Imagine yourself plunging into complete darkness from a dive boat in deep water with mixed sensations of excitement, curiosity, and perhaps a bit of apprehension. What new creatures will you encounter in this unusual environment? How would it feel to be surrounded by black water, as if you were floating in outer space?
As scuba divers, we continually seek new adventures, whether diving in new locations, searching for bucket-list marine life, or diving in new conditions. Blackwater diving may sound intimidating, but it offers divers a unique experience and the opportunity to witness and photograph marine life unseen during traditional daytime or night dives. Plunge into the darkness, and you will be mesmerized by the otherworldly experience.
Photo by Nirupam Nigam
Read on to explore the fascinating world of blackwater diving, its origins, the mesmerizing marine life it reveals, the necessary equipment and safety considerations, tips for an unforgettable blackwater diving experience, the unique challenges and rewards of blackwater underwater photography, and the best locations around the world to try this incredible adventure.
What is Blackwater Diving?
Blackwater diving is conducted at night, usually far from shore in deep ocean waters, from a boat equipped with the required lights and lines. Bright lights are suspended in the water for a short time before divers enter to attract marine life to the area. Lines are typically fixed to the boat for divers to hold or clip onto underwater to keep everyone close together, oriented, and at a consistent depth. Once you enter the water, you’ll be shrouded in darkness, only seeing whatever mysterious and bioluminescent creatures emerge from the ocean’s depths to enter the beam of your torch. Often conducted at shallow depths, blackwater dives may exceed one hour in bottom time, giving you plenty of time to adjust to the unusual conditions and look for unique critters.
Photos by Nirupam Nigam
The Origins of Blackwater Diving
Blackwater diving originated in Hawaii during the 1980s. It was pioneered by a group of adventurous divers who were curious about what lies beneath the ocean’s surface at night. They started diving in the pelagic zone, the open water area far from the coast, where depths can reach thousands of meters. These initial explorations revealed a stunning array of nocturnal marine life, many of which ascend from the deep during the night in a phenomenon known as vertical migration. This discovery spurred interest in blackwater diving, which has since grown in popularity among divers worldwide.
Photos by Nirupam Nigam
The Fascinating Marine Life of Blackwater Diving
One of the most captivating aspects of blackwater diving is the chance to observe marine life that humans rarely encounter. Many of these creatures are small, bioluminescent, and incredibly delicate, making them difficult to spot under normal circumstances. Some of the most notable inhabitants of the blackwater environment include:
Larval Fish: Many fish species spend their early life stages in the open ocean before migrating to shallower waters. During blackwater dives, divers can witness these tiny, translucent larvae, which often exhibit fascinating adaptations for survival.
Zooplankton: The pelagic zone is teeming with zooplankton, including tiny crustaceans, jellyfish, and other microorganisms. These creatures often exhibit bioluminescence, creating a spectacular light show in the darkness.
Invertebrates: Various species of squid, octopus, and shrimp can be found in the open ocean at night. These invertebrates often display unique behaviors and bioluminescent capabilities.
Photos by Nirupam Nigam
Jellyfish and Ctenophores: Blackwater diving offers a chance to see a variety of jellyfish and comb jellies, some of which are incredibly delicate and emit beautiful glowing patterns.
Predatory Fish: Larger predatory fish such as tuna, swordfish, and even sharks can be spotted during blackwater dives, attracted by the abundance of smaller prey. With your field of vision limited to the beam of your torchlight, you might be startled when larger animals speed past you in the darkness, so try to remain calm and enjoy the thrill of being part of this unknown world.
"Our craziest blackwater diving encounter was with tiger sharks while everyone focused on their cameras to get some macro shots of juvenile sailfish and diamond squids." - Martin, Bluewater Photo
Learn more about the exotic creatures you can encounter during a blackwater dive with The World of Blackwater, an eBook by trip leader and photography expert Mike Bartick.
Blackwater Diving Equipment Considerations
Blackwater diving requires specialized equipment and careful preparation to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Unlike most night dives that are done on reefs or close to the shore, blackwater dives do not have natural reference points, which can lead to confusion or disorientation and require special attention to buoyancy. In addition to your standard dive equipment, essential gear for blackwater diving includes:
Diving Lights: Powerful dive lights are crucial for illuminating the dark waters. Every diver should be prepared with a primary and backup light. Remember, if your dive lights fail, you’ll have to end the dive, so make sure your torch batteries are fully charged.
Float Lines, Downlines, and/or Droplines: A float line attached to a buoy helps divers maintain their position in the open ocean. A downline extending from the float provides a reference point and depth marker. Divers may also be positioned on droplines attached to the boat, allowing divers to clip on to avoid drifting away from the boat.
Exposure Suit: Depending on the water temperature, divers should wear an appropriate exposure suit to stay warm during the dive. Even in warm waters, we recommend you wear a full-length skin suit or wetsuit to protect from stinging organisms.
Dive Computer: A high-quality dive computer monitors your depth, time, and NDL to ensure a safe dive profile. During blackwater dives, you will rely on your dive computer to monitor your depth, and it’s important that you understand how to operate it in the dark and adjust any backlight settings beforehand.
Safety Equipment: Carry an audible signaling device, such as a loud whistle, to attract attention in the dark. An SMB paired with a bright dive light acts as a great visual signaling device in nighttime conditions.
Blackwater Diving Safety Considerations
Safety is paramount in blackwater diving due to the unique challenges it presents. Divers must be experienced and comfortable with night diving, deep diving, and open water conditions. Key safety considerations include:
Buddy System: Always dive with a buddy to ensure mutual assistance in case of emergency. Before the dive, complete a pre-dive safety check and ensure you agree on the hand signals you will use. Maintain good buddy contact and communication throughout the dive.
Dive Planning: Plan the dive carefully, including entry and exit points, maximum depth, and duration. Ensure you stick to the plan and don’t make any unnecessary deviations once you are underwater.
Visibility and Navigation: Use dive lights and lines to maintain orientation and avoid disorientation in the dark waters. Always be aware of where you are pointing your light and avoid shining it towards other divers, as this can cause confusion and disrupt their enjoyment of the dive.
Photos by Nirupam Nigam
Marine Life and Environmental Awareness: Always be mindful of the fragile marine life encountered during the dive. To protect both yourself and the ecosystem, avoid touching or disturbing the creatures. Avoid shining your torch directly at marine life.
Emergency Procedures: Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures such as diver separation or diver recall signals. Have a plan in place for dealing with potential issues such as equipment failure and disorientation.
Bluewater’s Tips for an Unforgettable Blackwater Diving Experience
To make the most of your blackwater diving adventure, we've rounded up the following tips:
Choose the Right Location: Select a reputable dive operator with experience in blackwater diving. Locations known for rich marine biodiversity, such as the Philippines, Bali, Palau, Hawaii, and Florida, offer some of the best blackwater diving opportunities.
Dive with a Guide: An experienced guide will understand the nuances of blackwater diving, execute the appropriate logistics, and ensure a safe and enjoyable dive. A reputable dive shop conducting blackwater dives will have all of the required equipment and safety procedures in place.
Photograph the Experience: Underwater photography during blackwater dives can be challenging but rewarding. Use a high-quality camera with a good low-light performance and practice patience to capture stunning images. For more tips, read the Underwater Photography Guide’s article, The Art of Blackwater Photography.
Stay Relaxed: Blackwater diving can be intimidating for first-timers. Stay calm, breathe slowly, and enjoy the surreal experience of drifting through the dark ocean. Always remember that you can choose to end any dive if you feel uncomfortable, so make sure you understand the appropriate signals to inform your guide if you want to end your blackwater diving experience early.
Blackwater Underwater Photography
Blackwater diving offers unparalleled opportunities for underwater photography. The unique lighting conditions and the presence of bioluminescent creatures create captivating images unlike any captured during daytime dives. However, capturing these images requires patience and special techniques.
Photos by Nirupam Nigam
Photographing reflective and translucent creatures provides a new challenge, even for the most seasoned underwater photographers. Join one of Bluewater's underwater photography workshops in Anilao to learn how to adjust your camera settings, focus in blackwater, lighting considerations, and account for unusual water movement during blackwater dives.
Learn more Photo Tips for Blackwater Diving.
Where to Try Blackwater Diving
Blackwater diving is becoming increasingly popular, and several destinations around the world offer this unique experience. More dive operators are beginning to offer blackwater dives, so discuss potential opportunities with your travel advisor when you are planning your trip. Some of the most popular destinations for blackwater diving include:
Philippines: The Philippines is renowned for its diverse marine ecosystems, and several dive operators offer blackwater diving experiences. Anilao, Romblon, and Moalboal are popular spots for encountering rare and fascinating sea creatures. Join one of Bluewater’s popular underwater photography workshops in Anilao to try blackwater diving and practice blackwater photography techniques under the guidance of a professional.
Indonesia: Indonesia’s rich marine biodiversity is equally as impressive in the dark. Head to Northeast Bali, where blackwater diving has grown in popularity in the Tulamben region. Visit Manado and Lembeh to experience blackwater diving in some of the most critter-rich areas in Indonesia.
Palau: Known for its pristine waters and abundant marine life, Palau is an excellent destination for blackwater diving. Join a liveaboard or land-based dive operator to explore the dark waters around the islands, where you can expect sightings of various bioluminescent and deep-sea creatures. Blackwater diving in Palau is thrilling, with opportunities to encounter larger animals darting past you in the dark.
Hawaii, USA: Often considered the birthplace of blackwater diving, Hawaii remains one of the premier destinations for this activity. The waters around Kona are particularly famous for their rich marine biodiversity and excellent visibility.
Florida, USA: The waters off the coast of Florida, especially around Palm Beach and the Florida Keys, offer great blackwater diving opportunities. Divers can encounter a variety of nocturnal marine life in these warm, clear waters.
Blackwater Diving on Travel with Bluewater Trips
Join one of our trips to Anilao or Lembeh to experience blackwater diving in a comfortable group setting. You'll know everyone in the water and get some excellent photography guidance from the underwater photography expert leading the trip. Not a photographer? Your guide will point out tons of amazing critters while all the photogs are trying to get "the shot." Click the links to learn more about each of these upcoming trips:
Anilao, Philippines Ultimate Photo Workshops
Our Anilao trips are among our most popular. They are known for epic macro critters and sensational night dives. We run at least two trips per year! In Anilao, we team up with Crystal Blue Resort and blackwater diving/photography legend Mike Bartick.
December 1 - 8, 2024 | From $1,809 | Led by Scott Gietler, Gill Flaherty, and Mike Bartick
April 20 - 30 or April 30 - May 7, 2025 | From $1,999 | Led by Nirupam Nigam and Mike Chiado
December 7 - 14, 2025 | From $1,999 | Led by Mike Smith
April 16 - 26 or April 26 - May 3, 2026 | From $1,999 | Led by Erik Lukas and Dan Bishop
December 6 - 13, 2026 | From $1,999 | Led by Mike Smith
Lembeh, Indonesia Macro Critter Workshops
Lembeh is famous for having the most prolific macro life in Indonesia. Discover why at one of our exciting macro photography workshops. Book your spot on these trips early because they fill up well in advance.
August 25 - September 4, 2025 | From $3,192 | Led by Dan Bishop
September 17 - 24, 2026 | From $2,150 | Led by Mark Hatter
Lembeh & Bali Macro Critter Workshops
Experience the best of Bali and Lembeh in this exciting workshop that visits both Indonesian hotspots. Extend your trip with a diving safari around Bali to see the stunning walls at Menjangan Island, the unique topography in Candidasa, and the elusive mola mola at Nusa Penida.
September 9 - 21, 2024 | From $3,347 | Led by Dan Bishop
Book your Blackwater Dive with Bluewater
Blackwater diving offers a unique and thrilling way to explore the ocean's depths and witness the hidden wonders of the night. By venturing into the dark, open waters, divers can encounter an array of fascinating and bioluminescent creatures that are rarely seen during daylight hours. With the right equipment, preparation, and respect for the marine environment, blackwater diving can provide an unforgettable underwater adventure. Whether you're an experienced diver seeking a new challenge or a curious enthusiast looking to expand your horizons, blackwater diving promises a captivating journey into the heart of the ocean's nocturnal realm.
Bluewater Travel can book you on a liveaboard or resort in the best blackwater diving destinations and 40+ others worldwide for the same cost or cheaper than booking any other way. We know the diving, seasons, resorts, boats, cabins, and when to go better than anyone else!
Email us or write to us in the live chat box to book a resort, liveaboard, or a Travel with Bluewater trip!
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