Jellyfish flights in Palawan with Pierre Thiaville
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Jellyfish swarms in Palawan: A unique photographic experience
As a mountain photographer accustomed to alpine peaks, I had the opportunity to experience something radically different but just as fascinating: diving with golden jellyfish in Lake Palawan, Philippines.
This adventure allowed me to explore a unique aquatic world, where thousands of jellyfish move in harmony in crystal-clear waters. An exceptional natural spectacle that deserves to be recounted and shared.
Palawan: A Natural Paradise in the Philippines
The Palawan Archipelago
Palawan , located in the western Philippines, is often considered one of the most beautiful islands in the world. With its white sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, spectacular limestone cliffs, and exceptional biodiversity, Palawan offers breathtaking scenery.
For a photographer accustomed to the mountain landscapes of the Alps , discovering these karst formations emerging from the sea is strangely reminiscent of the limestone cliffs of the Chartreuse , but in a totally different tropical context.
Jellyfish Lake: A Unique Ecosystem
Jellyfish Lake in Palawan is an exceptional natural site, isolated from the ocean but connected by underground fissures. This isolation has created a unique ecosystem where jellyfish have evolved without natural predators.
Unlike their oceanic cousins, these golden jellyfish (Mastigias papua) have lost much of their stinging power, making safe interaction with divers possible.
The Jellyfish Diving Experience
Preparation and Approach
Before diving into this extraordinary lake, a few strict rules must be followed to preserve this fragile ecosystem :
- No sunscreen : Chemicals can harm jellyfish
- Gentle movements : Avoid touching or injuring the jellyfish
- Respect for the environment : Leave nothing, take nothing
- Limited number of visitors : To minimize human impact
- Mandatory guide : To ensure safety and respect for the site
Immersion: A Fascinating Aquatic Ballet
From the very first moments underwater, the spectacle is breathtaking. Thousands of golden jellyfish float gracefully in the crystal-clear water, creating a hypnotic ballet. Their translucent bells capture the sunlight, creating magical plays of shadows and reflections.
For a photographer, it's an exciting technical challenge:
- Changing light : Constantly adapting the exposure
- Unpredictable movements : Anticipating jellyfish movements
- Underwater composition : Finding the right angles in a three-dimensional environment
- Waterproof equipment : Protection for photographic equipment
Underwater Photography: Challenges and Techniques
Differences with Mountain Photography
Accustomed to photographing sunrises in the mountains and alpine glaciers , underwater photography presented me with new challenges:
In the mountains:
- Directional and predictable light
- Photographer's stability
- Static subjects (landscapes, mountain peaks)
- Clean air and excellent visibility
Underwater:
- Diffused and changing light
- Buoyancy to be constantly managed
- Subjects in constant flux
- Visibility varies depending on depth
Technical Settings for Photographing Jellyfish
To capture the ethereal beauty of jellyfish, I adjusted my settings:
- Shutter speed : 1/250s minimum to freeze motion
- Aperture : f/5.6 to f/8 for good depth of field
- ISO : 400-800 depending on underwater lighting
- White balance : Adjustment to compensate for the blue cast
- Burst mode : To increase the chances of success
Golden Jellyfish: Biology and Behavior
A Remarkable Evolutionary Adaptation
The golden jellyfish of Palawan have developed a symbiotic relationship with microscopic algae (zooxanthellae) that live in their tissues. These algae produce energy through photosynthesis, partially nourishing the jellyfish.
This is why jellyfish undertake a daily migration across the lake, following the sun to maximize photosynthesis for their symbiotic algae. A fascinating behavior to observe and photograph.
A Fragile Ecosystem to Protect
Like the alpine national parks I usually photograph, the jellyfish lake in Palawan is a fragile ecosystem that requires rigorous protection:
- Sensitivity to temperature changes
- Vulnerability to pollution
- Impact of mass tourism
- Delicate ecological balance
Parallels between Mountain and Ocean
The Quest for Natural Beauty
Whether in the Alpine peaks or in the depths of the sea , my photographic approach remains the same: to capture the raw beauty of nature, to bear witness to its fragility and to share the emotion of these exceptional encounters.
The jellyfish of Palawan, like the marmots of the Alps , are fascinating creatures that deserve our respect and protection.
The Importance of Conservation
Photographing nature is also a commitment to its preservation . Whether it's:
- Alpine glaciers threatened by climate change
- Marine ecosystems weakened by pollution
- Alpine wildlife disturbed by over-visitation
- Exceptional natural sites to protect
Each image is a testament to the beauty of the natural world and a call for its protection.
Tips for Visiting Jellyfish Lake in Palawan
Best Time
Dry season (November to May) : Optimal visibility and favorable weather conditions
Avoid the rainy season (June to October) : Visibility is reduced and access can be difficult.
Practical Preparation
- Reservations are required : The number of visitors is limited.
- Local guide : Essential for accessing the site
- Snorkeling equipment : Mask, snorkel, fins
- Waterproof case : To protect your camera
- Respect the rules : To preserve this unique site
From Palawan to the Alps: Back to My Roots
This experience in Palawan enriched my vision as a photographer. It reminded me that the beauty of nature manifests itself in countless forms, from the snow-capped peaks of the Alps to the crystal-clear waters of the Philippines .
Today, I continue to focus on my first passion: alpine mountain photography . My photographic prints of the Alps , printed on Dibond aluminum and made in France, testify to my deep attachment to the mountain ranges where I grew up.
My Photo Paintings: Mountains and Nature
Although this adventure in Palawan remains a memorable experience, my heart and my focus are on the French Alps . It is there that I find my daily inspiration, in the sunsets over the Chartreuse mountains , the mountain huts of Vanoise , and the glaciers of Mont Blanc.
Each photo print I offer is the result of my alpine explorations, my intimate knowledge of the mountain ranges and my passion for the mountains.
Conclusion: Diversity and Wonder
My experience with the jellyfish of Palawan taught me that wonder at nature can take a thousand forms. Whether high in the Alps or diving in tropical waters, the beauty of the natural world never ceases to inspire me.
But it is in the Alps mountains that I truly feel at home, and it is this passion that I share through my photographs and paintings.
Thank you for following my photographic adventures , whether they take place in the Alpine peaks or, exceptionally, in the crystal-clear waters of Palawan.
