Heading down deep into the inky-black night-time waters of Mexico might not seem an obvious choice for nature-lovers in search of wildlife, but for guests on board Scenic Eclipse on 5OCT 2022, this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The ‘Diel Vertical Migration’ is the largest vertical migration on Earth, and involves the movement of millions of quarter-inch long fish larvae making a 1,000 feet hour-long ascent in search of food. In human terms, that equates to a 50-mile swim.
During the 14-day Baja and Costa Rica Discovery sailing which departed on 28SEP 2022, guests enjoyed taking the plunge inside Scenic Neptune, Scenic Eclipse’s on-board, all-electric submarine – to witness this marine life migration.
The video of the event can be viewed here.
Scenic’s’ Director of Expedition Operations Jason Flesher explained: “This was the first-ever night dive in a submarine to take place in Huatulco and the first commercial night dive for any expedition ship. We were given rare permission to undertake the night dive, so we wanted to push the boundaries and grab the opportunity to surprise and delight our guests. During the trip these animals pass through zones of ocean where the conditions are wildly different. At 1,000 feet the water is roughly 39F (4°C), which is way colder than near the surface, and the pressure is about 460psi (pound per square inch), more than 30 times what it is up top.”
Flesher continued, “The fish swim up to eat – and to avoid being eaten. During the day vulnerable zooplankton hide from predators such as squid and fish in the dark depths. When night begins to fall, they rush to the surface to feed on the microscopic aquatic plants that live in the top few hundred feet of water – under the cover of night. On the dive guests saw baby fish, lobsters and eels, all of which were just millimeters long. It was a truly amazing experience. What makes these Scenic Eclipse Discovery Voyages so special is the fact that we offer guests the means to visit places that are typically inaccessible.”
Scenic Eclipse is currently sailing in South America, before travelling to Ushuaia to commence its Antarctica season. Hosting 228 guests (200 in polar regions), Scenic Eclipse Yachts are purpose-built for polar regions, featuring a strengthened hull and a Polar Class 6-rating that enables safe and comfortable navigation through polar waters.
Scenic Eclipse I and II feature indoor and outdoor spaces, such as the 5,920ft² Senses Spa, up to 10 dining experiences, nine bars and lounges and suites with private verandahs and personalized butler service. All voyages are all-inclusive, with transfers, dining, premium branded beverages, gratuities, and immersive excursions included in the price.
For more information, visit Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours.
