In 1973 the Atlantic Underwater Club, of which I was a member, was approached by the South African Speleological Society (SASA) to explore a water filled sump at the then explored end of the famous Cango Tourist Caves near Oudtshoorn, South Africa. This sump had recently been discovered by a Read more…
Table Mountain is the iconic landmark of Cape Town, South Africa. During the summer months, from October to March, a South Easterly wind blows, often very hard. This wind is also known as the Cape Doctor as it was once believed that it cleared the air of disease but nowadays Read more…
Namibia is a land of contrasts and surprises. Where the once mighty Fish River carved its magnificent canyon, severe droughts now alter the landscape. Perhaps for this reason nature hides much of its precious water underground, protected from the relentless power of the African sun. Sossusvlei, a lake at the Read more…
Squid, Loligo Vulgaris reynaudii, spawn in the inshore areas of the Eastern Cape throughout the year, with this activity peaking in November and December. A good area to dive with the squid is in St Francis Bay during the closed fishing season in November. Conveniently, the egg beds are often Read more…
Location: Cape Point, South Africa Renowned underwater photographer Charles Maxwell has been involved in diving adventures for over 40 years and is well acquainted with the South African marine environment. He has worked for major television broadcasters worldwide, including National Geographic and the BBC. Charles highlights the inception of his Read more…
Location: Africa, South Africa, East Coast The east coast of South Africa sees a phenomenal event every autumn – huge shoals of migrating sardines on their northerly journey, followed closely by a selection of charismatic predators. Charles Maxwell relives his experiences of trying to document the Sardine Run. Agulhas Current Read more…
Charles specialises in filming sharks, whales and the spectacular annual Natal Sardine Run. Due to the extraordinary marine biodiversity encountered along the South African coast, this is a great place to be. Charles won an Emmy for his work for the BBC’s Blue Planet series. In spite of being in Read more…
“When a man is tired of False Bay, he is tired of life; for there is in False Bay all that life can afford”: Adapted from Samuel Johnson’s description of London in 1777. Why, however much I travel and dive in exotic locations, do I love to return to the Read more…
How did you first get into underwater videography? In 1987 I had the privilege of leading a team of divers to explore Dragon’s Breath in Namibia, the largest subterranean lake in the world. It was in this mysteriously magical place that I found “a world within a world”, bringing back Read more…
When my plane touched down in the small Mozambiquean village of Inhambane, I was unsure what to expect. I had been sent to Mozambique by French Television’s “Ushuaia Nature” on the TF1 channel to film manta rays off Praia do Tofo, a small village about 20 kms from the airport. Read more…
Do you require Underwater Stock Footage?
Charles Maxwell has high quality film clips for sale. Please contact us for any stock video requests.
© Copyright Underwater Video 2022
