After a fortifying breakfast of scrambled eggs, black bean
frijoles, hot flour tortillas, salsa, and fruit (watermelon and papaya), we
headed to the dock and boarded the Saskia (aka Suya V), named after the knowledgeable,
gracious, and experienced Captain Chico.
Our first dive was at Tres Cocos, known for the three towering coconut
trees on the coastline that once marked the location: Hurricanes and old age dictated name changes
to Dos Cocos and then No Cocos. At this shallow site, we honed our snorkeling
skills and observed an amazing array of organisms, ranging from brain, elkhorn,
boulder star, and club-tip finger corals to various species of colorful butterfly
fish, grunts, brittle stars, wrasse, and damselfish. We swam along the North
Back Reef slope guided by Maureen, our fearless guide, who taught us how to
spot these stunning creatures. After the 2-hour snorkeling session, we headed
back to TREC for lunch (and naps for some), before heading back out to “sea” to
Pillar Coral, named for the dominant species of coral. Again there were so many creatures to see,
like donkey dung sea cucumbers, squirrelfish, flamingo tongues, octopi, and spotted
moray eels. All in all it was a good
day, made even better with a feast of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn ,
salad, and fresh bread. We definitely felt at home with this Southern food. Day
One was great and we are ready for more! (Written by Nicole Gentile and Sarah
Barnett).
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| "We're on a boat!" |
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| Captain Chicho and Maureen (TREC co-owner/operator/guide) |
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| Gearing up in the shallows of Tres Cocos |
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| A magnificent pillar coral seascape. Can you spot the schoolmaster? The snorkelers in the background? |
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| A school of French grunts taking shelter under a head of elkhorn coral. |
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| Another magnificent pillar coral seascape. |
