Day four of our trip on the Big Island revolved heavily around the exploration of marine life. To begin our day, each group boarded a zodiac boat, like what Navy Seals use, and headed off towards the open ocean. Before we even left the harbor, a green sea turtle was hanging out on the surface of the water visible enough for us to spot. Additionally, shortly after leaving the harbor, we spotted a pod of spinner dolphins which although they were moving, were using only fifty percent of their brain function as they slept. Prior to this trip, I did not know that dolphins had this ability to swim swiftly while they were sleeping.
In addition to these marine animals, I saw many other unique creatures including: Portuguese man o’ war, pilot whales, tuna, and even a large tiger shark.
On our journey, we also learned about Pele, the goddess of lava, and how ancient Hawaiians paid their respects to her. Our guide brought use on the zodiac to a part of the ghost where old flowing lava tubes were her eyes on the side of the mountain. We discovered that fishermen made sacrifices to here using fish and even humans.
Later in the evening, after doing one afternoon reef dive, we began our manta ray experience and learned all about manta rays and how they act. I learned that these rays were once called devil rays by early Hawaiians and many treated them with respect. On the dive itself, we were brought down to 35ft and observed the Mantas as they feasted on the plankton.
Tomorrow, I am most looking forward to learning about OTEC and other reef conservation efforts.
