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four incredible Manta Rays
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date: 10/9/2009
Author:Nick Brennan
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Weather: Sunshine
Air Temp: șC
Wind: South East/ East 5 knots
Water Temp: 23șC
Water Visibility: 20m
Sea State: Calm
Today was one out of the box. Very clear skies and next to no wind created a picture perfect environment for snorkeling and relaxing.
The glass bottom boat enjoyed the lake like conditions steaming out to the lighthouse bommies to observe four incredible Manta Rays. It is amazing the consistency that these creatures can be sighted on Lady Elliot; there are not many places in the world they frequent with such regularity. They were feeding and dwarfed some snorkelers that were in the water watching them. The boat then came around to second reef where the visibility was fantastic and the marine life plentiful. Snorkelers enjoyed swimming among the bright coloured damsel fish that would hover above the reef before ducking back inside the stag horn coral as they were approached. The green turtles were out in force with snorkelers rapt to see so many of these endangered species in the one place. They were just lolling about on the surface looking very cute and posing for some memorable photos.
The divers saw a magnificent silvertip shark at the blowhole this morning. It circled around the group quite curiously as sharks often are before taking off into the deeper water again. Sharks are a lot like puppy dogs are quite interested in people; however your average household dog is much more likely to injure you than one of these graceful creatures. It was a tremendous experience that had divers talking all day. Another interesting animal seen on the afternoon dive was a giant moray eel at the three pyramids. It was busy getting some dentistry work by a cleaner wrasse. It was astounding to watch a tiny little fish go right inside the morays mouth with no fear of getting eaten.
In the evening guests came along to a dangerous marine creatures presentation. There the group had an interesting discussion on sharks and the group learnt a lot about the precision sensory equipment that a shark possesses. Sharks are always impressive, however learning how they function is fascinating and makes you realize how special and perfect the natural world is. It was a great evening and was re-enforcement on the magic of the reef.
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blacktip - jess
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