Macro Diving

Have you ever heard about macro diving? Well, I assume that you are well briefed and in the know about snorkelling and scuba diving. One can thus deduces that Macro Diving by definition is diving but in a much smaller way. Nowadays this term is widely use in diving communities all over the world who indulge in this activity.

So what exactly is Macro Diving?  Well, macro scuba divers are a category of people who enjoy taking photos of underwater tiny creatures with special cameras that when published appear to make the objects far bigger than they are in reality.

For devoted macro divers it is very exciting to get extremely close to such small fish and examine it from all sides rather than that of contemplating the larger structures of massive sharks or mantas.

These little curiosities are always very impressive and fascinating in their home marine environment.
So what are the most favourite fish species for a macro diver to chase after? Ornate ghost pipefish, pygmy seahorses, shrimps or juveniles are just some of them. These divers enjoy and enthuse at the process of diving and taking pictures contemplating and examining small objects of flora and fauna in waters. For instance, it is really a stunning experience to see and study a beautiful crinoid in a quiet niche of the sea reef.

Where can one find such small marine creatures? Well, the perfect conditions for them are shallow costal waters, corals, some sunken wrecks, lagoons, small bays, coves etc.
Many of the more interesting species live in specific surroundings, often having weird and wonderful colorations, combined with unique forms and shapes. You may also be faced with some rather bizarre camouflage and even strange ways or behavior by these little rascals. Its these divers factors that are so attractive to the macro divers.
 
There various types of species have different environmental conditions:

• Crocodilefish, frogfish, juvenile of lionfish, sweetlips, scorpionfish, cuttlefish and ribbon eels habit in shallow sandy reefs.
• Sea grass beds and mangrove forests are nice home for seahorses. You can find them there.
• Underneath jetties are ideal conditions to protect small fishes from predators. Here they can life safely, flourish and breed.
• Bays are also is a good example of home for bobtail squid, mandarinfish and other small species.
• Silty and black sand conditions are also perfect condition for some little fish species like flounders, stargazers and octopus. 

What do you need for Macro Diving?

First of all, you have to buy a very good underwater camera. It is the only way to share all you impressions caught in the pictures taken. Also needed would be a good fish eye lens some powerful lights and high quality macro lense if you can afford it. If you are going into dark locations, you need a good dive proof torch to explore hidden holes and gaps where small creatures live.
 
If you want to look at them very closely then best to take a magnifying lens with you. Remember that some small marine animals are toxic and should be avoided by people, as these small creatures do try to protect themselves from attacks. That is why you bring a tickle stick and put on some gloves in order to avoid direct contact. These are just additional special equipment to the ordinary diving pack which includes costume, aqualung, flippers etc. Remember, good preparation is by far the most important thing when scuba diving so have fun and dive safely.