I've determined that the best tide for commercial pier is going from low to high tide.
I went into the dive wishing to see a sea turtle, my fellow nurse shark and a ray. I had my trusty canon camera with housing as it gets the best photos.
Water was nice. Viz was about 15-20'. Not the best but for this season about as good as it gets really.
About 20 min into the dive I was already hanging out with a sea turtle. Such a beautiful creature. So graceful. If you just hang out at the beginning without going after it then eventually it get comfy with you around and you can get closer. I was only able to get about 5' away from him. I've been closer but he was a bit cautious. Cruising for food. After a while he got bored and swam faster and further out. So we parted.I was just hanging out cruising around enjoying listening to the fish chomp away at the coral. Watching as the huge school of tangs cross by. Watching the fish interact with each other and defend their area. The larger fish getting picked on by the smaller fish. The abnormally large parrott fish hang out. Hang out with the black angel fish since they are true camera whores and extremely friendly.
So as I'm getting ready to head back in before my time expires, Fred, my 6' nurse shark is just cruising by me. For those of you that know me, you can just imagine my excitement. I of course swam as fast as I can to catch up to him. Unfortunately, his speed and the poor viz made it where i lost him. No worries though. It was a treat just to watch him swim so graceful through the water.
I just have to say that maybe because I respect the ocean and the living creatures that the ocean gods give me what I want. I truly love the ocean. Its just so alive and I hear nothing but fish. I never understood the people that listen to music when they go diving. Why would you want to drown out something that has its own beat.
So since Saturday was fantastic, I decided to go back again on Sunday some time and place.
I also discovered a new part of the reef. I thought I'd seen it all but it was exciting to see something new. Within 20 min of being in the water, I was again lucky enough to see my first spotted eagle ray. I really love just watching them glide through the water. The wing span on this bad boy was atleast 3.5'. Which is pretty good size. They seem like they could be mistaken for a manta ray which is what I think some people thought they saw. They are very commonly seen around piers. They are also known for flying out of the water and landing in boats. Watching him eat was a real treat as well. He also allowed me to hang out with him for quite some time. Always looking back checking on me. Making a circle getting food. He then went to the bottom and then shot off like a bullet dislodging a remora which then came straight towards me. I freaked out nearly jumping out of the water because I wasn't sure if it would hurt if it attached to me and plus it was looking to go up my board shorts. Which would be humiliating. :)Again another day that totally rocked in the water. I also got to see a moray eel grillin' me. They just love to stick their head out and open their mouth and show their teeth. It's quite amusing. I was also followed by a school of cudas. They kept eyeing my belly button ring and camera. I quickly covered both. They are just the creepiest fish.
It was truly one of the best snorkeling weekends I've had locally. I can't wait for Key Largo next weekend.
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