SCUBA Diving

Immerse yourself in the underwater world.

The Cayman Islands, Crown Jewel of the Caribbean

By Calvin Tang | Published: October 25, 2011

Explore the Cayman Islands, where gin-clear waters make for mind blowing scenery both above and below the turquoise blue waters. Three unique islands make up this Caribbean gem, collectively offering a diverse mix of adventurous activities and serene escapes that any discerning traveler can appreciate. Nowhere else in the world is the dive industry as healthy and looked after as in the Caymans Islands.

Diving the Shipwrecks of Vancouver Island, Canada

By John Rawlings & Calvin Tang | Published: August 29, 2011

There is nothing quite like the thrill of seeing the ghostly image of a shipwreck appearing out of the gloom in deep, dark water. The Canadian Province of British Columbia, as beautifully gorgeous underwater as it is on land, has some of the finest coldwater shipwreck diving in the world. Providing a unique blend of history and a modern day adventure, AtlasOmega’s Calvin Tang and John Rawlings describe their dives on three of the Province’s shipwrecks with a select team of technical divers.

Scuba Diving the Island Nation of the Philippines

By Stewart L. Sy | Published: May 10, 2011

Underwater Photographer and Filipino native, Stewart Sy, offers a broad guide to diving the remarkable island nation of the Philippines. Stewart divides the country, consisting of a mind-boggling 7,107 individual islands, into three distinct geographical locations. Greatly familiar with two of the three regions, Sy takes us on a journey to a dozen world-class dive destinations.

The World’s Youngest Antarctic Diver

By Calvin Tang | Published: February 8, 2011

AtlasOmega interviews Evan Bozanic, who at eleven years old became the world’s youngest person to dive in Antarctic waters (30 degrees Fahrenheit). At the age of twelve, Evan became rebreather certified while designing and building his own custom, closed circuit rebreather (CCR), for a science fair project. Now at age thirteen, Evan has dived off of four continents, and plans to be the youngest person to reach the waters off of all seven. He currently lives with his family in Fountain Valley, California.

The Search for Deep Cold-Water Corals

By John Rawlings | Published: September 12, 2010

Mention the word “coral” and most people will conjure up an image of tropical reefs, bathed in the bright sun and covered with a huge variety of corals in gin-clear turquoise water. Few realize that most corals actually dwell in cold, deep water far from the sun.

Interview with Underwater Filmmaker Howard Hall

By Calvin Tang | Published: August 15, 2010

Blue shark, Prionace glauca, in California

Howard Hall has spent over thirty years making underwater films that have inspired millions of people to learn more about the underwater world. In this interview, Hall describes the many challenges and complexities involved with making underwater films, including working with IMAX 3D technology, planning and logistics, working with marine wildlife and more.

Underwater Exploration: Prince Rupert, Canada

By John Rawlings | Published: August 14, 2010

All was silent except the soft lapping of the waves against the hull and the sound of my steady breathing into my Closed-Circuit Rebreather. Earlier we had asked about this site and had received the exciting answer, “As far as we know, no one’s ever dived it…”

Scuba Diving the Golden Reefs of Bali

By Calvin Tang | Published: August 10, 2010

Indonesia has the most coastline of any country in the world, which is why it’s easy for Bali to be overlooked as one of the finest dive destinations in the country. As the only island among 17,508 that is predominantly Hindu (rather than Muslim), Bali’s residents are friendly and welcoming to foreigners. With dazzling coral reefs to enjoy in the water and delicious cuisine to indulge in topside, the island and international gateway does not disappoint.

Pacific Northwest Scuba Diving Guide

By Calvin Tang | Published: July 29, 2010

Divers from around the world set out to dive the cool, emerald waters of the Pacific Northwest to witness shipwrecks that few have ever laid eyes on, and to photograph marine life that is truly unique to this part of the world. Nowhere else can a diver find a Giant Pacific Octopus or Wolf Eel year-round, with as much regularity as the divers commonly do in Puget Sound and off the coast of British Columbia. Winter brings about frequent encounters with Harbor Seals who are as playful as they are curious about the bubble-making visitors. Though extremely rare, Sixgill Shark[...]

The Aquatic Wilderness of Nootka Sound, Canada

By Calvin Tang | Published: July 25, 2010

Thousands upon thousands of bright pink and red strawberry anemones fill the underwater seascape, as clusters of giant, white cloud sponges protrude proudly off of the giant boulders that rest precariously upon a slope that wanders off into the abysmal depths. Above, a tinge of green light reminds us that there’s a world above and a curious Sea Lion darts to and fro, silhouetted by the backlit, emerald surface light. But, our adventures lead us deeper yet. Descending down to the limits of recreational diving, I spot a Puget Sound King Crab, hunkering down in its impenetrable armor, colored bright[...]

The Giant Pacific Octopus

By John Rawlings | Published: July 25, 2010

Midway through the dive I saw what we were hoping to find – a small opening in the rock face with a trail of crab and clam debris falling away from it like an expanding fan. Pausing by the opening of the den, my light briefly danced around the interior – someone was home! A large, rectangular eye surrounded by a dense tangle of suckers and arms peered back at me, the large mantle moving in and out with each breath.