Article Author:

Suzette
Advanced Open Water

We had a really fun week at Rainbow Reef. As usual we had a lot of fun classes going on from Discover Scuba to Rescue class as well as a few specialties- night dive specialty and wreck specialty. Two of our instructors in training are beginning their rescue dive courses and EFR as well.

In addition to classes, we saw some amazing sights. Because I’m writing this, I have to report on my own sighting first. On a drift dive on Thursday afternoon, we spied a pod of dolphin on the reef! Talk about an absolutely astounding sight. It was a bit startling at first because it just looked like a big school of something unknown and REALLY big, but when my eyes focused and I realized what we were looking at, I was stunned. Instructor Becky and I gave chase for a short time, trying to extend our experience just a bit, but we had to turn around since we were on a drift and didn’t want to get separated. I know people who have been diving since they were old enough to strap on gear that have never seen them, so I am really amazed to have had that happen. Naturally I drove everyone crazy for the rest of the weekend repeating my thrilling tale to everyone who has ears and exaggerating it more and more with each telling, but what can I say? I do love to dive and that was just incredible. See the picture below, taken by the Blattman’s, who were out with us on that dive.

There were some other good sightings as well- Sadie and her student saw an octopus on the Benwood on Sunday morning in the daytime! She said he was changing colors and swam around for a short time, then either swam away or camouflaged so well that she couldn’t see him any longer.

The spotted eagle rays are out in full force lately as well and we are seeing large groups of them sailing around the reefs. Below is a picture taken by a customer, Mark Karl- it is honestly one of the most breathtaking underwater shots I’ve ever seen.

To top off the weekend, we had 2 full chartered boats of snorkelers from FIU and Miami Dade College- they had a fantastic time with clear seas and lots of life to look at. I know they will be back soon and several of them now want to get scuba certified. Once the feeling grabs you, it sure does grab you! The Tropical Voyager and the Tropical Adventure tied up together and they all got to snorkel together, which made for a really fun day for them. We were very happy to welcome them here. Below is a picture taken during their trip- it’s so clear and gorgeous that you can practically scan the reef from here!

So that wraps up just some of the highlights from the week and weekend. Don’t forget to find us on Facebook and friend us- we update daily with fun pictures, videos, quotes, and information about Rainbow Reef and Key Largo. Here is a direct link:
Rainbow Reef Dive Center on Facebook

This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 8th, 2010 at 10:34 am and is filed under Diving Reports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.