Biofluorescence night diving: Underwater neon worlds
What's the story
Biofluorescence night diving is a surreal underwater experience where divers get to see marine life's neon glow.
This happens when creatures absorb light, change it internally, and then radiate it back out as a different color. The result? A mesmerizing light show beneath the waves.
It's a whole new way to experience the ocean and its vibrant residents.
Basics
Understanding biofluorescence
Biofluorescence is not bioluminescence.
Unlike bioluminescence, where organisms generate light through chemical reactions, biofluorescence involves the absorption of light and its re-emission as a different, visible color.
This phenomenon is observed in a variety of marine species, including corals, certain sharks, and rays. The most common colors exhibited are green, red, and orange.
Gear up
Preparing for your dive
For biofluorescence diving, in addition to regular equipment, you need a blue or UV light torch to illuminate and cause the underwater creatures to glow.
Wearing yellow filter glasses further amplifies the neon colors' vibrancy in the dark water.
Just make sure your gear is prepped for night diving, and double-check everything before you embark on this psychedelic underwater journey.
Hotspots
Best locations for biofluorescent diving
The most ideal locations for biofluorescent diving are tropical destinations with healthy coral reefs.
Places like the Maldives, Indonesia (Raja Ampat), and the Caribbean are some of the best spots to witness this natural phenomenon.
These areas offer clear waters and a high concentration of marine life that show strong biofluorescence.
Dive safe
Safety considerations
Night diving is inherently more challenging, so safety is key.
Always dive with a buddy and use dive lights to maintain visual contact at all times.
Be aware of your environment to prevent harm to sensitive coral or disruption of marine life habitats.
Know your emergency procedures for night diving to handle unexpected situations.
Photography
Tips for capturing biofluorescence
Photographing the mesmerizing beauty of biofluorescent underwater landscapes takes a bit of planning.
Utilize cameras with filters that correspond to your goggles to faithfully capture the vibrant neons you witness during your dive.
Tweaking settings like ISO sensitivity will allow you to snap clearer shots in low light without disrupting the delicate rhythms of marine life with intrusive illumination.