October is Macro Month
If you love critters then October is the best time to visit. We believe there are two reasons for this: 1) It is the start of the diving season and the reefs will not have had any divers for at least four months. Yes, there does seem to be an inverse correlation between the number of divers visiting a site and the number of critters seen. And 2) the critters seem to enjoy cooler waters. However, to spot most of these guys you will need to have a guide who really knows the sites. Dive sites change and a site which was hot one season can be disappointing the next. October isn’t the best season for wide angle photography, but if you are into macro it is well worth it.
Below are some images taken by amateur nudibranch specialists Sylvia & Joel Meudic, who stayed with us last October. In two weeks, they photographed over 100 different species of nudibranchs as well as a plethora of pygmy seahorses and other critters such as pipefish, frogfish, crabs and shrimp. To view their excellent and very comprehensive portfolio of images from Triton Bay, please see this page.
Walking Shark & Flasher Wrasse Videos
Here is very rare footage of two of Triton Bay’s most special attractions: the Triton Bay walking shark and the Paracheilinus nursalim flasher wrasse. The walking shark is also known as an epaulette shark, and this species is endemic to Triton Bay. Watch how it moves along the ocean floor. Meanwhile, this particular species of flasher wrasse, though common locally, can only be found in the southern part of the Bird’s Headseascape. Flasher wrasse are like peacocks of the ocean, as the males, in bright, beautiful colors, put on a show each afternoon to attract the ladies!
Many thanks to Jacinto Castillo for both videos, which were taken when he stayed with us in 2018!
The walking shark can be seen starting at 11:00 minutes into the video.
DIVER Magazine article by Brandon Cole
Check out this wonderfully written and photographed article from Brandon & Melissa Cole, who stayed with us in January 2019. The article appeared in the Summer issue of Diver Magazine, and a German version has also recently appeared in Tauchen. Thanks so much Brandon & Melissa!
Andreas Goldhahn Photos
Andy stayed with us for a few weeks in April 2019 and managed to capture one of the best set of photographs we have ever seen, which he has been so kind to share.
Its important to note that underwater visibility and weather for the aerials during his stay actually wasn’t as good as the pictures seem to indicate – he managed to take advantage of the situation when weather was favorable and he did get quite a few excellent wide angle underwater shots even in what most divers would consider to be “poor” visibility. It just shows what proper strobe positioning and adequate lighting can accomplish despite apparently poor conditions.
So below are two galleries. His full collection of pictures taken during his stay with us can be found on his Gallery page. We hope you enjoy them and thank you once again Andy!
To see more of Andreas’ photos, please click this link for his Instagram.
Underwater
Aerials and Panoramas
Dr. Mark Erdmann on Conservation
Underwater Tribe talks to Dr. Erdmann of Conservation International about his almost 3 decades working in marine conservation in Indonesia and the South Pacific. From the beginning of his career, to the explosive growth of tourism in Raja Ampat, to his current projects, the podcast examines the issues that conservationists face. This is a must watch for those who wish to dig deeper and learn more about the development of marine tourism in West Papua.