Day five started with breakfast at the far more superior cabin, the Lime House. We had to wake up slightly earlier to set up the tables and lay out a variety of breakfast items ranging from chocolate chip muffins to chobani yogurt. Following breakfast, we made our way to the dock and set sail to our first dive spot via the Sea Dragon. Since all the groups were finally finished with their research, we were granted a day of “relaxing” recreational dives. The dive staff planned for two awesome dives at the Wreck of the Rhone, a 300-foot long vessel that sunk late October 1867. Luckily the current was calm enough for us to dive or we would’ve missed out on a great experience. Since the ship had been completely under water for over 150 years, the wreck was covered with flourishing corals and marine life. We descended and swam through the bow of the ship, seeing a wide array of fish and even a 4-foot barracuda. We swam around the wreckage for approximately 30 minutes, reaching a max depth of 70 feet. We later ascended and switched air tanks for the second, and perhaps, more exciting dive. The second dive was equal in length; however, personally it was way more engaging. For example, in multiple areas, there were pieces of broken tiles scattered throughout the wreck that were just as vibrant as they were in 1865. Also a porthole, with a large crack running across the glass, radiates in the water and is actually called the Lucky Porthole due to the fact that the sole passenger survivor of the wreck belonged to the room with the Lucky Porthole. After the dives, we made our way to the eco-friendly Copper Island for lunch and gelato ice cream on the beach. Once everyone ate and settled down, we took to the water to snorkel in a large sea grass patch. While snorkeling, I came across a huge barracuda and two hawksbill sea turtles. We then went back to the cabin to shower, get dressed in church attire, and eventually meet Glenn down at the cattle guard. We then went to a quick mass and now we are currently sitting in our cabins waiting for burgers and hotdogs on the beach, and a night snorkel later tonight. Tomorrow I’m looking forward to presenting my group’s project. I won’t deny the fact that I’m nervous, but I believe we have a well organized PowerPoint with strong data.
