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Scuba News
October 2, 2025 by HAL
Marine animals have unique ways of sleeping underwater. Some fish, like parrotfish, create mucus “bags” for protection while they rest. Sharks and rays must keep swimming to breathe, so they can’t fully sleep. Dolphins breathe consciously and can rest one half of their brain while swimming. Sea turtles sleep on the seabed, often hidden under […]
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September 20, 2025 by HAL
Blackwater diving is an exciting nighttime diving experience. Divers float above the ocean’s depths, encountering unique creatures. These include the Blanket Octopus, Comb Jellies, and Eel Larvae. Bioluminescent animals light up the dark waters. Advanced scuba certification is necessary for safety during these dives.
September 1, 2025 by HAL
To photograph schools of fish well, focus on lighting and angles. Use a fast shutter speed to capture fish movement. Stay still and use minimal bubbles to avoid disturbing fish. Shoot from below for a unique view, and include animal behaviors in your shots. Practice and patience are essential for great underwater photos.
July 1, 2025 by HAL
The Spanish dancer is a colorful nudibranch, or sea slug. It can grow over a foot long and moves gracefully through water. This creature is often found in warm waters like the Caribbean and around coral reefs. It feeds mostly on sponges, which provide its bright colors. The Spanish dancer also has a unique ability […]
June 17, 2025 by HAL
The Ornate Ghost Pipefish is a rare and delicate creature. It uses camouflage to blend in with coral and seaweed. These fish are most often found from November to April in clear waters. They are also unique for having females that carry and protect their eggs. Divers can enhance their chances of spotting them by […]
June 5, 2025 by HAL
The diving trip from April 30 to May 7, 2025, explored Thailand’s Similan and Surin National Parks. Divers spotted colorful marine life, including turtles, sharks, and vibrant coral reefs. Notable dive sites like Richelieu Rock showcased schools of fish and unique macro life. The trip featured both day and night dives, enhancing underwater experiences. Participants […]
June 1, 2025 by HAL
To take beautiful underwater photos, first prepare your gear. Use a waterproof camera housing and the right lenses. Understand light and water conditions as colors fade with depth. Good buoyancy helps avoid camera shake and protects marine life. Master composition techniques to create interesting images and always respect marine life while shooting.
May 29, 2025 by HAL
On April 21, 2025, the diving trip in the North and South Andaman Sea showcased stunning marine life and vibrant coral reefs. The highlights included diving at well-known sites like Richelieu Rock and the Similan Islands. Divers encountered various species, and the underwater visibility was excellent throughout the trip. The experience was enhanced by good […]
May 22, 2025 by HAL
A recent diving trip to the Mergui Archipelago and Burma Banks took place from April 12 to 19, 2025. Divers experienced stunning underwater wildlife, including vibrant nudibranchs, shy moray eels, and schools of colorful fish like fusiliers and butterflyfish. They explored various dive sites such as High Rock, Three Islets, Square Rock, and Roe Bank, […]
May 15, 2025 by HAL
Seasonal closures of Thailand’s marine national parks are crucial for protecting marine life and reefs. These parks close from mid-May to mid-October during the monsoon season, allowing ecosystems to recover from stress caused by human activity. By minimizing disturbances, such as noise and traffic, the closures help support breeding and nesting species. Additionally, these periods […]
April 24, 2025 by HAL
From March 23 to March 31, 2025, a Whale Shark Expedition took divers through stunning dive locations in Thailand’s Andaman Sea. They explored Koh Lanta and Koh Tarutao National Parks, known for their unique marine life. The expedition featured exceptional dives at famous sites like Similan Islands and Richelieu Rock, highlighting diverse underwater ecosystems and […]
March 13, 2025 by HAL
A group of divers recently explored the stunning northern Andaman Sea from February 18 to 24, 2025. They visited the famous Similan and Surin National Parks, with highlights including dives at Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock. Divers experienced vibrant marine life, such as giant trevally, colorful nudibranchs, and even night dives featuring moray eels and […]
March 6, 2025 by HAL
From February 9-16, 2025, a dive club from the USA embarked on a liveaboard trip through the Andaman Sea. They explored famous diving locations such as Surin Islands, Similan Islands, and Koh Lanta National Park, enjoying clear waters and abundant marine life. Highlights included encounters with blue marlins, barracudas, and diverse underwater species like ribbon […]
February 27, 2025 by HAL
The Burma Banks Adventure from January 31 to February 7, 2025, offered scuba divers an exciting journey through the Mergui Archipelago’s clear waters. Highlights included numerous dive sites like High Rock and Dragon Island, where divers encountered diverse marine life such as nurse sharks, eagle rays, and vibrant nudibranchs. The secluded Burma Banks, known for […]
February 20, 2025 by HAL
The trip to Burma Banks with the MV Smiling Seahorse from January 23-29, 2025, offered incredible diving experiences. The Burma Banks is famous for its stunning marine life and beautiful reefs. Divers encountered a variety of species, including sharks, rays, and colorful nudibranchs. The visibility was excellent, often over 30 meters, allowing for breathtaking underwater […]
February 13, 2025 by HAL
From January 15th to 21st, 2025, a scuba diving trip took place in the Andaman Sea, starting from Khao Lak with diverse participants from various countries. The trip included dives at stunning sites like Similan National Park and Richelieu Rock, where divers encountered a variety of marine life. Highlights included sightings of blacktip reef sharks, […]
February 6, 2025 by HAL
From January 7th to 13th, 2025, divers explored Thailand’s Andaman Sea, focusing on the Surin and Similan National Parks. They participated in several dives featuring vibrant marine life, including schools of fish, hawksbill turtles, and even rare species like the white frogfish. The trip highlighted blackwater diving, where divers observe deep-sea critters at night. Overall, […]
January 27, 2025 by HAL
During a liveaboard trip from December 22-28, 2024, divers explored the stunning underwater landscapes of the Mergui Archipelago in Myanmar. The journey began with a check dive at High Rock, where they encountered various marine species including cowfish and moray eels. Subsequent dives showcased the vibrant marine life, including sea snakes, cuttlefish, and schools of […]
December 9, 2024 by HAL
The Andaman diving safari onboard the MV Smiling Seahorse took place from November 22 to 29, 2024. Divers explored key marine parks, including Surin, Similan, and Tarutao. Each day offered stunning underwater experiences, like seeing eagle rays, turtles, and colorful coral gardens. Highlights included thrilling night dives and encounters with diverse marine life such as […]
November 16, 2024 by HAL
The recent liveaboard adventure from November 6th to 10th, 2024, took divers on an exciting journey through Thailand’s North Andaman Sea. Starting at the Surin Islands, divers enjoyed check dives and a memorable night dive, encountering a variety of marine life. The itinerary included Koh Tachai and Koh Bon, known for their rich biodiversity and […]
November 12, 2024 by HAL
The trip to Burma Banks on October 29, 2024, was a thrilling experience for divers and underwater photographers. Guests learned about blackwater diving and observed marine life like seahorses, nurse sharks, and deep-sea creatures. Mike Bartick led workshops and dives, sharing knowledge about lighting techniques used to draw larval sea life to the surface. Exciting […]
October 28, 2024 by HAL
The dive season kicked off spectacularly with a trip to Richelieu Rock. Divers were lucky to encounter a whale shark and two different manta rays over several days. The group enjoyed perfect conditions and clear waters while exploring stunning dive sites in the Similan and Surin Islands. Each day offered breathtaking marine life, culminating in […]
October 7, 2024 by HAL
Packing for your next liveaboard trip is essential for an enjoyable experience. Bring your scuba gear, including the wetsuit, dive computer, and fins. Don’t forget personal items like toiletries, sunscreen, and swimwear. A good camera can help capture memories of your underwater adventures. It’s also smart to pack snacks and refillable water bottles. Read the […]
June 24, 2024 by HAL
Diving at High Rock in Myanmar revealed a diverse marine life including fusiliers, ghost pipefish, tiger shrimp, and an unidentified octopus, creating a vivid underwater experience. Read the entire article at www.thesmilingseahorse.com
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