Armed with more species knowledge and snorkeling experience than I had on day 1, I returned to the water with my snorkel buddies to try and identify and photograph new marine plants and animals. Although the water was choppy and rain clouds were closing in, we were able to spot some cool fish and capture some cool photos! My favorites were a group of longspine squirrelfish (Holocentrus rufus) and a clear shot of mermaid’s fan algae (Udotea). It was exciting to explore the bay on our own after the other day’s guided tour, and there’s still so much left to see.

A group of small squirrelfish hanging out by some rocks. Unfortunately, my camera is stuck in 2024, but I’ll figure out how to set the date soon!

A mermaid’s fan growing amongst the turtle grass (this was also taken in the year 2025).

The rain started just as we returned to the dock, so it was the perfect time to dry off and identify the plants and animals from the photos. Some of the other species identified from the photos were sergeant major (Abudefduf saxatilis), striped parrotfish (Scarus iseri), and yellowtail snapper (Ocyurus chrysurus). The visibility underwater wasn’t ideal, and the vast majority of my photos came out blurry, but I’d call the venture an overall success! I’m definitely still getting used to snorkeling, but I can’t wait to see how different the same underwater places look at night, when a whole new group of animals becomes active. For now, exploring the tide pools after sunset and looking off the dock for nocturnal creatures is enough for me. Talk to you soon!

• Egg Bagel Emma