Our recent diving expedition had it all: an array of dive sites each offering unique topographies suited to every kind of diver. The vastly diverse and rich abundance of marine life made for an incredible voyage. Healthy reefs set the stage as fish of all sizes danced atop the corals in an explosion of color. We even tested our eyesight with muck dives at night, scouring the seabed to encounter a plethora of otherworldly life. From mesmerizing Bigfin Reef Squid pulsing waves of color across their bodies in a hallucinogenic display, to tiny, intricate Ghost Pipefish showing off their camouflage prowess by resembling stray leaves floating mid-water, each night dive was a spectacular experience.
After exploring several beautiful reefs and enjoying relaxing dives, it was time for some adrenaline. Seeking a more lively dive, we pursued the current. Diving down to twenty meters, we pushed hard against the flowing water and were truly rewarded. We secured front-row seats to a spectacular display as we hunkered down atop a drop-off, gazing out into the blue. White Tip and Grey Reef sharks filled our vision, gliding through the vast expanse of the ocean. These magnificent animals boasted their superior ocean mastery as they carved through the current with pure elegance and power.
Taking a break from the water, we ventured ashore in search of prehistoric beasts. The arid, golden-brown island of Komodo, speckled with vivid green flora, provided us with epic encounters with the notorious giant lizards endemic to the region: the magnificent Komodo Dragons. Slumbering on the sand, we saw many of these goliaths soaking up the gentle warmth of the early morning sun, warming their bodies before the intense afternoon heat forced them to retreat to the shade. It wasn’t until they got up and started to roam that we truly grasped how immense these animals are. Each foot landed with a heavy thud, and as a dragon crossed our path, its hulking mass swayed with every step. Its head swiveled from side to side, checking us out, as its long, forked tongue flickered, tasting the air.
As the trip neared its end, we went searching for some gentle ocean giants. Graciously, these winged beings soared above our heads as they disembarked from their cleaning station. There were mantas everywhere. In deeper water, our interactions, while beautiful, were only brief. However, at the surface, we saw an entirely different side to these animals. The sun penetrated the surface in a cascade of golden light as a fine mist of plankton littered the water. An endless stream of manta rays feasted upon this microscopic banquet, arcing and looping as they somersaulted through the water, scooping mouthfuls of plankton. Unbothered by our presence, they swooped in close, gliding past slowly as though observing us. The water burst with action; everywhere you looked, one of these winged giants could be seen. It was a truly glorious finale for an incredible trip.
This journey wasn’t just about the thrill of diving and exploring underwater landscapes. It was about connecting with the natural world in its rawest, most awe-inspiring form. Every dive, every encounter, and every moment on this trip reinforced the beauty and the fragility of our oceans, urging us to protect and cherish these underwater realms for generations to come.
– Alexa Sadem
Mermaid II
Bali-Komodo-Saleh Bay-Bali
June 06-15, 2024