Ending A Decade of Birthday Dives

Today is my birthday! I originally planned to be in the Philippines celebrating and scuba diving the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has altered my magnificent birthday dive schedule this year. And it has also ended a decade of consecutive fantastic birthday dives.

Spending time out of the water has allowed me to reflect on the good times and how fortunate I have been. About seven years ago, I picked up underwater photography and later videography.

Here are a few images that have brought back a few fond memories of phenomenal scuba diving.

Taking the Wreck Diver Specialty Course in Grenada

Entering the Shark Arena Nassau (Bahamas)

https://youtu.be/JP6OTh0aScM

Navigating Shipwrecks in Grand Cayman

Exploring the Reefs in Barbados

https://youtu.be/Pc-7LcoHLgI

https://youtu.be/Xo4ImQGWRtU

Discovering the richness of Isla del Caño (Costa Rica)

Night Dive – Bonaire

Bonaire is a small Caribbean island renowned for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life. One of the island’s most prized inhabitants is the Caribbean lobster, a spiny crustacean that can be found hiding in the rocky crevices of Bonaire’s coral reefs.

Despite their popularity as a food source, Caribbean lobsters are also essential to Bonaire’s marine ecosystem. They help to maintain the balance of the reef by feeding on algae and other small organisms and are themselves preyed upon by larger fish and sharks.

This image was captured on a night dive in Bonaire.

Fluorescent Friday : Hurghada Departure

Some creatures underwater have the ability to absorb light and re-emitted at a longer wavelength.

Using a yellow filter scuba divers can observe this awesome aspect of nature. The filter can be attached to a divers mask. Underwater photographers and videographers will also need to add a yellow filter to their camera lens to capture the light spectrums.

These underwater photography were taken during night dives in the Red Sea, off the coast of Egypt.

Here are more details about my camera set-up and approach to capturing fluorescent images during night dives.

Here is another shot from today's mershoot.

@leece looking very lovely and cool in her #MagicTail .

#OlympusTG4 #underwaterPhotographs #mermaid

We did a mershoot with some Serious Underwater Photographers today.

I also took a few shots. Here is one of @leece cruising past the sun.

#OlympusTG4 #underwaterPhotographs #mermaid

Diving into the World of Whale Sharks off the Cebu Coast

https://youtu.be/NrVdBLHUnVc?si=TqZWDCA41XIIA8Yy

In the heart of the Philippines lies the picturesque island of Cebu, known for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and the remarkable opportunity it offers to snorkel with the gentle giants of the ocean – whale sharks. With a sense of anticipation and awe, I embarked on a journey to experience an encounter that would leave an indelible mark on my memory.

Equipped with a mask, snorkel, camera, and a heart full of excitement, I boarded a boat along with a group of fellow adventure-seekers. As we set sail, the guides briefed us on the guidelines for responsible interaction with the whale sharks. The importance of maintaining a respectful distance, refraining from touching the creatures, and using biodegradable sunscreen to protect the marine ecosystem was emphasized.

The boat gently glided over the crystal-clear waters until we reached a spot the guides deemed suitable for encountering these gentle giants. As the boat anchored, the anticipation among the passengers was palpable.

Slipping into the water, I was immediately greeted by the sheer vastness of the underwater world. Schools of vibrant fish darted around the corals, creating a living tapestry of colors. And then, out of the blue abyss, a shadow emerged.

Whale sharks, the size of a bus, gracefully approached, their distinctive pattern of white spots and stripes adorning their massive bodies. Time seemed to stand still as these majestic creatures glided effortlessly, filtering plankton through their colossal mouths. The sheer magnitude of their presence was humbling, and a sense of reverence swept over me.

With my heart racing and breath held in awe, I cautiously swam alongside the gentle giants. The water around me seemed to shimmer with a magical quality, accentuating the surreal nature of the moment. As if aware of its role as an ambassador of the deep, the whale sharks moved with a serenity that belied its size.

Back on the boat, a sense of camaraderie filled the air as we shared our experiences. The guides spoke of the community’s vital role in protecting these creatures and the delicate marine ecosystem. The importance of sustainable tourism and preserving the natural habitats of these animals resonated deeply within all of us.

Snorkeling with whale sharks off the coast of Cebu was not just an adventure; it was a reminder of the profound beauty that exists beneath the waves and our responsibility to safeguard it for generations to come.

Latest Videos and Photos from the Logbook

• Sand Tiger Sharks of the North Carolina Shipwrecks

• Chasing Clouds — Tubbataha

• Juvenile Orange Frogfish (Painted Frogfish) Walking the Reef

Last Week on Instagram: Underwater Photos from My Favorite Dives

Behold a compilation of underwater images I recently unveiled on my Instagram feed. These photographs offer a glimpse into the enchanting world beneath the waves, where vibrant marine life dances amidst the backdrop of breathtaking seascapes.

Every week I share new underwater photos and short video clips on Instagram from my dives around the world, including the Caribbean, Indonesia, the Philippines, and more. If you missed this week’s posts, here are a few of my favorite shots and the stories behind them.

Colorful Reef Fish and Coral Scenes

From shallow reefs to deeper walls, I’m always looking for moments where reef fish, soft corals, and sponges line up in a single frame. These shots were taken on recent dives where visibility was excellent and natural light helped bring out the colors. I shared close-ups of reef fish, wide-angle reefscapes, and a few fun safety stop moments on Instagram this week.

Macro Moments: Nudibranchs and Tiny Critters

Some of this week’s most popular Instagram posts were macro images featuring nudibranchs, shrimp, and other tiny reef critters. Shooting macro underwater means slowing down, perfecting buoyancy, and paying attention to details on the reef. If you enjoy macro photography or just love seeing the smaller side of the ocean, make sure to follow along on my feed for more macro shots.

Why I Share My Underwater Photography on Instagram

Instagram is a great place to connect with other divers, underwater photographers, and ocean lovers. I use it as a visual logbook of my dives and a way to highlight responsible dive operators and destinations that care about marine conservation. Each week I post new underwater images, short video clips, and behind-the-scenes stories from recent trips and local dives.

Follow My Underwater Adventures

If you like these images and want to see more underwater photos, camera tests, and dive trip highlights, you can follow me on Instagram at @@ScubaHankNYC. I also post longer stories and detailed dive reviews here on the blog, so feel free to explore recent posts below.

Looking for more trip reports and underwater imagery? Check out:

• Into the Depths with Frogfish
• Phyllidia: Nature’s Living Jewels
• Whale Watching Wednesday

Last one for now, also by @leece .

Back to a pool, and thoughtful #merdude is thinking deep thoughts.

#mermaid #UnderwaterPhotographs

Another #mermaid photo of me by @leece .

This time at #wadjemup

#merdude #UnderwaterPhotographs

It has been a while since I've been in the water - CoVID, surgery, and changing pool regulations have all conspired.

So here is shot from a little while back, taken by @leece at a local pool.

#mermaid #merdude #UnderwaterPhotographs