How to Find and Identify Sea Life while Scuba Diving

Being able to identify sea creatures and plants can make scuba diving even more enjoyable. Learn how to blend in with the locals for better viewing and close ups.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Patience
• Sea life identification book(s)
• Underwater camera (optional)
• Dive slate

How to be an Expert Watcher and Recorder

1. Look at the pictures of fish, their descriptions and habits in your sea life book. Familiarize yourself with the fish that live in the part of the sea you'll be scuba diving in.

2. Take your newly acquired knowledge aboard the next dive boat. Once you get in the water, practice your neutral buoyancy. Being able to hover while scuba diving will help you see more fish without scaring them.

3. Get ready for your close up! Take the dive slow and easy. Be aware of your surroundings. Look for some interesting fish. If you see a critter you don't recognize, snap a quick photo, or sketch a description on your dive slate.

4. Once you get back aboard the dive boat, review your pictures and get out your sea life book. Fish identification is a fun hobby and you will be able to add more notes in your dive log. Knowing what you're looking at while scuba diving adds to the fun.

Tips & Warnings

• Scuba diving is an inherently dangerous sport and should not be attempted by a novice.