We arrived in port at 7am and debarkation started at 10am. The SC shuttle picked me up at 12:15 and I was off on a whirlwind adventure thru all the intermediate pickups on the way to Stuart Cove's.
After check-in and signing the permission slip we boarded the boat at 1:45pm. We initialed the list as being on board and took off for the first of three stops, each of which is 35 minutes. The water temperature was around 78F and was fine without a wetsuit as long as you kept moving.
Video compilation at the end. I am really buoyant and wasn't wearing my weight belt unfortunately, so as soon as I get to where I want and relax for good camera work I float up immediately lol.
Hollywood Bowl:
This spot was a shallow reef near a small island. Between the reef and the island is a sandy area where several movies have been filmed (such as Into the Blue). The sandy area is deepest at approximately 25 feet.
The moment we arrived fish came up to the boat. At this point one of the guides tossed in some food (looked like dog foods pellets) and the frenzy started up right on the surface.
As we got into the water the fish would swarm us looking for a handout. It was easy to reach out and touch the fish and they followed you around wherever you went.
Nari Nari / Cessna wreck:
This stop is the one I was most interested in quite frankly. It was shallow enough for me to freedive and touch the wreck (kinda slimy lol). I spent all my time at the wreck and the fish were mostly at the reef area (Nari Nari).
The wreck was intentionally sunk for the movie Jaws IV and also rests in approximately 25 feet of water.
Approximate Location:
25° 0.306' N, 77° 33.054' W - Click for Google Maps
Reef Shark Encounter:
Just as cool as the Cessna wreck! We arrived at the site and the captain told us that he would let us in the water only if:
- the Caribbean Reef sharks were swimming nice and lazy
- no shark fins were breaking the surface of the water
- guide (who gets in ahead of everyone else) also gives the ok
Everything was good so at this point:
- They were letting the buoy out (as usual) but keep both hands on the rope this time.
- ABSOLUTELY NO FOOD ON YOU. Make sure!
- Fins ON. Bottom of feet and palms of hands appear similar to grouper fish when sharks see them.
- Cameras are ok just keep elbow tucked in and hand close to your body.
There is a lot of feeding here (SCUBA sessions) so the sharks are accustomed to having people come in and feed them. As a result the sharks came up to the first 5-6 of us seeing if there were any handouts.
As soon as they realized nothing was available they went back down near the bottom (about 40ft depth).
I got good in-water shots and video. I also got chilled here as you can't move much.
After everyone got out THEN the sharks were fed. It got pretty crazy at the surface, lots of thrashing around by the sharks going after the food. All the other fish nearby, even seagulls, joined in on the party.
Equipment:
Cressi Focus mask, Aeris Filefish snorkel, Oceanic Caribe fins
Canon SD870 Powershot camera, Canon WP-DC17 underwater housing
Video Compilation
High Quality option available here
Posts
Great pictures in all the section...
ReplyDeletei hope that the G will be with you in deep sea...
ecalzo