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Day Diving Trip Report:
Dive Master: Jessie Harper
Accidents or Close Calls: None
Location(s): Fang Ming, La Fregata, Swanee Reef
Surface Conditions (Sun, Wind, Waves, Temperature):
Starting the day with a few big waves and some wind, we were pleasantly surprised as the weather calmed. After the second dive, the wind had calmed to a breeze and the sea state calmed to mild. We had sun most of the day and the air was warm.
Under water Conditions (Visibility, Temperature, Thermocline, Current):
At the first two sites, the surface was choppy and there was mild current running. Once at the wreck, we were able to have a pleasant dive using it as a break. The visibility was about 40’ but the water was so full of fry towards the bottom that in places we could nearly see 5’. The water was 78°F and a mild thermocline was felt at 10’. At Swanee Reef, there was little current, the water was warm and the sun lit up the reef beautifully. Visibility was a little reduced due to the morning’s turbulence, but was still 30’.
Description of the day’s events:
The first dive was the wreck Fang Ming which we had dove earlier in the week, and it had been a favorite site. The waves and wind were no challenge for the divers and we submerged quickly to the seafloor. The boat’s many inhabitants were out feeding and hunting. The Finespotted Jawfish that we had seen a few days earlier was still with his batch of eggs waiting to hatch. At the next site, La Fregata, the floor surrounding the boat was teeming with life. The Sailfin Blennies were out dancing and the many other sand dwellers were enjoying the feast of tiny newly hatched fry. Near the stern, a small Mobula was seen in the distance, but it did not stay. Upon surfacing, we were welcomed with calm seas and full sunshine. It was a pleasant ride to Swanee. Once submerged, we found the largest Stone Scorpion Fish ever. It was blending in with the rock it sat on, but was very obvious. Around the reef, there was a large school of scad and the sea lions were having a feast. Even little David got to get under the surface to see the beauty of the reef.
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