Snorkeling with Manta Rays Snorkeling with Manta Rays is on the top of many ocean enthusiasts wishlist. An encounter with this charismatic megafauna inspires ocean dreams and can even be the foundation of planning a tropical getaway. Manta encounters can…
Places
Paraclavarina triangularis, Another Underrated Coral Beauty
Several weeks ago, we went on an expedition through the Great Barrier Reef, with Ultra Coral Australia. We spent a week on the reef and on multiple occasions came across a fascinating coral called ‘Paraclavarina triangularis. All of us ‘Coral…
Acropora sukarnoi is Australia’s Own Elkhorn Coral
Russel Kelley, Jake Adams, Nic DosSantos and I just came back from a very productive expedition to the Great Barrier Reef, in a collaboration between Reef Builders and Ultra Corals Australia. Using a large ocean worthy cruise vessel and four…
Snorkeling Secret Spot Uepi Solomon Islands
Snorkeling Uepi Solomon Islands Psst, let me let you in on a little secret. Skip the scuba gear and simply grab a mask and snorkel. The shallow coral reefs around Uepi island are best seen from the surface. Uepi Island…
Who Says Australia Lacks Coral Diversity?
Going diving on a regular basis with the master collector Nic Dos Santos from Ultra Coral Australia, I’ve had the chance to see a nice cross section of the Great Barrier Reef. And if there is one thing I can…
Australia Pink Nephthea is a Soft Coral Jewel
Soft corals don’t get the attention they deserve. Maybe because they are considered beginner corals, maybe because they are not as colorful as hard corals but there are some notable exception to that. Let us guide you through one of…
Simon’s Nature Reserve, One Man’s Quest To Preserve Coral Diversity
Simon’s Nature Reserve Nestled between two indistinct flagpoles within a remote Solomon Island passage is what we can only describe as one man’s quest to preserve coral diversity. A labor of love fifteen years in the making, Simon’s Nature Reserve is…
Coral Resilience Sand Island, Snorkeling Solomon Islands
Snorkeling Solomon Islands, Sand Island Picture this, an uninhabited island made entirely of sand. Only a few sparse bushes growing in the center, surrounded by azure, turquoise, well pretty much every shade of blue you can imagine. Welcome to Sand…
Snorkeling Tavanipupu Island Resort Solomon Islands
Snorkeling Tavanipupu Island Hop a flight 30 minutes from Honiara, the capital city of the Solomon Islands, and you will find yourself at the Tavanipupu Island Resort. With natural palm leaf bamboo villas, surrounded by slender palm trees and perfectly…
Acropora anthocercis, Another Champion Coral of the Outer Reef
When we think about Aussie Acros, there are quite a few that come to our mind before Acropora anthocercis. But actually this species is a very popular Acropora, almost as common in the trade as the Spathulatas or Strawberry Shortcake. The…