It’s been a long time since i last wrote and there’s a reason for it. I’ve been caught up with tons of work at the university and of cos i was out traveling and shooting on assignment.

My recent photo trip was a unique one. It was to capture the Manta Vortex in Maldives. The location was about 6hours away from MALE. We sailed thru the night to get there. Sunny skies and calm seas were just a figment of my imagination. Out of the 10 days that we were there, 8 days were spent with the perfect storm, chilling winds and grey side of life. Most of my surface after a dive was blessed with rain and surge.. hehhee…

However i did have a day of blessed weather. The winds were gone, waters were blue and manta sightings, everywhere. As soon as our donny cruise towards the cleaning station, we started to see loads of mantas popping on the surface.It was as if they were suntanning. I’m guessing why they’re up on the surface is to clear some parasites, just like how the Mola Mola does it in Bali. It was a promising day, as soon as our guide Tipe says ” Ok guys, snorkeling”. i jump into the blue. Ducking my head in and out the water for them and as i turn to my back. A monstrous one cruise pass me, just like a stealth bomber sneaking on enemy territories. She was graceful and poise. A good hour was spent with the mantas at the surface. Watching them feed with their huge mouth open and cruising the reef was priceless. I actually preferred snorkelling to diving with the mantas. Pictures turns out more dramatic and engaging then those at the cleaning station.

The sad part of this trip, we had more humans to manta ratio in the water. Making this trip more of a HUMAN Vortex than a Manta Vortex. The government of Maldives has also decided to close this area off in Baa Atoll for snorkeling only as of 2012, with a price of USD35 for one snorkel session. To top this, they’re building an airport where the mantas are. I hope they would reconsider this idea and give nature a chance.

I must say that it was a beautiful experience diving with this gentle creatures and would do it again if god permits.

Equipments:
Nikon D3, 16mm
Seacam and Ikelite 161

All surface shots were ” Ambient light”

Human Vortex waiting to take action.

STEALTH BOMBER

Cruising by

Charge MODE

FLY ME TO THE MOON