Today was a great day for relaxation; not only hanging out on the beach and in the pool, but also on our dives. After 6 amazing dives, it seems like it comes second nature to me, and these last 2 dives have been nothing short of a relaxing and calming experience for me. The first dive sight was called “Small Tunnels,” and it sure did fit its name. As we passed through tight tunnels and narrow trenches, darkness struck quickly, turning the walls of coral and the creatures around me into mysterious shadows. As we exited the tunnel, we opened up to the vast, endless sea. Looking up, down, and to my sides, I could see a city of color and variety. Corals, coated in orange, blue, green, and yellow, covered everything, bringing many beautiful fish to inhabit this area as their home. A new fish that I have not had the opportunity to see while diving until today was the lion fish. Hiding in a crevice, the fish almost completely camouflaged itself to its surrounding. An invasive species, the lion fish’s name fits its appearance. Looking similar to a lion, the fish has an orange body with white stripes and an orange fin spine that is appears like a lions mane. My favorite fish that I was able see was the queen angel fish. I love the bright yellow highlights that make the fluorescent blue fish almost glow and the fins that hang off behind the fish give the queen a very memorable and distinguishable appearance. Also, I was able to spot a see turtle, captured a picture from Mr. Marr of the turtle and I. This was a hawksbill sea turtle, identified by its pointed rear scutes and its mouth appearing almost like a hawks beak. This turtle came up from around a hill of coral and glided swiftly through the water. As it came upon the group, it headed towards an open, bowl like coral and eat a small meal from it. We left the turtle behind and parted separate ways, exploring a bit more along the oceans floor before heading back up to the surface. After a 40 minute and 100 foot dive, we boarded the “Twin Sister” and were off to our next sight.
We reached our next dive sight and were in the water quickly. The water was cool and clear. On this dive, I was once again able to see my favorite fish, the queen angelfish, along with grey and French angelfish, both similar in body shape and characteristics. These fish scurry calmly and quietly among the coral and along the walls. I also got to see another hawksbill sea turtle. Sea turtles are always incredible to see, and I don’t think they will ever become boring to me. They may be my new favorite animal. This dive was led by lee, who I’m still fascinated by because of his sharp, keen eye, seeing even the smallest shrimp and other hidden creatures, and his ability to stay at one depth without rising and falling with his breathing. He pointed out a small blue shrimp on a piece of blue coral. After an easy and relatively peaceful dive, we resurfaced and headed back towards the resort.
Once we were back on the land, some of the group and I began a small game of newcomb ball, had breathe holding competitions, and shared laughs and jokes and played games. Overall, the day was mostly a day for some relaxation and learning. There’s always more to learn about the ocean, and interacting with it in a healthy and peaceful manner is the best way to observe, learn, and grow. I feel like the privilege of diving and the experience that comes with this trip have seriously helped me grow in my intellect of and adoration for the ocean and the incredible, wonderful world that’s hidden beneath the waves.
