Snorkeling!

After
our first lecture on January 3^rd
we finally got to do what most of us had been looking forward to…get
our wetsuits and gear on and snorkel! The first time out we took it
slow. We split up into two groups and went with Joe or Brad to either
the mangroves or reef crest. My group went to the reef crest. At one
point, it got so shallow I was practically laying on my stomach! But
we all survived with no injuries or stomach bruises. Our second
snorkel trip was a bit more adventurous. We buddied up with a partner
and then most of us ventured into the area we had not gone before. We
began taking underwater pictures of all the beautiful things living
in the reef. Finally, our third snorkel trip today was at night! It
was pitch black but the sky was full of beautiful stars. We used
underwater flashlights to guide the way and saw many unique organisms
from an octopus to several stingrays to a many sea cucumbers. By now
I think it’s safe to say all of us are getting comfortable to
snorkeling and looking forward to more of it!

A group getting ready to jump in to the water and
snorkel

Meaghan