Day 9: Seeking Shelter and Shark Surprises

This morning greeted us with a gray and cold sky, an unusual contrast to our previous days. Despite hoping for improvement, it became clear that the weather was here to stay. However, the conditions above water mattered little once we were beneath the surface.

For our first dive, as usual, we encountered reef sharks. This time, they were particularly active. When we placed a bait box, the sharks managed to open it, sparking a chaotic frenzy. Each shark rushed to claim its share, creating a truly dramatic scene. It was intense enough to keep us at a cautious distance! Beyond the sharks, we also spotted a stunning green moray eel, a turtle, and a nurse shark.

We proceeded with a second dive before lunch, despite worsening surface conditions. This dive rewarded us with sightings of reef sharks, nurse sharks, green moray eels, lettuce nudibranchs, gray angelfish, and groupers. The rough seas made reboarding the boat challenging, but we managed it safely.

After lunch, the weather took a turn for the worse. The mother ship made the decision to relocate to a calmer area for safety. The crossing was rough, and most of us stayed in our rooms, lying on the bed to avoid seasickness.

We eventually reached a sheltered bay, where other Avalon ships were also anchored. While the rest of the day remained uneventful, the experience underscored the unpredictability of the sea and reminded us to adapt to nature’s whims.