The Dance of the Ocean
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" Something as beautiful as this cannot be ruined by the short existence of a species like human beings, and although I want to save this place, I realize it's quite the opposite; we must take care of the ocean so that it can save us. We are the ones at risk; the ocean will either wipe us out with its waves or inspire us to keep surfing and living surrounded by its beauty." .
Alonso I. Rodríguez de la Parra, explorer and documentary filmmaker.
Giant Blanket - Alonso I. Rodríguez de la Parra
In the distance, I watch as rays of light pierce the water's surface, traveling between yellows and sky blues, sinking into the depths and disappearing into a deep navy that then transforms into a unique bluish-black. Sitting on the edge of a cliff on the submerged pinnacle of Roca Partida, I'm 32 meters deep, admiring the infinite blue that unfolds before me, watching as, at my feet (or fins), there's a seabed that seems almost endless. It's the fourth dive of the day, and night is approaching with each passing minute. This time, I'm only diving with my friend Ernesto and Nico; we've had five days of very intense dives, and the rest of the group decided to rest. I can't help but think that I have this rock in the middle of the Pacific Ocean all to myself, because even though I'm with others, underwater it's like being alone. No one can speak to you, and inside your mind, it's just you, free to talk to yourself without interruption. Sounds take on peculiar shapes, and it's almost impossible to discern where things are coming from. Submerged, everything feels different.
Roca Partida - Alonso I. Rodríguez de la Parra
And, although I want to swim and look for life around this rock, I decide not to; there are few times, if ever, when one can sit and relax in the depths, watching the sunset from such a tremendous depth.
Whitetip Reef Shark - Alonso I. Rodríguez de la Parra
It's common to see large aggregations of whitetip reef sharks in this area; every now and then, one or two come along curiously to see what I'm doing. They're used to seeing divers, so they're very confident, and their proximity makes me a little nervous. I'm completely sure they won't bite me or show any hostile behavior; these animals are pure peace, residents of this pinnacle, always welcoming visitors peacefully and subtly, moving gently underwater.
The minutes pass, feeling much longer than a normal minute down here; time passes differently when you're at peace and calm, and that's what the ocean evokes in me. And in this beautiful wait, something happened that I'll never forget, something that filled me with abundant energy and a great enthusiasm to keep exploring. I began to hear the sound of a cello in the distance, a submerged cello, which intensified with each passing second. Suddenly, a violin appeared in another area of my peripheral hearing, and then another, and another. I could distinguish four simultaneous melodies unfolding harmoniously. This wasn't a string quartet, but a group of humpback whales communicating underwater. It was an indescribable concert, an Anglican choir mixed with Gregorian chants, a string and brass section; truly, I couldn't describe what I was hearing. But without a doubt, the best concert I've ever attended. The sounds varied in long crescendos between subtle and high dynamics, original rhythms and even percussive patterns; persuasive, because my attention was completely on the sound, the blue that was slowly darkening and the sun rays that were now shining more strongly among reds, oranges, yellows and blues.
Humpback Whale - Alonso I. Rodríguez de la Parra
The needle on my air gauge descended slowly, drawing ever closer to my air reserve; it would soon be time to get out. But as the seconds ticked by, the concert intensified, and although the humpback whales weren't in my field of vision, I knew they were near, for I could no longer just hear their songs, but feel the vibrations in my chest. And in sync with the universe, during a section of this concert, I felt my entire body vibrate, and in an instant, I found myself surrounded by the most beautiful spectacle I've ever witnessed; diverse fish began to fill the space between the blue and the rays of light, hundreds of whitetip reef sharks swam around me, passing all over me—my back, my feet, my head, my sides; I was surrounded by the pure magic of nature. A performance that not even the best choreographer in the world could have staged, perfection in every movement of every being that shared the space with me.
Humpback whales - Alonso I. Rodríguez de la Parra
Fortunately, I always have my trusty companion with me in moments like these: my camera. I was able to capture many pictures and clips of this moment, but the scene itself will only live on in my memories. And although I wanted to capture everything, it seemed more interesting to simply live in the moment and turn off the camera.
The Ancient Guardians - Alonso I. Rodríguez de la Parra
The moment came when my air ran out and I had to begin my slow ascent; I will always remember that 7-minute safety stop I made to make the most of those last moments. At a depth of 5 meters, I waited, gazing at the bottom and everything around me, bidding farewell to this magnificent place, promising myself to do everything in my power to protect the beauty of the ocean.
Another whitetip reef shark - Alonso I. Rodríguez de la Parra
Something as beautiful as this shouldn't be ruined by the short existence of a species like humans, and although I want to save this place, I realize it's quite the opposite; we must take care of the ocean so that it can save us. We are the ones at risk; the ocean will either wipe us out with its waves or inspire us to keep surfing and living surrounded by its beauty.
Alonso I. Rodríguez de la Parra
The Dance of the Ocean - Alonso I. Rodríguez de la Parra