Scalloped hammerheads are widespread and seen in giant numbers in Malpelo
The Tropical Jap Pacific is dwelling to a number of the world’s most well-known dive locations, together with the Galápagos Islands, Cocos Island in Costa Rica, and the Revillagigedos Archipelago in Mexico, however one different much less well-known however equally interesting vacation spot also needs to be included on this record: Malpelo Island in Colombia. Situated 300 miles from the mainland and solely accessible by liveaboard, Malpelo is a difficult place to go to and to dive, however adventurous vacationers keen to make the journey to this barren seamount might be rewarded with wide-angle picture alternatives to rival anyplace else on the planet. These accustomed to this a part of the world will know that nutrient-rich upwellings deflected into shallower water by underwater mountain ranges present gasoline for an abundance of marine lifetime of all sizes and styles.
No gentle coral coated reefs or their regular inhabitants right here. As an alternative, you’ll discover giant rock formations and cliff faces that descend quickly into the deep water trench surrounding the island. The main focus in Malpelo is all the time on what could seem out of the blue, so underwater photographers diving listed below are suggested to neglect concerning the macro lens and focus on the massive stuff. Large faculties of hammerhead and silky sharks patrol the water surrounding the island, and whale shark sightings are widespread. You too can anticipate to come across eagle rays and big faculties of jacks, barracuda and tuna. Nearer to the rocks, you’ll be able to give attention to exhausting coral coated outcrops and a few shut focus broad angle photographs of moray eels and scorpionfish. Both manner, broad angle is the best way ahead!
Count on robust currents and deep dives to expertise the perfect encounters, and to make issues extra difficult you usually must cope with chilly water and restricted visibility, too. Underwater photographers are sometimes shocked to find how troublesome it may be to seize good photos in these situations, so it’s testomony to 1’s capturing expertise if you happen to return from journeys within the Jap Tropical Pacific with nice pictures or video.
Giant faculties of fish are discovered throughout the island and make for excellent photos
An enormous whale shark drifts by effortlessly in opposition to the robust present
Even across the rock formations fish faculty in giant numbers
Colourful coral scenes to enhance the massive animal photos are additionally potential in some areas
A pair of noticed eagle rays utterly surrounded by fish
A twister of jacks block out the daylight above
A brilliant pink scorpionfish offers the closet factor to macro capturing you could find in Malpelo
Giant teams of barracuda swim on formation like birds above the floor
Head to head with the biggest fish within the ocean, the whale shark
A detailed-up shot of a leather-based bass in deep water
Moray eels will be seen in teams far and wide in Malpelo
A diver explores a darkish crevice near the islands shoreline
An enormous ball of snapper heading into deeper water to keep away from predators and some photographers!
A silky shark approaches the group within the blue
A flounder glides over the rocks looking for a spot to cover
Even the birds above wish to see what is going on under the water in Malpelo
A silky shark follows an enormous faculty of tuna, a typical Malpelo wide-angle picture
To see extra of Fabrice’s Galápagos photos or his equally superior work from different locations, try his web site, www.fabricedudenhofer.com, and his Instagram web page.