Diving gives us the opportunity to explore a world completely different from the surface, and no matter how many times we dive in the same area, each dive feels unique. However, human beings are naturally curious and will always be interested in experiencing new adventures: Night diving, cave diving, shark diving… The desire to explore the unexplored inspires us to plunge into the depths of the ocean in search of new adventures and knowledge. Isn’t that true?
Well, today we want to introduce you to a little-known and rarely practiced diving modality in Spain: Blackwater Diving.
What does Blackwater mean?
Blackwater Diving is a type of night diving where we immerse ourselves in open waters, generally over deep oceanic plains. Unlike conventional night diving, where we usually dive around a reef or from shore, during blackwater diving, we will not be able to see the bottom. This factor makes it a truly eerie experience!
To ensure diver safety, it is recommended to use a separate luminous buoy from the boat to mark our location. A weighted line is attached to this buoy, and along the line, lights are installed powerful enough to be visible from 15/20 meters away.
This will provide us with a clear reference point, making orientation easier and serving both as a depth limit and a meeting point. As you may already know, getting disoriented during night diving is easy, and even more so if we have few visual references.
Who is it for?
This type of diving is only suitable for the most adventurous, as it requires an advanced diving level and specialized equipment. It offers the possibility of spotting animals that inhabit the deep ocean and that we would rarely see during a regular dive.
For underwater photography enthusiasts, blackwater diving provides the opportunity to capture stunning images of marine creatures in the darkness, offering incredible contrasts with the bioluminescence of these beings.
In summary, Blackwater Diving offers a truly unique diving experience that sparks curiosity and excitement in those who practice it. The chance to discover unusual marine creatures, venture into the ocean’s darkness, connect with the abyss, and capture unique underwater images makes this activity an unforgettable experience that every diver should try at least once in their life.
Best destinations for Blackwater Diving
Technically, blackwater diving can be done in any location with great depths. However, these are the recommended Blackwater Diving sites where you can practice this specialty safely and enjoy the experience to the fullest:
- Anilao (Philippines): It is undoubtedly the macro paradise where any photography lover must go one day. A “must” for Diving in the Philippines.
- Dauin (Philippines): This small town in Negros Oriental is one of the emerging destinations for divers in the Philippines, as it offers exceptional macro life and spectacular diving in Apo Island.
- Palau: Apart from being a world-class diving destination, it also offers one of the best blackwater diving experiences on the planet.
Do you want to organize your Blackwater Diving trip? At Te Moana Expeditions, we specialize in diving trips worldwide. Contact us for more information.
Author: Bru Eito
