Humboldt Squid Expeditions

The famous Humboldt Squid! What can we say about this animal? An animal on the "bucket list" of many divers. Sadly over recent years the squid numbers have diminished. Making these expeditions only for TV and Film companies in the last few years . 

We have successfully organised and led expeditions for BBC Natural History Unit, Discovery Networks and Nat Geo. We have always provide logistics, Dive Supervision & Safety and often primary camera above and below the surface.

We are active in monitoring the "squid situation" from July through to Autumn/Fall. If you are interested in diving with Squid please contact us, email or call. 

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About Humboldt squid

The Humboldt squid (Dosidicus gigas), also known as jumbo squid, jumbo flying squid, pota or diablo rojo, is a large, predatory squid living in the waters of the Humboldt Current in the eastern Pacific Ocean. 

Dosidicus gigas is the only species of the genus Dosidicus of the subfamily Ommastrephinae, family Ommastrephidae.

Humboldt squid are among the largest of squids, reaching a mantle length of 1.5 m (4.9 ft). They have a reputation for aggression towards humans, though this behavior may possibly only manifest during feeding times. Like other members of the subfamily Ommastrephinae, they possess bioluminescent photophores and are capable of quickly changing body coloration (metachrosis). They notably rapidly flash red and white while hunting, earning them the name diablo rojo (Spanish for 'red devil') among fishermen. These chromatophores (which belong to more than one set and are of different sizes) may rapidly cycle through colours other than red and white, flashing too quickly for the human eye to see the transitions. They can live for up to two years.

Minimum Requirements

We require that each diver demonstrate their experience and ability prior. We provide training and certification in use of chain mail suit and full face mask.

Availability and Price

We have to be honest and say these large squid aggregations have become less and less easy to predict. As of 2015 we encountered squid only twice in the summer season.

As with TV and Film companies, any private expedition is built to the clients individual needs.

How we do it..

Small groups of 2 or 3 divers in the water at night. All divers are wearing protection, squid wranglers are in full face masks communicating with the surface at all times.

Watch some of the shows we helped produce...