Today we took a boat named "The Dolphin" out to snorkel and visit three different coral reef systems. It wasn't as sunny as we'd hope, but the water was great! It's so funny, we were highly encouraged to wear wet suits as this is winter for the Floridians. We all say no thanks and chuckle a little. While entering the boat, our captain asked us if we'd like some hot chocolate. I said, "Nah, we're from Michigan, we've been drinking hot chocolate since October." In all seriousness though, it was cool when we were out of the water, between reef stops.
Here is a list of the fish I saw today. My water camera, a 35 mm disposable camera did not take the best pictures. I will still post some later and will post some from our other DU team members.
- Stoplight Parrotfish
- Redband Parrotfish
- Great Barracuda
- Bluehead wrasse
- Rock Beauty
- Rockhind or Redhind
- Some groupers
- Bar jack
- Blue Tang
- Sergeant Major
- and a statue of Jesus
These are only those that I remember. I could be off on some, but I will firm up the list as soon as I review all of our group's underwater photos. My excitement for identifying the fish surprised me. They were so beautiful. Colors in drawings cannot even come close to the true beauty of the color of the fish in the ocean.
Plant life included the following:
- Labrynthine Brain Coil
- Staghorn Coral
- Sea Lettuce
- Coral Reefs
Our boat route to and from the marina included numerous mangroves.
Pennekamp Park Website: http://www.pennekamppark.com
The travel to and from snorkeling and the four hours snorkeling took up a good portion of our day. Following snorkeling, we returned to the Everglades Hostel, showered and went out to dinner at Mutineers, where they have EXCELLENT seafood.
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