While we’re all at home and reigniting our addiction to social media, let’s check out some seriously scroll-stopping images to virtually explore the world from our living rooms. So, wherever you are, kick-back and enjoy a taste of freediving photos in Indonesia.
This photo was taken in breathtaking Raja Ampat, a remote diving haven in Eastern Indonesia made up of over 1500 islands. Here you’ll find sublime scenery both above and below the water, from hidden lagoons and caves to white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, teeming with an abundance of diverse marine life. If you like sharks then you are in for a treat! Raja Ampat is an ideal habitat for white tips, black tips, grey reef, tasseled wobbegong, and grey reef sharks. As well as turtles, manta rays, pygmy seahorses, a variety of nudibranchs and much more!
Manta Rays are often at the top of most divers’ to-see list – with their graceful movements and a wingspan of up to 7m/23ft, it’s easy to understand why. As filter feeders, manta rays are harmless to humans, allowing freedivers to swim alongside them, whilst sticking to responsible diving practices of course. And making for some pretty cool selfies! This photo was taken in the Indonesian paradise of Bali, an island that attracts divers year-round with many dives sites, each more beautiful than the last.
Most people dream of swimming with dolphins from childhood, they’re smart, fun and move through the water so beautifully. It’s only the very lucky who get to see them in their natural environment but if you go to Bali, you’re in with a fair chance. Bali really does have something for every type of diver, big marine life such as dolphins and mantas, shipwrecks if you’re feeling adventurous and a diverse mix of small creatures for the macro-photography lovers.
Divers worldwide flock to Mabul Island to experience the awe-inspiring underwater world there. The fishing village became popular with divers in the 1990’s and it’s easy to see why, arguably one of the richest locations for small marine life anywhere in the world, I’ve heard people refer to it as “macro diving mecca” with a variety of hard to find critters… But don’t forget to look up as there’s a good chance you’ll see turtles too.
Have you visited the underwater statues of Gili Meno? Created by British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor to symbolise life and continuity, each statue was made from casts of real people, making the sculpture an interesting diving experience, as well as a unique freediving photo opportunity. The Gili Islands are known for their amazing coral reefs and vast marine life, it’s hard to get bored on a dive trip here.
The thriving marine life around Bali has remained mostly untouched for thousands of years, offering a rich array of coral and fish incomparable to anywhere else in the world. Amed is a traditional fishing village in North-East Bali and a well-known location in the freediving community. Be prepared to see parrotfish, batfish, angelfish, snappers and much more… Even a reef shark or a green turtle if you’re lucky.
As if Raja Ampat wasn’t amazing enough, hidden in the rainforest-covered cliffs lies an isolated lagoon, lined with mangroves, with a biodiverse underwater ecosystem. After a short hike to find it, you’ll be tempted to dive in with haste. But below the surface, are three species of stingless jellyfish and it’s important to swim gently between them. Try to keep your distance, and allow yourself to be surrounded by the translucent orbs for a pretty cool freediving photo opportunity.
Ready to start planning your next dive trip to Indo? Don’t forget your camera!
