Memorable Macro
How a Macro Dive Became My Most Memorable Ever
From an early age, I’ve always been fascinated with the big beautiful creatures of the ocean. Sharks, in particular, have captured my imagination. So in 2011, I decided to learn how to dive by completing the PADI Open Water Course in hopes of seeing sharks up close and personal.
When diving, my main aim was to find sharks, mantas, and any other large-sized animal inhabiting the world's oceans for the next few years. Now don’t get me wrong, this is still one of my primary goals, and I am slowly ticking off different shark species and big animals. However, this is no longer all I think about on a dive.
My Introduction to Macro
In 2014, I added a macro lens to my kit. But, after a few practice dives in the Maldives in the October of that year, I was ready for more. So in 2015, I headed to Southeast Asia, including the Philippines and Sabah, Borneo.
Suddenly I was hooked on finding all the weird and wonderful little critters that used to be easily missed on a dive as I zoomed by. Before my trip to Southeast Asia, I had a hit-list of creatures to photograph, and sitting at the top of that list was the stunning blue-ringed octopus.
To learn more about the blue-ringed octopus and other venomous sea creatures, check out this past Ocean Pulse article!
Beginning the Search For a Blue-Ringed Octopus
The Philippines didn’t deliver on the blue-ringed front but did provide some fantastic critter moments like the hairy frogfish above. Look out for a future blog where I’ll add more about my Philippines trip!
My next chance for a blue-ringed octopus would be Mabul Island, Sabah, Borneo. There I spent four nights and got to enjoy three and a half days of diving in Sipadan, Mabul, and Kapalai. I joined a small group from the airport, which included a Scottish guy making a pit stop on his way to Australia for work and an English couple who lived in Oman and were on holiday.
The husband dove and his wife snorkelled, which was ideal as I was travelling with my non-diving girlfriend. The group’s two women enjoyed their time snorkelling in Sipadan while we dived below. The abundance of turtles that would greet them at the surface made it an especially great spot.
As we got talking between the group, I kept saying how I wanted to see a blue-ringed octopus. To be honest, I was probably going on a little too much about it. However, we spent most of our time diving in the wide-angle paradise of Sipadan. So my hopes rested on the fact I’d at least get a chance to do a few dives around Mabul Island, renowned for its muck diving and small critters.
Day Two Diving Around Sipadan Island
On the second day of diving, we had four more wonderful dives around Sipadan Island, concentrating on wide-angle opportunities. Now I love night dives and, on the way back to our resort on Mabul Island, my new Scottish dive buddy and I were contemplating doing a night dive as it was our last chance that day.
We were both pretty tired after a full day of diving but never being one to miss an opportunity, we both decided to take the plunge. Unfortunately, the diving would have to be on the house reef due to all dive boats having to be back at their resorts by 4.30 pm due to a pirate problem the year before.
Staying close to shore wasn’t a problem as it made it straightforward to kit up at the end of the jetty and fall in for a fun dive at night. It was only the two of us diving without the help of a guide, so I wasn’t thinking about seeing a blue-ringed too much.
Spotting A Juvenile Sweetlips
I was still a novice in the macro spotting game and was just hoping to take it slow and see what I could find. While my dive buddy had a slight free flow problem and was dealing with that, I got to stay close to the jetty entrance watching the dance of a juvenile harlequin sweetlips.
The juvenile sweetlips was truly mesmerising to watch as it wiggled its way around the reef but also challenging to photograph in all its glory as it was a little skittish. Hopefully, I’ll get another chance one day.
My dive buddy sorted his free flow problem and carried on slightly ahead as we cruised along the reef wall around 5 metres deep. I was taking it a little slower to avoid missing any tiny beauties.
Finally - A Blue-Ringed Octopus
JACKPOT!!!! Imagine my surprise while slowly cruising the reef, and out of the corner of my eye, I spotted what I was so desperate to see—a genuinely stunning greater blue-ringed octopus working its way along the rocks and coral on the hunt. The moment was even more special because I found it myself without needing a more experienced macro guide.
My buddy was a little further along the reef, but I could still see his light mooching around, looking at what he could find. I was mesmerised, though, and couldn’t look away to try to grab his attention for fear of losing the little beauty in the reef.
Unfortunately, I didn’t have a tank banger to annoy my dive buddy and alert him without losing sight of the octopus. So I had to get some shots off as this was the holy grail regarding macro photography.
Luckily it paid off big time that it was nighttime and easier to produce a black background to allow the stunning colours to pop in the photo. I followed it along the reef, trying different angles, and was so happy with my results. This tiny blue-ringed octopus mesmerised me with its distinct patterns and colours.
Finishing an Amazing Night Dive
I finally lost it within the reef as I tried frantically to get the attention of my dive buddy, waving my light in his direction. It was a shame, as I could have spent the rest of the dive watching it go about its business.
My dive buddy and I had a little laugh about it after the dive. He said he knew I’d found something special as I was going crazy with my lights trying to get his attention.
Unfortunately, as I looked back at the reef, it was gone, and all I could show him was a photo on the back of my camera.
Luckily, he was more of a big animal fan and was happy for me since he knew how much I wanted to photograph one. The rest of the dive was still a fantastic adventure, albeit of smaller proportions, with other cool critters found by our own eyes. We even saw the unusual cockatoo wasp fish!
The Best Dive of My Life
To this day, when asked, “What’s your all-time favourite dive?” This is the dive that sticks in my memory.
It was one of those dives where everything just came together perfectly. And being a photographer, a dive is always made even more special when you get shots you’re delighted with. So, I’m certainly looking forward to the chance of photographing another blue-ringed octopus in the future.
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Have you ever seen a blue-ringed octopus? Let us know in the comments! And be sure to subscribe to Ocean Pulse
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Hey! I can totally relate to this! When I first learnt to dive it was all about the sharks and the big stuff! But then I discovered macro diving and I haven't looked back! Give me a muck dive any day!