South Georgia Island

Found in the icy waters of Antarctica, the leopard seal (Hydrurga leptonyx) is one of the world’s most elegant marine mammals. I was barely underwater at a site off Salisbury Plain when this playful pup surfaced in front of me. It repeatedly gasped for air at the surface and then charged straight toward me, turning and disappearing into the kelp just before collision. This game lasted a good 40 minutes before the cold drove us out of the water. Leopard seals are predators and can be dangerous, so it’s important to remain calm and confident around them. To get good photos, move slowly to avoid appearing aggressive and scaring them away.

Need to Know

South Georgia is ideal for diving November to March. Water temps are around 35 degrees but can drop to 32. A drysuit with a thick undergarment is recommended.'

Related Reading: How to Pack Your Underwater Photo Gear

Photographer Gerald Nowak (@gerald_nowak)