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Banderas Bay Shore Macro

Today I would like try my luck taking some macro shots of the marine live along the Southern shore. My plan is to dive shallow and spend as much time as possible exploring only a few rocks. I have never done a shore dive in the South though and wonder where best to go. Then I remember an open invitation by my friends who live close to Boca de Tomatlan. The water around their house would be perfect. There is even an elevator that can bring my gear from the street (road) level down to the ocean some 120 feet below. I give Dennis and Joaquin a call and explain my intentions. They do not hesitate a second. I can show up anytime. “How about today?”, I ask.

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An hour later I am standing all geared up on the shore below their house. The entry to the water is via a few rocky steps. I get slapped around a little bit by the waves, but judge the water below the steps deep enough for a safe plunge. I get in and swim out away from the rocks. As soon as I dive I can see I will have plenty to entertain myself with. In the end I spend almost 3 hours underwater, going through both my tanks. I am having too much fun. Sometimes I am only a few feet below the surface, the scuba allowing me the luxury of time to work on my shots.

I come home with a good crop of macros. I find I will need to invest in a laser guided snoot - my improvised plastic bottle works great in dark conditions, but the weak guide light is useless in well lit shallows.

California gorgonian (Muricea californica)

Rose flower urchin (Toxopneustes roseus)

Christmas tree worm (Spirobranchus giganteus)

Pyramid sea star (Pharia pyramidata)

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