both a short nothing remaining but the hull of a
waters of Palm Beach serves as an of Florida has a few wrecks to dive. boat ride from the Lake Worth Inlet. 450 feet / 138 meter freighter. Should
oceanic highway for a multitude of Where Palm Beach differs from the The Mizpah Corridor begins with its you still have enough air, you will
open ocean and migratory species rest is that there are a number of sites namesake ship, a former 160-feet / likely make it to the fourth wreck on
of marine life from sharks to jacks, where divers can explore two to four 48 meter steel-hull ship sunk in 85 the list, the China Barge. This small
mackerel, tuna, billfish and sea wrecks during a single submersion. feet / 25 meters of water. It is joined wreck usually has a lot fish life around
turtles, to the less expected like That is because many of these sunken by the broken up remains of the PC- it. From start to end, the Mizpah
large Mola Molas (ocean sunfish), vessels were purposely concentrated 1174, a former 150 feet / 45 meter Corridor is a 1,700 ft / 518 m long
passing humpback and Northern Right together in a linear progression south Navy Patrol craft. Both were sunk in drift dive.
Whales. to north to take advantage of the Gulf 1968 and support an amazing amount Like the Mizpah Corridor,
Streams directional flow. of marine growth and fish life. Just Governors Riverwalk is comprised
Two prime examples of this are beyond the two hulks lies a third of four large coastal freighters in the
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