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Day Diving Trip Report:
Wednesday July 30th, 2008
Dive Master: Jessie Harper
Accidents or Close Calls: None
Location(s): Los Islotes, Salinito, Salvatierra
Surface Conditions (Sun, Wind, Waves, Temperature):
There was a bit of wind in the morning that continued to build throughout the day. The sky was cloudy with the threat of rain that never came. The air was warm and the day ended with strong headwinds and white caps.
Under water Conditions (Visibility, Temperature, Thermocline, Current):
Today, the water was not as beautiful as it has been the last few days. Our visibility was about 30’ and slowly deteriorated as the dives progressed. The water felt much colder today as we had no sunshine to warm us, but was around 78°F with little thermoclines detected. We fought a strong current through the arch at Los Islotes, but once on the other side, we flew around the east end of the point. The other sites had a noticeable current as well.
Description of the day’s events:
Los Islotes was rather quiet, but we did manage to see a couple of sea lions during our dive. After making it through the arch, we dove around the east side of the island to see the beautiful deeper rocks. With the slight current, all the filter feeders were out in their full colorful glory and the eels were out hunting in force. On our way to the next site, we encountered a pod of black shiny Pilot Whales playing on the surface. They came in very close to check out the boat and her excited passengers. We then arrived at the Salinito to try our chances at spotting Mobula. Ten minutes into the dive, a large Mobula appeared out of the gloom. It did not stay long, but we all got a good look as it flew by in the current. We checked out the rocks along the island for miniature life and found all types of creatures living in the fresh crop of algae. After a great lunch, we headed for the Salvatierra wreck. The current was calm enough during the first half of the dive during which we checked out the inhabitants of the wreck. There were the super large puffers and the hunting jacks hovering around the bits and pieces of the old ferry. We had a wet ride home, but enjoyed the ride very much anyways.
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