Transiting over here requires passing through some narrow channels along the private Bell Cay but with good sunlight it is fairly easy to follow the deep water displayed by darker blue colors. The challenge was telling the 5ft water from the 7ft water. We need at least 5ft to pass through.
Suited up and ready to go. Our first target is the large reef in front of our anchorage spot and the submerged plane nearby.
Jackson got some good shots of the coral reef with his GoPro camera. We thought this area was very scenic - but wait to you see the Sea Aquarium shots from later in the day.
Two years ago there was a buoy marking this wreck diving spot but this year there was only a buoy over the coral reef. Just before departing the reef we noted the submerged plane to the east of the reef. This is supposedly a drug running aircraft which crashed or was ditched bringing drugs into Norman's Cay from Columbia in the 1970s.
On the way back to the dinghy, Jackson spotted this turtle over the reef.
From the coral reef we moved over to the what the Bahamas Sea and Land Park calls the Coral Garden and Sea Aquarium, a small area along the rock face of an island which sits near an opening between the Exuma Sound and the Banks. These waters provide plenty of food for coral and fish and, because they are inside the park which is a protected "no-take" area, there are lots of fish here. Its actually better than most aquariums one visits.
There were more fish here than anywhere else we have snorkled. Lots of different species including many good eating ones, but they are all protected here.
I usually have trouble finding lobsters, as they remain well hidden out where people are hunting for them; but, I spotted this guy's antenna right off and diving down I saw a great big granddaddy lobster hiding under this rock. He is well over 2-3lbs and living a long life in these protected waters.
Before we departed I spotted another large lobster under a different coral head. Outside the park this would have been several dinners, but then outside the park I would probably never have found them.
It was a great day of snorkling, the Sea Aquarium is a place to not miss.
Back to the boat for another sunset and night of dinner and games.
