In all of our time on Rhapsody so far we have not been diving, only snorkeling for a variety of reasons, cost, visitors, learning the boat. On this trip we made the switch and became divers again. There is quite a difference between the two with advantages and disadvantages to both.
Snorkeling is easy. Strap on a mask and snorkles, fins optional, jump in and begin snorkeling. Anyone can do it. Diving is a bit more gear and training intensive. After you get certified you need BCDs (Buoyancy Control Devices - the vest that holds the tank), the tank, mask, weights, dive computer, fins (and booties) and wet suit.
Snorkeling can be completed in a short amount of time, diving is a 2 - 3 hour affair, and that is just for one dive.
Where diving wins hands down is the total immersion in the underwater world. You can move 3 dimensionally with ease promoting the sense of flying and of freedom. There is a privilege of getting to share the environment with the sea creatures. Underwater you can get so much closer to wild animals than you ever can on land. There is such a wide variety of colors and shapes to both flora and fauna. As a diver you get to observe both form and function. Small fish bravely defending their territories and larger fishes swimming lazily by. Fish moving by moving their pectoral fins as if they were flying or those that flutter their dorsal fins for locomotion. Some of the smallest fish look as if their entire bodies are quivering as they flash by.
Here are a few pictures I took. One of the projects on my to-do list is to learn how to manipulate pictures to reduce the blue tint. Photoshop or some other similar program. Anyone want to teach me?
 |
| Tarpon |
 |
| Bright blue something - possibly a tunicate? |
 |
| Queen Triggerfish |
 |
| Spanish Hogfish |
We love to hear your comments.
Post a Comment