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a Manta with no tail cruising out at second reef
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date: 28/4/2009
Author:Nick Brennan
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Weather: Sunny
Air Temperature: 25.6°C
Wind Speed / Direction: S/SE 10-15 knots
Water Temperature: 25°C
Water Visibility: 20 m
Sea State: Chop
The glass bottom boat struck magnificent conditions out at second reef this morning with crystal clear water, light winds and an abundance of marine life. The big eyed trevally were a hit today simply because of there sheer numbers. They were schooling like a tornado making themselves look bigger to any potential predators. The guide went and picked up a massive pineapple sea cucumber from the bottom to show everybody. They were intrigued by the size of the animal and were interested to hear that it doesn’t have a brain! After a good look the guide returned it to its place so it could continue filtering the sand. Some guests were lucky to see a Manta with no tail cruising out at second reef. The current had completely dropped away so it appeared this Manta was just filling in time waiting for the next opportunity to feed.
The island discovery tour was fortunate to see a black napped tern fishing just off the shoreline. It had spied a big pool of bait fish that had were trapped by the tide and was making short work of the feast.
On the guided reef walk guests were fascinated by the colour and variety of the Christmas tree worms in the lagoon. On the walk they came across a blue, red, orange and pink variety with some almost the size of a 20c coin. These fascinating creatures burrow into the coral and sit on their back where they then filter plankton out of the water. Also on the walk a New Caledonian sea star made for some beautiful photos and a great demonstration of its tiny tube feet.
The divers had a sensational afternoon amongst the manta rays keeping everybody well and truly stoked. It is a sensational thing jumping into the water knowing that your dive is going to be chock full of them. A couple of black tip reef sharks cruised past our divers and loads of turtles were present for the duration just in case the Manta’s weren’t enough!
Some guests and enjoyed a sunset platter at the coral gardens before coming back over to the resort for a sumptuous meal looking over the lagoon.
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Jess Howard with Sea Cucumber - J Fox
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