Not just Shark Pictures:
Elasmodiver contains photos of sharks, skates, rays, and chimaera's
from around the world. It began as a simple web based field guide to
help divers find the best places to encounter different species of
sharks and rays but it has slowly evolved into a much larger project
containing information on all aspects of shark diving and
photography. There are now more than a thousand shark pictures
and sections on shark evolution, biology, and conservation. There is
a large library of reviewed shark books, a constantly outdated shark
taxonomy page, a monster list of shark links, and deeper in the site
there are numerous articles and stories about shark encounters.
Elasmodiver is now so difficult to check for updates, that new
information and pictures are listed
on an Elasmodiver Updates Page that
can be accessed here:
If you're
looking for a broader range of marine life pictures the following
links represent a new area that contains pictures on other marine
organisms and on marine habitats. This expansion of Elasmodiver is
in its first stages but will eventually include pages on everything
from sea stars to nudibranches. Creating this portal will take time
and for now it consists of a token offering of fish pictures. Please
return regularly to enjoy the progress.
SHARK DIVING HOTSPOTS -
LOS GIGANTES, TENERIFE, CANARY ISLANDS
Encounter:
Where to start! The ray feed at Los Gigantes attracts many Common Stingrays
(Dasyatis pastinaca) and Common
Eagle Rays (Myliobatis aquila). A few enormous Roughtail Stingrays (Dasyatis
centroura) are also regular participants and many other ray species can make
an appearance. Occasional visitors include round stingrays (Dasyatis
grabata) and Common Angel Sharks (Squatina squatina). Marbled
Torpedo Rays (Torpedo marmorata) and Spiny Butterfly Rays (Gymnura
altavela) are also found in the area.
The feed takes place once or twice a
week in 60ft of water in the shadow of the enormous Los Gigantes cliffs. A
dive master takes down a full barrel of fish scraps and is marauded by the
closest rays. More rays arrive as the scent spreads.
Many of the animals are regular
visitors that are very used to human contact. These rays can be handfed by
any divers wishing to grab a handful of fish and join in the fun.
Photographic opportunities abound but
as the feed continues, the circling of the rays close to the sand and the
kicking of the divers drives visibility down. The sand is heavy and quickly
settles but the activity during the feed keeps the area in a perpetual fog.
Operators:
The English speaking Los Gigantes Dive Centre located in the harbour of the
small town of Los Gigantes is the only operator that organizes feeds. The owner / manager
Neville has been working with the rays since 1996. He takes a responsible
attitude towards the interaction to ensure the welfare of the rays and divers
alike.
Accommodation:
There are a number of nice hotels in Los Gigantes but the most convenient option
is adjacent to the dive shop. Neville can arrange accommodation for divers
wishing to dedicate a few days to diving the spectacular sites in the area.
Directions:
Los Gigantes is on the west coast of Tenerife. it is a two hour bus ride from
the capital. Divers should be aware that the journey from the city involves a
climb to a high altitude which should not be attempted after diving.
