Meet Mike Bartick: The Pioneer Behind Black Water Week 2026

World-renowned underwater photographer Mike Bartick shares his journey pioneering

blackwater diving, what makes Cozumel special, and what you can expect from Black Water Week 2026.

This July, we're bringing something extraordinary to Cozumel: Black Water Week 2026.

At the heart of this experience is Mike Bartick a world-renowned underwater photographer who has spent 15+ years pioneering blackwater diving around the globe.

We sat down with Mike to ask him about his journey, what makes blackwater diving so transformative, and what participants can expect when they join him in the depths.

AD: You've spent 15+ years in Anilao, Philippines, pioneering blackwater diving.

What made you fall in love with this specific type of diving?

MB: There is simply nothing else like blackwater diving to compare it to. BW diving is

like stepping back in time for a close look at the inner workings of our planet and its life giving systems.

AD: For people who've never done blackwater diving, how would you describe what it feels like to dive in complete darkness and hunt for creatures?

MB: Imagine running down a sidewalk at night, trying to photograph a butterfly with

nothing more than a flashlight.

This simple comparison captures the essence of blackwater diving. It's challenging, it requires focus, and it demands skill—but the reward is encounters with creatures most divers never witness. It's an adventure in the truest sense.

AD: What's the biggest transformation you see in divers after experiencing blackwater

diving for the first time?

MB: The joy of seeing something completely new. BW diving is a liberating experience that allows even the most seasoned divers a chance to go back to where it all began.

The joy of those first few dives is like new love.

AD: Cozumel has a unique marine ecosystem. What makes these waters special for blackwater diving, and what creatures can participants expect to encounter during

Black Water Week?

MB: Cozumel has a few things that make it an interesting place for BW diving. The shallow channel has deep water access, reliably stellar visibility, and reasonably stable weather conditions. This combination makes the BW diving in Cozumel unique. Blackwater photographers should expect to see larval fish, inshore or deep-sea varieties, crustaceans, cephalopods, and gelatinous creatures.

Walk us through what a typical day looks like during Black Water Week.

What will divers experience from morning to evening?

Mornings are spent sleeping in, eating a late breakfast, and relaxing. The BW divers'

day starts around 4:00 in the afternoon (unless you're doing the morning dives). On day 1, we will meet for a group orientation and discuss the dives, protocols, camera gear, and

subjects. Every day thereafter, we will meet at the same time for photo review and a

natural history talk. After dinner, we meet dockside at around 6:45 and launch for the

evening dives, returning around midnight.

Mike's insights reveal what makes Black Water Week more than just another diving trip.

It's a carefully designed experience led by someone who has dedicated his life to

blackwater diving and education.

Whether you're a seasoned diver seeking a new frontier or someone drawn to the unknown, Black Water Week offers transformation. It's about rediscovering joy, witnessing the extraordinary, and becoming part of a rare and exclusive community of blackwater explorers.

Ready to experience blackwater diving with Mike Bartick?

Black Water Week 2026 | July 16-24 | Cozumel, Mexico | All-Inclusive Package

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