Share The LOVE What is Blackwater Diving? Growing in popularity and unlike traditional night diving, where divers explore coral reefs or other underwater environments, blackwater diving generally involves drifting in open water above deep abysses. During blackwater dives, divers typically descend into the open ocean at night, often in areas with significant depth. They are suspended in the water column by a rope or line attached to a boat. The term “blackwater” comes from the pitch-black darkness of the deep ocean. Divers use powerful lights to attract and observe the unique and often bizarre creatures that migrate from the deep sea to the surface at night. Where was Blackwater Diving Invented? Blackwater diving doesn’t have a specific inventor but evolved naturally as an underwater activity among divers exploring the open ocean at night. It has gained popularity as a niche form of diving, especially amongst underwater photographers, as divers have sought new and unique underwater experiences. Initially becoming popular in Kona, Hawaii, this new pastime gained traction and evolved in blackwater hotspots like the Philippines and Indonesia. The development and popularization of blackwater diving can be attributed to individual divers, underwater photographers, and dive operators who recognized the fascinating and otherworldly marine life that could be observed in the dark out in the depths. Over time, it has become more structured and organised as dive operators offer specialised blackwater diving trips and incorporate it into their services. Locations with easy access to deep oceanic waters, such as Hawaii and parts of the Caribbean, have become famous for blackwater diving excursions. Different Types of Blackwater Diving As it evolved from night diving, Blackwater itself has split into different forms, which have produced different arrays of critters to observe and capture on camera. Blackwater is where it all started and involves heading off the reef into deep water in the black. Tethered to the boat, you drift around in the water column with bright diving lights luring curious larval species into its beam. Bonfire diving evolved from Blackwater and takes place close to the reef. Strong lights are placed, usually on a sandy slope and do not have to be too deep. The lights are the ‘bonfire’ and are irresistible to Phytoplankton. Once the light draws in the Phytoplankton, a delightful array of aquatic creatures will arrive to feed, which in turn entices larger species. If you are uncertain about heading off to the depths where Blackwater takes place, Bonfire diving may be a more comfortable way to begin your experience within the dark realm. Close reef blackwater diving, although sounding simpler than the original, can be challenging as you must maintain contact with your dive buddy and good buoyancy. In this version, lights are set close to the reef to simulate the moon. After a small wait to let the creatures gather, you will investigate the water column and check out which remarkable sea creatures have been drawn to the lights. What Can You See? Blackwater diving offers the opportunity to encounter a variety of pelagic (open-ocean) species, including larval forms of marine life, planktonic organisms, and other deep-sea creatures. It provides a rare and fascinating glimpse into a part of the ocean that is not easily accessible during daylight hours. These are mostly small, but there is always the chance of larger fish arriving to feed on the smaller critters. One thing is sure: you will encounter many new creatures you have never seen. Do You Need To Be An Underwater Photographer? Although the vast majority of divers taking part in this experience are avid photographers, the images possible are incredible! It is certainly not a requirement to take a camera down. Many divers get sheer pleasure from exploring this new view on the ocean and will find it incredibly rewarding diving. Whether you’re interested in marine biology or underwater photography or simply love the thrill of exploring new underwater landscapes, blackwater diving can offer a rewarding and enjoyable experience for different interests and skill levels. Where are some places you can do this? An increasing number of dive operators are making Blackwater diving accessible to divers, but where are the best places in the world to do this? This list is incredibly flexible, and simply where we reckon the best places to take your first blackwater plunge are: Lembeh Strait, Indonesia Anilao, Philippines Palau, Micronesia Kona, Hawaii Tulamben, Indonesia Rhomblon, Philippines There are wonderful, inclusive dive operators in each of these locations, providing world-class dive experiences that are also plant-based positive. What we reckon We reckon there is so much cool stuff to see in the ocean, and Blackwater diving offers you a whole new insight and dimension to this incredible hobby we travel all over the place to do. It also gives you a fascinating glimpse of ocean life at its developing stages, giving you much more of an appreciation for the delicate oceanic environment we seek to conserve. For more information about Blackwater, do not hesitate to fire us a message and light up our inbox. Written By: Brett Robertson (Diver and Vegan) PADI Platinum Course Director | Dive educator | Dive resort and liveaboard owner | Vegan advocate for conservation projects and plant-based lifestyles, and a burgeoning serial runner. See author's posts
