It is easy to assume that teenagers are rarely without a screen, but fourteen-year-old twins Nathan and Aaron Crossan from London, UK, tell a different story shaped by curiosity and time spent underwater at Wakatobi.
“The ocean is the most magical place to be…At Wakatobi you’ll see hundreds of species all at once with amazing colors all around you!”
Nathan Crossan, 14 years old
In the short film below, young authors Nathan and Aaron Crossan sit down to reflect on their time spent at Wakatobi. Through firsthand experience, they share how photographing reef life is shaping their next field guide, which is expected to be nearly double the length of their previous work and highlights the extraordinary biodiversity found at Wakatobi.
“We’ve enjoyed Wakatobi the most because it’s got a lot more species,” Nathan shares with a smile. “Just in one holiday here, we’ve recorded almost 500 species. There’s a lot more diversity which is really exciting! This makes each snorkel and dive fun because you’re always seeing something new.”
Documenting that many species would challenge even the most experienced photographers and divers. Fortunately, Nathan and Aaron were supported by Aswan and Frengki, two of Wakatobi’s dive guides whose remarkable ability to spot even the smallest marine life helps reveal what might otherwise be camouflaged to untrained eyes. With their guidance, the reef becomes easier to understand.
“Aswan and Frengki help us a lot,” the twins explain. “We’re not that good yet! Towards the end we were spotting nudibranchs and some of the bigger species we know we’re still looking for, but the guides are really, really good at spotting things.”
Hear more from the Crossan brothers in the video below, also available on our youtube channel here.
Young Explorers and Advocates of Our Oceans
In this conversation, Nathan and Aaron explain why the underwater world should be seen by everyone. By sharing their discoveries through photographic field guides, they believe even those unfamiliar with the ocean can begin to understand its importance, and why healthy reefs matter far beyond the sea.
Nathan and Aaron’s efforts illuminate the roles that curiosity and access play in shaping future generations of ocean advocacy. For 30 years, Wakatobi has welcomed families with all levels of diving and snorkelling experience, offering a place where curiosity and connection to the ocean can grow at any age. Through a privately managed marine protected area spanning more than 60 kilometers, Wakatobi has long been committed to protecting the waters that inspire generations of guests. These conservation efforts are made possible by a shared love for the ocean, and by those who choose to experience and care for it alongside us.
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