Nature/Wildlife
We live busy lives, often in urban settings, so when the time comes for a vacation, many of us know that the best thing to do is to turn to nature. Nothing blows the cobwebs away more than a trek in the mountains or communing with creatures in the deep forest. Whether peering into a volcano, riding horseback along a trail, or spotting wildlife on a river cruise, something deep within us needs to feel connected to the natural world. All regions of the world present opportunities for enjoying nature.
In cooler temperate climates you may seek out snow-capped mountains such as the Alps, while equatorial regions offer the dense jungles of Asia or the vast plains of Africa. Anywhere animals live free offers us the chance to witness their majesty and understand better our place in the natural order. We can give ourselves privileged memories of seeing lions, elephants and gorillas on safari, or witness orangutans, monkeys and birds in the trees of the rainforest. The oceans and coastlines of the world offer opportunities for encounters with whales, dolphins, penguins, seals and more. Nature is always good for the soul.
Diving with Marine Iguanas – Dinosaurs on the Shore
Endemic to the Galápagos Islands and found throughout the archipelago, marine iguanas are the only true marine lizard in the world. It is thought that they evolved from land iguanas that drifted to the islands from South America, adapting to a marine environment with...
Diving with Trevallies – Apex Predators of the Reef
Trevally are among the more common fish encountered by divers, in a variety of species. These powerful silvery predators patrol the reefs and are often seen preying on smaller fish, making exciting, sudden dashes around the reef and thrilling any on-looking scuba...
Diving with Turtles – Underwater Ninjas
Turtles are among the best loved of sea-dwelling creatures. This is due both to their cute appearance and personality, as well as their declining numbers and their need for human protection, turtles are among the best loved of sea-dwelling creatures. Everyone loves an...
Diving with Sea Lions – Playful Puppies of the Sea
sharpening its teeth on hard corals in the Sea of Cortez. Photo Courtesy: Nautilus Few marine creatures seem to delight so much in the joy of life as a sea lion. Watching them play with each other, with divers and with other marine creatures, it is hard not to imagine...
The Red Sea – a History of its Formation
Why Egypt's Famous Dive Destination Has a High Level of Endemism The Red Sea is a rather narrow trench of water, running northwest to south easterly, approximately 2,000 km long and 2,000m deep, formed some 38 million years ago. It has a remarkably high number of...
Diving with Tawny Nurse Sharks – Oooh Matron!
Dive with tawny nurse sharks. Photo courtesy: Macana Tawny nurse sharks are quite commonly encountered by divers. You may see them lying on a sandy floor or huddled together in their favourite cave or crevice during the day, or witness them hunting on a night dive....
Fiji’s Resilient Coral Reefs of the South Pacific
When you see an article these days about the marine environment the news always seems to be bad. It would appear that coral reefs face an imminent Armageddon and there is seldom, if ever, any hope expressed. Corals and Sponges in the Koro Sea. Photo Courtesy: Naia...
Diving with scorpionfish: Motionless and Venomous
Scorpionfish are among the ocean’s most fascinating and enigmatic creatures, captivating divers with their extraordinary camouflage and formidable venomous spines. Belonging to the family Scorpaenidae, these ambush predators are found in tropical and temperate waters...
Diving with Sunfish – the Mighty Mola Mola
There are not too many dive sites in the world that can boast the presence of the magnificent Mola Mola, but those that do are rightfully proud of the fact. Diving with sunfish will provide you with an unforgettable memory - the odd looking flat disc lolling near the...