Octopi?

[SlainteMolly]

I am a soon to be certified newbie. One of the big deciding factors about learning to dive was an opportunity to observe sea life. My bucket list includes seeing a wild octopus, I know we have them in the bay area, because my daughter found one in a sea shell - I wasn't with her, and 2nd hand pictures are not good enough.

So - are there places, depths, times, seasons that will hedge my chances? I would love some advice, and plan to dive as much as I can once I get that cert card - I think I would about pee my wet suit if I got to see an actual octopus.

:blinking:

Thanks!

 

[vladimir]

Octopuses are pretty common, but they usually keep themselves well-hidden in the nooks and crannies of the reef, especially during the day. I was recently treated to about twenty minutes of an octopus going from coral head to coral head in Bali, engulfing each one with its body, and busily searching the holes for food with its tentacles. I kept a respectful distance--a few meters--to avoid spooking it, and it didn't seem to mind my presence a bit. But it is not usual to see them free swimming during the day.

To improve your chances of seeing one, dive at dusk, and look for the distinctive litter of discarded crustacea remains that typically mark their front doors.

 

[DevonDiver]

You'll love this video: A study of cephalopod camouflage - squid, cuttlefish and octopus -Scuba Tech Philippines

 

[SlainteMolly]

You'll love this video: A study of cephalopod camouflage - squid, cuttlefish and octopus -Scuba Tech Philippines

Very cool video! - thanks for the link.

 

[adurso]

Go dive the Blue Heron Bridge on the east coast. Octopuses are out and about during the day there. See the Blue Heron Bridge troll thread for photos