Swimming with the barracuda

Our third dive was on a reef called Gorgonia Wall. After another amazing sheer reef full of soft corals, we came upon a large barracuda that seemed as relaxed as we had quickly become on Grand Turk.

Just above the reef shoulder on our slow return to the safety stop over the sand, this three-and-a-half foot barracuda sat perfectly motionless while two bar jacks gave him a thorough going-over. He seemed so content in his cleansing massage that he paid little attention as, first, I moved in closely for pictures and, then, William moved in from the other side for a portrait with the grinning monster.

Queen Angelfish

English Point reef was late in our trip but did not disappoint. After descending onto the sand in 35 feet of water, we moved quickly into deeper water and the reef itself.

I began by working a pair of queen angelfish. I'm sure I've seen more queen angels on these reefs than any place I've been (and in shallower water).

Hawksbill and divers

Another Hawksbill turtle on Coral Gardens reef was extremely tolerant of divers.

One of the reasons I chose this picture is because - for me, anyway - it conveyed the easy-going, relaxed pace of the diving.

The lack of current, easy boat entries and exits, proximity of the reef and great customer service helped us acheive extrordinary bottom times. We were logging about two and a half hours before noon each day.

Grazing Blue Tang

A dense school of Blue Tang graze across the reef. Surgeonfish, like these tang, feed on algae and are often found in packs, moving from one coral head to the next like locusts, cleaning the reef of algae.

Like other surgeonfish, the Blue Tang has a barb of sorts at the base of its caudal - or tail - fin that can extend for defense from predators. Notice the small yellow spot against the otherwise blue skin.

Arrow Crab

Arrow crabs can be found pretty much all around the Caribbean and Florida. They resemble a very skinny spider and can be difficult to spot, except that there are many of them around the coral heads and sponges.

This one was among the gorgonias on our night dive to Austin's reef.



Swimming with the barracuda Our third dive was on a reef called Gorgonia Wall. After another amazing sheer reef full of soft corals, we came upon a large barracuda that seemed as relaxed as we had quickly become on Grand Turk. Just above the reef shoulder on our slow return to the safety stop over the sand, this three-and-a-half foot barracuda sat perfectly motionless while two bar jacks gave him a thorough going-over. He seemed so content in his cleansing massage that he paid little attention as, first, I moved in closely for pictures and, then, William moved in from the other side for a portrait with the grinning monster. Queen Angelfish English Point reef was late in our trip but did not disappoint. After descending onto the sand in 35 feet of water, we moved quickly into deeper water and the reef itself. I began by working a pair of queen angelfish. I'm sure I've seen more queen angels on these reefs than any place I've been (and in shallower water). Hawksbill and divers Another Hawksbill turtle on Coral Gardens reef was extremely tolerant of divers. One of the reasons I chose this picture is because - for me, anyway - it conveyed the easy-going, relaxed pace of the diving. The lack of current, easy boat entries and exits, proximity of the reef and great customer service helped us acheive extrordinary bottom times. We were logging about two and a half hours before noon each day. Grazing Blue Tang A dense school of Blue Tang graze across the reef. Surgeonfish, like these tang, feed on algae and are often found in packs, moving from one coral head to the next like locusts, cleaning the reef of algae. Like other surgeonfish, the Blue Tang has a barb of sorts at the base of its caudal - or tail - fin that can extend for defense from predators. Notice the small yellow spot against the otherwise blue skin. Arrow Crab Arrow crabs can be found pretty much all around the Caribbean and Florida. They resemble a very skinny spider and can be difficult to spot, except that there are many of them around the coral heads and sponges. This one was among the gorgonias on our night dive to Austin's reef.


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