Waterpixels is always happy to help promote the activities of our own members. Husband and wife team, John Warmington (johnvila) and Sandra Kaye, have set up Critter Spotters in Vanuatu which they describe as a "Photographer-Friendly Retreat". Here's what they have to say: "Weโre John Warmington and Sandra Kaye, a husband-and-wife team with over 40 years of dive experience between us, and a combined 26 years of living here in Vanuatu. Together, weโve built Critter Spotter, a dive offering created for underwater photographers and thoughtful divers โ and Karma Waters, a private villa just steps from the reef we call home. This isnโt a large scale commercial operation or a packaged tour. Itโs a personal invitation to dive the way we dive โ slowly, with care, with curiosity, and with space to stay as long as the subject needs. ๐๐ก๐ฒ ๐๐๐ง๐ฎ๐๐ญ๐ฎ ---- ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ก๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐? Vanuatu is an island nation in the South Pacific, east of Australia and north of New Zealand โ a chain of volcanic islands with rich marine life, warm waters, and minimal dive traffic. If you can get to Australia, New Zealand, or Fiji, youโre just one short flight away. Direct connections from Brisbane, Sydney, Auckland, and Nadi make it surprisingly easy โ especially compared to many Indo-Pacific destinations. Weโre based on Efate, just 45 minutes from the international airport, in the calm, sheltered waters of Havannah Harbour โ a site known for its gentle conditions and exceptional macro biodiversity. ๐๐๐ซ๐ฆ๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ โ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ Karma Waters is a newly constructed private, one-bedroom, self-contained villa set among tropical gardens with ocean views and direct access to the reef. Itโs ideal for dive couples or photography buddies who want flexibility and privacy without compromise. The king bed can be split to two singles for travelling buddies and in addition to your own comfy timber deck with water views you will have access to a large covered deck right on the waters edge, a luxurious day bed and lounges overlook the water. Grab a kayak and go exploring for yourself. We also offer on-site massage, yoga, or pilates sessions and can host your own private lifestyle workshop. Youโre welcome to self-cater at your own pace, or just relax and let the water set the rhythm. There are dining spots close or private catering ca be arranged. โก๏ธ If your group is more than two, we can comfortably cater for up to four divers. While the villa remains best suited for couples or pairs, weโre happy to help arrange nearby accommodation for extra guests without compromising the experience. ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐ข๐ฏ๐ข๐ง๐ โ ๐๐๐๐ซ๐จ-๐๐ข๐๐ก, ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฐ๐-๐
๐ซ๐๐ Our reef is one of those places that rewards repeat dives and patient eyes. Whether you're looking for frogfish, mantis shrimp, nudibranchs, moray eels โ or simply just love long cruisy dives you'll have the space and time you need to make it memorable. We offer dives right from the villa, just go down the steps! Itโs your choice --- we will introduce you to the area on arrival with a few guided dives and then itโs up to you โ guided or unguided. Lets us know how many tanks you need! Our 5 metre diver friendly boat is surveyed and ready for adventure on request. We limit our numbers for a reason โ so that you never feel rushed or overlooked. We donโt do schedules - dive when you're ready, linger as long as you want, your experience is the priority. We donโt teach โ we dive and cater to certified divers only. Maximum of 4 divers. We all know the worry about weight limits and travel โ we can ease that burden โ all dive gear is available for hire plus we can cater to photographers with: GoPro, TG7 or Nikon D500 / Nauticam set ups on site, ready to hire. ๐๐ฎ๐ง ๐๐ฒ ๐ฉ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐๐ญ๐ ๐ฉ๐ก๐จ๐ญ๐จ๐ ๐ซ๐๐ฉ๐ก๐๐ซ๐ฌ John has spent the last decade developing his underwater photography through patience, passion, and deep familiarity with local marine life. Heโs happy to share insights, offer camera advice, or help you troubleshoot a setup โ casually, in-water, or over a post-dive photo chat. If you want more --- Workshops are available on request, whether you're just starting out or want a focused photo session. Sandy, a qualified divemaster and accomplished videographer, is especially intuitive with guests newer to diving, and is always ready to help spot subjects, keep an eye on conditions, or simply ensure your dive feels safe and supported. ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ ๐๐ก๐๐ง ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐ข๐ฏ๐ข๐ง๐ Weโve called Vanuatu home for years โ and it shows in how we host. From cultural tips to hidden snorkelling spots, we make it our mission to ensure every guest walks away with more than just good photos โ but a truly memorable experience. We share what we love in a way thatโs real, relaxed, , no crowds, no rush and tailored to you! Ready to Learn More? ๐ www.critterspotter.com ๐ฉ Email:
[email protected] ๐ท Follow us: @critterspotter If you're looking for a quieter, slower kind of dive trip โ with time to shoot, space to think, genuine rest and relaxation, and a reef that still surprises us after hundreds of dives โ weโd love to welcome you to Havannah Harbour. See you underwater, John & Sandy Critter Spotter | Karma Waters | Vanuatu"