Photo of the Day 386

Southern Right Whale, South Africa, 2003

Photograph by David Doubilet

Off South Africa, a southern right whale Eubalaena australis takes a peek above water before heading back down to the depths. Photographer David Doubilet rates the South African coast as one of the world's top seven diving spots. "When the sardines run, they bring seals, dolphins, and other predators," he writes. "To me, this is the most exciting dive in the world."

(Text adapted from and photo shot on assignment for, but not published in, "My Seven: The World's Best Diving Spots," January 2004, National Geographic magazine)