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Wednesday - a great day of snorkelling with the visibility of around 30 metres
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date: 8/10/2008
Author:Shay Young
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CONDITIONS
Weather: Sunny | Air Temp: 26°C | Wind: E/NE winds 10/15 knots | Water Temp: 24°C | Water Visibility: 30m | Sea State: Calm & Glassy
ISLAND LIFE
Critter Encounters:
Today was a very humid start with temperatures rising to 26°C early in the day!
The morning started with an early morning reefwalk with around 15 guests heading out to discover the reef; the first sighting was those sea cucumbers that line the sea floor followed by a few different species of sea star. The blue linckia and new Caledonian sea star were both clambering over the reef with an unconfirmed species of sea star hiding in a coral crevice. Clams, clams and more clams were spotted along the trail all with their unique colours and design, some blue, yellow and green! The most fascinating creature on the reefwalk I would have to say was the sea urchins, decorator and slate pencil urchins were both sighted. The slate pencil sea urchin was rather close to shore hiding in a coral crevice with the bright red spines being the giveaway catching the eye of one of the guest.
The glass bottom boats were fascinating for all today with three boats heading out at 10, 11 and 12. A massive cow tail ray was sighted through the glass of the boat with marine biologist Jess saying “you could see right to the sea floor from the boat” this made for a great day of snorkelling with the visibility of around 30 metres. The turtles were once again everywhere, with all the children on the boat “ecstatic” to get an amazing view of these marine reptiles. The common turtle sighted was the green turtle species, with lots of large males out and about looking for potential mates. Big-eyed trevally and silver drummers all schooled along the edge of the drop-off making an exciting dive down into the shoals for those experienced snorkelers.
The island tucker tour embarked on a journey around the island with 5 guests joining their exclusive guide to discover just what they could eat and how to survive on the island. The guests involved in this tour were all actually botanist with one even studying plants down to a DNA level; this made provided a tour full of questions and education for all involved. The island discovery and fish feeding occurred in the afternoon with many guests turning out to enjoy some information about how the island formed and it unique inhabitants both flora and fauna. Fish feeding again was swarming many species of fish ready for their afternoon treat; moon wrasse, sergeant majors, diamond scale mullet all swam eagerly darting for the aquaculture pellet as it hit the water.
As the afternoon was now drawings to a close a volleyball tournament commenced to finish off the day, as a wonderful sunset again graced our tropical islet.
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Slate Pencil Sea Urchin - Shay Young
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