Day 11: Lora, the Crocodile, and a Cuban Celebration

It was another stunning day, starting with a magnificent sunrise above the horizon of mangroves in the calm bay where we were sheltered. The soft golden hues and the peaceful ambiance set the tone for what would be an extraordinary day.

Morning Dives: Familiar Faces and New Surprises

The first dive was calm and relaxing, as we encountered some of our usual underwater friends. Among them were lionfish, spiny blennies, gray angelfish, and the delightful toby fish. We also spotted a colony of garden eels gently swaying with the current, their slender forms creating a mesmerizing sight.

The second dive was all about larger marine life. The water came alive with numerous silky sharks, gracefully cutting through the blue. Naturally, the ever-curious reef sharks were there too, along with a little barracuda. Was it a juvenile giant barracuda or a yellowtail barracuda? Either way, it added intrigue to our dive. As we surfaced, we were greeted by an intimidating sight—sharks gathering around the boat. It was a thrilling, if slightly nerve-wracking, moment to climb back onboard with so many curious onlookers below.

Midday Adventure: A Mangrove Slalom

After such an exhilarating morning, it was time to explore the mangroves. Our boat driver made the ride exciting by weaving between the narrow waterways in a playful slalom. The laughter and excitement on board mirrored the beautiful day around us. The serene mangroves and the vibrant blue sky created the perfect backdrop for a relaxing interlude.

Enjoy the little ride from the link below:

https://youtu.be/Xvoar38qCf4?feature=shared

Afternoon Dive: Lora the Gentle Giant

The third dive brought us face-to-face with Lora, a giant grouper measuring about 1.5 meters—roughly my height! Lora has been living in this area for at least eight years, though no one knows her exact age. She was incredibly friendly and tender, allowing us to approach her with ease. While we marveled at Lora’s gentle presence, the reef sharks circled us persistently, almost as if to say, “Don’t forget about us!” It was a comical yet captivating moment that added even more magic to the dive.

A Surprise Encounter: The Baby Crocodile On the way back, an unexpected surprise awaited—a young crocodile resting near the mangroves! We approached cautiously, and to our delight, it stayed in place, allowing us a close look. One diver attempted a photo underwater, but the visibility was too poor. As he drew closer, the crocodile calmly swam away—a fleeting but unforgettable encounter with the wild.

A Festive Farewell: Cuban Night on the Ship The day’s adventures didn’t end there! Tonight was our final dinner aboard the ship, and we celebrated with a Cuban-themed evening. The chefs outdid themselves, serving traditional dishes like ropa vieja and lobster, a true feast to mark the end of our incredible journey. The grand finale was a beautiful cake to commemorate the trip, bringing everyone together in joyous celebration.