Diving - Sights Of Negros

Photo of the Day for February 27, 2024 – At the coastline of Dauin

by Hermann MatthiasPhoto1 27/02/202427/02/2024Comments are Disabled

Dauin, situated on Negros Island’s southern coast, is renowned as a prime spot for critter diving in the Philippines. Here, divers can encounter a diverse array of fascinating creatures. Let’s explore some highlights: Ambon Scorpionfish (Pteroidichthys amboinensis): This tiny predator, reaching only 12cm in length, boasts intricate camouflage and venomous appendages, making it a master of ambush hunting. Wonderpus Octopus (Wunderpus photogenicus): Exclusive to certain sites along the Dauin coast, the Wonderpus Octopus is a strikingly photogenic creature, distinguishable from its mimic octopus cousin by its distinct markings and unchanging behavior. Warty Frogfish (Antennarius maculatus): Charismatic and small enough to fit in one’s palm, the Warty Frogfish blends seamlessly into its surroundings, utilizing jet propulsion for movement and ambush hunting tactics. Nudibranchs: ‘Shaun Sheep’ Nudibranch (Costasiella kuroshimae): Recognized for its diminutive size and association with algae, this nudibranch employs kleptoplasty to supplement its diet through photosynthesis. Blue Dragon Nudibranch (Pteraeolidia ianthina): Carnivorous and ‘solar-powered’, this nudibranch feeds on hydroids containing zooxanthellae, which continue to photosynthesize within its tissues. Peacock Mantis Shrimp (Odontodactylus scyllarus): With stunning colors and lightning-fast strikes, this mantis shrimp is a formidable predator equipped with trinocular vision and an array of photoreceptors for detecting prey. Whip Coral Shrimp (Dasycaris zanzibarica): Perfectly camouflaged within whip corals, these shrimp are ideal subjects for macro photography, often found in pairs with females being larger than males. Mototi Octopus (Amphioctopus siamensis): Sporting dramatic color changes and false-eye spots for defense, this octopus preys on shellfish and crabs with its paralytic saliva. Dauin’s underwater realm offers a treasure trove of unique critters, making it a paradise for macro photographers and critter enthusiasts alike.

Photo of the Day for January 10, 2024 – Dive boat preparation in Dauin

by Hermann MatthiasPhoto1 10/01/202422/01/2024Comments are Disabled

The coastal marine sanctuaries along the Dauin coastline host a plethora of rare marine species, creating a captivating underwater haven for photographers, whether they are beginners or seasoned divers. The dive sites abound with a diverse array of marine life, including triggerfish, parrotfish, pennant fish, moray eels, surgeonfish, snappers, groupers, Moorish idols, lizardfish, gobies, batfish, lionfish, trumpet fish, pufferfish, filefish, emperors, wrasses, fusiliers, and trevallies, to name just a few. From the smallest transparent shrimp and neon-colored nudibranchs to large basket sponges adorned with numerous multi-colored crinoids, anemones, sea cucumbers, starfish, and worms, an abundance of invertebrates thrives alongside vast numbers of hard and soft corals and gorgonian sea fans. Occasional appearances by turtles, octopus, cuttlefish, manta rays, eagle rays, and sharks add to the enchantment of these underwater ecosystems. A short boat ride away lies Apo Island, a gem in the Philippine Sea. Designated as a marine protected area since 1982, Apo Island is renowned as one of the Philippines’ premier dive locations. The walls and reefs surrounding the island are densely covered with a remarkable variety of hard and soft corals, providing a habitat for an astonishing abundance of marine life. The dive experiences range from exhilarating roller coaster drifts to gentle, relaxed explorations, ensuring there’s something for every diver.

Photo of the Day for December 20, 2023 – Dive Boat in Dauin

by Hermann MatthiasPhoto1 20/12/202320/12/2023Comments are Disabled

Stretching along Dauin’s picturesque shores are 18 renowned dive sites, most celebrated for their coral and muck diving experiences, unveiling a world of tiny and rare critters that distinguish this locale from others in the Philippines. Scuba diving stands as the primary industry in this coastal town, reaching its pinnacle at Apo Island, an integral part of Dauin’s jurisdiction. For novice muck divers, the initial impression may convey a sense of desolation in these sandy expanses. However, the true allure lies in the pursuit of rare, peculiar, and almost otherworldly creatures that defy conventional sightings—a treasure hunt of sorts that hinges on deciphering their intricate camouflage codes right before your eyes. The sheer gratification is unparalleled when these elusive beings unveil themselves to you. Join me as I offer insights into essential guidelines to consider when venturing into these sandy depths, chasing after these masterfully camouflaged celebrity critters. Frog Fin Kicks: Before anything else, exercise extreme sensitivity in your finning techniques to avoid disturbing the sandy bottom. A seemingly innocuous fin kick has the potential to stir up the sand, possibly obscuring a critter the size of a grain of rice that another diver might be observing just behind you. Embrace the technique of frog fin kicks to minimize sediment disturbance and preserve the delicate underwater environment. Check out also the following website for more information on Dauin: Dauin – The Beach & Diving Paradise

Private dive at Dauin Beach

by Poster1Activities 17/11/2023Comments are Disabled

Our last stay in Dauin was a long one of around 10 weeks with our daughter Jenny and her family. The next family had a Reuinon with her son, who had gone to Germany after working as a chef in Saudi Arabia and now lives there. Angelo brought his partner Beatrize, a Portuguese woman, and introduced her to the family. Gary, Jenny’s husband, has turned her into an enthusiastic diver and so there were several dives right in front of the house during this time. In the background, under the roof of the veranda, you can see the diving island of Apo, which also belongs to Dauin. Dauin is well known in the diving community due to its famous dive sites. Here are a few pictures from one of these dives. Later we also had a day trip with one of the diving boats to the island of Apo. [siteorigin_widget class=”WP_Widget_Media_Gallery”][/siteorigin_widget] You can watch the corresponding video here DIVING in front of the house in DAUIN

Preparations for a diving trip in Dauin

by Poster1Activities 01/11/202301/11/2023Comments are Disabled

Our daughter, her husband and son Emerson live right in front of one of the dive spots in Dauin between dive resorts. It’s just a few steps from the house to the water with a bustling underwater life. The incredible scenery of Dauin and Dumaguete – with dramatic black volcanic sand beaches and Mount Talinis in the background – is remarkable in itself. But it’s what lies beneath the surface that attracts divers. Dumaguete’s fascinating inhabitants rival those of the “muck diving” meccas of Lembeh and Anilao, and nearby Apo Island offers stunning reefs, turtles and sea snakes. With so much on offer, it’s no wonder that this beautiful destination is a perfect, quiet coastal spot for divers. The waters around Dauin and Dumaguete in the Southern Visayas, located on the coast of Negros Island, consistently offer wildlife lovers some of the best encounters in Southeast Asia. The gently sloping sand flats, dotted with patches of coral, are teeming with rare, bizarre and ugly animals. From yawning frogfish to camouflaged ghost pipefish, from mating flashy squid to hunting coconut octopus, Dumaguete is a dreamy place to cross things off your dive list. Other highlights include spiny and pygmy seahorses, exotic nudibranchs and flatworms, velvet ghost pipefish, Ambon dragonheads and mating mandarinfish. Nearby Apo Island, surrounded by coral walls and busy reefs, is perfect for a day trip. Just 30 minutes away by traditional Filipino banca, divers visiting Apo Island can see large schools of stingrays, plenty of turtles, and the occasional roaming pelagic fish – a testament to the efforts to protect these reefs for so long. Look for the volcanic gases rising through the sand – it’s not every day you can say you’ve dived a geothermal vent. Dumaguete sits at the base of Mount Talinis – also known as the Cuernos de Negros (Horns of Negros) – and visitors can take a dramatic drive along the national highway that winds beneath the mountain. Once you leave Dumaguete City behind, you’re soon immersed in the more traditional Philippines, with villages and food stalls lining the streets, until you finally reach the coast and resorts hidden among coconut palms – an ideal place to get away from it all. If you are planning a longer stay in the Philippines, Dauin is an ideal place to take the ferry across to the fabulous island of Bohol in two hours or back to Cebu for the whale sharks of Oslob or the fantastic dive destinations of Malapascua and Moalboal. They personally trust their good friend and dive instructor PADI / SD-TDI / RAID GIBSON SOJOR Jr., Tel.: 0917 501 8350 who also organized this dive trip with the dive boat ETHAN | APO SCUBA. We had only 2 kilometers to drive from the house to the public beach in Dauin where the dive boats were moored. The following pictures show some of the preparations for this diving trip. Some things were taken from home, like diving suits, fins and other things. The dive tanks were provided on site. We still had a big ice box with food with us, but there Ella should bring some more. Because later I could film her as sin grilled chicken parts in the galley. [siteorigin_widget class=”WP_Widget_Media_Gallery”][/siteorigin_widget] Yes, of course I captured the whole thing in a video APO ISLAND | Dive Trip in Dauin