On our first tank dive, Lee, our dive master, took us through a beautiful reef where types of coral including staghorn, pillar, and brain can be found. Staghorn Coral can be identified by the antler-like branches which have stinging cells that aid the coral in getting food. Pillar Coral, dendrogyra cylindrus, has distinctive characteristics such as the height, possibly reaching 2 meters, the habitat, found on gently sloped surfaces, and the texture, sometimes appearing hairy. Brain Coral is extremely easy to spot. Their texture is unique and they can grow up to 6 feet in height. Brain coral is special because scientists have observed that it is extremely common and the coral species of least concern. During our first dive at 40 feet, Captain Lee pointed out a bright blue cleaner shrimp. My partner, Gregory, and I followed our dive master through the gorgeous reef scanning the clear ocean for another sight of disbelief. Suddenly in the deep ocean, a silver Barracuda comes in and out of sight for a brief second. As we continued to dive Capt. Lee pointed out an Atlantic Stingray hovering over the sand at the bottom of the ocean. Finally, Gregory and I spotted a gorgeous blue Angelfish, multiple blue wrasse, and many French Grunt. On our second dive, my partner and I separated the group to follow the reef wall for about 40 minutes. We witnessed many of the same fish except for two Squirrelfish hiding out in the crevices of the reef wall. In our search for sleeping sea turtles, we suddenly looked to our right to see a majestic Hawkbill Sea Turtle gliding through the water. Gregory and I quickly hustled over to the turtle the witness a rare opportunity. It was clear that the turtle was a Hawkbill due to the fascinating bird like bill the turtle has. Similarly, the Hawkbill has a shell consisting of multiple spikes all along its edge. I am so blessed to be able to experience the rare sight of a critically endangered animal and I am so excited to be able to go visit the turtle rehabilitation center tomorrow and learn even more about the efforts in saving the turtles. 
