We had an amazing experience; something that very few people could experience or imagine. During the day, we had about three Loggerhead Turtle sightings around a ship wreck or ?artificial reef? called the Hesperus. They came to the surface for a few seconds to take a breath of air. They were about the size of a hula hoop with reddish brown spots on their head and a brown algae covered shell. Their flippers were long and flat with brown colored spotted plates. Each turtle swam very slowly with at least two silvery Shark Suckers attached to their undersides. These fish serve as freeloaders to the sea turtles, picking up scraps that the messy turtles leave behind when they eat vegetation.
After dinner, we went on a night snorkel. We saw a Nurse Shark as well as a lot of Southern Stingrays. That was just the start of the show. We then saw four Green Sea Turtles. It was awesome! They swam right underneath us. One of them turned around and swam towards the surface towards our group about ten feet away from us. For some of us, it was a little too close. Everyone in our group agrees that this was an amazing experience. HSMB 2009 will definitely not forget this.
Amanda Hodo and Brockton Malenke
Nice description of what you guys saw and experienced. It really helps me visualize the moment so thank you. The more descriptions and comparisons you guys make to your live experience the better the image that is formed in my head. I appreciate and thanks again for sharing... Thought: how did it smell?
It looks like all of you are having a great time. What a beautiful sunset picture, the writeup on the night swinmwas very nice. Let's us know if you see any fireworks from the ship...we're anxious to hear all about your trip.
How cool! A nurse shark, stingrays and sea turtles all in one day? What a lucky bunch you are! This is so much fun being able to see what you're doing. Keep up the good "work" and happy 4th!
What a great picture of the sea turtle. You're so very lucky to have this opportunity. We enjoy watching your progress.
Happy to see you are having such a wonderful time, you are so lucky to have this opportunity.
Great pictures and everyone is doing a great job. Have fun.