It's a mola-mola world!

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billt4sf

Contributor
Messages
2,561
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Location
Fayetteville GA, Wash DC, NY, Toronto, SF
# of dives
500 - 999
We finally saw it! A mola-mola – and WHAT an experience it was. It was humbling to be in the presence of these giant gentle animals. Pictures do not convey the feeling. As soon as we dropped down – there they were – two of them – in the exact same place we had waited maybe 15 previous times over a span of three years.


The first 15 mins were absolutely great – there were maybe 6 – 8 – 10 divers, and it positioned itself head down for several minutes for cleaning. (There were probably 20 fish cleaning it.) Kudos to the Geko staff for keeping us at a respectful distance! Then it slowly drifted towards us – totally under the animal’s control. We saw the mouth and tongue - almost like kissing - and it has just such a peaceful, awe-inspiring sense about it. It got within 3 – 5 meters (10- 15 feet) and I actually recoiled a bit as I didn’t want to touch it or disturb it.


Would that other divers felt the same way! After 15(?) mins there were maybe 20 divers – I found this the borderline of enjoyment – and most clearly had no compunction about getting arbitrarily close, using flash photography, a general cluster****. I felt sorry for the animal. CONTAIN YOUR EXCITEMENT FOLKS! – and the picture isn’t everything. Sure – take a picture. Then relax and enjoy. And stop it with those “fashion” wetsuits! Nobody cares what you look like underwater. A bright pink tank, for Chrissakes. Sheesh.


After maybe 30 minutes there were maybe 50 divers and I’m out! And many more coming as we were swimming back.


Lucky us that we got the magic hour. Even if it was “only” 15 – 20 mins. Kudos to Geko for their organization in making this happen. I won't give away the secret!
Emily mola .jpg



It makes me feel like the total eclipse we experienced last summer. Such great nature – I just want to repeat it and repeat it and repeat it!

- Bill
 
We finally saw it! A mola-mola – and WHAT an experience it was. It was humbling to be in the presence of these giant gentle animals. Pictures do not convey the feeling. As soon as we dropped down – there they were – two of them – in the exact same place we had waited maybe 15 previous times over a span of three years...

...It makes me feel like the total eclipse we experienced last summer. Such great nature – I just want to repeat it and repeat it and repeat it!

- Bill
wonderful post!
 
Hi @billt4sf, Bill

I know what you mean. Earlier this year, I was lucky enough to be diving in the Galapagos. Off Isabella Island, at Punta Vicente Roca, we had the opportunity to spend 20-25 minutes with a number of Mola mola. They slowly swam by in the brisk current in front of us, like some kind of unearthly parade. It was truly magical, I will never forget this dive:)

Very best and good diving, Craig
upload_2018-9-22_8-29-41.png
 
Brilliant , very happy for you ! Which dive site did you see them in and what was the water temperature like ?
 
New Bill, year 1.
We're safe now.
 
https://www.shearwater.com/products/swift/

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