Night Diving: A Whole New World Underwater

 Diving at night is an experience that’s hard to put into words – yet here I am trying. 

These are my absolute favourite dives to do. 

It's like stepping into another universe, one where the familiar scenes of daylight transform into something more mysterious, almost surreal. Some of my all time favourite dives have been night dives. 

The dive briefings are more relaxed and chilled as we watch the sun set for the night.

 

The first time I dived after sunset, I was a bit anxious. I think there's something naturally eerie about entering the water when you can’t see what lies beneath. But as I descended and turned on my torch, I quickly realised how different and captivating the ocean is at night. 

Creatures I’d never see during the day emerged from their hiding spots, illuminated in the glow of my light. Octopuses roamed freely, using the cover of darkness to hunt. Even the fish looked different, many more relaxed, floating almost dreamily in the current.

  

What I love most about night diving is the heightened sense of calm and focus it brings. There’s no vast expanse of blue stretching endlessly in every direction. Instead, it’s just you, your light, and whatever falls within its beam. It’s a kind of mindfulness that’s hard to find in other settings. And, of course, it’s a thrill... you never know what might be lurking just outside your light’s reach. On one dive, my torch flashed to a Nurse Shark which was a nice surprise.

Generally you see:

1. Bioluminescence
2. lobsters, crabs, shrimp, and octopuses
3. Hunting Predators - moray eels and certain shark species
4. Coral Polyps Feeding: Many corals extend their polyps at night to feed, displaying intricate patterns and movements not typically seen during the day.
5. Enhanced Colors
6. Basket Starfish 
7. Bloodworms - red tiny worms that are attracted to your light (watch the video bellow)

If you ever get the chance, I highly recommend giving night diving a try. It might just become one of your favourites too.