Divemaster 09/25

PUBLISHED BY TAUCHEN

DIVEMASTER

#9 - SEPTEMBER 2025

Technical diving

 Cave diving in Norway

 Rebreather tour in the Red Sea

Photography

 Nikon Z50 II + Nauticam housing

 "The Pit" - Cenote excitingly staged

 Snorkelling tool: Mobile phone case with dome port

Equipment

Fins test: Cressi "Origin LD + HD"

Overview: Surface buoys

Diversity with depth

Indo-Pacific

Indonesia

Philippines

Virgin Cocoavirgin dream island

Maldives

Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa

Aggressor safari: From Cebu to Tubbataha Reef

TAUCH- ,SCHNORCHEL- & REISEMESSE

25.– 28. SEPT. 2025

Messe

Friedrichshafen, Halle B5

Die legendäre Tauchsportmesse am Bodensee:

• Attraktive Angebote und Reiseschnäppchen

• Interessante Bühnenvorträge

• Parallel zur Interboot

• Zwei Messen – ein Ticket, doppelter Mehrwert!

Alle Infos zu Ausstellern, Programm, Anfahrt etc.

Where have all the divers gone?

This question is currently occupying many local diving centres. "The specialities and advanced training courses are going quite well. But the beginners' courses are a disaster," says a diving centre operator friend from the centre of Germany. The result? Where no new divers are being trained, equipment sales are also falling by the wayside. He estimates that 2025 will be one of the weakest years in a long time in terms of OWD training numbers. It's easy to work out what this means for the coming years: Fewer newcomers today means fewer candidates for advanced courses tomorrow - simple maths. This concern is also spreading on social media. Someone recently asked where the "new divers" were. The answers were complex but sobering: Diving is too expensive, gets lost in the jungle of leisure activities, is no longer attractive enough for younger generations and has too little presence overall. Demographic developments are exacerbating the situation. All of this is in line with my own observations. And if you think the development through to the end, it becomes clear that diving in Germany is facing hard times. The potential thinning out of dive shops and specialist retailers is particularly alarming. Because with every closed centre, an important point of contact between potential diving enthusiasts and

training disappears. It will become even more problematic if popular training regions such as Egypt also weaken - regions that previously produced many holiday divers who then continued their diving careers in Germany. If this supply disappears, things will become bleak for the industry and therefore also for us as a diving medium. However, this is a phenomenon of the "old world". In Asia, the situation is currently exactly the opposite.

Too pessimistic? Or is there a glimmer of light on the horizon? Let me knowwhether you are a diver, diving instructor or shop owner. One small consolation remains: It's probably getting emptier at my favourite spots. And solo diver certifications could soon be booming.

So, dear "remaining ones": Let's continue to pursue our great hobby with passion. Let's dive into the following pages full of inspiring diving stories. Enjoy reading - and diving!

Alexander Kaßler Editor-in-Chief TAUCHEN alexander.kassler@tauchen.de

It's not just the fish that are becoming fewer and fewer every year.

Photos: Mark B. Hatter (1); Cedric Schanze (1); Benjamin Schulze (1); Rachel Moore (1); Wolfgang Pölzer (1); Harald Hois (1); Martin Strmiska (1)

MAGAZINE

sun+fun company portrait 12

TRAVEL

News from the travel industry 16 Philippines: Liveaboard with M/Y Aggressor 18

Indonesia: Virgin Cocoa in Maratua Atoll 26

Egypt: Techsafari for rebreather divers 36

Egypt: Utopia Beach Resort in Marsa Alam 42

Maldives: Le Méridien Maldives Resort 48

EQUIPMENT

News from the equipment market 54

Practical test: New Origin fins from Cressi 56

Overview: Safety equipment for diving buoys 60

EXPERTS

News from science & research

Report: Plura Cave in Norway 64

Consultation: Diving after dental surgery 70

Know how: Identify fish 72

Apnoea: Snorkelling destinations 74

FOCUS

News & Products

Test: Nikon Z50II in Nauticam housing 89

Test: Dome lens for DiveVolk housing 82

school: Cenote in the right light

Cover °09.25 Tobias Friedrich took the cover picture of this issue on the house reef of the Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort in the Maldives.

CONTACT & MORE

EDITORIAL TEAM

JAHR Artopé Media GmbH & Co. KG Bajuwarenring 9, 82041 Oberhaching Tel. 089/5 52 41-0, Fax 089/5 52 41-244

E-mail: redaktion@tauchen.de SHOW

089/5 52 41-225

E-mail: sales@tauchen.de

SUBSCRIPTION + CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Tel. 040/5555 7991, e-mail: jam@dpv.de DIGITAL www.tauchen.de/epaper

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(www.unworldoceansday.org)

1. PLACE: "ABOVE WATER SEASCAPES"

Leander Nardin, Austria

aerial view: a remote coastalsection near Shark Bay, Western Australia.

Shortly after the 2024 recording in French Polynesia, this whale was fatally injured by a boat.

1. PLACE: "WONDER"

Rachel Moore, USA

1. PLACE: "FACES"

Andrey Nosik, Russia

This photo of an antleredbutterfish (Chirolophis japonicus) was taken in the Sea of Japan, about 80 kilometres southwest of Vladivostok/Russia.

1. PLACE: "UNDERWATER SEASCAPES"

Dani Escayola, Spain

Jellyfish Lake in southern Raja Ampat.

2. PLACE: "FACES"

Marchione Giacomo, Italy

A very rare pothole octopus (Tremoctopus sp.) off Anilao.

2. PLACE: "ABOVE WATER SEASCAPES"

Only Tucker, England Gannets (Morus bassanus) hover over the dramatic cliffs of Scotland's Hermaness National Nature Reserve.

2. PLACE: "UNDERWATER SEASCAPES"

Gerald Rambert, Mauritius

A school of eagle rays floats in the current off Mauritius.

2. PLACE: "WONDER"

Luis Arpa, Spain

A young batfish (Platax pinnatus), photographed with a slow shutter speed.

We regularly present diving tour operators here, which have been established and positioned on the market for years. Today: sun+fun from Munich, under whose umbrella several specialists operate.

Everything under one roof!

The tour operator sun + fun was founded in 1982 and has since developed into one of the bestknown sports travel specialists in Germany. Diving holidays are currently the largest segment, which is also due to the fact that two other renowned diving tour operators have come together under the sun + fun umbrella. In addition to Sub Aqua (founded in 1972), Nautilus Tauchreisen (founded in 1965) has now also joined sun + fun, which is unique in this way. No single tour operator can be a specialist for the whole world. But when three specialists join forces, they suddenly cover the entire diving globe. sun + fun has traditionally specialised in South East Asia and Africa. Sub Aqua has always been an absolute institution when it comes to diving safaris, the Maldives and

sun + fun can of course offer all known diving centres, but operates and advises independently, as there are no associated diving centres. The customer also benefits from the corresponding regular customer discounts of the various diving centres.

the Red Sea. And Nautilus Tauchreisen has its clear home in the Caribbean. Together, this results in a broad portfolio from which our joint customers can only benefit. Wherever you want to travel in the world, sun + fun has an experienced specialist for the destination in question.

Trade fair team at the boot in Düsseldorf

Our divers in the team

MYRIAM KOLBITSCH undertook her first backpacktrip through Southeast Asia at the age of 18 and discovered diving shortly afterwards. Her passion eventually took her to the Philippines for four years as a diving instructor and base manager. Since then, she has been constantly travelling - especially in Asia, which remains a very special place for her to this day.

RENÉ SEIFERT discovered diving during his training as a tourism agent and completed two diving courses on his first inspection trip. Since then, he has travelled around the globe - with a particular focus on the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and Egypt. He is also known as a flight magician: if he can't find a flight, there probably won't be one.

NAUTILUS

➞+49 89 20 80 76 170

NADIA VON ARX has been diving since 1993, starting in the Philippines. Since then, she has been at home underwater all over the world. Whether individual trips, diving safaris or island hopping: there is hardly a diving trip that Nadia has not been on and covered. She likes to combine her diving trips with yoga.

SUN + FUN➞+49 89-20 80 76 162

JAN THIES completed his diving course in the Mediterranean at the age of 16 and his first longdistance trip took him to Cuba in 1999. Since then, he has found his second, emotional home in the Caribbean. since then, he has travelled more than 80 times and enjoys discovering new, adventurous destinations, primarily in the Caribbean and Central America.

NAUTILUS➞+49 89 20 80 76 170

YVONNE DEDIO discovered her passion for diving in 2001 while travelling through Australia and quickly decided that she wanted to turn her hobby into a career. Since then, she has travelled to the most remote places such as Papua New Guinea, Raja Ampat, Palau and Galapagos and is also an absolute flightexpert.

MAIKE PILZ is the youngest member of the sun+fun crew. She is a qualified tourism management assistant and completed her open water course in Egypt in 2021. Since then, she has been to Egypt a few more times, as well as to the Maldives, Kenya and the Caribbean.

SUN+ FUN➞+49 89-20 80 76 162

SUN+ FUN➞+49 89-20 80 76 162

BETTINA KUNKEL was a tour guide on the Male dives in 1989 when she discovered her passion for diving. So what could be more natural than working for a diving tour operator? After numerous trips, her specialities are still the Maldives and Egypt. She is also something of a good soul in the Munich office.

SUB AQUA➞+49 89 20 80 76 135

SUB AQUA ➞+49 89 20 80 76 135

BERND LEONHARDT, known as Leo, learnt to dive on the Caribbean island of Saba in 1990 and then worked as a diving instructor in the Maldives and Egypt. He is a veteran in the diving industry and an absolute expert for diving safaris - especially in Asia. If you need expertise in this area, is the right place for you.

SUB AQUA➞+49 89 20 80 76 135

JULIAN KNAB slipped into the travel industry as a career changer and very quickly identified Africa as "his" continent. Anyone who has ever spoken to him - about Kenya, for example - will immediately recognise his passion.

SUN+ FUN ➞+49 89-20 80 76 162

DOREEN WINTERER is a qualified hotel and tourism management assistant. She has been working in the diving travel industry for over 25 years and is always open to special trips. For example, she recently travelled to Uganda and was thrilled by her encounters with the gorillas. You can talk to Doreen forever about diving holidays worldwide.

SUN + FUN➞+49 89-20 80 76 162

DID YOU KNOW?

sun + fun offers an onlineprice comparison of all relevant package tour operators (e.g. TUI, Schauinsland Reisen, DER Tour etc.) PLUS the trips it organises itself. This allows to clearly display the hand-picked diving hotels, to immediately put together and book a package holiday including diving services. If you have any questions, you can of course contact the sun + fun team at at any time to find the right diving holiday destination based on knowledge of the destination www.sunandfun.com

MAGAZINE

CORAL REEFS:

SURVIVAL DESPITE CLIMATE CHANGENEW TECHNOLOGY OFFERS HOPE

The delicate symbiosis between reef-building corals and single-celled algae is becoming increasingly unbalanced due to rising water temperatures and the acidification of the oceans. A pioneering method - developed and patented by an Austrian research team led by Wolfgang Wesner and Dr Heinz Jaksch - now offers new hope for the preservation of these ecosystems. The idea: an electric field, powered by solar energy, is used to separate seawater into an acidic and an alkaline partial current. Calcium ions are dissolved in the acidic stream with the help of lime gravel, which are then reunited with the alkaline stream. This creates a localised calcium-saturated zone with an increased pH valueideal conditions for the coral polyps to continue depositing calciumcarbonate (aragonite) and develop their reef. The process completely dispenses with chemical additives and utilises only the natural components of seawater. In addition to improving the availability of calcium, it also counteracts coral bleaching - an early stage of coral death in which the symbiotic algae are expelled. Without these algae, the corals are threatened with starvation. Even if this method is only applicable locally, it can create protected retreats - so-called "coral gardens". If global climate stabilisation is successful, these could serve as starting points for the recolonisation of entire reef systems. The research shows: With innovation and targeted measures, habitats can be preserved even under difficult environmental conditions. Partner diving centres and resorts are being sought worldwide for further research and system installations. If you are interested, please contact us here: otonicar@vanor.at

TAUCHEN ON TOUR WITH OCEAN HEROES

In autumn we cordially invite you to a joint event of OCEAN HEROES and TAUCHEN. We will be hosting a series of lectures by Gerhard Wegner (former Sharkproject president, OCEAN HEROES founder) in your neighbourhood on the weekends listed. The topic of the multimedia lecture is the non-fiction book BLIND DATES, which was written together with 35 international shark experts. The multimedia lecture lasts an exciting 90 minutes and explains the behaviour of sharks and the causes of shark accidents in an entertaining way with lots of films and photos. More information is available from the diving centres and shops listed. The proceeds will be generated as donations!

Event dates:

➞ 03.10.25, Dive4Life, FriendlyCityHotel Siegburg, 7 pm, tickets: dive4live.de/buchung

➞ 10.10.25, Atlantis Tauchschule, Coppistr. 11, Berlin, start: 6 pm/admission from 5.30 pm, tickets: tauchschule@atlantis-berlin.de

➞ 11.10.25, Geiseltal Diving Centre, Zur Sonne, Schnellrodaer Weg 1, Oechlitz, start: 7.30 pm/admission from 7 pm, tickets: info@ tauchzentrum-geiseltal.de

➞ 24.10.25, Monte Mare leisure pool, Münstereifelerstr. 69, Rheinbach, start: 7.30 pm / admission from 7 pm, tickets: eventime. com or ocean-heroes.shop

➞ 31.10.25, Tauchsport Gläßer, Auweg 24,

Finsing, start: 7 pm/admission from 6 pm, tickets: www.tauchsport-glaesser.de/shop/ tauchreisen-ausfluege/events/

➞ 1.11.25, Divers Indoor, Dorfstr. 15a, Aufkirchen, start: 7 pm/admission from 6.30 pm, tickets: divers-indoor.de

➞ 7.11.25, Tauchcenter Freiburg, Gundelfingerstr. 19, Freiburg, start: 7 pm / admission from 6 pm, tickets: tauchcenterfreiburg.de

➞ Sat. 8.11.25, Kemptner Tauchsportclub, Villa K, Oberhofer Str. 4, Durach, Start: 7.30 pm / Admission from 7.00 pm, Tickets: www. kulturbunt.de

You can find more from the artist Michel Ley on: Facebook/michels.imbaerium, Instagram ("michels.imbaerium") and www.michels-imbaerium.de

Photos: shutterstock, Michael Ley, IDA, Gerhard Wegner, Magdeboot

Kontakt: otonicar@vanor.at

BIO-BUDDIES GESUCHT!

FOR GUESTS & EXHIBITORS: MAGDEBOOT 2026

Fancy taking a dive? Then head to Hall 2 at MAGDEBOOT from 13 to 15 March 2026! The large diving tank provided by the Saxony-Anhalt State Diving Association awaits you there. Anyone who is at least ten years old can start their diving adventure here free of charge - with full equipment, personal supervision and an extra portion of fun. Whether you've never dived before or are just curious about what it feels like, it's worth jumping in. Next door, there are tips on equipment, insights into diving areas in Saxony-Anhalt and really nice people with whom you can chat about your first breath under water. Also there: the Wassermann diving centre, whose base in Pretzien offers great opportunities to continue diving. Just drop by, try it out - and dive in! Or would you like to exhibit at MAGDEBOOT 2026? You can exhibit at the joint stand in the diving area under favourable conditions. Simply contact the project team by email: projektleitung-magdeboot@mvgm.de

IDA SEMINAR: DIVING MEDICINE AND RESCUE

As the diving association IDA attaches great importance to the furthertraining of diving instructors, an advanced training seminar for diving medicine and rescue will be held, just like last year. As last time, participation in the seminar is free of charge for all licenced IDA diving instructors. The event will take place under the medical direction of Dr Gunnar Seidel from 12.9. to 14.9.2025 in Königsbrunn. The host diving school is the IDA diving centre Ilsesee. Contact and information: k.reimer@ida-worldwide.com

TRAVEL

EXCLUSIVE REBREATHER DIVING HOLIDAYS

The Liberty Divers Club offers selected dive trips for Divesoft CCR Liberty divers - with full technical support, experienced buddy teams and destinations where CCR diving brings real benefits.

Planned trips:

6-13 September 2025 - Vis, Croatia, deep dives to WWII wrecks (60 to 100 m) in the clear Adriatic Seaperfect for CCR profiles

12-22 November 2025 - Egypt: Northern Wrecks & Brothers Safari, on the M/V Legends with rebreatherfocus - long bottom times on iconic wrecks and reefs 14–27 March 2025 - Norway: Plura & Narvik

Dry diving in caves and arctic WWII wrecks, technical challenges with goosebumps guaranteed libertydivers.com

BALI INSIDER TIP

The Teluk Karang Hotel is a charming boutique resort on the quiet north coast of Bali in the idyllic village of Penuktukan. Set amidst a tropical garden and right by the sea, this family-run hotel offers an oasis of relaxation away from mass tourism. With stylishly furnished bungalows, lovingly tended gardens, direct access to the sea and a first-class house reef for divers and snorkellers, it combines authentic Balinese hospitality with the comfort of an upscale holiday home. Whether diving in the underwater park off Menjangan, on the famous "Liberty" wreck in the colourful coral gardens off Amed: the top diving spots on the north coast of Bali are all on offer. If you are looking for peace, nature, relaxation and underwater adventure, you will find a little paradise in Bali here. nautilus-tauchreisen.de

DISCOUNT ON ELBA REEF LIVEABOARD WITH THE ROYAL EVOLUTION

Secure your place now on the Elba Reef tour from 13 to 20 November 2025 - exclusively bookable via Aqua Active Agency and only until 30 September 2025 with a ten percent discount. The tour price from 1305 euros includes: seven nights in a half double cabin, full board, daily dives and transfers from/to Marsa Alam (from Hurghada at an extra charge). aquaactive.de

READER JOURNEY

50 years of Ulla & Paul in Cadaqués!

For half a century, the Ulla & Paul diving centre has stood for excellent, individual diving on the Spanish Costa Brava. To celebrate our big anniversary, we are inviting you on a readers' trip from 6 to 13 September 2025 to explore the fascinating diving spots in the Cap de Creus Natural Park. Five boat dives, non-limit shore dives and tank & weights are included

for just 599 euros. You will be accommodated in self-catering flats. You will travel individually, either by flight to Girona or Barcelona or by car. The number of participants is limited to twelve.

➜ Further information and booking: redaktion@tauchen.de

15 YEARS OF TELUK KARANG15 PER CENT ANNIVERSARY DISCOUNT

The Teluk Karang Dive & Spa Resort on Bali is celebrating 15 years of warm hospitality, top diving and pure relaxation - with a 15 per cent discount on accommodation and diving packages for all bookings with arrival in 2026. The family-run resort on Bali's north coast scores points with its house reef, spa, luxurious villas and proximity to highlights such as the wreck of the USAT Liberty. Price example: two weeks including breakfast and 20 dives from 1185 euros per person. belugareisen.de

AGGRESSOR ADVENTURES: "EXPLORE THE WORLD WEEKS"

The schedule for the "Explore the World Weeks 26/27" is now available at Aggressor Adventures. As part of this promotion, there is a 25 per cent discount on diving trips and stays at the Chiang Mai Signature Lodge in Thailand. With dozens of weeks available, planning your next dream holiday has never been easier. "This year, we're excited to offer even more options than ever before," says Wayne Brown, CEO of Aggressor Adventures.

aggressor.com/pages/explorethe-world-weeks

DARKNESS OVER THE RED SEA

A natural spectacle of superlatives awaits Egypt on 2 August 2027: the longest total solar eclipse of the 21st century will darken the sky for over six minutes - and can be experienced in full intensity on an exclusive diving safari in the southern Red Sea. The trip takes place from 31 July to 11 August 2027 on board the comfortable M/Y Red Sea Explorer and leads from Port Ghalib to the most beautiful reefs in southern Egypt. In addition to several dives each day, guests can expect an extraordinary moment: the total solar eclipse, observed in the centre of the umbra, in a region known for clear, dry weather. rcf-tauchreisen.de

IN SHORT

With one breath into the future: the Munich-based terraplan Group is joining the diving holiday specialist tourmare. Co-founder Heike Pühler is retiring, while Enna Schumacher and Ruth Dalemans-Posor will continue to run the operational business. tourmare has stood for customised diving trips and committed marine conservation for over 30 years. This focus is to be further strengthened with terraplan. Holger Stollenwerk will take over the areas of finance and marketing. tourmare will also remain a partner of the travel agency scene with attractive commissions. The investment adds another specialist in the niche market to the terraplan portfolio.

Group trip to the humpback whales: Absolut Scuba invites adventurers, nature lovers and underwater photographers to a unique group trip: "Adventure Humpback Whales - Silver Banks". From 6 to 13 March 2027, participants will have the opportunity to encounter these gentle giants of the sea in their natural environment - and swim with them. The Silver Banks, a protected marine area between the Dominican Republic and the Turks and Caicos Islands, are one of the few places in the world where it is permitted to observe humpback whales in the water. Spaces for this extraordinary voyage on the M/Y "Turks & Caicos Aggressor" are limited. Price per person for seven nights in a half standard cabin and full board: from 4230 euros. absolut-scuba.de & as-tauchreisen.de

Ägypten Mövenpick Resort El Quseir

Frisch renoviert. Voller Charme. Dein Rückzugsort am Roten Meer.

Wo die Uhren langsamer ticken –Inselgefühl pur auf Spice Island.

ONE TIME

"BEST OF" PHILIPPINES

Our author took the opportunity to discover the most beautiful dive spots in the Philippines on a transfer trip with the M/Y "Philippines Aggressor".

T & F Mark B. Hatter

Steep walls surrounded by currents, whale sharks in the blue water and nudibranchs in unimagined diversity in just one of dozens of reef gardens. This cruise route included the diving hotspots of the Philippines.

Cebu , 2 March 2025: After 36 hours of continuous flying, I finally reach the last leg of my long-awaited trip to the Philippines. I flop down on the bed in my airport hotel in Cebu. Just long enough for me to summon up the energy to finally shower off the patina of international travelling. I should actually be completely exhausted, after all, I'm on the other side of the globe. My internal clock is upside down. But I'm wide awake - and for good reason: the next day, my diving buddy Kevin and I set off on a ten-day transfer safari on the Philippines Aggressor (PHA): from Cebu to the "Best of Visayas" diving to Tubbataha Reef in Palawan.

Embarkation

In the afternoon of the following day, we board the wonderfully equipped and spacious "PHA". After welcoming the crew and guests, the obligatory boat briefing and setting up our diving and camera rigs at the assigned stations on the dive deck, I take in the Cebu skyline and the Mactan-Mandaue Bridge over a cool beer and a pastel-coloured sunset. As dusk falls, I ponder the photographic possibilities: From whale sharks to nudibranchs, from sweetlips to anemonefish, this diving trip could offer it all if luck favours us. As the ship's engines begin to hum, the fatigue of the time difference finally hits me. I go to my cabin and fall into a deep sleep.

The Visayas

The Visayas refer to a group of several islands in an archipelago - and there are many of them in the Philippines. The volcanic islands of Cebu and Bohol are among the largest of the "Central Visayas", between which there are many smaller islets. The geophysical composition of the Visayas is decisive for the underwater topography and explains the variety of dive sites. The Pacific Ocean pushes huge quantities of water through deep trenches between the islands, accelerating the tides as if through a Venturi nozzle. These currents and nutrient-rich upwelling promote one of the most species-rich biodiversities in the entire Coral Triangle: steeply sloping walls, dense forests of stony corals, seagrass meadows and black lava sand muckdive sites in areas protected from the currents. Every dive site that the M/Y Philippines Aggressor heads for in the Visayas plays with these characteristics and offers something completely unique.

Surrounded by the South China Sea, the Sulu Sea and the Philippine Sea, the Philippines comprises a total of 7621 islands. Each region has its own species both above and below the water. The waters around the island nation are among the most biodiverse on earth.

First contact with water

The following morning I wake up feeling rested when we reach Cabilao Island. Our first dive at the "Lighthouse" takes place at sunrise. We jump into the sea at a water temperature of 26 degrees Celsius and let the current carry us along a wall where wire corals and bizarre sponges grow out of the rock. 50 minutes later, with the current slowing down, we observe dozens of golden anthias hiding in fire corals - until we set off for a safety stop. After a delicious breakfast of eggs cooked to order and crispy bacon, we dive at the "Gorgonian Wall" off Pangalo Island. Instead of the expected gorgonians, red and pink carnation corals and strange sponges dominate here - yet another new photo opportunity. The great attraction of Philippine biodiversity lies in the constant surprise. Like Forrest Gump: "You never know what you're going to get."

Bohol and Oslob

The next day, on the south side of Bohol Island, the diversity of species increases again. Napaling Point combines all the highlights from the previous day and adds new ones: walls with overhangs, giant fan corals, staghorn corals full of reef fish - simply impressive. A particularly cool dive site is Oslob in the south of Cebu. Here, fishing has long since been replaced by gentle tourism. Fishermen feed whale sharks with krill every morning. An attraction for snorkellers and divers alike. The PHA also supports the local economy through its stops.

Endless variety

On day three, the diving festival continues off "Dakit Dakit" (Pamilacan Island) with horse-eye jackfish and anemones

on colourful coral bommies. "Spanish Tower" delights with a turtle, and "Kalipayan Wall" with nudibranchs, moray eels and tiny crabs in macro format. On the fourth day, we visit two national parks: Sumilon Island and Apo Island. We also do two muck dives at Negros: ghost pipefish, tiger prawns, huge lettuce corals, sea snakes and an explosion of colour at "Coconut Point" are the reward here.

Cagayancillo and Tubbataha

On the evening of day four, the two-day crossing to Tubbataha begins with a stopover at Cagayancillo Island. The dive sites "Subway" and "Landing Strip" impress with visibility of over 30 metres, their steep walls, huge fan corals, shoals of pyramid butterflyfish and wire gorgonians. At night, the 38 metre long and 8.5 metre wide PHA gently crosses the open sea to Tubbataha - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Three atolls (North, South and Jessie Beazley Reef) lie in the middle of the Sulu Sea. The reefs start at a depth of two metres and drop to 20 metres before plunging over 300 metres into the depths - a classic atoll structure. Leather and stony coral forests delight at the top, overhangs, caverns and dramatic walls at the bottom. Our first dive there is at the "Malayan Wreck": a fishing trawler that crashed into the

"THE GREAT APPEAL OF THE PHILIPPINES BIODIVERSITY LIES IN THE CONSTANT SURPRISE. LIKE FORREST GUMP: "YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU'RE GOING TO GET " >

Due to the sometimes exposed location and the strong tidal currents, the coral gardens and fish stocks are currently little or not at all affected by climate change. In addition, parts of the diving areas are protected. Let's hope it stays that way.

North Atoll in the 1970s. At sunrise, we explore the wreck at a depth of 30 metres with excellent visibility. Sweetlips, surgeonfish and butterflyfish swarm around it.

It doesn't work without a current The currents in Tubbataha are legendaryas changeable as monsoon winds. But it is precisely these currents that bring life. Thanks to well-trained buddies and surface buoys, photographers like us enjoy a lot of freedom. We regularly leave the steep walls to photograph the panoramic views of the reef tops. This is rewarding, as our memory

cards are already filled with photos of steep walls from the Visayas. And we get lucky: spawning orange-spotted surgeonfish and a trusting group of humphead parrotfish. Forrest Gump sends his regards. The reef tops of Tubbataha are spectacular! Healthy coral populations teeming with life - from bannerfish to schools of chromis and anthias. Each dive site offers a new coral biotope with a unique composition. My favourite sites on the reef top are "Black Rock", "Ranger Station" and "Delsan Wreck". But the walls also offer photogenic views. Especially "Wall Street": a steep wall with spon-

ges, wire corals, colourful hair stars and a collection of schooling bannerfish in perfect contrast.

Highlight at the end

The ultimate highlight is Jessie Beazley Reef: a three-dimensional labyrinth with fantastic overhangs, giant barrel sponges, metre-long wire corals and corals like from "Avatar". Simply indescribable. On the ninth day of the cruise, we return to Puerto Princesa on the island of Palawan with a tailwind. Thanks to my late return flight, I even manage two relaxed muck dives off the city. A gentle finale after eight days of visual sensory overload. My conclusion? This trip from the Visayas to Tubbataha with the "PHA" definitely belongs on every diver's bucket list. <<

M/Y PHILIPPINES AGRESSOR

The Philippines Aggressor and its sister ship Philippines Aggressor II (PHA) offer ten-day ferry trips between the Visayas and Tubbataha twice a season (March and June). In between, each PHA ship sails weekly trips - depending on the season in Tubbataha or the Visayas. The crew is friendly, highly trained and highly motivated. The Aggressor fleet stands for the highest liveaboard standards: spacious cabins with private bathrooms, delicious Asian and Western cuisine. The motto: Dive. Eat. Sleep. Repeat. The PHA lives this motto perfectly.

Price example: from 3895 US dollars/week/ person on the "Philippines Aggressor I and II". Bookable through many German dive tour operators or directly with Aggressor Adventures.

Further information: www.aggressor.com/destination/philippines

Omneia Tauchsafaris –Tauchreisen so individuell wie Du!

Entdecke Dein Angebot! Tauchsafaris in • Ägypten

• Malediven und • Thailand

Dein Traum + unsere Erfahrung = Deine schönste Zeit des Jahres!

Unsere Omneia Safarischi e in Ägypten

Omneia Tauchen und Reisen

VIRGIN VIRGIN DREAM ISLAND COCOA

T & F Barbara & Wolfgang Pölzer

An Indonesian atoll with three Extradivers diving resorts. The cream of the crop: Virgin Cocoa, a picture-book dream island for divers and those seeking peace and quiet.

Let's be honest: who knows that Borneo is the third largest island in the world after Greenland and New Guinea and is actually called Kalimantan? At least the Indonesian part, which makes up well over two thirds of the island's surface area and has so far been little developed for tourism. Here in the far east, barely a hundred kilometres off the coast, lies the small, even less wellknown Maratua Atoll, which is becoming increasingly popular with divers. The crowning glory at its southern end - in the middle of nowhere - is Virgin Cocoa, which rises out of the turquoise blue sea. Hundreds of coconut palms, a picturesque old lighthouse and tens of metres of snowwhite dream beach invite you to relax. Virgin Cocoa was actually intended to be a luxurious island resort for those seeking peace and quiet and yoga enthusiasts. However, despite the tropical paradise, spa and yoga classes, the well-heeled guests soon got bored, and the diving areas on the doorstep were simply too good to just jump into the water every now and then. And so it turned out that the island is now mainly visited by divers again. Admittedly, divers who appreciate the upmarket flair and, above all, the excellent cuisine.

Wolfi meets Alfi

The diving world is a village. And so we are no longer surprised that Alfi knows me from one of the 17,500 other Indonesian islands. Around ten years ago, we explored the underwater world of the Moluccas - a good 1000 kilometres to the east - together. Now working as a base manager and married to the Swiss resort manager Yvonne, diving is still both a passion and a vocation for Alfi - we couldn't imagine a more competent dive guide. "Follow the steep wall on the right shoulder at around 30 metres and keep looking into the blue water," is his clear, concise briefing. So roll backwards off the boat and into the house reef. Yes, that's right, because of an >>

average tidal difference of almost three metres and regular currents due to this alone, people always dive from the boat here, even directly in front of the jetty. That's just fine with us. It's more comfortable anyway. But before we head down to the steep slope, Alfi surprises us at a depth of seven metres with a block full of glass fish and two juvenile batfish. Well, this is already off to a good start! Gently pushed along by a gentle current, we continue along the steep slope with 20 metres of visibility. We follow Alfi into the depths past huge sponges, expansive soft corals and the odd impressive table coral. At around 35 metres, the coral slope abruptly turns into a broad sand plateau, the edge of which can just be glimpsed on the horizon at unreachable depths.

Skate casserole

Südchinesisches Meer

VIETNAM

black and yellow striped markings in their juvenile stage and are more reminiscent of a zebra than a spotted leopard in adult life. This is why the German-speaking diving world also argues about whether it is correctly called a zebra or leopard shark. The scientific species name "tigrinum"meaning tiger - causes even more confusion. No matter. Either way, this magnificent specimen, which is well over two metres long, is a great photo opportunity. Despite the nitrox in the bottle, it's high time for us to take a closer look at the upper half of the

"GIANT FEATHER-TAILED STINGRAYS PILE ON TOP OF EACH OTHER LIKE OVERSIZED PANCAKES. WHAT A TOP MOTIF!"

Philippinensee

steep slope. Almost literally, because the focus on the absolute close-up range brings us an abundance of colourful snails, bizarre shrimps and a beautifully pink-purple coloured sponge crab, which normally likes to hide in the furthest corners of deeply folded barrel sponges. We return to the boat more than satisfied and enthusiastically plan the following days of diving with Alfi.

Relaxation stress

PAZIFISCHER OZEAN

PHILIPPINEN

INDONESIEN

We hover high above the sandy step like eagles, with the steep slope far to the right and the blue water far to the left. Swarms of shimmering metallic fusiliers dart past us, followed by individual jackfish. Further out, an eagle ray comes towards us, flapping its wings elegantly. But there is no time to look behind us, as Alfi excitedly points downwards at an angle in front of us. Three huge feather-tailed stingrays are stacked on top of each other like oversized pancakes on the sandy bottom. Now it's time to readjust the camera, lower it carefully and approach as quietly as possible. Hold your breath for the last few metres and wait until the subject appears in the viewfinder almost filling the frame. Then everything happens at lightning speed. The cartilaginous fish at the top unexpectedly makes a dash for it, but the other two remain lying overlapped just below me and are not disturbed. A top motif! Take a deep breath and off we go. After spotting a no less small but much shyer leopard ray just a few minutes later, we follow Alfi back to the reef, where we are again more than lucky behind a rocky outcrop. There's a dark-spotted nurse shark lying in the current shadow! The animals, which actually belong to the order of nurse sharks, have >>

But before that, it's time to get out of your diving gear and enjoy island life. Strictly speaking, you could get a little stressed out here, because deciding which of the many relaxation zones to choose is more than difficult: should you first jump into the almost decadently beautiful freshwater pool in the palm garden, lie down on the snow-white beach or retreat to the 70 square metre bungalow? And if so, then indoors or on the soft day bed on the terrace, or perhaps rather in the hammock next to it with a cocktail in your hand watching the kitschy sunset? Well, it's not easy being a Virgin Cocoa guest. by the way: cocktails, or rather sundowners, don't always just mean alcohol here. In

Celebessee

Virgin CocoaTropical Hideaway Island

Camouflage blown: A giant spider, master of camouflage, reaches its limits with our photographer. So open your eyes, raise your tentacles and strike a pose!

Simply enjoy your holiday: Peace and relaxation in beautiful natural surroundings, excellent food, a bit of yoga every now and then and a supermotivated team.

It's all in the mix: sharks and rays, beautiful corals and lots of "small animals". Plus a unique jellyfish lake. Exciting logbook entries are guaranteed.

keeping with the free yoga programme, the excellent resort kitchen also conjures up a whole range of detox drinks that not only taste delicious, but are also more than healthy with ingredients such as ginger, turmeric, fresh fruit or vegetables.

Atoll hopping

The following morning, we take advantage of the glassy sea and take a trip to the neighbouring atoll of Karang Muaras, 15 kilometres away. It consists almost exclusively of sandbanks that only just rise out of the sea at low tide. At high tide, only two small lighthouses warn of the shallows. Dark blue at the edges shines promisingly up towards us. And really! As soon as we enter the water, a steep wall disappears into tantalising depths. We paddle against the gentle current behind guide Alfi. As announced in the briefing, he leads us to a medium-sized orange-coloured gorgonian fan at a depth of 25 metres, where, as also announced, a tiny Denise pygmy seahorse is actually waiting for us. Carefully and without strong light, we quickly take a few photos and continue down the steep wall into the 40 metre depth range. A huge block appears in front of us and behind it another drop-off. In the meantime, the current is churning quite nicely, which attracts half a dozen reef sharks that are doing their rounds further out in sight. However, we don't have much time to watch the spectacle, as Alfi has spotted another leopard shark in the current shadow of the block. So it's the same game again: stalking and holding our breath before the somewhat shy fellow leisurely makes its escape. But not without striking a photogenic pose first. In the somewhat shallower area, we then drift along the steep wall, which is densely overgrown with expansive gorgonian fans, lush soft and hard corals, colourful sponges and metre-long whip corals. While considerable shoals of snappers give us a wide berth, surgeonfish and fusiliers are

Sea turtles and intact stony corals - if these are not significant quality features of the diving areas! Current and tides also have a positive effect.

just as unimpressed by our presence as several turtles in the shallows. We encounter more specimens after a one-hour surface interval at the eponymous Turtle Point. During this very special drift dive, the much shallower, but no less richly vegetated reef slope passes us by like in the cinema: the stars here are a number of bannerfish and a white spotted mangrove stingray.

Jellyfish lake and shark search

After a fantastic night dive, a day trip is on our programme early in the morning the following day. Our destination is the island of Kakaban, a good 20 kilometres to the west. Better known than the island's name is the famous Jellyfish Lake, a huge brackish water lake that covers a large part of the island's interior and is easily accessible via a newly built wooden walkway, albeit with some effort. However, there are two more dives to do before the fun of swimming in the jellyfish pond. Kakaban Island, which is around seven kilometres long, is surrounded by very deep cliffs and slopes and is known for its sometimes strong currents, including the dreaded washing machine. Nowhere is an experienced dive guide more important than here. Positive effect of the currents: The chance of catching big fish is hardly better anywhere else in the region. As a special highlight, individual hammerhead and thresher sharks have even been spotted here in recent years. Of course, there is no guarantee of such sightings. The shy shark species are not always keen to approach us, the bubble-spitting intruders. Nevertheless, we try everything and spend almost the entire dive in blue water within sight of the reef. In the end, however, we have to make do with a handful of grey reef sharks. The second dive is much more successful: it brings us an impressive school of arrowhead pike at Barracuda Point. Here, too, it is sometimes so choppy that it is impossible to get close to the school. However, when we dive down there, the pike cross our path briefly at a depth of just ten metres. Later, we encounter them again in the open water at a depth of 20 metres, almost completely free of current. Being enveloped by the shiny silvery predators for several minutes and virtually being part of their shoal is a very special experience!

Then it's time to relax a little and enjoy a delicious lunch box in the shade of the Kakaban jetty. And then it's on towards Jellyfish Lake. As the jellyfish, which had been abundant at the original

bathing spot for years, suddenly disappeared for unknown reasons, a new access jetty was erected at the diagonally opposite end of the island, and lo and behold: the jellyfish are back. It is still forbidden to wear fins in Jellyfish Lake so as not to injure the fragile cnidarians. As soon as we enter the water, we feel like we're in Abraham's jellyfish soup kettle. No matter where you look: The otherwise rather fear- and panic-inducing goo animals are omnipresent. But don't worry! All four species of jellyfish found in the lake do not sting. The two largest and most common representatives are the brownishyellow umbrella jellyfish, which are up to the size of a child's head, and their mostly "lazy" relatives, the root-mouth jellyfish. These have a completely different strategy for obtaining food. similar to many corals, they make symbiotic algae work for them. These sub-tenants, which are absorbed into their own body cells, photosynthesise and thus feed their host animals with surplus nutrients. An ingenious system in a closed, shallow, sun-drenched body of water without predators.

"PYGMY SEAHORSES AND LEOPARD SHARKS, PLUS A CLIFF FACE FEELING ALONGSIDE LUSH CORAL SPLENDOUR. WHO DOESN'T GO INTO RAPTURES HERE?"

When the shark becomes a manta ray

It's not only fun to make your way through the harmless jellyfish in the lake. The shore areas are also worth a close inspection. Branches and mangrove roots hanging in the water disappear under a thick layer of colourful sponges, mussels and algae. In between, tiny fish, colourful flatworms and tubular sea cucumbers peek out. A light green thicket of algae sprawls from the lake bed, serving as a cosy meadow for vast numbers of root-mouth jellyfish. We can't get enough of the many new

Highlight in the neighbourhood: Jellyfish Lake on Kakaban Island is home to various species of jellyfish, none of which sting. A swim among these graceful creatures is a must.

impressions, but we mustn't lose sight of the time. Because a third dive is on the programme.

Once again, it's time to search for sharks. This time there is a chance of finding hammerhead sharks. No sooner said than done! Off the boat is the motto and we zigzag in front of a beautiful steep wall covered in soft coral, looking for sharks in the deep blue sea. Instead of the flat-headed hammerhead sharks, we are honoured by an almost jet-black manta ray. With an elegance and grace that no shark can match, the three metre wide animal floats past us in a relaxed manner. Unexpectedly, because the manta ray season there only starts in late autumn and the animals usually only appear one island away at Sangalaki, we high-five each other enthusiastically. When a school of dolphins accompanies us for several minutes on the journey back to Virgin Cocoa, the missed sharks are long forgotten.

Conclusion

Virgin Cocoa is absolutely worth the long journey. However, even frequent divers should plan some time to relax and enjoy all the amenities of this five-star island. A colourful mixture of steep walls, currents, corals, lots of fish and small fish can be found in front of the mask. Even more fish can only be seen at the famous diving spot "Big Fish Country" a little further north in the atoll. But that's another story, soon to appear in TAUCHEN ...<<

INFORMATION: VIRGIN COCOA

BASIC PROFILE: VIRGIN COCOA

HIDEAWAY RESORT

Exists since: 2016

Base manager/resort manager: Yvonne Blatter from Switzerland

Training: according to SSI, from OWD to DM as well as all common speciality courses. Courses against pre-booking and advance reservation. Nitrox 32 for certified Nitrox divers for free.

Diving: Diving - even on the house reef - is always from the boat and in guided small groups (max. four divers per guide). In addition to nine diving spots on the house reef (1-5 minutes by boat), a further 20 spots can be reached within 20 to 70 minutes. In addition to individual trips, there are also half-day and day trips with up to three dives. Night dives are offered on request even for one or more guests.

Suit: The water temperatures fluctuate throughout the year and due to currents only between 27 degrees and 29 degrees Celsius. Therefore 3 to 5 mm suit.

Prices: A 10-pack of boat dives on the house reef (with tank and weights) costs 490 euros.

Surcharge for more distant spots: from 20 euros. Surcharge for night dive, early morning or sunset: 13 euros. OWD course (including certification): 590 euros.

Location: at the southern end of Maratua Atoll, around 90 kilometres off the coast of Kalimantan/Borneo.

Sustainability: service and drinking water is produced in-house. Free drinking water in the room, restaurant and base. Plastic is avoided as far as possible. Growing our own vegetables is being promoted and a photovoltaic system is being planned.

Snorkelling: Almost all diving spots are also suitable for snorkelling. Private half-day or day snorkelling trips are possible for groups of four or more.

Best diving time/season: The best conditions prevail from April to the end of December. The water temperatures only fluctuate between 27 and 29 degrees Celsius. Visibility depends solely on the current and varies between ten and 40 metres.

January and February is closed.

Accommodation: The cosy five-star resort has 18 bungalows in two different categories (superior and deluxe suites) for a maximum of 36 guests. All rooms are very spacious at over 70 square metres and have air conditioning, fan, minibar, kettle, large bathroom, private anteroom and terrace with day bed and sun loungers. The seven deluxe suites also have their own coffee machine, internet, hammock and the best sunset location on the dream beach. Additional amenities include a spacious restaurant, bar and relaxation area, a large pool, a spa and a private yoga platform.

Contact: www.nabuccos-resorts-indonesien.

com and www.extradivers-worldwide.com

GENERAL REISEINFOS

Arrival: The international destination airport is Jakarta. From there, a domestic flight takes you to Berau via either Balikpapan or Surabaya. Here you will be picked up not far from the airport by the base's own transfer boat and taken to Virgin Cocoa in around three hours. The journey from Berau always takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Entry into the country: Passport (valid for at least six months). A tourist visa valid for 30 days can be obtained on arrival for just under 30 euros. For the same price, but faster, you can apply for an e-visa in advance in Europe: https://www.imigrasi.go.id/wna/permohonanvisa-republik-indonesia

Travel medicine: The nearest hyperbaric chamber is located in Berau, three hours away by boat. It should be ready for use from autumn 2025. There are only good international hospitals in Jakarta, Manado or Bali. Check vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis with your family doctor. Information also available from the German Society for Tropical Medicine: http://dtg.org Organiser: Reisecenter Federsee, Tel. 07582932 07 90, www.rcf-tauchreisen.de

Price example: (from Federsee travel centre) 14 nights at the Virgin Cocoa Hideaway Resort in a superior suite with full board, flight from/ to Germany e.g. with Qatar Airways to Jakarta, domestic flights and all transfers: from 4299 euros per person.

10-package house reef diving (including tank, weights, guide and boat): 490 Euro. 20 diver house reef diving package (incl. tank, weights, guide and boat): 850 euros

YOUTUBE "To the video tour of the island on site"

Photos: Omneia.com, Martin Strmiska

TECH DIVING DELUXE

Many can offer comfort. But only a few can combine this with technical expertise and perfect infrastructure for technical dives. Here is a prime example: a rebreather safari on the M/Y Omneia Spirit.

T Martin Strmiska

In addition to sufficient space, as here on the diving platform, it is above all the gas logistics that play a decisive role on a tech

safari. With the right gases, spots such as the archway on Elphinstone Reef can be dived extensively.

Anarrow ridge rising from the depths, golden in the soft morning light, completely covered with yellow soft corals. To the left and right, the reef drops away seemingly endlessly. Coral groupers vigorously defend their territory, large parrotfish graze on dead coraltypical scenes of the Red Sea. But something is missing: the dense shoals of orange-coloured bannerfish that usually hang from the corals like pulsating fireworks. Instead, they move far away in a compact swarm, almost like a swarm of bees. A scene that you will never experience as a "normal" diver. Why? No escaping air bubbles scare the fish away - we dive with rebreathers. A rebreather is a rebreather that recycles the breathing gas instead of blowing it into the water with every exhalation. This produces neither bubbles nor annoying noisesand you can stay underwater much longer and with less effort. Suddenly, a long, elegantly wagging tail fin appears behind the shoal: a thresher shark.

Precinct that delivers

Exactly ten years ago, I discovered my love of "silent diving" here at Big Brother. Back then, it wasn't about deep diving records or long decompression, but about the magic of silence. By breathing quietly and moving only a minimal radius, the animals came much closer and I was able to absorb the experience more intensely. At the time, my complex equipment had put me at a disadvantage - the normal diving group was long ahead. But my reward was waiting on the reef: five thresher sharks circling so close that they barely fitted into the picture. An unforgettable moment.

Today: an hour with sharks

Ten years later, I'm here again - and better prepared this time. But it's not just me who is perfectly prepared. On board the M/Y Omneia Spirit, which is already a luxurious liveaboard in itself, a special "luxury" awaits me: mixing gases, stage tanks, booster pumps and a crew that knows what is important in rebreather diving. The experience has been gained over the last few years, during which there have always been special safaris for divers who wanted to dive with mixed gases, rebreathers, scooters or sidemount systems.

Today there are three of us diving - Silvana, Karsten and me. With our rebreathers, we approach three curious thresher sharks, which come within arm's length after a few minutes. Their large, dark eyes look almost friendlyas if they are smiling. Thanks to the rebreather, we can stay at a depth of 45 metres for a full hour without the animals fleeing. The sharks even accompany us on our way back to shallower areas. A damn long goosebump moment that will stay in your memory forever.

Bubbleless diver meets big fish: thresher sharks in particular avoid bubble divers. And come all the closer to rebreather divers. The same applies to the reef fish.

Moni Hofbauer (pictured left), operator of Omneia Spirit and Omneia Soul, a passionate tech diver, explains: "Our rebreather safaris are aimed at anyone who appreciates long, quiet dives with like-minded people - with professional support, space to talk shop and state-of-the-art technology on board. The boats are specially equipped for rebreather and tech divers: with a booster pump, certified gas blowers, a specially trained crew and an experienced team. A truly unique selling point. My aim was to combine technical diving with a luxurious boat, stylish ambience, excellent food and a competent crew. In the end, our concept is aimed at both mixed gas divers and gyro divers who like to go deep, as well as anyone who simply wants to enjoy the benefits of this type of diving or even just get to know it."

Luxury meets adventure

The M/Y Omneia Spirit is more than just a functional diving boat: it offers luxury yacht-level comfort. Spacious cabins, high-quality catering and a service that is noticeably designed to make you feel completely at ease. Dinner after a long day of diving - a perfectly cooked steak and a glass of red wine - tastes twice as good with a view of the legendary Big Brother lighthouse and the setting sun. The tours always start on Saturday, so you are often alone at the most remote spots. A real luxury in the Red Sea.

Highlights en route

The "BDE" tour also takes us to Daedalus Reef. Here we encounter two manta rays that keep us company for a long time. Thanks to the rebreather, no hectic bubbles, no quick escape - just 20 minutes of calm floating with the giants. At Elphinstone Reef, we are greeted by corals that are still impressive despite some areas of coral bleaching. Thanks to our rebreathers, we can even enjoy the legendary Elphinstone Arch with its sarcophagus at a depth of 52 metres without nitrogen anaesthesia and, above all, without time pressure. The final highlight is Giftun Island. Here, a strong current brings in plenty of fish: from tuna to leopard grouper. The Red Sea presents its full diversity of fish here, while huge fan corals provide spectacular photo opportunities.

Conclusion

Many people say that the Red Sea is no longer as rich in fish as it used to be. But those who dive with a rebreather experience a different world underwater: quiet, relaxed and intense. Thanks to the tour concept of the M/Y Omneia Spirit, the whole thing is not just an adventure for experienced deep-sea specialists, but also for rebreather beginners and divers who simply want to dive more quietly for longer and enjoy a luxurious diving safari on the 42-metre liveaboard.

INFORMATION & BOOKING

Ship: Omneia Spirit; luxury & tech infrastructure

Special: Rebreather & Tech-Safari

Route: Wreck Cape Clear, Rosalie Moller - Ras Mohammed - Strait of Tiran from/to Hurghada

Date: 18/4/2026 to 25/4/2026

Cabin: Twin Lower Deck, price from 1249 euros Organiser & Booking: www.omneia.de

Gruppenreise Silver Bank

Begleitung durch Jolyon Graham

Turks & Caicos Aggressor II

Schnorcheln mit Buckelwalen

Termin: 06.03 - 13.03.2027

7 Nächte in einer halben Standardkabine, Vollpension Pro Person ab 4.230 €*

Ein einmaliges Naturerlebnis:

Kommen Sie mit uns auf eine außergewöhnliche Reise zu der legendären Silver Bank, Dominikanische Republikeinem der wenigen Orte weltweit, an dem es erlaubt ist, mit Buckelwalen zu schnorcheln!

*Die Gruppenreise ndet mit mindestens 8 Teilnehmern statt.

Photos: Omneia.com, Martin Strmiska

UTOPIC

DIVERSE & COLOURFUL

T & F Harald Hois

The Utopia Beach Club south of El Quseir is one of the "permanent fixtures" on the diving map of Egypt. But why is that?

Assalamu alaykum!" Shazly greets us at Hurghada airport with a friendly smile and a warm handshake. Shazly is the Euro Divers driver who chauffeurs us straight to the Utopia Beach Club in a cosy Euro Divers bus within two hours. The formalities at reception are quickly completed and the suitcases are already on their way to the hotel room. But the stomach announces: Hungry! So it's off to the Sultana restaurant one floor below to quickly feast on the extensive buffet.

That same evening, we recharge all our batteries so that we don't miss any of the subjects on the next day's dives. After a restful night and a sumptuous breakfast buffet ranging from fresh fruit salad to crispy croissants and hot dishes in the Sultana restaurant, we register at the Euro-Divers office and are warmly welcomed by the friendly Adel, the boss. Karin, an Austrian diving instructor in the Euro-Divers team, gives us a detailed tour of the spacious premises, the registration process for diving, the Euro-Divers team, which is open and friendly from the very first moment - simply everything that is relevant to us in terms of diving over the next few days. We are almost a little surprised when Karin asks us if we want to dive straight away. "Yes, if that's possible?" is the answer we get, not yet realising that every diver can dive here from 8 am to 6 pm whenever he or she wants. The Ras-al-Asad bay of the Utopia Beach Club alone can offer six different entry points. No matter when divers come to the centre: You enter which of the six sites you want to go to on a list, get tanks (nitrox or air), assemble your equipment and are driven to the entry point in a pick-up truck. From there, you can either go straight into the water or take a Zodiac to the north or south plateau. One-way means that you dive back to the starting point independently. And pick-up means that you jump even further into the water on the outer reef, dive towards the house reef and, depending on

"UP CLOSE TO FISH AND CORAL - THERE'S ALWAYS A SURPRISE OR TWO PEEKING OUT OF THE REEF IN FRONT OF THE EURO-DIVERS BAY, TITANIUM REEFERS, ANEMONES WITH MAGNIFICENT CLOWNFISH ..."

TRAVEL °

your wishes and mood, are picked up in the Red Sea after an agreed time and taken back to the beach. How cool is that! We are enthusiastic about this form of completely independent diving and throw ourselves into the water at the southern point to float through lightflooded canyons and coral formations. The colourful world of fish reveals itself to us with titan triggerfish, various species of angelfish, blue spotted rays and, of course, ray-finned lionfish, but also bluefin mackerel and schools of surgeonfish. 60 minutes are over so quickly that after a culinary surface break in the afternoon, we jump straight back into the water. We heard about a black frogfish that is said to live in a small coral at the starting point of the zodiacs at a depth of only around seven metres. With the macro port on the underwater housing, we set off in search of it and found the tiny creature hidden

UTOPIA BEACH CLUB

K22 Marsa Alam Road El Quseir/Egypt

The hotel is suitable for families, but also for solo travellers. info@utopiabeachhotels.com www.utopiabeachhotels.com/en/

EURO-DIVERS UTOPIA BEACH CLUB

Utopia Beach Club El Quseir Marsa Alam, South Red Sea E-mail: edutopia@euro-divers.com Dive Centre Manager: Adel Labib www.euro-divers.com

THE EURO DIVERS TEAM

The staff consists of 31 employees, including diving instructors who speak German, English, French, Italian and Arabic . Two 500-litre Bauer K15 compressors and one LW 350-litre compressor as well as 260 aluminium diving cylinders (12 l) with DIN or optional INT connections are available. A modern Nitrox membrane system offers Nitrox 32 (for free) for all certified divers. Approximately 80 complete Mares rental kits are available.

just above the sandy surface in the coral reef. A black motif is not so easy to photograph.

Snorkelling and diving hotspot

Inspired by the successful frogfish hunt, we are immediately drawn to the neighbouring reef of hard corals, which is swarmed by myriads of bannerfish. Family groups of bluestriped fusiliers envelop the edge of the reef. Mighty, colourful scorpion fish perch very photogenically on reef blocks in some places and gaze into the blue water. Colourful pigmy wrasse seek shelter between the individual coral arms. This site is also a paradise for snorkelling guests, as they can observe so many different colourful fish up close. With a bit of luck, you might even spot a dugong, eagle rays or freeswimming moray eels.

Rotes Meer

From north to south Ayman, a calm, experienced dive guide, accompanies us to the top spots on the house reef on the following days. Quite simply because he shows us the highlights of the individual reefs without having to search for long. Far out on the "North", we are mesmerised by massive hard and leather coral formations. Suddenly, a group of tuna dives into the reef from the deep blue and disappears just as quickly. This will not be the last encounter with tuna. On the southern plateau, "coral needles" rise up from a depth of over 30 metres to eleven metres. They are a popular destination for underwater photographers who love red sea anemone fish, whether bubble anemones or magnificent anemones. Further south, a crevice yawns into the depths, far down to minus 40 plus. At a depth of 35 metres, a mighty, but unfortunately already somewhat damaged fan coral is positioned in the current. What a shot in the back sun with diver, gorgonian and the blue water! But the superlatives don't stop there: a fat twometre barracuda patrols the reef, followed by a gang of tuna. The tuna swim a little slower this time, but no less purposefully, turning back after a few minutes and enthralling us with a spectacle of formation swimming. After the dive on the southern plateau, Ayman enthuses that it is never boring here, that there are always fascinating encounters and different fish species.

Massage, fitness, ItalianOriental cuisine: every guest can fulfil their wishes at the Utopia Beach Club not far from Marsa Alam.

Speedboat trip to the blaze of colour

As the sea is particularly calm today, we set our sights on Erg Lassal. After a 15-minute speedboat ride with a short flyby by a dugong in the open water, we reach the small coral block, which can easily be circumnavigated in ten minutes. If it weren't for these beautiful, colourful soft corals that stretch their tentacles into the blue water to filter out food. The magnificent colour palette ranges from deep, dark red to rich yellow and bold purple, with thousands of orange flagfish snuggling up to them. The odd nudibranch, scorpionfish, a monstrous moray eel and many other underwater species fade into the background in view of the colourful coral spectacle.

Somehow the article so far sounds as if there is "only" the house reef here. Not at all! Of the more than 15 nearby dive sites, the best known include Zerib Kebir (large bay with coral gardens and caves), Marsa Mubarak, Mangrove Bay, Dolphin House, Elphinstone, the wreck of the Salem Express, Abu Dabab (seagrass meadow with turtles), Sharm Fughani (reef with crevices), Maheleg (crevices with turtles), Sharm Fughani (reef with coralturtles), Sharm Fughani (reef with crevices), Maheleg (steep reef with coral gardens) and Erg Monika (elongated block with huge brain corals).

Hotel industry news

And then there are all the amenities at the family-friendly allinclusive Utopia Beach Club: guests can choose from 312 very comfortable rooms ranging from 22 to 50 square metres in around seven different categories. Several spacious pools with water slides and an exciting entertainment programme will delight young and old alike. The varied cuisine on offer is served in three restaurants: in the "Sultana Main Restaurant"

with regional and international cuisine. In the speciality restaurant "Island Fish Restaurant" with fish and seafood à la carte and in the speciality restaurant "Al Amira Restaurant" with Italian, oriental and international cuisine.

Four bars - the lobby bar, the "Shalal Pool Bar", the "Sunset Bar" and the "Divers Bar" - provide entertainment. Facilities for tennis, fitness, football, beach volleyball, table tennis, horse riding, paddle tennis as well as a sauna and a great spa area with Turkish hammam and inviting whirlpool are available to revitalise tired muscles.

Utopia Blue will be opening in the next few months. You will find out more about it in an upcoming issue. The team of authors is delighted with the facilities, the Euro Divers diving service and the impressive and varied dive sites. We will definitely be back. <<

Karibik, Bonaire

Reisezeitraum: 15. November – 26. Dezember 2025

Buddies auf

Bonaire Madness Special

Werden Sie Teil der Bonaire Madness! Jeder zweite Taucher taucht gratis oder probieren Sie das Tauchen KOSTENLOS. Planen Sie eine Gruppenreise? Wir sind für Sie da! 8=7 für Unterkunft, Frühstück und Tauchen!

This is what concentrated sympathy in a stylish ambience looks like: The lively and motivated team at EuroDivers caters to all guests' wishes.

From 20 to 50 square metres: A total of 312 rooms await guests.

PARADISE IN PARADISE ...

Photos: Le Méridien Resort & Spa

READER TIP

BYDIVERS FORDIVERS

... discovered by our reader in the Maldives at Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa in Lhaviyani

T Anja Oppelt

Atoll.

In addition to a

is also the

Photos: Sub Oceanic, Le Méridien Resort & Spa

The house reef around the resort island can be dived at a total of five siteseven alone with the appropriate certification.

seagrass meadow entrance with turtles, there

classic fringing reef with "nurse sharks" and the odd ray or two.

Diver's dreams become realityas soon as the seaplane approaches: turquoise blue water, islands dotted with palm trees and icing sugar beaches - and a school of dolphins pirouetting as the Canadian Twin Otter's propeller turns. An unrivalled reception committee stands on the arrival jetty of the Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, waving in a friendly manner. First and foremost is the extremely friendly General Manager Thomas Schult, who has now firmly anchored his Rhineland roots in the Maldives. And then it gets even better: in the corner of my eye, I spot the first diving tanks. Less than 25 metres away, Sub Oceanic's well-equipped diving centre is located directly on the jetty, with the diving boats right in front of it.

After checking into my water villa, I head straight back to the arrival jetty - this time to the dive centre, of course. The centre manager Iris, a courteous and eloquent Austrian, is already waiting for me there with a broad smile. She already seems to know that she's going to wow me with the upcoming animal encounters. "You should prepare a tally sheet for turtles," she says with a wink. After checking in - completely digitally, by the way - I can hardly contain my anticipation for my first dive the following day.

House reef full of surprises

After my first night in the water villa, I'm on the mat ready to dive shortly before eight the next morning. Iris takes me to the house reef, which has five different entry points - all easily accessible within a maximum of three minutes by boat shuttle. Today we start at buoy 5: we enter the water via a sandy bay, put on our equipment and, after a short weight check on the seaweed meadow at a depth of five metres, start counting turtles. Turtles? Today they were outnumbered by the stingrays: six feathertailed stingrays, two hedgehog stingrays and one eagle ray faced six green turtles. After a quick bottle change at the base, we >

went for breakfast in the main restaurant, which is only a three-minute walk away and is appropriately called "Turquoise". Freshly fortified, we made our way to buoy 2, where we dived a small wreck, a wedding altar (looked after by the local marine biologist) and an offshore thila full of bluestriped snappers. A photographer's dream! The "Wedding Stage Outside Thila" was my personal highlight: fantastic hard corals, the likes of which I haven't seen in the Maldives for a long time - embedded in "fish soup". After this dive, the turtle tally was already at 10. In the afternoon, we visited another thila, also accessible from the house reef, this time with eagle rays, hawksbill turtles, nurse sharks, lobsters, octopuses and lionfish. Final count of the day: 16 turtles!

Adventures in the canal

The following morning, the two tank dive was on the agenda. I was already at breakfast at seven o'clock. The LM4 boat, probably the most spacious fibreglass dhoni in the Maldives, was waiting with prepared equipment and even an ENOS receiver was installed. Iris enlightened me: This is standard on all sub-oceanic bases. Respect! The conditions were ideal, so Iris opted for a crisp channel with a depth of 30 metres. After a 40-minute journey and an exciting briefing, we set off. What a dream! Incoming current, clear water, 15 eagle rays, countless Napoleons, whitetip sharks and around 50 grey reef sharks. Even a turtle

In addition to the house reef, there are a further 29 dive sites in the Lhaviyani Atoll. These include various spots with cleaning stations where you can encounter manta rays all year round. The same applies to grey and whitetip reef sharks as well as turtles, schooling fish and Nemo.

made an appearance. The guides revealed: Even a tiger shark occasionally pops in here. On the way to the second dive, we were accompanied by a huge school of spinner dolphins - perhaps the same ones that we had already seen from the seaplane? Off Ohluvehli Fushi, the home island of our captain Rizu, turquoise blue water, rays of sunshine and a colourful hard coral landscape with turtles, stingrays and guitar rays awaited us. Pure postcard idyll.

Macro miracle

In the afternoon, I decided against further boat diving. Instead, I decided to explore the house reef with Magga - an open, humorous Maldivian. From buoy 3 to 4, we went over seaweed and along the reef. Magga had a special plan: "Magic Field"an area the size of a football pitch at a depth of 20 metres that glows green when approached and then disappears into the sand. Never seen it before! We wrote our names in it. Magga drew a heart and we then dived back to the reef to see two hawksbill turtles, two green turtles and lots of humpback snappers. In the afternoon, marine biologist Cesar accompanied me with a macro lens and torch. He explained that the "magic field" consists of millions of green worms, similar to Christmas tree worms, which retreat at lightning speed when exposed to light and movement. The dive itself was extremely calm - not 20 metres of movement, but non-stop highlights: Nudibranchs, shrimps, UFOs (Unidentified Fish Objects). I literally begged for a night dive - and was rewarded!

Farewell with whale sharks, manta rays and turtles

Unfortunately, my last day of diving was already approaching. Whoever is making my travel plans seems to enjoy torture. At least Iris promised to give it her all again on the two tank dive. She kept her word. We drove an hour north to Fushifaru Thila: a canal site with a manta ray guarantee. And indeed, we encountered four manta rays, all to ourselves. As an encore, Iris invited

me to a dive in the protected national park "Nemo Thila". The reef top at twelve metres was teeming with juvenile fish - anemones and clownfish wherever you looked. Here too, jackfish, tuna, a feeding frenzy! To top it all off, Neptune sent a turtle by during our safety stop - a scripted ending.

Future plans

Back on the island, I invited Iris to the à la carte restaurant "Veela" in the evening, which appropriately means "turtle". She did her best to get me excited about more dives - including the Sub Oceanic Membership Card, an attractive loyalty programme for Maldives fans. And then the scales fell from my eyes: Le Méridien is part of the Marriott-Bonvoy Group! With my points, my next holiday could be free. So the next day's farewell turned into: See you soon! <<

www.marriott.com

Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa

"Sub Oceanic" www.sub-oceanic.com " Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa"

EQUIPMENT

GREEN ABYSS: NEW DIVING WATCH FROM SWATCH AND BLANCPAIN

The Green Abyss adds another model to the Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms collectioninspired by the depths of the oceans and Blancpain's iconic Fifty Fathoms. The green case is made of Bioceramic, while the mechanical SISTEM51 movement offers a 90-hour power reserve. A water contact indicator at 6 o'clock, vintage details and a strap made from recycled fishing nets round off the design. The watch measures 42.3 millimetres and is water-resistant to 91 metres. Price: 400 euros. Further information: swatch.com

NEW HV SINGLE BACKMOUNT SET

With the HV Single Backmount Set, Mares presents a new, robust jacket system for technically demanding diving. The donut-style bladder delivers 175 Newtons of buoyancy and thus supports optimum trim and precise buoyancy control at any depth. The outer and inner bladders are made from durable 1000D Cordura and lightweight 210D nylon respectively. The set includes an ergonomic threemillimetre stainless steel backplate (2.1 kg), a fully adjustable XR harness with stainless steel components and a flexible K-style inflator. With a total weight of just 4.5 kg, the system is ideal for extended range diving. Price: 599 euros. Further information: mares.com

"MARES SWALLOWS AQUALUNG " ... AND NOW WHAT? WE ASK MARES PRESIDENT GERALD SKROBANEK

For decades, Aqualung was regarded as the biggest player on the equipment market. In recent years, the brand has become increasingly quiet. Now the bang of the takeover, the quiet tones of which could already be heard at the beginning of the year. What happens now? What will happen to the brands?

Apeks, Aqualung, Aquasphere and the military sector - their products are also available in the Mares range?

Gerald Skrobanek: First of all - we are not "swallowing" Aqualung. The traditional brands of the Aqualung Group will not only be preserved, but will be developed further in a targeted manner. HEAD has put together a rescue package of over 50 million euros for this purpose. We are thus safeguarding hundreds of jobs and investing in the production facilities in France, Great Britain and Mexico. Our aim is not to replace one brand with another, but to strengthen each individual brand in its respective core competences.

Delivery and service problems have recently been the biggest negative factors behind the Aqualung brand. Will this drag on the brand remain or are there new prospects?

With the planned extensive investments, this question does not even arise. The Aqualung Group will not only regain its former strength - it will grow beyond it. New perspectives will arise from the synergies that we will utilise within the Group. Pooling the expertise of all brands will offer our customers products with a level of quality and innovation that has never been seen before.

Is the HEAD Group now the biggest market player with this takeover?

HEAD will make its logistics and IT platform available to the Aqualung Group. (...) The integration will still require some patience. But we are convinced that pooling the expertise of all brands will offer our customers products with a level of quality and innovation.

FREI'S PHOTO CORNER

SQUARING

THE PIXELS

The pixel run continues unabated. Although 60 megapixels are not yet normal in full-frame system cameras, they are not unusual either. Things are almost crazy with smartphones, even though the image sensors there are significantly smaller. 50 megapixels are already standard for the main camera in many mobile phones. However, 100 megapixels are also being used in some cases, and 200 megapixels are no longer a utopian dream. The first mobile phones are already available. Samsung's endeavours to develop mobile phone sensors with 600 megapixels are going beyond common expectations. It is estimated that this could happen in the next few years. Such an image sensor could even surpass the resolution of the human eye. Why all this? And how does such an image sensor behave at high ISO values? What already exists is the megapixel quad sensor. Here, four pixels are combined to form a super pixel. This turns a 50 megapixel image sensor in a smartphone into one with 12.5 super megapixels, whose noise behaviour has been significantly improved because a superpixel consisting of pixel bundles can absorb more light than a single small pixel from the 50 million pixels. Huawei and other mobile phone manufacturers whose image sensors are equipped with hundreds of millions of pixels have been using this trick for a long time. It works like this: The pixels are each arranged on the Bayer pattern system in such a way that four pixels of the same colour are always grouped together as a block of four. In this way, they can be bundled into a large green, a large red or a large blue super pixel. The distribution of 50 per cent green and 25 per cent red and blue pixels is retained. Although the colour values have to be added from the values of the large neighbouring pixels, which makes interpolation with the 2 x 2 clusters difficult, the image quality increases. This is also because colours are important for image quality, but not the most important thing in an image. Noise is the linchpin. What is new is that Sony also produces image sensors whose pixels have diagonal structures. This achieves a higher computational resolution in the vertical and horizontal directions, which translates into an optical advantage. No matter how many cameras a smartphone has: The recommendation remains that the main camera should be the primary recording device under water. The wide-angle converters also harmonise best with this. You could also say that a solid base is the best prerequisite for a solid foundation.

GARMIN DESCENT S1 BUOY: NEW COMMUNICATION UNDER WATER

The Descent S1 buoy from Garmin enables communication between divers and the water surface for the first time. Connected to the Garmin T2 transceiver and the Garmin Dive App, the crew on board can monitor up to eight divers with compatible dive computersincluding tank pressure, depth and distance. Predefined messages can be sent underwater and to the surface. Divers can track their way back to the buoy, and after the dive the app shows a heat map of the dive duration and positions. The buoy is robust, weighs less than a kilogram, is waterproof to ten metres and has a battery life of up to 15 hours. Price: 2499.99 euros. Further information: garmin.com

PUSH BUTTON FOR STORAGE PACK

Heser offers a press stud for one-sided attachment of storage packs to backplates. One side is screwed on, the other is fixed with three press studs. This allows easy access to tank adapters. Suitable for backplates with 11-millimetre holes. Supplied unmounted, including knob, O-ring, screw and stainless steel disc. Price: 16.90 Euro. Further information: heser-backup.de

Herbert Frei

#09.2025

It's black, heavy - and pretty uncompromising. Anyone who dives with a solid rubber fin does not do so for design reasons. But because they want control. Precision. And robustness. The new Cressi Origin dives right into this segment - and does so twice: as an LD version (Low Density) for wet divers and as an HD version (High Density) for the demanding dry diver.

and contemporary features. A successful technical evolution that builds on proven virtues and is now aimed at recreational and professional divers alike. Both models - HD (High Density) and LD (Low Density) - share the same design, colours and sizes. The difference lies in the details: density, weight and fin blade hardness vary significantly, making the two different models attractive to different target groups.

T Benjamin Schulze

The test conditions

The practical tests took place both in the pool (Dive4Life, 26 degrees Celsius fresh water) and in the open sea (Baltic Sea, between 6 and 16 degrees Celsius salt water). Both fin models were combined in identical sizes (M/L) with two suit types: a classic seven-millimetre semi-dry diving suit with booties and a dry diving suit with a 200 gram undergarment. Two dives were madeunder all conditions. At the end, >

TWO FINS WITH UP AND DOWN DRIVE

A lot of weight, a lot of effect: with the Origin, Cressi is launching a solid rubber fin in two versions - for wet divers and drysuit fans. But what can the LD and HD versions really do in the water?

As soon as you touch the rubber material, it becomes clear that the focus here is not on lightweight or fashionable lines. The Origin is a workhorse. No plastic, no soft zones, no moving parts. Instead: a fully moulded rubber body with a short, wide fin blade, open heel and robust stainless steel spring strap with a non-slip plastic eyelet for scuba diving. The workmanship is impressive: the fin body looks solid, the transitions are neatly moulded, the heel strap connection, naturally stainless steel spring straps, are solidly edged with hard plastic.

With the Origin, Cressi is continuing the legacy of the legendary Rondine US Commando - a fin that was considered the benchmark for professional divers and the armed forces for decades. The new generation now brings this classic design into the present day: with optimised material density, improved ergonomics

Thanks to the spring straps, i.e. the stainless steel springs, getting into the fins is child's play.

TECHNICAL DATA

CRESSI

Kind

Weight on land (size M/L)

Material

Available sizes

Colours

Intended use

Spring straps

Foot compartment

Price in Euro

Manufacturer link

Origin LD

Scuba diving fin

2.65 kg

Solid rubber

S/M, M/L, L/XL

Black, Azure, Blue, White, Yellow

Wet diving, all-round

Stainless steel same footwell as HD 149,99 Euro cressi.com

Origin HD

Scuba diving fin

3.15 kg

Solid rubber

S/M, M/L, L/XL

Black

Dry suit diving, Tech

Stainless steel same footwell as LD 159,99 Euro cressi.com

one fin from each fin pair was dived to ensure a direct comparison.

Origin LD: Versatile all-rounder with buoyancy

The LD version is light, comparatively soft in the blade and offers moderate buoyancy. In the water, it proved to be an absolutely uncomplicated companion: whether frog kick, back kick, helicopter turn or classic crawl leg kick: all variations could be realised cleanly. The crawl leg kick in particular benefited from the moderate fin stiffness. The LD version was even convincing when used with a dry suit. However, the foot pocket was a little wide with thinner booties. However, the strong stainless steel fin strap still holds the foot in position well, so that even currents and powerful fin kicking were possible without any problem and without any wobbly loss of strength. If you pull the fin out under

The "Low Density" version of the Cressi Origin fin is slightly buoyant. This is ideal for diving in a wetsuit if you have some downforce in your legs.

The rubber tab of the metal heel strap can be gripped from above and below. Holes on the underside allow water to drain away. A profile is designed to prevent slipping.

water and leave it alone, the fin would reach the surface thanks to its buoyancy.

Origin HD: The heavy specialist

The HD version is comparable in rigidity to the Jetfin from Scubapro and therefore significantly harder than its LD counterpart. However, this is precisely what makes it the ideal choice for heavy equipment, dry diving with very thick undergarments or technical dives. The frog kick is powerful. Backkicks and helicopter turns are effortless. The medium fin blade length, the same for HD and LD, is ideal for

WHAT ARE SOLID RUBBER FINS?

As the name suggests, solid rubber fins are made entirely of robust rubber. They are extremely resistant, durable and virtually indestructible. They are particularly popular with professional divers, cave divers and dry divers because they offer a lot of propulsion with controlled fin strokes. Due to their high weight, they generally have strong downforce - this helps when trimming with bulky equipment, but is often too much when wet diving. A classic example is the Jetfin. Modern variants such as the Cressi Origin bring new ergonomics into play.

Both Origin fins have the same robust design and workmanship. In terms of fin blade hardness, the HD version is noticeably harder.

these types of fin kicks. Precise buoyancy control is easy thanks to the strong downforce. In a wetsuit, on the other hand, the fin pulls the diver downwards and quickly takes them out of the optimum swimming position, especially when swimming slowly or at a standstill. Too much of a good thing for holiday dives and wet diving - even if you are diving in a thick seven-millimetre semi-dry suit.

Conclusion: The Cressi Origin is a rocksolid, honest rubber fin. It comes without frills, impresses with high-quality materials, well thought-out details and a clear focus. The LD version is the right choice for most divers: universally applicable, comfortable to dive, not too heavy. The HD version really comes into its own when the going gets tough: in caves, with a dry suit and lots of equipment. Those who know their fins will love it.

TAUCHEN would like to thank the Dive4Life indoor diving centre in Siegburg for their support during this test.

The "High Density" version has downforce. This makes it more suitable for diving with a drysuit.

SURFACE BUOY VISIBLE SAFETY

Surface marker buoys, or SMBs for short, are among the most important safety equipment in diving. They are used to indicate a position in the water on the surface. You can read about the differences and what you should look out for when buying here.

T Benjamin Schulze

Whether for regular surfacing, finding a diving group after a drift dive, marking a position, signalling a decompression stop or in an emergency: visible from a greater distance, the surface buoys prevent emergencies or are a rescue and communication tool in an emergency. Useful not only in the open sea, but also in local lakes.

A basic distinction is made between buoys that are carried on the surface during the entire dive - similar to those used by open water swimmers - and those that are rolled up and only deployed

underwater when required. They are usually used during safety stops to make ascending divers visible to the surface in advance. Boats and skippers must keep at least 50 metres away from the buoys and reduce their speed. Unfortunately, this is not always observed in practice.

Although SMBs are inconspicuouslooking plastic covers, there are some important technical details in their development. Length, buoyancy, material, valves and visibility are decisive factors in the selection process. While smaller models with a length of around one metre and about 200 newtons of buoyancy are sufficient, especially in good conditions,

longer buoys with up to two metres and correspondingly more volume offer greater visibility - especially in stronger waves or at a greater distance from the boat. Very large models with a lot of buoyancy can even be used as towing or flotation devices for tired people in an emergency.

Various systems are available for inflation, some in combination: Many models can be inflated by mouth or with the inflator hose. More technically sophisticated versions use a duckbill valvea type of non-return mechanism that prevents air from escaping. The air pressure closes the lower end. With duckbill valves and the classic open-bottom buoys, the

Clean workmanship: quality buoys are not only thermally

octopus is ventilated by an air showerwhich is preferable to the other methods, as the main regulator can remain in the mouth and divers continue to be supplied with breathing gas. A pressure relief valve protects such a buoy from damage. It is not necessary for favourable, completely open buoys. Here, the overpressure generated during ascent simply escapes downwards. The materials range from simple nylon to TPU-coated high-end versions. The latter are more robust, more durable and correspondingly more expensive.

Visibility is a key aspect. Bright orange has established itself as the standard colour, as it is easy to see even in low light or overcast skies. Yellow buoys are often used as emergency SMBs: they signal a deviating or problematic situation to the surface crew. Some models also have reflective SOLAS strips or attachments for kink lights and flashlights, which significantly improve visibility.

There is a large selection on the market. Manufacturers such as Mares, Scubapro, Halcyon and Cressi offer numerous variants - from the compact everyday buoy to the professional tech version with high robustness. While entry-level models are available from around 25 euros, highquality SMBs with all the safety features can quickly cost 80 euros and more.

Stowed in or on the diving jacketpreferably tied together with bungee - the buoy unfolds its full significance at the decisive moment. That's why you need to practise and train its handling regularly. The controlled deployment on the reel or spool, the handles, the correct ventilation procedure, the ascent and diving with a buoy require routine and therefore regular practice. <<

Towed buoy: These buoys are not carried under water with. They are towed by snorkellers, swimmers or diving groups who mark their spot.

Inexpensive

A

Self-inflating buoys with their own small compressed air cylinder are available from AP Valves. The price speaks for itself: 289 euros.

Welded seam: Cheaper models are only welded. The welded seams do not last as long as the firmly sewn connections.

buoys have a non-closable opening.

lead plate at the bottom keeps it upright, which largely prevents air from escaping.

welded, but also sewn.

Small, narrow buoys: they are easy to stow. Practical when travelling.

Large buoys with reflective strips at the top increase visibility.

EXPERTS

OUR EXPERT

DR FLORIAN HUBER reports here every month on the news from the scientific underwater world. He himself is an underwater archaeologist and research diver (florian-huber.info).

BOOK TIP: OCEANS: THE LAST WILDERNESS ON OUR PLANET

From the icy oceans of our poles to remote coral islands, world-renowned naturalist David Attenborough joins Colin Butfield to explore the last great wilderness on Earth: the oceans. Attenborough vividly and impressively reports on the unspoilt and fragile nature of selected habitats that are home to fascinating animal and plant species, the great discoveries made by courageous marine explorers in years gone by and the attempts of modern science to explore the hidden underwater world in more detail. It becomes clear: The oceans, as endangered as they are today, possess a remarkable resilience, thanks to which we could once again have a marine world full of life. We just have to act.

HULL PARTS OF THE ANTIKYTHERASHIPWRECK RECOVERED

ADivers lifting a fragment of the hull of the Antikythera shipwracks. The fragile piece of wood was placed on a support frame and then wrapped up and brought to the surface.

Below: Fragment of the Antikythera mechanism, probably dating from around 100 BC - the oldest known analogue computer. With the complex system of around 30 bronze gears in a wooden housing, was able to calculate the positions of the sun, moon and the five planets known at the time and display them on various scales.

good 2000 yearsago , one of the largest freighters of antiquity sank off the Greek island of Antikythera. It was fully laden with luxury goods of the time, including ceramics, marble statues and even a bronze throne. A human skeleton was also found in this "Titanic of antiquity". However, the most famous find in the wreck is the Antikythera mechanism - an ancient "celestial computer" that remains a mystery to this day. Now there are new finds in the famous Antikythera shipwreck - and the recovery of a very special relic. During the excavation campaign in May and June 2025, underwater archaeologists succeeded in recovering several wooden parts of the ship's hull that were still connected to each other. Thanks to a specially developed support structure, the fragile part of the ship was brought to the surface undamaged. It consists of three planks that are still connected to each other by a frame. These wreckage parts now offer exciting insights into the construction and origin of the ancient freighter. Initial analyses have revealed that the ship's planks were made of elm and oak and date back to around 235 BC. Their arrangement confirms a construction method typical of the time: According to the archaeologists, the ancient ship's hull was built using the "shell-first" method. In this method, the outer hull of the ship is built first, followed by the inner structure. This corresponds to the common shipbuilding method in the Mediterranean region in early antiquity, the team explains.

In the headlines: what is surprising, however, is that the currently recovered wooden planks are somewhat thinner than those discovered by Jacques-Yves Cousteau during a dive in 1976. It is still unclear why: do the recently recovered planks belong to an upper part of the ship or a repaired part of the hull? Or does the hull fragment possibly come from the smaller companion ship of the ancient freighter? A more detailed analysis should now clarify this. Some other pieces of wood found on the seabed could also provide further answers and clues. Divers found remnants of lead, copper and tar on these. It is assumed that these materials could have been used to seal and stabilise the ship's hull. As with the previous dives, the underwater archaeologists systematically documented all the wreckage and finds using 3D photogrammetry and entered all the data, drawings, photos and plans into a geographic information system (GIS). Together with the results of previous campaigns, this material now forms an important basis for future research.

of Geneva;

Andrea Thiele; AUV Team, GEOMAR, Florian Huber

ELIMINATE MUNITIONS IN THE SEA FOR GOOD

More than 1.6 million tonnes of old munitions are stored at the bottom of the North and Baltic Seas. The CAMMera project (Clearance Activities for Marine Munition through Efficient Remediation Approaches) is now developing the necessary advanced technologies and guidelines to finally remove the old munitions from European seas. Previous GEOMAR projects, the development of chemical analysers and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are laying the foundations for this. The final and decisive phase has so far remained open: the final clearance and disposal of difficult-to-handle munitions on an industrial scale. This is where the CAMMera project comes in. The project is coordinated by GEOMAR and involves industrial partners from several European countries. "Nobody really knows how many munitions are lying on the seabed. But we have a responsibility to remove themsafely, efficiently and in an environmentally friendly way. After a lot of preparatory work, the CAMMera project is now about concrete implementation. The aim is to further develop methods and technologies in order to recover old munitions on an industrial scale and thus set an international example," says Professor Dr Jens Greinert, head of the project, marine geologist and expert on old munitions at GEOMAR.

Ammunition dumps are often located in coastal areas that are used intensively. Old munitions on the seabed release explosive chemicals such as TNT and toxic substances such as mercury and lead. These accumulate in fish and mussels, for example. As corrosion progresses, these substances are released more quickly.

Background: Danger on the seabed

After the end of the Second World War, munitions were dumped in the sea - and most of them are still there. Old munitions on the seabed can be potentially harmful to the ocean. Explosive chemicals such as TNT or toxic substances such as mercury and lead accumulate in fish and mussels, for example. They have a carcinogenic effect and can alter genetic material. As corrosion progresses, these substances are released more quickly. Rising temperatures and storms, which are partly caused by climate change, accelerate the decay of ammunition. Individual unexploded ordnance has already been removed, for example when wind turbines or data cables are built in the sea. The CAMMera project is focussing on preparing the large-scale clearance of entire munitions dumps. Thousands of boxes of ammunition, seamines and other objects are stored in large quantities and in confined spaces.

dumps such as this one

THE ARCTIC OCEAN WAS NEVER COMPLETELY FROZENNOT EVEN DURING THE ICE AGES

For years, scientists have debated whether a huge, thick ice shelf covered the entire Arctic Ocean during the coldest ice ages. A new study published in Science Advances now calls this idea into question, as the research team found no evidence for the presence of a massive ice shelf about one kilometre thick. Instead, the Arctic Ocean appears to have been covered by seasonal sea ice, so that even during the harshest cold spells of the last 750,000 years, open water was present, providing conditions conducive to life. This discovery provides crucial insights into how the Arctic has reacted to climate change in the past and how it might behave in the future.

Ammunition

at Lübeck Bay contain thousands of ammunition boxes, sea mines and other objects in a confined space.

Iceberg on the coast of East Greenland

EXPERTS

This adventure is not without danger simply because of its location: Diving the Plura Cave in Norway is a challenge even for experienced cave divers.

° PLURA CAVE NORWAY

SNOW &

MARBLE

T & F Martin Strmiska

EXPERTS

° PLURA CAVE NORWAY

Asthe van with three people on board reaches SaltfjelletSvartisen National Park, the last of the daylight disappears behind the snow-covered mountains. The rain turns into heavy snowfall. Shortly afterwards, the van crosses the Arctic Circle and the journey feels like flying through an Arctic storm. Fog swallows the light from the headlights and large snowflakes block the view. The flat land between two mountain ranges causes the wind to accelerate to high speeds and whirl up the snow from the ground - the road is barely recognisable. Only the poles on either side provide orientation for the driver. Nevertheless, after two short flights with a stopover in Oslo and a four-hour drive through the Arctic wilderness, we reach the Plura Valley.

Arctic remoteness

The snowstorm doesn't stop. The next morning, Jani, the owner of the Plura diving centre, has to clear more than half a metre of fresh snow from around the property and the path to the diving site with his tractor. It is only now that the remoteness of this place becomes apparent. The nearest neighbours live five kilometres away. Anyone who watches the snowstorms and vast expanses of snow through the warm window while enjoying a good meal will inevitably think of Jo Nesbø's Nordic thrillers. If the murderer from his books were travelling here - there would be no place to escape. But those who love solitude and the winter landscape will find nature in its purest form here. Everything you need is in one place, which makes logistics easier and limits exposure to the cold to the diving season.

Plura Cave

In warm underwear and drysuits, we load our equipment into the van and drive 300 metres to the water source - or rather, ice source at this time of year. The small pond is an access point to an underground river that rises in Lake Kallvatnet (28 square kilometres), eight kilometres

away. The water flows slowly underground, reaching 135 metres at its deepest point and then rising to the surface again as the Plura River. The pond is covered with a thick layer of ice and fresh snow. Only a small area is kept free of ice to allow divers to enter. Because of the sub-zero temperatures at night, Jani has to use a stage bottle to break up the thin ice and expose the entrance. The story of four Finnish divers who tried to dive from the pond to a cave entrance 1.5 kilometres away eleven years

ago shows how well a diver can adapt to extreme cold. They had to cross a 135 metre deep section and plan a five-hour decompression dive at two degrees Celsius. Two of them paid for this adventure with their lives. The others remained underwater for seven and eleven hours respectively. This story is not exactly "warming". Nor does the sight of ice floes on the surface of the water. The water, which is only one degree Celsius cold, bites your face. Our plan to stay underwater

Ice-cold passion: from the ice hole, the exploration divers from the "Level3" club disappear into the frozen pond that leads directly into the Plura cave system.

EXPERTS ° PLURA CAVE NORWAY

for two hours seems surreal. But as soon as we dip our heads under the ice and see the crystal-clear water, the cold is forgotten. The emotion is so overwhelming that dopamine binds to all available receptors. As you descend into the cave, the initial exhilaration gives way to concentration, and as you enter the darkness, your mind focuses on the essentials. What are cave divers looking for in absolute darkness? The answer: a state of complete consciousness. For some, this can only be achieved here - deep underground, far from daylight.

Some of the cave passages resemble a quarry with collapsed limestone blocks. Others are reminiscent of winding tunnels milled into the marble. The layers of rock tell of ice that was forced into the earth's interior under great pressure. The softer limestone eroded more easily, while the harder, metamorphic marble resisted greater forces. The result: a rock sandwich with dark marble edges and light-coloured limestone layers in between. The further we move away from the entrance, the narrower the passages become and the more striking the structure. After a 30-minute dive, we reach the "Wedding Chamber". On 10

August 2019, Jani Santala and Ina Teressa Jordbu got married in this dry chamber, 450 metres deep in the cave. 69 divers took part in the ceremony, each completing two dives - one on the way in, one on the way back. This record is recorded in the Guinness Book and not only tells a beautiful story, but also one of courage and achievement. After 90 minutes, the sudden onset of cold forces us to ascend. Even powerful fin strokes no longer warm us up. When we emerge, we are greeted by a sundrenched, icy lake. The cold seems to be subsiding - a misconception. On the contrary: the one degree cold water under the ice bites us in the face.

Plura Cave - Ascent

When you emerge, the feeling of warmth returns almost immediately. Outside, everything has changed. The snowstorm is over and the valley is bathed in sunlight. High snow-covered mountains line the valley, with the Plura River meandering between them. This landscape began to form around 400 million years ago when Greenland collided with Scandinavia. The earth's crust folded up higher than today's Himalayas. The former seabed was rich in

limestone, which turned into marble due to high pressure and heat. Erosion formed the mountain ranges, glaciers cut into the valleys, and finally water and ice worked the cave from the inside - a geological record of millions of years.

Colours of the north

As the last of the blue fades from the sky, the stars twinkle brighter. The air is almost motionless - you can barely feel the cold. But the snow crunches loudly underfoot. A sure sign of an icy cold night. Suddenly it seems as if someone shoots an arrow of fire into the sky, leaving a green trail in its wake. As it quickly fades, new green arrows appear. I walk to the pond with my camera and tripod. The sky changes so quickly that every step seems like an eternity. In complete silence, in the middle of the Arctic wilderness, I take one picture after another and marvel at the ever-changing green patterns in the sky. It is probably one of the most private spectacles a person can experience. In a way, it is comparable to a diver swimming under the ice - far from the cave entrance, but very close to himself.

Info: pluravalley.com & libertydivers.com <<

HEY DOC, DOES THIS MAKE ME FIT TO DIVE?

In this column, we answer readers' questions about diving fitness. This part deals with a reader enquiry about diving after tooth extraction.

T Dr Dr Philipp Stahl, Deputy Medical Director MHW/aqua med Medical Board

Hey doc, I had a tooth extraction last week. How soon after the operation can I go diving again?

Dental factors are often not given sufficient attention in diving medical examinations, although pathological conditions in the mouth can lead to serious complications

underwater. A well-known, but clinically often underestimated problem is so-called ba-rodontalgia: pain caused by trapped gases in decayed or leaking teeth when pressure changes. Relevant complications can occur in particular after dental procedures such as extractions or with insufficient fillings.

Barondontalgia

During the compression and decompression phase of a dive, considerable pressure differences act on the body and in particular on air-filled spaces such as the sinuses and middle ear - and therefore also on the teeth. These pressure differences must be compensated for by appropriate pressure

equalisation. In the area of the teeth, air-filled cavities can lead to painful barotraumas due to leaking fillings or incompletely healed extraction wounds, as pressure equalisation is not actually possible here. Barodontalgia (pressure pain in the tooth under variable pressure conditions) can occur if existing fillings are not airtight, root canals have been inadequately treated or recent surgical procedures have been carried out in the oral cavity. This pain is caused by trapped air that expands or compresses as it descends or emerges, exerting pressure on nerve endings.

Suitability for diving after tooth extractions

Tooth extractions, especially of molars or wisdom teeth, leave open wound cavities that normally heal after several days to weeks. After a surgical procedure, diving and snorkelling should be avoided at least until the stitches have been removed. In the meantime, there is an increased risk of contamination of the wound due to the ingress of sea or lake water. The edges of the wound can become infected or gape open due to the naturally non-sterile mouthpiece. Airless spaces can also develop in which gases can accumulate. After wisdom tooth removal, bone augmentation or other major procedures, it makes sense to refrain from diving for a longer period of time. It can take up to three weeks for the area to heal completely. This should always be borne in mind when planning diving trips and dental surgery. Specifically, this means that after a simple tooth extraction without complications, a diving break of at least 7 to 14 days should be observed. For complicated extractions with bone milling or extensive surgery, 3 to 4 weeks are recommended, depending on the healing process. The mucosa over the extraction site should be completely restored - i.e. no open wound or visible wound cavity. In the event of a wound healing disorder, an X-ray examination may be necessary in addition to the clinical examination to assess bone healing. Inflammation in the extraction area is an absolute contraindication to diving, as an increase in ambient pressure can promote the spread of germs. The patency and integrity of the paranasal sinus structure is particularly important for tooth extractions in the maxilla in the area of the maxillary sinus, as barotrauma can occur as a result.

Diving with dental fillings

As a general rule, you should wait at least 24 hours before diving after dental treatment with anaesthetic. Fillings (amalgam, composite, ceramic, etc.) are generally considered safe for diving, provided they have been correctly processed and properly inserted. The risk of barodontalgia arises, as already mentioned, when small gas spaces form under or between fillings. Barodontalgia occurs preferentially with older, defective or inadequately bonded fillings. Older fillings with marginal gaps, undetected caries lesions or incipient secondary caries are particularly at risk. Regular dental check-ups before diving holidays are therefore generally recommended. The dentist can also take x-rays to identify hidden caries under old fillings.

Conclusion

Dental health is a relevant component of diving fitness and must not be neglected as part of the diving medical examination. Dental interventions and pathological conditions in the mouth can sometimes lead to considerable complications under pressurised conditions. Close interdisciplinary cooperation between dentists and doctors experienced in diving medicine is therefore essential and always advisable. <<

DR DR PHILIPP STAHL, MHW/ AQUA MED MEDICAL BOARD is a specialist in internal medicine, emergency medicine, diving medicine, travel medicine aqua med is the medical emergency call centre for divers and can look back on over 20 years of experience in medical assistance. Behind the well-known brand is the dedicated team at Medical Helpline Worldwide (MHW) in Bremen. Whether it's organising an ambulance, providing a hyperbaric chamber in an emergency or personal medical advicethe team of assistants and doctors is there for divers around the clock.

In our new column "Hey doc, am I fit to dive with this?" aqua med is now answering medical questions about diving fitness. Dr Dr Philipp Stahl, deputy medical director at aqua med, will be leading this column and is looking forward to answering readers' questions and providing well-founded insights. Send us your questions to: redaktion@tauchen.de, keyword "Hey Doc".

SUMMARISED RECOMMENDATIONS ...

... on fitness for diving after dental procedures

Dental measure

Dental treatments with anaesthesia

Simple tooth extraction

Recommended waiting time until diving

24 hours

7 to 14 days

Complex tooth extraction (e.g. wisdom tooth) 3 to 4 weeks

Oroantral communication individual; (e.g. opening of the maxillary sinus) after 6 to 8 weeks at the earliest New filling immediately submersible

Controlled old filling Immediately submersible when symptom-free

Dental implants

Inflammation in the jaw area

3 to 4 weeks

No diving until healed

FISH FIN, SHAPE & BEHAVIOUR

T Benjamin Schulze

Loners, camouflage artists or shoaling acrobats: fish characterise almost every diving experience. But recognising them correctly is sometimes not so easy. This article shows how to distinguish typical species not only by colour, but also by shape, fins and behaviour.

In fact,many diving enthusiasts memorise striking reef inhabitants straight away: The clown triggerfish, a brightly coloured angelfish and a mega manta remain in the memory. However, it becomes more difficult if you want to describe more than just "beautiful" or "big" - and really want to correctly categorise the animal later in

the identification book. Apps with artificial intelligence can now provide good support. Of course, you shouldn't rely on them alone, as they can still make mistakes.

In zoological terms, bony and cartilaginous fish belong to the vertebrate class. Around 35,000 species are currently described, with the coral reefs of the tropics being among the most species-rich

habitats. The diversity of species is based on ecological niche specialisation and manifests itself in a wide variety of body shapes, colour patterns and behaviours. Comparative genetic studies are helping to define existing similarities and differences more and more clearly. Even today, over 100 new fish species are discovered every year.

What to look out for?

A SYSTEMATIC LOOK AT HELPS WITH IDENTIFICATION:

 Body shape: Is the fish torpedo-shaped (example: hunters such as barracudas), high-backed (example: butterflyfish) or eel-like (example: moray eels)?

 Mouth position and jaw shape: Upper jaw (hunter from above), lower jaw (bottom feeder), terminal jaw (allrounder)? The shape of the mouth reveals a lot about the feeding behaviour.

 Fin arrangement: single or double dorsal fins? How big are the pectoral and pelvic fins? Does the fish have an anal fin or elongated rays?

 Swimming behaviour: Does the animal swim jerkily, undulating or calmly gliding? Territorial and loyal to its location or migratory?

 Social behaviour: Solitary, pairforming or schooling fish?

AIDS FOR FISH IDENTIFICATION

 Underwater sketchbook (wetnotes) or underwater camera: Just a few features can help with later identification. If you observe well, you can better reconstruct details later. If you capture them in a picture, you have all the time in the world to correctly identify them later.

 Identification literature and apps: Classic reef guides are offered by Kosmos-Verlag or Delius Klasing, usually by region. There are reef guides for the Red Sea, the Indo-Pacific and the Caribbean. These books are often available at diving centres. Fish identification apps for divers are not yet fully developed. If you look at the fish identification apps used by anglers, you will find "PictureFish" to be a fairly reliable tool, but one that unfortunately comes at a cost.

 Databases with a huge amount of data:

- FishBase: The world's most comprehensive scientific fish database. It contains over 35,000 species with distribution maps, images, biological information and catch data. Ideal for in-depth research.

- Reef Life Survey (RLS), very good visual database for reef fish and other marine life with a focus on the IndoPacific and Australia. It contains photos and discovery data from citizen science projects.

- iNaturalist: App-supported community platform for species recognition by image,

1) Cod(Gadus morhua): With a clearly recognisable double dorsal fina closer look at even reveals a third fin at the transition to the caudal fin. A classic example of cod-like fish with a spiny and soft-rayed fin structure.

2) Great barracuda(Sphyraena barracuda): torpedo-shaped hunter with impressive teeth and silvery scales. Often solitary, but occasionally found in loose groups over reefs or in open water.

3) Clown triggerfish (Balistoides conspicillum): strikingly coloured solitary fish from the triggerfish family. Characterised by the black and white dot pattern on the belly and the yellow mouth. Mostly found in coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific.

4) Reticulated moray eel(Gymnothorax favagineus): large moray eel with striking netlike markings. During the day mostly hidden in crevices or caves, at night active on the reef in search of prey. Common in the Indo-Pacific.

5) Bigeye angelfish(Monotaxis grandoculis): shiny, silvery, nocturnal predatory fish with a strikingly large eye. Occurs frequently in the Indo-Pacific and Red Sea, usually in small groups over Sand and coral soils.

including AI-supported suggestions. Fish are very well represented, many sightings with location reference. Ideal for joining in.

SPECIAL NOTES

 Colour is not everything: many fish change colour depending on their mood, age, sex or territory. Juveniles and adults of the same species can look completely different.

 Observe behaviour: Fish often show species-specific behaviour. Cleaning stations, reproductive rituals or foraging behaviour can provide important clues here.

 Don't be afraid of the unknown: If you're unsure, don't just guess - combine, photograph, compare and ask.

CONCLUSION

With a little systematics and a keen eye, even complex fish communities can be structured. And you will soon recognise the "usual suspects" at a glance.

In the next part of the series, things turn green: We look at algae and marine flowering plants and show you how to tell them apart.

SNORKELLING MORE THAN JUST COOLING OFF

In the last four articles we have established that Snorkelling can be much more than just a quick way to cool off. In the last instalment of our snorkelling series, we take you on very special trips around the globe.

T Nik Linder

Photo: Cedric Schanze

Picture-book idyll: Dreamlike lakes await explorers at.

One of the most intense experiences in our oceans is the encounter with whales. Humpback whales retreat to shallow waters at certain times to give birth to their young. In the weeks that follow, the calves nurse,

public anyway. If whales are persecuted, they retreat. However, the animals are usually very open-minded. They often even approach the snorkellers themselves. It is almost as if the mother whales are happy when the calf finds someone to play with. Such an experience remains unforgettable.

grow and prepare for the often long and dangerous journey to the feeding grounds. During this sensitive phase, humpback whales can be observed with a high probability in the Dominican Republic, Polynesia and a few other places. Thanks are due to the responsible dive centres and local operators who organise fair and stress-free encounters: The animals are not harassed or chased, and in most cases no diving towards them is permitted. The fact that these rules are adhered to is due to the strict issuing of licences - permits for such tours are extremely limited and highly coveted. Nobody wants to risk losing their licence. In the age of GoPros and social media, violations would quickly become

Travel tip

Various tour operators offer snorkelling tours with humpback whales in Polynesia or Wirodive diving and adventure trips to the Silver Banks in the Dominican Republic.

Adventures in fresh water

When you dive in a river, you can feel the life. Tributaries enrich the water with oxygen. This sometimes attracts surprisingly large fish. Trout, pike and more can be observed at close range. In the shallow water current, the fish often only have the option of swerving to the sidethey pass close by. I had a special experience while scuba diving in Austria:

Photos: shutterstock, Nik Linder, Phil Simha

Singing whales, curious calves and intense encounterslike here off Niue at close range.

Unforgettable: snorkelling and scuba diving in the Traun.

wearing a wetsuit and ABC equipment, I simply let myself drift down the river - past tributaries, fly fishermen, people waving on bridges and a surprisingly large number of big fish. In the legendary Verzasca in Switzerland, there are pools that are so deep that they attract scuba divers. However, it is even more impressive with snorkelling equipment: you can feel the currents and their shadows much more intensely, the water is shallow and crystal clear. Circling in the current, you feel like you are drifting in a natural carousel. An experience of a special kind!

Important: The conditions in rivers can change quickly and become dangerous. Professional providers ensure safety and know the best spots.

Provider: Scuben e.g. at e.g. at Qualidive (www.flusstauchen.at/); Verzasca tours e.g. via www.philsimha.com/

Power snorkelling in Mallorca

During my freediving weeks at the Dive Centre Mallorca, base operator Armin motivated us to go "power snorkelling" in the mornings: we met on the beach before sunrise - with ABC equipment, swimming trunks and sleepy eyes. Thanks to Armin's motivation, more and more water sports enthusiasts turned up every day to get the day off to a sporty start. Power snorkelling means gliding through the water with powerful arm strokes in a crawling stylethe fins play a secondary role. The circulation gets going, the lungs are challenged - a real snorkelling workout.

Our destination was an offshore rock from which we admired the sunrise before snorkelling back, full of energy. An ideal start to the day. I tried it later in the quarry pond. But nothing came close to the power snorkelling experience with Armin on Mallorca.

Perhaps also for you: www.tauchschule-mallorca.de

Mountain lake snorkelling:

Dive down on the hike

Diving at great heights is fun, but also strenuous. Snorkelling with ABC equipment, on the other hand, is uncomplicated. Even remote lakes that can only be reached on foot or by bike offer an intense nature experience with a mask and snorkel. Suddenly a pretty mountain lake becomes a place of discovery. Snorkelling adds a new perspective to the bathing experience. The underwater world is a quiet beauty, especially in clear mountain lakes. Please be aware of possible protection zones. Where swimming is permitted, snorkelling is generally also allowed.

Seatrekking:

Snorkelling with a view

Locomotion in seatrekking is modelled on marine mammals: one third of the time on the water surface, two thirds under waterhydrodynamically and efficiently. But Seatrekking is more than just travelling a distance: It is a holistic experience. Snorkelling along the coastline, you experience how landscapes continue

underwater. Your luggage is pulled behind you in a waterproof bag with a leashwhich also serves as a buoy. Reduced to the essentials (sleeping bag, mat, food, change of clothes), you quickly realise how little you really need. A deep sense of relaxation sets in after just a few strokes of the fin.

Provider: www.seanomads.de; www.bernhardwache.com; www.niklinder.com

Houseboat snorkelling tour: Nature meets comfort

If a tent is too uncomfortable for you, houseboating on the Mecklenburg Lake District is an ingenious alternative: nature experience and comfort in one. In May, we went on our first test tour in cooperation with Kuhnle Boote - with snorkelling, hiking, lake trekking and breathing training.

A tour will take place again next year at : 14 to 17 May 2026 on the Müritz. Further information: www.niklinder.com

Farewell and outlook

This post concludes our five-part snorkelling series, in which we talked about equipment, safety, technique, breathing and stretching. I hope I've been able to inspire you and show you that snorkelling can be much more than just a quick way to cool off after sunbathing. For me, the first diving mask opened up a new world - and I am still discovering it with the same enthusiasm today.

A very special experience: snorkelling towards the sunrise - like here on Mallorca.

Seatrekking - when hiking and snorkelling merge.

FOCUS

FOCUS HELPER FOR MACRO & BLACKWATER

The Mid Range Focus Optimiser optimises long macro lenses. The MFO-3 from Nauticam is a clever tool for macro and blackwater photographers: it shortens the focus range of 90-105 millimetre macro lenses to around 60 millimetres without changing the lens or port. Ideal for close-up subjects that are difficult to focus on - from tiny nudibranchs to larger angler fish. Despite its size, the MFO-3 is lighter than the SMC-3 and therefore easier to balance. Price: 630 euros.

MORE LIGHT WITH THE SAME SIZE

New professional underwater flash Retra Flash Pro Max II with 65 per cent more power compared to the previous version - the price: from 1925 euros. With the Flash Pro Max II, Retra is launching its fifth generation of flashes with 65 per cent more light, 25 per cent faster recycle time and 120 per cent brighter pilot LED. Despite the increased 190 watt flash output, the housing remains compact. Highlights: 17 power levels, Bluetooth app, integrated leak warning, goldplated contacts and a clever bayonet mount for accessories. Up to 2000 flashes possible with battery booster and eight NiMh rechargeable batteries.

5-INCH MONITOR FOR TRAVELLING

Robust aluminium underwater monitor: With the WED-5 PRO, Weefine offers a compact 5-inch underwater monitor that is particularly lightweight, travelfriendly and robust. The housing is precisely milled from aluminium and anodised - for optimum protection against salt water and heat. Included in the scope of delivery: Monitor, battery and spare O-rings. Ideal for anyone who doesn't want to do without large displays when filming underwater. Price: 1199 euros.

ALUMINIUM HOUSING FOR ACTION CAMS

This CNC-milled aluminium housing reliably protects action cams down to a depth of 250 metres. The latest DJI Action 5 Pro is also supported. Thanks to optimised heat dissipation, the front lens remains fog-free - without any desiccant. Neodymium magnets facilitate filter installation and a zinc sacrificial anode provides long-term protection against corrosion. The housing is attached with two 1/4 inch camera threads. Price: 329 euros.

PHOTO WORKSHOP IN THE RED SEA WITH ROLAND CONRAD

Attention underwater photographers! There will be a diving safari on the Sea Serpent Serena from 22 to 29 October 2025, with Roland Conrad, owner of PanOcean Photo, conducting an exclusive intensive workshop on board this comfortable liveaboard. The seven-day liveaboard offers full board, single bed in a twin cabin, three to four dives a day (two on the last day), Nitrox (29-32 %), tanks and weights as well as experienced dive guides. Soft drinks, tea, instant coffee and mineral water are included, as are transfers, airport assistance, harbour fees, reef taxes, permits and fuel surcharges. Price: 1490 euros per person. Maximum 18 participants. Not included are flights, visa, insurance, rental equipment and tips. Further information and registration: panocean.com

DREAMTEAM? NIKON & NAUTICAM

Nauticam is not only dedicated to high-end cameras, but also offers the right equipment for holiday and ambitious photographers. In the test: the new mirrorless "Nikon Z50II".

T & F Herbert Frei

Nauticam has long recognised that good and affordable underwater housings must also be built for the average person. In this respect, the Nikon Z 50II fits perfectly into this friendly concept. It is well known that Nauticam also takes the greatest care with its bread-

and-butter housings and applies perfect workmanship. In this respect, the Chinese manufacturer stands almost alone in the landscape. The camera is inserted with a perfect fit. The lever for switching from photo to video should be lifted slightly beforehand. Surprisingly, the eyelets on the camera do not need to be removed. The camera fits like a glove without a fixing screw. Even the camera zoom can be operated safely without an additional gear wheel. This is impressive and unrivalled.

Inner values

Anyone who understands precision mechanics will be thrilled at the sight of the inside of the housing. Levers, gears, friction wheels and pushbuttons intervene with almost oppressive precision. It never ceases to amaze how the housing manufacturer is able to compensate for even the smallest geometric deviations in the camera series. Switching on the camera flash under water works inimitably well. So you don't have to activate the camera flash on land. This is

Nauticam

important because the Z 50II only opens the aperture fully to create the image in "M" mode when the flash is switched on. Otherwise, the image will remain dark with small apertures and little ambient light. Is it possible to switch it off again under water? I almost wrote "Thank God not". Because that's the only flaw I found in the housing. this function is not overly important because you can also switch off the external flash unit if such a situation should arise. In principle, it is sufficient to retract the raised camera flash about 40 per cent of the way, then the flash goes off. This is an adjustment issue that the importer can probably rectify if it is important to you. The underwater housing is waterproof up to 100 metres.

Functional realisation

Basically, all other controls work inimitably well, no matter how complicated they may be. This also includes the switchover from photo to video, which can sometimes be activated inadvertently because the switch is somewhat exposed and raised on the top

NA-Z 50 II UW housing: 2265 euros

Vacuum system: 205 Euro

Wide-angle converter WWL-1b: 1430 Euro

Macro lens CMC-1: 405 Euro

Info & purchase: www.PanOceanPhoto.com

"NIKON Z 50II IN FIGURES"

Camera Compact system camera (CSC)

Type Nikon Z50 II

Resolution 20.67 megapixels (5568 x 3712 pixels)

Sensitivity ISO 100 to ISO 51200; UW usable up to ISO 6400, standard ISO 200

Image sensor APS-C(15.7 x 23.5 mm)

of the housing. This can lead to irritation under water when a spirit level suddenly appears on the monitor and ISO Auto appears with a wild display beyond the usual range. Then stay calm and don't get nervous. Everything will smooth out again. If you want to photograph successfully under water, you should not feel compelled by the many settings (there are 24 of them) to want to use them all. Just five are required to correctly expose the images without an external flash unit when the mode dial is set to "M", the camera flash is switched on and the photo function is activated. These are: Shutter speed, aperture, ISO and shutter release.

Building instructions

Basic zoom Nikkor Z 16-50 mm f3.5-6.3 VR

Storage SD card

Weight 663 g with battery, memory and zoom

Exposure mode manual, aperture priority, aperture priority, programme automatic

Shutter speed 30 S to 1/4000s

Aperture 3.5 to 22

Price in Euro approx. 1150 (basic zoom 16-50 mm)

You can read all about the new Nikon Z50 II on our website: tauchen.de/technik/fotogehaeuse/nikon-z50ii-im-nauticam-gehaeuse/

The back cover lock, which functions as an eccentric and presses the left-hinged back cover into its sealing function with irresistible pressure, ensures perfect

assembly with low tolerances. Only a few camera housing manufacturers have mastered this technique because it requires a high degree of manufacturing precision. Especially as the back cover O-ring is not exactly a paragon of strength. It's amazing how it even has a cleaning function with this minimal match thickness. More precision is not possible at this point. A leak warning system is fitted as standard. A blue LED flashes on the back cover every seven seconds, signalling that water has not

Nikon Z50II: The radiotion buttons are clearly arranged, clear and distinct. The compactness is remarkable.

housing: The wide-angle and macro attachment lenses can be optionally retrofitted to the standard port.

OPTICAL VARIANCE

The port for the 16-50 mm zoom on the NA-Z 50II is permanently installed. Changing the port is therefore not possible or even superfluous, as the different focal lengths can be obtained by mounting a wide-angle converter and a macro lens. At the front of the port is a fixed bayonet adapter for mounting the two lens attachments. Nauticam also supplies a lens holder on request, in which the attachments can be temporarily stored if you want to use the basic zoom or switch between the attachments.

Taking photos with the basic zoom

The zoom lenses supplied with the camera are usually grossly underestimated in terms of their variable use and the image quality they achieve. It is true that photographs are taken through flat glass, which in turn results in a reduction of the native image angle or an apparent extension of the focal length by a value of 1.33. The 16-50 mm zoom becomes a zoom lens with a focal length of 21.3-66.0 mm. The 16-50 mm zoom becomes one with a zoom focal length of 21.3-66.5 mm. In many cases, this is ideal when photographing medium-sized subjects such as scorpionfish, lionfish, moray eels etc. as well as smaller coral reefs, sponges and shells. Even smaller sharks fit into the field of view.

Wide-angle converter WWL-1b

Instead of a super wide-angle lens plus a large dome port, you mount the WWL-1b.

An impressive piece of glass that weighs 1.05 kilograms on land, but only has 170 grams of downforce in the water thanks to its buoyancy collar. The wide-angle converter is pressureresistant up to 100 metres. The high-quality combination of six coated lenses produces superb image quality. The 130° angle of view is fascinating, producing high-quality wide-angle shots without visible edge blur with high image sharpness and good contrast. The image quality is better than with most combinations of wide-angle lenses with dome port. The volume of the attachment may put off some prospective customers. The price is also not without its drawbacks, but the glass block is worth every euro from a practical point of view. The WWL-1b is indispensable for the NA-Z50 II because it takes underwater photography into another dimension. With the WWL-1b you can utilise the entire zoom range of the basic camera lens in full sharpness. This means that the wide-angle attachment can also be used for close-up photography. Such variability is not a matter of course, as other wide-angle attachments often do not offer this focal length adjustment with optimum image quality.

Macro lens CMC-1

Macro shots are very popular with users. With the CMC-1 lens, Nauticam has created an achromatic attachment which, depending on the zoom adjustment, ranges from 1:3 to 1:1. Photographing pygmy seahorses as a reference for the maximum magnification of the lens unit is no problem, even though photography in this genre is anything but easy. Practical obstacles such as exact buoyancy control and locating and fixing such subjects on the monitor in a photographable way are sometimes more difficult than taking the picture itself.

yet penetrated. If this is the case, the leak warning system goes into attack mode: it whines heart-rendingly, like a hungry baby. You can even hear it through a thick headgear. Unfortunately, Nauticam has decided not to fit a vacuum system as standard. It costs extra, but is definitely worth it. Suggestion to Nauticam: The UW housing would probably only cost a little more in series production, especially as the vacuum electronics are fitted as standard. Only the vacuum sensor and the hand pump are missing. If the rear cover O-ring is handled carefully, the housing is of course leak-proof even without the vacuum system. Nevertheless, it's like driving by sight in a lot of fog. Usually works well, but not always. There is a sacrificial anode at the bottom of the housing to counteract electrical corrosion. The Nauticam housing is supplied complete with two handles with finger rests plus two ball heads for mounting two flash arms or LED lights. Two optical sockets transmit the light signals to the external flash units. The image is framed exclusively via the monitor window on the rear. The housing manufacturer has spared us a look at the camera eyepiece. Presumably he assumes that the mobile phone generation will not use this view, which originates from SLR technology, anyway. There may be something to that. The monitor image is clear and colourful even in bright surroundings. An eyepiece is definitely not missing.

Conclusion

Together with the Z 50II, the NA-50 II is well within a reasonable range in terms of handling, weight, price and flexibility. As an alternative to the premium compact cameras, the equipment not only scores points, it also moves irresistibly into another league. Recommended is a great understatement. <<

The WWL-1b can also be used in many ways for fish photography.

SPLITSHOTS WITH

THE MOBILE PHONE

With the SeaTouch 4 Max housing and touchscreen, DIVEVOLK has not only won prizes, but above all the hearts of many users. The innovative smartphone housing comes with a wide range of accessories - ideal for snorkelling, but not suitable for diving. Particularly exciting: the Dome Lens, with which impressive half-and-half shots can be realised with the mobile phone.

T & F Jochen Frenzer

What are half and half recordings?

Half-and-half or split shots are photos in which half of the image is taken above water and half underwater. Such motifs are guaranteed to attract attention - from friends or, in this day and age, from followers. In the flood of everyday mobile phone photos, split shots are eye-catching highlights. However, they are not easy to realise technically. They present photographers with special challenges that do not occur with pure land or underwater shots.

How to take half-and-half photos with your mobile phone

A smartphone alone is not enough - not even if it is in an underwater housing. It is almost impossible to position the tiny wide-angle lens so that the water line exactly divides the centre of the image. This can be remedied by so-called dome ports: hemispherical attachments that are mounted in front of the lens.

The DIVEVOLK Dome Lens is a clever accessory for the SeaTouch 4 Max housing. Despite its simple design, it takes a little practice to mount it correctly. A mark on the back of the dome port indicates how it should be aligned. It is important to know which of your smartphone lenses is the wide-angle lens - this must be centred within the opening.

A practical tip: Carefully place the Perspex side of the dome lens on a soft towel to avoid scratches. you can use the small window on the back to adjust the position precisely when the camera is switched on. The click mechanism requires a little pressure from both sides - tricky at first, but easy with practice.

Important: Activate the wide-angle mode on your smartphone camera!

Tips for successful split shots

1. LOCATION SELECTION AND CONTINUOUS SHOOTING

Even with Dome Lens, it's not easy to place the waterline exactly where you want it. You can see this clearly in my example series:

 In the first picture, the waterfall has completely disappeared under water.

 In the second picture it is partially visible, but the land motif is still obscured.

 Only the third picture shows the scene as desired.

The wavier the water, the more difficult it is to get the timing right. Continuous shots or pressing the shutter release button several times quickly will help you catch the perfect moment. A location where you can stand safely is recommended - this makes composition much easier.

2. LIGHTING CONDITIONS

Split shots are a challenge when it comes to exposure. An example: The picture of the lighthouse was taken in the late afternoonlittle light penetrated underwater. In >>

WHAT MAKES HALF-AND-HALF RECORDINGS SO DIFFICULT?

Waterline

Positioning the waterline so that both halves of the picture form a single unit is a real challenge, especially when the water surface is moving.

Light

The lighting conditions above and below the water are different. So there is a risk that the part above water is overexposed or the part under water is underexposed.

Focus

The mobile phone's autofocus seems to be overtaxed at times, so that various attempts result in blurred photos.

Drops

Drops on the dome port can have an unsightly effect on your motif above the waterline.

post-processing, I had to darken the sky and lighten the underwater areas.

Tip: The best time for split shots is midday, when the sun is high and hits the surface of the water vertically. This is when the light conditions above and below the water are most balanced.

3. FOCUSSING

The autofocus of modern smartphones can be overwhelmed when taking split shots. Sometimes it focuses on drops on the lens, sometimes on the waterline - the actual subject remains out of focus. Better: focus manually by tapping on the screen. With the SeaTouch 4 Max, this is also possible under water thanks to the touchscreen.

With split shots, the autofocus of the mobile phone camera quickly gets "out of concept" and doesn't know what to focus on (picture below). You have to intervene manually here, which is no problem thanks to the nature of the Divevolk housing.

4. AVOID WATER DROPLETS

Drops on the dome lens can completely ruin the upper part of the picture. In some photos, they completely distort the subject above water - which is frustrating. Here are some techniques to avoid this:

 Licking: Moistening the dome lens with saliva works wonders. This creates an even film of water that prevents dripping.

 Dunk and shoot: Dip the dome port briefly into the water, then take the photo within 1 to 3 seconds. As long as there is an even film of water, the image remains free of drops.

 Choice of location: Calm areas of water and stands make it possible to avoid drops altogether. But all it takes is one careless moment and they are there anyway.

Image composition

In addition to technique, the composition also determines the effect of the split shots.

 Motif with transition: Search specifically for motifs that continue under water - for example rocks, plants or buildings.

 People in the water: A person positioned partially under water can make the picture particularly lively and impressive.

Conclusion

The DIVEVOLK Dome Lens is a great accessory for anyone who wants to take creative half-and-half photos with their smartphone. The mounting requires some practice, especially the click mechanism. However, the low weight makes the Dome Lens the ideal travelling companion.

The protective cover supplied protects the perspex. It could only be better constructed on the back. Nevertheless, split shots with the mobile phone are child's play - and I love them!

Hint

The DIVEVOLK Dome Lens is not suitable for diving. It is designed exclusively for split shots on the surface of the water.

DIVEVOLK offers its own wide-angle attachment lens for real wide-angle shots when scuba diving. <<

EDITOR'S NOTE

Our technology editor Benjamin Schulze has also tested the Splitshot dome lens from Divevolk (with an iPhone 13 Pro) and adds these points:

- The filter can only be mounted without the filter holder. This is not required for split shots anyway. The holder can be quickly unscrewed. The extension bracket can remain on the housing if you use it.

- Before the dome is mounted, the smartphone must be inserted into the housing. If you want to access the phone, the dome must be removed.

- You are limited to using photo/video apps that support zooming, as I had to zoom in the wide-angle lens of the iPhone from 0.5 to 0.6 to avoid black edges.

The attachment lens is "pushed" onto the housing glass, which means that the mobile phone can no longer be removed from the housing (picture left) The QR code shown here leads to the DiveVolk shopping page (divevolkdiving.com), where you can buy the SeaTouch 4 Max Plus (239 US dollars).

"CENOTE THE PIT"

Our photo pro reveals how this spectacular shot was taken.

There are some "signature dive spots" that in a way resemble the Holy Grail of photography. These places are usually extremely photogenic and have been photographed millions of times. You might think that they offer such a strong motif that every photographic attempt is automatically a success. But as photogenic as they are, they hardly forgive mistakes in technique, composition and exposure. There are often certain angles that work particularly well, supporting elements that reinforce a story and certain lighting conditions in which the subject unfolds its full potential. Instead of trying to discover "secret recipes" and starting the artistic work from scratch, I recommend combining proven techniques to bring the subject to its "reference potential" - and "flavour" it with an original ingredient.

One of the most photogenic locations in the field of cave photography is the cenote "The Pit". This legendary cave on the Yucatán with crystal clear water and many unique features offers photographers one of the most visually appealing subjects for wide-angle shots. If you want to maximise your chances of success, consider the following recommendations.

T & F Martin Strmiska

Dive site analysis

Gather as much relevant information as possible. Don't be afraid to follow the work of other photographers on social media. Research on the internet, ask experienced dive guides or underwater photographers about the special features. The lighting conditions at certain times of day and seasons are particularly important. The more precise your preparation, the easier it will be to find the right position straight away. If you lose too much time with things you already know, there will be no time left for original accents. In this case, this means: come to Yucatán in summer (May to August) when the sun is high and casts its strongest rays into the grotto. Be the first on site to avoid the crowds. The best light conditions are between 11am and 1pm. After 11.30 am, the chance of experiencing the cenote without other divers is very slim. If the sky is cloudy, there is little point in taking photos - it is better to switch to an alternative cenote.

Equipment

High-end DSLRs or mirrorless cameras are a must here. As details in the shadows as well as in the highlights need to be captured, the dynamic range of the sensor is crucial. In low light, good ISO performance is also important. A fisheye lens or an extremely wide-angle rectilinear lens is equally suitable - depending on your preference. Disadvantage of the fisheye: barrel-shaped distortion of the sun's rays. A large dome port is recommended in any case.

Correct exposure

Make sure that the image is already correctly exposed in the camera. Subsequent corrections in post-processing can severely impair the image quality. Pay particular attention to overexposure: "burnt out" areas cannot be restored. Use the histogram to check the exposure. In

low light, I would go down to 1/20s. However, this requires very good taring. Aperture between f7.1 and f13 for full format, f5.6 to f11 for crop cameras. ISO is the last variable to be adjusted - increase as much as necessary. 6400ISO is no problem with modern high-end cameras - AIsupported denoise tools easily compensate for this. In "The Pit", the lighting conditions are far from ideal, which is why I myself worked with a shorter exposure time and a wider aperture to achieve the desired exposure.

Model with clear role

A diver in the picture has several positive effects. Above all, however, it acts as a

RECORDING DATA

- Location: Cenote The Pit, Tulum/Mexico, 2024

- Camera: Canon R5 Canon, Lense RF 10-20 F/4 @11mm Seacam housing, Seacam 9" dome port

- Flash: without flashes

- Settings: f5.6, 1/13s, ISO 2500

narrator and link to the story. He also brings a sense of scale to the picture. A clearly defined briefing before the dive and good communication underwater make a big difference in positioning the diver correctly. The more natural the pose, the more believable the scene.

Best position for photography

The best position in the cenote is below the ceiling, which is decorated with stalactites at a depth of around 10 to 12 metres. Here the photographer is shielded from direct sunlight and at the same time has the best view of the scene. This position offers optimum lighting conditions - high dynamics without burnt-out lights or shadows that are too dark. The sun's rays have a particularly pronounced effect here.

OUR EXPERT

has been photographing the wonders of the underwater world for years and passes on his experience. He has already won several prizes and awards for his photographs (aquasphere.sk).

MARTIN STRMISKA

Every month, TAUCHEN.DE organises a new photo competition in which every underwater photographer can take part. You decide who wins. PLACE 1

YOUR FAVOURITES IN AUGUST

JURY

PLACE 2 PLACE 4

PHOTO VOTING WHAT YOU CAN WIN

THE PRIZES! For the WINNER OF THE JURY EVALUATION: a poncho from Camaro with an incredible wearing comfort. Thanks to the 100% zero-twist cotton, it is super soft and dries quickly. Ideal for quickly throwing on after diving or when the day on the beach ends with a campfire. Suitable for the beach, boat, surf and warm summer nights on the beach. Available in three colours (blue/grey/baia) and sizes: Regular (poncho - for adults) and Longer (long poncho - for adults).

The WINNER OF THE READER VOTE can look forward to the practical "Smarty Multi Tool" from Mares (mares.com). This useful little helper combines a bottle opener, Allen key, various hexagon spanners and a screwdriver in one tool (10 cm). Value: 29 euros.

TAKE PART! Our reader photo voting is open to all UW photographers - regardless of camera model and image subject! You can upload your photo to www.tauchen.de for a whole month (www.tauchen.de/ FOTO-VOTING/PARTICIPATE). The following month, all users are invited to vote. In addition, a jury, of which editor-in-chief Alexander Kaßler is a member, will select a monthly winner. The jury winner will receive a diving suit from Camaro as a prize (see above). Why don't you just have a look!

The new Camaro poncho can be personalised with an embroidered name on request.

1ST PLACE

CHRISTOPH DORNEMANN

"MARTIAN "

TAKEN WITH AN OLYMPUS OM-D EM1-MKII OFF TULAMBEN/BALI/ INDONESIA. 1/250, f16, ISO200

TAUCHEN says: "This month, a particularly beautiful shot showing a beautiful harlequin shrimp in all its splendour wins by a large margin. Great moment, good technical realisation including great finalisation. Congratulations!"

JURY

HOLGER DOMNICK

"FLOATING ANEMONE "

TAKEN WITH A SONY RX100V IN MANGROVE BAY/EGYPT. 1/200, F8, ISO125

TAUCHEN says: "Coral polyp or nudibranch. We didn't find out 100 per cent whether it really is a floating anemone. And that's why this photo got our vote. But not only that. Great image processing, excellent

sharpness and exposure. Rarity value! And ready for the canvas print. Congratulations!"

2ND PLACE

MIKE EYETT

"SHARED APARTMENT "

TAKEN WITH A NIKON Z8 OFF ANILAO/PHILIPPINES. 1/180, F27, ISO320

TAUCHEN says: "Aren't they cute? Redhead gobies rarely grow larger than five centimetres and are very often found in pairs in similarly coloured corals. These cuddly fellows often offer themselves as cleaner fish. In this shot, however, they are rather unsure whether customers or enemies are lurking in front of the coral. A great shot that is not so easy to realise."

3RD PLACE

MARCO SCHULZE

"NO MORE MR NICE GUY"

Taken with an Olympus OM1 off Lembeh/ Indonesia. 1/80, f8, ISO200

TAUCHEN says: "The photographer really did a great job here. A sensational composition, an ingenious image idea and very good post-processing. And a completely different view of the maritime rocking horses."

4TH PLACE

MATTHIAS RÜGER

"JELLYFISH LAKE " TAKEN WITH A CANON 500D OFF RAJA AMPAT/INDONESIA. 1/125, F20, ISO200

TAUCHEN says: "As if the participant had suspected it, this is the second shot from one of the dozens of jellyfish lakes around the world. Here perfectly (!) staged by the rays of the sun and the suitably positioned jellyfish. Good moment, great realisation!

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AVELO SYSTEM

MALAYSIA

DIVING SAFARI IN EGYPT

READ ABOUT THIS AND MORE IN THE NEXT ISSUE

REISE-WELTEN

- Oman: Off the coast of Qantab

- Philippines: Critter hotspot Romblon

- Egypt: On a diving safari with the M/Y Independence II

- Malaysia: Hidden island Tioman

EQUIPMENT TEST

- Avelo system: Diving 2.0?

- Video lamp from Sea & Sea

REPORTAGE

- Across Maldives: Record attempt with background

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