Day 8: Golden Horizons and Ocean Adventures

The day began with another stunning sunrise, witnessed from the private balcony of our room. Watching the sun rise over the sea’s horizon filled us with anticipation for the adventures ahead—it promised to be another excellent day.

First Dive: Jellyfish and Sharks

As soon as we entered the water for our first dive, we were greeted by countless jellyfish floating all around us. Their translucent beauty was mesmerizing, but capturing them in photos proved too challenging. The memory of their delicate presence will stay with us instead.

Not long after, the now-familiar reef sharks arrived, circling and accompanying us as we explored. Their sleek forms and graceful movements added excitement to the dive.

Unfortunately, my husband continued to experience ear trouble, forcing him to skip the second dive.

Second Dive: Nurse Sharks and a Fishy Encounter

The second dive was filled with life. Alongside the ever-present reef sharks, we encountered two nurse sharks resting in different spots. These elegant creatures, rare compared to the more common reef sharks, were a delightful surprise.

The dive became even more thrilling as we spotted a variety of marine life such as large lobsters, a lionfish, a juvenile drumfish, a barracuda, a school of grunts, a lone snapper, a hogfish, a green morey eel, groupers, including a black grouper, a hogfish and more.

It was a wonderfully "fishy" dive, filled with vibrant creatures and activity. I felt a pang of regret that my husband couldn’t join to share the experience.

Third Dive:  A Treasure Hunt Underwater

After lunch and some well-earned rest, my husband rejoined for the third dive. Together, we explored an underwater world teeming with fascinating creatures.

Some of the creatures, like the golden fairy basslet, the lettuce nudibranch and A tiny, clear-colored mantis shrimp, are rare in other parts of the world. Unfortunately, I couldn’t capture them in photos this time. I hold out hope that I’ll encounter these extraordinary beings again as the trip continues.

Of course, the reef sharks made their usual appearance, adding to the lively ambiance.

An Evening to Remember

At the end of the day, we enjoyed a well-deserved moment with refreshing mojitos in hand. The sky was a breathtaking sight, painted in fiery gold hues as the sun dipped below the horizon. The calm sea mirrored the vibrant colors, creating a serene and unforgettable close to another adventurous day.