A giant Pacific octopus surprised divers off Vancouver Island by grabbing a camera and filming itself in a rare and playful underwater encounter.
A Rare Underwater Encounter
Two divers off Vancouver Island were treated to an unforgettable moment when a giant Pacific octopus decided to play photographer. The curious creature briefly borrowed a diver’s camera and ended up recording a surprising underwater selfie in Nanoose Bay.
A Surprise at Madrona Point
Madrona Point is known among divers as one of the best places to spot giant Pacific octopuses. But when John Roney and his diving partner Chris Mullen ventured out from Victoria, they never imagined their encounter would involve a camera hand-off and a gentle tentacle hug.
A Curious and Playful Giant
Roney, who has been diving since 2016, described the interaction as both thrilling and heartwarming. According to him, giant Pacific octopuses are not only intelligent but also highly curious about their surroundings. That curiosity was on full display when the cephalopod wrapped a tentacle around the camera and explored its reflection.
A Memory That Lasts a Lifetime
What started as an ordinary dive quickly turned into a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The divers left with more than just a story—they had actual footage captured by the octopus itself. For them, the encounter was a reminder of the mystery and wonder that still thrive beneath the ocean’s surface.
