"New" shallow reef technique: snorkuba...

[MikeJacobs]

On this weekend's dive I came back after more than an hour with 2,450 lbs... I only used about 1,000 lbs and Marc even used the dregs for a 2nd dive without a problem. Jenny would have been jealous.

With the visibility so good right now on our shallow reefs, I've been spending some time on the surface using my snorkel. Not bouncing, mind you, but remaining aloft until I see something I want to visit up close. The result is "free air."

Remember, the dive-depth is often only about 13 feet on the honeycomb at Hibiscus, and visibility right now has to be 60-80 feet. From 17' I can see a lot of real estate and many holes at once rather than the up-front-and-myoptic view from the bottom.

BUT there's something else I've started to notice - lots of activity on the surface. Schools of bait fish (including the regal looking needlefish), diving birds (the pelicans will splash down right next to you, unafraid), and turtles surfacing for air. These are new sights for a former reef-hugger like me.

Of course, you'll miss many of the details from up there, so I've started by spending only about 40% on the snorkel.

So as long as you are shallow, avoid bouncing, and continue to watch your ascent rate (and listen for boats lol) this may work for you too.

[mavjax]

Mike,
Where abouts is that.... We have a split family, my son and I would scuba and the others would snorkel. I'm trying to create a list of places that would make us all happy.
Thanks.

[GrierHPharmD]

Here's a nice link that describes the site.

http://www.fillexpress.com/library/datura.shtml

After one of my first dives there, I wrote a little review for ShoreDiving.com and got a baseball cap for my effort. (Thanks, ShoreDiving.com!) Here's the link:
http://www.shorediving.com/Earth/reviewers/Grier.htm

Hope this helps,
Grier

[MikeJacobs]

Mike,
Where abouts is that.... We have a split family, my son and I would scuba and the others would snorkel. I'm trying to create a list of places that would make us all happy.
Thanks.

Grier knows the site well. Have a flag for each party... we do get boats even thought the pier is right there north of where you'd be diving/snorkling. Just north of Datura, south of the pier, is a nice honeycomb area that is great for diving or snorkling... it's not all that far out, either.

We see a lot of life right there, too - nurse sharks, barracuda, various eels, and of course lots of reef fish. There's a large ray that comes in and out of there as well.

It's best for snorklers on clear days, of course, which is usually just about any day during summer.

[FLL Diver]

After one of my first dives there, I wrote a little review for ShoreDiving.com and got a baseball cap for my effort. (Thanks, ShoreDiving.com!) Here's the link: http://www.shorediving.com/Earth/reviewers/Grier.htm

Grier

I think I'll submit my Why I Don't Like Beach Dives story from last year to ShoreDiving.com. I'm sure it's just the type of review they're looking for. Maybe I'll get a hat too!

Marc