What’s The Allure Of A Pelagic Black Water Night Dive In Kona?

Have you ever wondered what the world looks like deep in the sea? Imagine floating in an endless expanse of water, with only the light from strange and beautiful creatures surrounding you. If this sounds like an absolute dream, then Pelagic Black Water Night Diving may just be the adventure for you.

What is a Pelagic Black Water Night Dive?

Pelagic black water is a type of diving experience that takes place in the open ocean. Black water diving also happens at night and in extremely deep water where there is no light except for those from dive lights or the bioluminescence of marine life.

Divers may see a wide variety of marine animals in pelagic black water dives. The main attraction in these dives is the small creatures that make up plankton. These animals are often transparent and have bioluminescent abilities. Planktons light up in the water when disturbed.

Other common marine animals include gastropods, pteropods, squid and octopuses, and jellyfish and comb jellies.

If you’re lucky, you may have the chance to see larger pelagic animals, such as dolphins and sharks. These animals could be attracted to the lights during black water dives though it is rare.

Why Is Pelagic Black Water Night Diving Popular?

Part of what makes black water diving alluring to divers is the element of mystery and surprise. Unlike reef dives, each black water dive is unpredictable. You’re exploring a vast, dark space where any fish or creature could appear at any moment.

In addition, diving in the open ocean at night and being surrounded by an almost otherwordly atmosphere is a unique and thrilling experience.

For many, the conditions of black water diving also make it an ideal place for underwater photographers, especially for those hoping to capture the stunning visual effects of bioluminescent marine life.

Preparing For Pelagic Black Water Diving

Prior to the dive, divers will be required to prepare the necessary equipment. This includes specialized lights and cameras (if they plan to take photos). Typically, the dive team will also take time to review safety procedures, communication protocols, and emergency plans.

Once all preparations are done, the dive team will board a tender or a liveaboard boat that will take them to the dive point. A weighted line or a buoy will be deployed to mark the descent point and prevent the boat from drifting away. The divers will then begin descending between 10 to 30 meters below the surface.

When they reach the planned point underwater, divers drift with the current, allowing the marine life to come to them. This is often when divers observe and interact with marine life. Photographers also take this chance to capture images of the creatures.

Once done, the dive team will slowly ascend to the surface, ensuring they are following safety protocols to prevent decompression sickness.

Is Black Water Diving For Everyone?

While pelagic black water diving is alluring, divers must meet specific qualifications. This includes an advanced scuba diving certification and either a night diving certification or experience. Divers must also have excellent buoyancy skills and a minimum number of logged dives.

Furthermore, divers should be in good health, with no health conditions, and should have been diving within the last six months.

Dive With Us!

If you’re a true explorer or a thrill seeker looking for the next challenge, partner with us for your next pelagic night diving adventure. At Kona Ocean Adventures, we give divers the rare opportunity to experience the unique conditions in the deep, dark sea. We also help divers get that once-in-a-lifetime experience to observe microscopic plankton and open ocean predators two to three miles off the Kona coast.

Our dive team is professional and trained in guiding adventurers during black water night diving. Our team also puts you as their top priority. We meticulously plan each dive to ensure you are getting the most out of your experience while keeping you safe.

Join us at Kona Ocean Adventures. Book your pelagic night diving adventure today!