10 easy tips for better marine encounters

10 TIPS FOR MEANINGFUL MARINE LIFE ENCOUNTERS

Stay Calm & Present

The calmer you are, the calmer the animals will be. Slow, steady breathing helps you stay relaxed and allows marine life to feel comfortable around you. Often, the most magical encounters happen when you're simply floating quietly.

Read Their Body Language

Every species communicates differently. Learn to recognize signs of comfort or stress. If an animal changes direction or speeds up, give them space. If they approach you, stay still and let them guide the interaction.

Position for Success

Always position yourself where animals can clearly see you. Never approach from behind or above - it can appear threatening. Instead, stay at their level or slightly below, giving them complete control of the encounter.

Respect Their Space

Let marine life come to you. The best encounters happen when animals choose to investigate on their own terms. If they swim away, don't chase - sometimes patience leads them to return naturally.

Master Your Buoyancy

Whether freediving or snorkeling, good buoyancy control is essential. Stay horizontal in the water, avoid splashing, and maintain a steady position without constant movement.

Think About Light

Position yourself so the sun is behind you when possible. This helps you see better and makes photography easier. But be careful not to cast shadows over the animals.

No Touch Policy

However tempting, never touch marine life. Even gentle contact can remove protective mucus layers from fish or stress animals. Our role is to observe and document, not interact physically.

Group Awareness

Stay aware of your fellow swimmers. Spread out rather than clustering, and never surround an animal. Maintain clear escape routes for marine life at all times.

Practice Camera Skills

If you're photographing, master your camera settings before the encounter. The less you fiddle with equipment during the interaction, the more present you can be in the moment.

Listen to Your Guides

Our guides understand marine life behavior and local conditions. When they give instructions, it's for both your safety and the best possible encounter. Trust their experience.

Remember: Every encounter is a privilege. The ocean and its inhabitants don't owe us anything - we're guests in their world.