Colors appear different underwater due to how light travels through water. As light penetrates deeper, water molecules and particles absorb different wavelengths of light at varying rates. Red light is absorbed first, typically disappearing around 15-20 feet deep. Orange and yellow follow, while blue light penetrates the deepest.
This selective absorption creates a natural color filter where:
- At 5-10 feet: Colors appear slightly muted but still recognizable
- At 20 feet: Reds appear brownish or black
- At 60 feet: Everything takes on a blue-green tint
This is why underwater photographers often use artificial lights to restore true colors in their images.