Dispatch from Reunion Island

See what animals and critters have made great photo subjects for 2016 so far at Reunion Island deep in the Indian Ocean

By Gaby Barathieu

The latest installment of our Dispatch photo essay series comes from photographer Gaby Barathieu, who shoots frequently from his home on Reunion Island.

The diving at Réunion Island is always full of rich animal encounters, making it a great destination for underwater photographers. 2016 has shown us many great photo opportunities so far, and the hardest choice has been whether to shoot macro or wide-angle!

The water is exceptionally clear at Réunion right now, and the 29 degree (84F) water temperature is a real pleasure to dive. Every dive has been full of beautiful encounters, and yes, it is a true drug. As proof, here are 4 pictures from my last 3 dives.

Réunion Island Underwater Photos

A Black-blotched stingray and rebreather diver.

Shell eyes. Do you know that the shellfish has eyes? Proof is in this image, with a focus on the eyes of a large 5-fingers shell that I met while diving.

Starry moray and cleaner Shrimp! Meet by 55 m deep with this siren yellow mouth and cleaner shrimp.

Pineconefish (Monocentris japonica). Adults are found between 20 and 200 m depth, juveniles occasionally in shallower water.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gaby Barathieu is a passionate underwater photographer based on Reunion Island. He and photographer Yann Oulia run the Reunion Underwater Photography website and Facebook page, sharing the incredible diving and wildlife encounters in the waters near their home. View their photography at www.RUP.re or on their Facebook Page.

ALSO BY GABY BARATHIEU

The Quick Guide to Macro Composition

Diving Reunion Island

SUPPORT THE UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE:

The Best Service & Prices on u/w Photo Gear

Visit Bluewater Photo & Video for all your underwater photography and video gear. Click, or call the team at (310) 633-5052 for expert advice!

The Best Pricing, Service & Expert Advice to Book your Dive Trips

Bluewater Travel is your full-service scuba travel agency. Let our expert advisers plan and book your next dive vacation. Run by divers, for divers.