Muck diving is scouring the sea bed for the wonderful and unusual creatures that lie within. Muck diving is usually done over black sand or a grey silt bottom, with some form of current and in areas where there is volcanic activity. Volcanic ash and lava are mineral rich and help fuel reef regeneration.
Part of the excitement of muck diving is the anticipation and build-up before spotting something incredible, the gratifications after the discovery is usually the reason divers get hooked. Popular among experienced scuba divers and underwater photographers for the chance to capture something remarkable.
It’s best that prior to a muck dive, divers learn about the creatures that live in the area and where they live so they know what to look for. Possible creatures to spot during a muck dive range from Frogfish, stargazers, octopus, seahorses, nudibranchs, eels, cuttlefish, Pegasus sea moths and other unique and mysterious critters.
What is referred to as the Coral Triangle offers incredible muck diving opportunities. An area encompassing Indonesia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea and Malaysia. Some of the best muck dive sites can only be accessed by liveaboards in this region. Some of the other best places in the world to muck dive include Florida, Papua New Guinea and the Caribbean.
Muck diving and macro diving are often confused, macro is aptly named that due to the lens type required to capture shots of such small creatures.
Most underwater photographers love muck diving. Finding rare and interesting creatures on the ocean floor to photograph makes for an exciting dive. Be sure to remember your camera!
For more tips, take a look at how to prepare for a muck dive.
