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saw some massive grey whaler sharks
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date: 27/2/2009
Author:Nick Brennan
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Weather: Sunshine | Air Temp: 28°C | Wind: SE 20/30 knots | Water Temp: 26°C | Water Visibility: ~ 15 m | Sea State: Chop
The glass bottom boat steamed out past lighthouse bommie today following the Manta’s. They came across three that seemed to wave to the boat as they cruised past putting a big smile on everybody’s face. At second reef guests snorkeled out to the drop off and saw some massive grey whaler sharks. They were pretty game sort of people so they weren’t scared of them at all. When they were back aboard the boat they thought that it was one of the most amazing experiences they have ever had, and experienced a complete shift in their opinion about the danger of sharks.
On the dive boats guests were fortunate to see the sleepy tawny nurse shark. This slow bottom feeding shark is pretty rare to see and today was observed resting on the bottom out at sandy seconds. The always beautiful and extremely graceful leopard shark came past for a visit and many of the guests thought it was the most beautiful shark they had ever seen. They are yellow with black spots hence the name bit have a beautiful streamlined body with a really long tail and are often observed cruising along the sea floor.
At fish feeding one of the guests told staff he had been out in the lagoon on a reef walk and couldn’t find any other sea stars except the Blue Linkia. Staff told him that there were lots of species out there but they are very cryptic and often like to stay hidden when the sun is hot. About two minutes after staff had said this they noticed an amazing pin cushion sea star at the edge of the fish pool! It was a beautiful example with some active little tube feet on the bottom. The guests couldn’t believe it and laughed that the staff had set him up. He got some great photo’s and was very impressed and decided to go for another little look across the reef flat.
In the evening some guests collected a sunset platter and bottle of champagne from the bar and headed over to the lighthouse to watch the sun set on another beautiful day at Lady Elliot Island.
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Nick - Nick Brennan
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