This week the guests aboard the Mermaid II were treated to some of Raja Ampat’s most spectacular and rare sights, with some particularly exciting moments during the night dives.
Finding the nocturnal Walking Shark, also known as an Epaulette Shark, under the cover of the reef is always an exciting moment, so to find one freely swimming at night was an incredible experience.
These slender longtailed carpet sharks are famous for using their pectoral and pelvic fins to walk their way along the seafloor and are even capable of walking right out of the water and into isolated tidepools. Walking on land isn’t their only talent; these fascinating sharks have evolved to hunt in waters where the oxygen levels have dropped by a staggering 80% or more, and can even survive without oxygen for up to three hours. This allows them to feed on the unlucky prey that are trapped in the confines of the tidepools.
Usually a shy shark among divers, our guests were lucky enough to spend several minutes with the nocturnal hunter swimming through the coral reef.
Speaking of corals, another rare sight witnessed at night was the spawning of both corals and anemones. This spectacular display only happens once a year, so to be present for the event was an unforgettable experience.
Combine these night dives with manta ray encounters, wobbegong sharks and massive schools of fusiliers and bigeye trevally, and you have the trip of a lifetime.
John Roney
MV Mermaid II
April 08 to 16, 2023
More info about destination https://www.mermaid-liveaboards.com/destinations/raja-ampat-liveaboard/