Daytime scuba diving is an awe-inspiring sport. Engage in a night dive, and you just might have a mystical experience that leaves you transformed into a seeker of the beautiful, the unusual, and the otherworldly serene. In other words, you might become a night diver for life.<\/p>\n
Sometimes, people who have never done night diving ask, \u201cWhy?\u201d Why dive at night when its dark above the water and ebony black below? Why subject yourself to the something’s-lurking-around-the-corner experience of horror movies?<\/p>\n
The thought of descending into the depts at night can strike terror in hearts of those who have never done it. Those who have gone diving in the ocean at night have a different perspective. Diving in the dark is a unique experience<\/a>, entirely different from daytime diving.<\/p>\n A change in natural light levels isn\u2019t the only difference between a day- and night dive. This list highlights a few incredible aspects of night scuba diving.<\/p>\n When night falls on land, many objects seem to lose their color until the world is awash in shades of darkness. Technically speaking, that happens underwater, too\u2014until you illuminate your surroundings with your dive light.<\/p>\n During the day, sunlight penetrates the water\u2019s surface to illuminate what\u2019s beneath it. However, the world under water is far from the sun, and the sun\u2019s rays travel differently through water than through air. So while daytime scuba divers to see the picturesque scenery, it’s muted compared to what nighttime divers see.<\/p>\n At night, nothing illuminates the water and its inhabitants until a diver arrives with his scuba flashlight. When he shines his light on different structures, they come to life in a brilliant burst of color.<\/p>\n Divers hold their flashlights close to what they are viewing. Because there\u2019s little distance between light source and object, light waves emitted from the flashlight aren\u2019t scattered or absorbed before reaching their target as the sun\u2019s rays are. As a result, the most vibrant colors you\u2019ll ever experience are underwater at night.<\/p>\n Diving at night, you\u2019ll have tunnel vision<\/a>. The darkness is so all-consuming that you will only be able to see what is in your flashlight\u2019s range. The sensation is at once both energizing and calming.<\/p>\n In this setting, you\u2019ll have no distractions. Your experience with what\u2019s in front of you won\u2019t be diminished by all the things in your peripheral vision vying for your attention. Night dives force you to focus, thus fostering a present-mindedness and appreciation of beauty.<\/p>\n When you\u2019re serenely at your stop during your ascent back to the top, pause, position yourself so that you’re relaxed and can gaze upward. If the sky is clear and the moon is in the right place, you will be afforded one of the most breathtaking lunar views you\u2019ll ever experience.<\/p>\n Some have described viewing the moon from below the water’s surface as nearly mystical. “Mystical” describes night diving as a whole: It\u2019s an otherworldly experience that will leave you transformed.<\/p>\n Your night dive will also differ from your day dives in the types of life you will see. Just like land animals, sea creatures can be diurnal or nocturnal; therefore, what you see during the day is not what you\u2019ll see at night.<\/p>\n Just a handful of nocturnal sea life<\/a> includes<\/p>\n You can also witness bioluminescence, that marvelous phenomenon in which a living being creates its own light. Some varieties of plankton are bioluminescent. If you diminish the light of your scuba diving flashlight and move your arms around gently, you\u2019ll signal tiny plankton to flash their lights. You\u2019ll create a striking firefly effect.<\/p>\n You just might be awestruck enough to take your passion to the next level. A night dive affords unique photography experiences.<\/p>\n Glimpse a few stunning examples and learn more about night time diving photography<\/a><\/u>. A word of caution: You might get hooked.<\/p>\n For the most part, your scuba diving equipment will be the same whether you\u2019re participating in a day dive or a night dive. There is one crucial equipment difference: Scuba diving at night requires a primary flashlight and a spare light.<\/p>\n There is no light underwater at night. Yes, there are bioluminescent species, but they create light for their own survival, not yours. Their glow is inadequate for you other than for beauty.<\/p>\n In addition to the two flashlights, you\u2019ll need to attach a battery-powered marker or chemical light stick to your boat, buoy, or anchor line so you can find your way back. You\u2019ll place these just before you begin the dive.<\/p>\n A flashlight is a simple tool, and it’s an important one. \u00a0Consider this information when buying and using it.<\/p>\n Dive lights are available in different sizes and styles. There isn\u2019t a single best light for every diver, as night dive circumstances and individual preferences vary. Study different scuba flashlights<\/a><\/u>\u00a0to determine what you prefer.<\/p>\n While night diving doesn\u2019t require special equipment beyond lighting, it does necessitate adherence to critical safety protocol.<\/p>\n Adhering to safety recommendations will allow you to enjoy the dive without harm. Essential safety tips and information include:<\/p>\nWhy Scuba Diving is Different When the Sun Sets<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Vibrant colors<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Tunnel Vision<\/strong><\/h3>\n
An Opportunity to Sky Watch<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Meet New Sea Life<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Photo Opportunities<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Night Dive Equipment<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Flashlight Basics<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Night Dive Safety<\/strong><\/h2>\n