Paul Humann

Special Guest Host & Photo Expert: Paul Humann

SPECIAL EXPEDITIONS

June 25 – July 2, 2011 (7-day)
July 2 – 12, 2011 (10-day)

Reef with colorful Anthias. Copyright Paul Humann

WHY I LOVE FIJI

by Paul Humann

In my opinion the clear waters of the Bligh Strait in central Fiji hold the most resplendent reefs in the world. And, this is the NAI'A's home crusing territory, nobody knows them better. The reefs are covered by yellow, orange and pink soft corals, but it is the abundance of rich red soft corals that steal the show. Clouds of purple, lavender and orange anthis dart about feeding just above the reefs. Occasionally huge schools of Sleek Unicorn fish stream past. The scene is simply mesmerizing. These factors produce the best wide angle scenic reef photography possible and are what keeps me coming back to Fiji again and again. Here are six of my wide angle pictures from Fiji, I'm sure you see what I mean.

Sleek Unicornfish over reef. Copyright Paul Humann

Not into wide angle photography? Well, there is plenty more to keep you happy in Fiji. Leaf Scorpionfishes, Blue Ribbon Eels, Ghost Pipefishes, Decorator and Helfrich's Dartfishes to mention just a few. In the sand are a wide variety of shrimpgobies including the striking Yellownose that associates with the colorful red and white banded apheid shrimp. Like invertebrates? There are plenty, not uncommon is a stunning lavender flatworm ringed with yellow. And, Fiji is the only place I've ever found and photographed the magnificent sapsucking slug with black and gold leaf-like cerata.

Hexabranchus sanguineus. Copyright Paul Humann

Add to this exciting diving the comfort of the NAI'A, along with great food and attentive, friendly crew and you have a combination that can't be beat!

I hope you can join me for a wonderful diving adventure in November.
- Paul Humann

Paul's pictures have appeared in countless magazines around the world, from National Geographic to Skin Diver. He has photographed and authored over a dozen books on marine life, the most famous of which are his REEF FISH Identification series. Between dives Paul will be available for conversations about some of the "tricks" he uses to photograph marine life. During the evenings he will present an enjoyable series of slide/lectures about the fish and invertebrates found in Fiji.

Join Paul and the crew of NAI'A for this most excellent adventure.