As if yesterday’s harsh weather was just a fleeting nightmare, we awoke to a breathtaking sight—a massive red sun rising gracefully over the horizon, perfectly visible from our room’s window. It felt like the promise of a perfect day.
However, stepping outside revealed a less promising reality. The air was cold, and the wind was fierce. For a moment, we debated skipping the first dive, but with a bit of effort, we rallied ourselves and showed up. To our surprise, the day turned into an adventure with two dives and more.
Morning Dives: Gentle Giants and Hidden Treasures
The first dive rewarded our perseverance. Among the sightings were two pufferfish, a stingray, and a few groupers. The underwater world, as always, was worth braving the elements for.
Between dives, we had a delightful interlude on a nearby beach, where we were greeted by the island's curious inhabitants. Cuban iguanas and agoutis emerged from the foliage, seemingly drawn by the prospect of a snack. One particularly bold agouti stole the show. Unfazed by human presence, it kept coming back for food and even indulged in Kevin’s coffee! To our astonishment, the little creature happily drank the entire cup. The scene was both hilarious and heartwarming.
There were also countless Cuban hermit crabs scuttling about, adding to the charm of the encounter. Unfortunately, since we hadn’t brought a land camera, capturing the moment proved challenging. My underwater camera wasn’t ideal for the task, and I hesitated to adjust its settings too much, fearing it might compromise the next dive’s photos.
The second dive proved equally exciting. We encountered reef sharks, a nurse shark, a green moray eel, and an impressive four stingrays.
One unforgettable moment unfolded when the stingrays became the center of attention. As divers descended to capture shots of the elegant creatures gliding over the seabed, the reef sharks above us seemed determined to reclaim the spotlight. They circled persistently, as though vying for our attention. Yet, for once, the sharks were outshone.
At the end of the dive, I came across a stunning moon jellyfish. It floated gracefully in the water, a perfect subject for a photograph. Unfortunately, my camera battery had already run out. Watching the scene unfold on the screen without being able to capture it was deeply frustrating—a tough lesson about the limitations of my equipment.
Afternoon Dive: Tiny Marvels and Mysteries
The third dive brought new challenges and discoveries. We spotted two lettuce nudibranchs, but these delicate creatures remain a frustrating subject for photography. Their tiny size and intricate details make capturing them beautifully a near-impossible task.
The dive also revealed a baby nurse shark, a crab, an arrow blenny and an unusual small worm-like creature. I couldn’t quite identify it, but its strange movements added an element of mystery to the dive. Of course, the ever-present reef sharks joined us once again, completing the day's lineup.
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