Secrets of the Octopus

I’m thrilled to share some exciting news with you all! As many of you know, I’ve spent thousands of hours exploring the mesmerizing underwater world right here on Vancouver Island. Well, now that exploration has taken on a whole new dimension with the release of National Geographic’s latest series, "Secrets of the Octopus," now streaming on Nat Geo TV, Disney+ and Hulu!

This groundbreaking series delves deep into the lives of one of Canada’s most iconic wildlife species—the Giant Pacific Octopus. Together with local legend Krystal Janicki we had the privilege of being part of this extraordinary journey, brought to life by the visionary Executive Producer James Cameron and narrated by the talented Paul Rudd.

"Secrets of the Octopus" isn’t just your run-of-the-mill wildlife documentary. It’s an immersive experience that reveals the remarkable intelligence, social behaviors, and unique personalities of these elusive creatures. From tropical reefs to frigid waters, octopuses have carved out their niche in almost every ocean habitat, and this series sheds light on their captivating world like never before.

Krystal and I were fortunate to be part of an international crew hired by SeaLight Pictures, tasked with capturing the essence of the Giant Pacific Octopus right here in our backyard—the temperate waters of the Pacific Northwest. With the assistance of a dedicated team: Sarah Beard (Series Producer), Tynan Callesen (Safety Diver/AC), Manfred Lippe (Dive Supervisor), Russell Clark (Dive Supervisor), Shannon Groenewegen (Dive Safety), Roger McDonell (Skipper), Annie Robinson (Assistant Producer) and the support of local dive shop OceanFix, we embarked on an unforgettable shoot to showcase the beauty and complexity of these incredible creatures and the environment they thrive in.

The star of the show, the Giant Pacific Octopus, is truly a marvel of nature. From its astonishing size to its fascinating behaviors, there’s so much to learn and appreciate about these magnificent creatures. Did you know they have nine brains and three hearts? Or that they can change not only their skin colour but also their texture to blend seamlessly into their environment?

But perhaps the most captivating aspect of this experience was the opportunity to witness firsthand the bond between Krystal, affectionately known as the 'Octopus Whisperer,' and these gentle giants. Krystal’s ability to connect with these creatures on a deeper level is nothing short of remarkable, and her encounters with them are both heartwarming and inspiring.

For me, filming these giants wasn’t without its challenges. Octopuses are notoriously elusive, spending much of their time in dens and blending effortlessly into their surroundings. But with patience and perseverance, Krystal and I were able to find our hero character—a Giant Pacific Octopus who welcomed us into her world with open arms, quite literally!

Each dive brought new discoveries and unforgettable moments. From encounters with curious octopuses to awe-inspiring displays of camouflage, every experience was a testament to the beauty and resilience of our planet’s underwater ecosystems.

So, if you’re ready to have a peak into the into the underwater world in which I call "home", I invite you to join us as we uncover the "Secrets of the Octopus." Streaming now on Nat Geo TV, Disney Plus, and Hulu!

Images taken for National Geographic's 'Secrets of the Octopus' by Maxwel Hohn