Praise for Raja Ampat

by Adriano Morettin

Fiabacet Reefscape

I’ve visited Raja Ampat twice on MSY Ondina, with cruises organized by Deb Fuggit.  First in 2008 and then again in 2014. Both cruises are unforgettable experiences for both marine life and the terrestrial scenery.

I will never forget the biodiversity of the sea, the variegated coral reefs with such quantity of corals of all shapes and colors that they take your breath away, the endless variety of fish of all sizes that are extremely friendly because they probably have never seen man before. In fact very often I had the feeling of being the first human being to swim in those waters because we sailed for days without meeting a soul.

Platax Spadefish at Airborek village jetty

All this explosion of aquatic life has allowed me to create great and unique pictures, which then won several international competitions, most notably the Plongeur d’Or in the portfolio at the Festival Mondial de l’Image Sous Marine in Marseille in 2009. And more recently in Nature’s Best: Ocean Views, where one of my photos from Raja Ampat was the 1st place winner.

Goby on Soft Coral “2015 First Place-Nature’s Best: Ocean Views”

The incomparable beauty of Raja Ampat prompted me to return there (in 2014) and my choice was rewarded because I saw even more beautiful marine life scenarios than those seen on my previous trip, such as huge shoals of anchovies, so large blot out the sun, in the midst of which they were hunted by eagles of the sea, snapper, jacks and other big fish.

“in the Eye of a Cyclone”

Reefscape with Baitfish

Baitfish and Seafan

I hope very much that man does not ruin these still virgin and pristine environments, allowing future generations to admire them in all their beauty.

Adriano Morettin (Italy)

Underwater photography is my life together my family. I dedicate all my spare time, my passion, my commitments and quite a lot of money, but the gratification I have received has repaid me in full …and more. I love underwater photography because it gave me the change to discover and appreciate the incredible, fabulous world hidden under the sea. I’m 61 years old and I have been photographing for the last 15 years in over thousand dives. I have won many prestigious photographic competitions all over the world, including first place in Nature’s Best:Ocean Views (2015) and two Italian championships in one category of underwater photography.  More of his images can be seen in his Gallery on this site and on his Facebook page.