News
The weird and wonderful world of Muck Diving
Muck diving takes you into an exciting new world, with weird and wonderful critters and a staggering array of life. It’s a great way to test your observation and buoyancy skills; hovering above black sands in search of impossibly small life.
If you want to see what whacky creatures’ nature can truly come up with, muck diving is for you.
Where can you go muck diving?
There are some great muck diving destinations to choose from, usually found at volcanic areas and seagrass beds. Here’s our pick of some of the best hotspots to try:
Indonesia
The ‘muck diving capital of the world’, Lembeh Strait has over 60 dive sites to explore and is perfect for muck diving photography, thanks to the black sands found there.
Alor is another Indonesia diving highlight, with black volcanic sands, vibrant reefs, and underwater lava flows.
In contrast, Ambon has white sands and coral bommies teeming with muck critters. Whichever area you choose, you’ll be surrounded by diverse marine life.
If you’re more into coral reefs but want to give muck diving a go, Wakatobi is a good choice. A group of 4 remote islands and UNESCO Marine Biosphere Reserve, this stunning area has plenty of macro life amongst the corals and seagrass beds.
The Ondina liveaboard is a good choice for muck divers. This traditional phinisi cruises Lembeh, Alor and Ambon (plus other Indonesia dive areas), visiting a variety of muck and non-muck diving sites.
Philippines
Philippines diving offers plenty of muck diving and is an increasingly popular choice, thanks to its diverse macro life and thousands of islands dotted in turquoise waters.
Dauin is known for its exceptional water visibility, perfect for finding critters, and coral reef diving. Cabilao Island at Bohol has vibrant reefs and numerous critters, plus big pelagics and drift dives.
Whilst Moalboal may be known for its sardine run, it’s also great for muck diving and night diving at Pescador Island. If you want to find spooky-looking Bobbitt worms, be sure to dive at Puerto Galera.
Other Philippines muck diving highlights include Southern Leyte and Romblon. Romblon is becoming famous thanks to the abundance of ghost nudibranchs found there, as well as other rare nudibranchs and four types of pygmy seahorses.
The Philippine Siren liveaboard is a popular choice, offering luxurious cruises to Dauin, Cabilao, Pescador and more.
Papua New Guinea
Milne Bay, the iconic home of muck diving, has it all; black sands, coral beds and old tree branches that host diverse and plentiful macro life. There are numerous muck diving sites to explore, including Dinah’s Beach – where muck diving began in the 1980s.
The surrounding coastline and islands don’t just offer black sands. There are also coral dives, wall dives, World War II wrecks and vibrant coral gardens.
If you’re going Papua New Guinea scuba diving be sure to also visit Kimbe Bay. Surrounded by sleepy volcanoes, the colourful coral reefs at Kimbe host hundreds of fish species and there are black sands at Wire Bay.
The MV Chertan liveaboard offers reef and muck trips, plus dedicated muck trips to Milne Bay. The experienced crew are great for spotting critters you might just miss without them.
What can you see muck diving?
Muck diving is truly a feast for the eyes, with an almost endless list of tiny creatures to find.
Fans of octopi can search for blue-ringed, mimic, wonderpus and coconut octopus. Meanwhile, frogfish fans won’t be disappointed with white, black, yellow, giant, orange-painted, psychedelic and hairy frogfish to find.
Pygmy seahorses, sea moths and ghost pipefish are highly sought after in the Philippines, where you can also find waspfish plus grumpy-looking stargazers in the sands.
Mandarinfish are perhaps the most well-known muck diving critter to find. These colourful and easily-recognisable fish are well worth searching for.
If you don’t want to spend all your time searching for tiny critters, you can also find larger life at top muck diving destinations:
- Alor is great for whale and dolphin encounters
- Wakatobi hosts mantas and whale sharks
- Moalboal’s sardine run offers fast-paced pelagic action
Can anyone try muck diving?
Absolutely. There are a variety of shallow and deep muck dives, making it suitable for all. Just remember you need good buoyancy and fin kicking skills to ensure you don’t disturb the fine sands.
What dive gear do you need to try muck diving?
A camera is a must-have item for muck divers. You might also want to carry a muck stick, to stabilise yourself whilst hovering above the sands. A torch is also helpful for spotting small life and highlighting their different colours.
This article was written by divers and writers at LiveAboard.com
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
Blogs
Dive into Adventure at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa: The Ultimate Diving Destination in the Maldives
Tucked away in the remote northern Haa Alifu Atoll, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is a premier destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable underwater experience. With over 30 dive sites to explore, divers of all levels can witness the unique and mesmerising beauty of the underwater world. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or new to the sport, Hideaway offers an exceptional diving adventure that is not to be missed.
Explore the Beauty Beneath the Surface
Hideaway is perfectly situated near some of the most spectacular dive sites in the Maldives. The dive school and team at Hideaway offer a very personalised experience to ensure each diver gets an interactive, immersive experience.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Unique dive spots such as Theefaridhoo Thila (Heaven and Hell) as one of the 50 best dive sites in the whole of the Maldives, known for its beautiful soft coral gardens.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
As the resort is located next to a channel which gives guests surprise visits from eagle rays, manta rays, guitar sharks and more.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
One of the standout features of diving in the Haa Alifu Atoll is the abundance of rare and exotic marine species. The area is known for sightings of whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, and a variety of colorful reef fish. Diving at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa offers a rare opportunity to encounter these creatures in their natural habitat, creating lifelong memories for guests.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Whether you’re exploring deep coral gardens, dramatic overhangs, or vibrant reef walls, each dive offers something new and exciting. The visibility in the Maldives is exceptional, often exceeding 30 meters, making it ideal for both underwater photography and general exploration.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Diving for All Levels
At Hideaway, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the thrill of diving. That’s why we cater to divers of all levels, from beginners to experienced professionals. Our professional dive center, led by expert instructors, offers a range of courses and guided dives. If you’re new to diving, you can start with an introductory course that will teach you the basics of scuba diving in a safe and controlled environment.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
For more experienced divers, we offer advanced dive courses and guided excursions to some of the more challenging dive sites. Our instructors are knowledgeable and passionate about the local marine life, ensuring that every dive is not only safe but also informative and enjoyable.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Exclusive Diving Offer
To make your stay even more unforgettable, Hideaway is offering an exclusive diving package designed to enhance your experience both above and below the water. When you book a minimum 7-night stay, you’ll receive:
- 35% discount on room rates.
- Complimentary diving: 3 dives per person for 2 guests, allowing you to experience the beauty of the Maldives underwater world.
- Free meal plan upgrade: enjoy a complimentary upgrade from Bed & Breakfast to Half Board, or from Half Board to Full Board. Guests who prefer the White Platinum Plan (WPP) can avail it at a discounted rate.
This incredible offer provides the perfect opportunity to experience world-class diving while enjoying all the luxury and comfort that Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is known for.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Combinable Offers for Even More Value
This diving offer can also be combined with our Anniversary and Honeymoon offers, allowing you to create the perfect celebration package. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply seeking a romantic getaway, this offer ensures that you can enjoy the best of both worlds – luxurious accommodations and unforgettable diving adventures.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Terms & Conditions
- This offer is available exclusively for bookings made through the official Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa website using a specific booking code.
- The offer cannot be combined with other promotions available on the website or through other channels, nor can it be redeemed for cash.
- All dives are subject to weather conditions, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all guests.
- Black-out dates: This offer is not available from 24th December 2024 to 9th January 2025.
To book this exquisite offer, use the Promo Code: SCUBA24FD
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Hideaway is not just a resort; it’s a sanctuary for those seeking peace, adventure, and luxury. With spacious villas, private pools, and world-class dining options, the resort offers everything you need for a perfect holiday. From tennis, golf, gym, cycling to the exquisite underwater activities, unique dining options, Hideaway has something for everyone. And for diving enthusiasts, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Our dive center is fully equipped with state-of-the-art gear, ensuring that every dive is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Our instructors are passionate about the underwater world and are eager to share their knowledge with you, whether it’s your first dive or your 100th.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
The Ultimate Dive Adventure Awaits
If you’re looking for an unforgettable diving holiday in the Maldives, look no further than Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa. With over 30 dive sites, unique marine life, and exclusive offers, we provide the ultimate underwater experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking adventure, our diving package offers exceptional value and incredible memories.
Book now through our official website to take advantage of this exclusive offer and prepare for the dive adventure of a lifetime.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Call: +960 650-1515
Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
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