Four Amazing Freediving Encounters
We asked four freediving and photography vets about their most amazing tankless encounters.
Some of the most amazing underwater encounters can happen without scuba.
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Palau
"I spent a number of years working in Palau, and on off days I would often explore the Rock Islands, climbing into marine lakes, searching for rare animals or just checking out areas for new dive sites. Chandelier Cave was always a fun scuba dive, but freediving it was more of a test. Though shallow, the cave’s air pockets are not exactly obvious, so it was necessary to know where to go and to remain calm. I always enjoyed looking out toward the tranquil blue mouth of the cave from the dark interior. Perfect reflections of the stalactites would be on the surface above as I slowly explored the depths of the cave." — Ethan Daniels
• The 10 best reasons to dive Palau
Isla Mujeres, Mexico
"What’s not to like about freediving down, looking up and seeing up to six whale sharks through my fisheye lens? It’s phenomenal off Isla Mujeres in Mexico, which has the world’s biggest aggregation of the world’s biggest fish." — Alex Mustard
• See what it's like to snorkel with whale sharks
Offshore California
"Andy [Sallmon] and I have seen some amazing things — common dolphins, jellyfish blooms, and even large schools of baby mola molas. My best experience took place several years ago when we were freediving offshore, specifically looking for molas under kelp paddies. We found a paddy harboring a large mola, and just as I was preparing to dive down to shoot the mola, a blue whale surfaced directly in front of me. As you probably guessed, I chose to photograph the whale. Sorry, mola!" — Allison Vitsky Sallmon
Silver Bank
"Swimming with a pair of humpback whales as they danced in courtship was incredible — an extraordinary feeling being in the water with them, their curiosity and acceptance obvious as I finned silently with their eyes gently following my motion." — Tanya G. Burnett
• What it's like to snorkel with humpbacks on the Silver Bank
To read more about freediving and what it takes to get started, read our in-depth training column.