REEF HQ
Diving that Counts!
Marty Snyderman here. Some of you might know that I am a proud member of the Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) Board of Trustees. I am writing this note to share some information about a trip that fellow Board member, Andy Dehart, and I are going to be leading to Mexico's Socorro Islands (aka Revillagigedo Islands) this coming December 3rd through 12th. The Socorros are a big animal mecca, and it is the manta rays, sharks, bottlenose dolphins, and other creatures (collectively referred to as Mr. Big) that are the areas featured attractions.
If you haven't heard of the Socorros (Revillagigedo archipelago) before, don't worry. You are not alone. The Socorros consist of four relatively small islands located 220 to 400 miles south of the southern tip of Baja. The islands are San Benedicto, Socorro, Roca Partida, and Clarion. Conditions allowing, over the course of our trip we will probably dive at the first three. All are known for big animal encounters.
So what kinds of sharks might we see? Good question, and I am glad someone asked! Scalloped hammerheads, Silkies, Galapagos, and Whitetip reef sharks are highly likely. Whale sharks, Tiger sharks and Oceanic whitetips are possibilities. I have seen all of these species during previous trips to Socorro. And you certainly don't want to overlook the opportunity to swim with pelagic manta rays. Larger than reef mantas, some of these graceful giants attain a wingspan of 18 feet.
And while Mr. Big will be the focus of the trip, there's plenty to see on the reefs.
We will be going on the Rocio Del Mar. This will be my fifth trip on the Rocio, a wonderful boat and diving platform. The crew is terrific. They are extremely knowledgeable, and dedicated to making sure that the dives are safe and that their guests are happy. Can't beat that combo.
And I should tell you a little about trip co-leader Andy DeHart. While his resume and business cards might describe Andy as the Director of Husbandry at the Ripley’s Aquarium in Toronto, Canada (after 19 years at the National Aquarium where he served in many capacities), I describe Andy as a “sharkologist”. No doubt about it, Andy knows his marine creatures. And he, like me, has had a keen interest in sharks for many years. Both of us are eager to share what we have learned over the years.
I could go on and on writing about magical dives I have enjoyed during previous trips to the Socorro's, but I prefer to look forward. So, to be part of this ongoing story, please join Andy and me aboard the Rocio Del Mar this coming December.
For more info and to book your trip, please go to:
http://www.reef.org/node/4886
Hope to see you in December!
Marty Snyderman for Marty and Andy DeHart
If you haven't heard of the Socorros (Revillagigedo archipelago) before, don't worry. You are not alone. The Socorros consist of four relatively small islands located 220 to 400 miles south of the southern tip of Baja. The islands are San Benedicto, Socorro, Roca Partida, and Clarion. Conditions allowing, over the course of our trip we will probably dive at the first three. All are known for big animal encounters.
So what kinds of sharks might we see? Good question, and I am glad someone asked! Scalloped hammerheads, Silkies, Galapagos, and Whitetip reef sharks are highly likely. Whale sharks, Tiger sharks and Oceanic whitetips are possibilities. I have seen all of these species during previous trips to Socorro. And you certainly don't want to overlook the opportunity to swim with pelagic manta rays. Larger than reef mantas, some of these graceful giants attain a wingspan of 18 feet.
And while Mr. Big will be the focus of the trip, there's plenty to see on the reefs.
We will be going on the Rocio Del Mar. This will be my fifth trip on the Rocio, a wonderful boat and diving platform. The crew is terrific. They are extremely knowledgeable, and dedicated to making sure that the dives are safe and that their guests are happy. Can't beat that combo.
And I should tell you a little about trip co-leader Andy DeHart. While his resume and business cards might describe Andy as the Director of Husbandry at the Ripley’s Aquarium in Toronto, Canada (after 19 years at the National Aquarium where he served in many capacities), I describe Andy as a “sharkologist”. No doubt about it, Andy knows his marine creatures. And he, like me, has had a keen interest in sharks for many years. Both of us are eager to share what we have learned over the years.
I could go on and on writing about magical dives I have enjoyed during previous trips to the Socorro's, but I prefer to look forward. So, to be part of this ongoing story, please join Andy and me aboard the Rocio Del Mar this coming December.
For more info and to book your trip, please go to:
http://www.reef.org/node/4886
Hope to see you in December!
Marty Snyderman for Marty and Andy DeHart
