Exploring Nature by Sheila Newenham
At first glance, it looks like a lifeless, eons-old rock. So much so that people will stand on it unaware of the life beneath the weight of their feet. The coral ecosystem is teeming with life, among the most diverse ecosystems in the world! It’s … Continue readingThe Fantastic Life of Coral
Salty spray blows through my hair and mists my face. I’m occasionally doused by a wave breaking over the sidewall of the boat as we motor out of the main channel and into the open Caribbean. It’s a 36-mile boat ride from Hopkins, Belize, to … Continue readingBehind the Scenes – Snorkeling Belize
Materializing out of the hazy blue, they gracefully glide on eight-foot wingspans. Whenever I’ve encountered a spotted eagle ray, this is how it starts. They seem to have an innate curiosity about snorkelers who reflect their quiet study. The spotted eagle rays will deliberately, peacefully, … Continue readingSnorkeling Glover’s Reef Atoll
The Fascination Ever since I saw my first one, every time I snorkel, I seek out octopuses. They are night hunters who hole up in dens during the day. These dens are marked by the empty shells of the animals that sustain them. I’ve become … Continue readingOctopus in Culebra
They said to see the sea turtles, get in the water by 9 am. When I went to bed last night, I thought, I’ll go in the morning, but not by 9 am. I’d just arrived in Culebra, Puerto Rico, this morning after traveling fifteen … Continue readingSnorkeling Culebra: Tamarindo Bay
Snorkeling Placencia Caye via Kayak The winds eased up on our last full day in this sunny, humid paradise. The ocean waves subsided so we could kayak from our beach-front cabana to the windward side of nearby Placencia Caye. We loosely tied the kayak to … Continue readingSnorkeling Placencia Caye
I handed $140 US cash to two Belizeans standing on the deck of my cabana. We promised with a handshake to meet at the marine gas station at 8:30 the following day. Rudy’s Adventures Rudy and Ruth took Rob, me, and another couple on a … Continue readingSnorkeling Placencia
Oleander Cove After the distraction of the friendly hermit crabs on the beach, I wade into the cool, clear water. Even covered by my full wetsuit, I feel the chill of the northern Caribbean. I submerge and float over the rough limestone that covers the … Continue readingSnorkeling Eleuthera Bahamas