Category Archives: Scuba Diving

Whale Shark

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This is an incredible shot Mickey! Gives you some perspective on sizes.

This is an incredible shot Mickey! Gives you some perspective on sizes.

First of all, my thanks to Mickey and Jayne of Flamingo Divers for allowing me to share these amazing and spectacular photos with you.

The whale shark was spotted in shallow water as Flamingo Divers headed towards their dive site. They slipped into the water and snorkeled with this magnificent creature.

Wow.........what a sight! A whaleshark in the Sandbore Channel.
Wow………what a sight! A whale shark in the Sandbore Channel.

Jayne tells us  “I’ve seen one about 6 years ago – a fleeting glance as it passed over head. Mickey’s never seen one before. This one was great as we got to snorkel with it in shallow water, and it swam circles around and through our group! Loved it!

That's "little" Mickey swimming along to get up close to the whale shark. Thanks Paul for this great shot!

Look how tiny Mickey is as he swims along to get up close to the whale shark. Thanks Dave for this great shot!

The whale shark is the largest fish in the sea with an average length of about 26ft . It’s actually not a whale but a shark and it is quite different than most other sharks in the way that it eats. It has a very large mouth in front, a big square head and distinctive coloring. They have little eyes, big gills, six ridges along their backs and pale white dots evenly spread about the body with a white belly.

Face to face with the gentle giant of the seas.

Face to face with the gentle giant of the seas.

Even though it is so huge, the whale shark does not pose significant danger to humans. They are docile fish and sometimes will allow swimmers to hitch a ride (not recommended as these are wild animals). Whale sharks are actually quite gentle, can play with divers and thus you can swim with this giant fish without risk. Keep out of the way of the shark’s large tail fin though!

Close up view of feeding time.

Close up view of feeding time.

Our wedding couple along with friends have been diving with Mickey and Jayne at Flamingo Divers for a full two weeks now. They were hoping to see a whale shark. No whale shark but huge amounts of other sharks on almost every dive. Our bride and groom did take time out for their wedding though! (see my previous post)

We hope you’ll join Mickey and Jayne and Flamingo Divers as they guide you through some spectacular dive sites and the reefs of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Grab your dive buddy and book your dive adventure today…..Call or email Flamingo Divers at  Toll Free: 1 800-204-9282 or greatdiving@flamingodivers.com  You can also contact me to arrange all your diving needs too.

Marta

 

 

 

http://www.diving.tc

Reef Sharks

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Reef shark checks out the camera on a dive with Mickey and Jayne of Flamingo Divers

Reef shark checks out the camera on a dive with Mickey and Jayne of Flamingo Divers

I’m at a real disadvantage with underwater photos but thanks to Mickey and Jayne of Flamingo Divers, I get to “borrow” theirs. We had guests diving with them all week and they were excited to see lots of sharks.

Reef sharks were sighted all week on the many dives led by Flamingo Divers

Reef sharks were sighted all week on the many dives led by Flamingo Divers

Such spectacular photos by Mickey and Jayne. Thanks guys!!!!

If you are looking for a great diving experience with wonderfully service oriented dive masters, check out Flamingo Divers at their website www.flamingodivers.com. Grab your dive buddy, give us a call and we can arrange both diving with Flamingo Divers and accommodations at Harbour Club Villas.

We’ll do all the work and all you have to do is enjoy the amazing diving to be had here in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Happy Diving.

 

 

Marta

 

 

http://www.diving.tc

Queen Angelfish

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The Queen Angelfish is one of the most beautiful and colourful fish found in the warm waters of the Turks and Caicos Islands

The Queen Angelfish is one of the most beautiful and colourful fish found in the warm waters of the Turks and Caicos Islands

Such amazing colours….electric blue speckled with a bright canary yellow body, yellow tail , fins and a face that has blue highlights around the eyes and mouth. The Queen Angelfish stands out in a crowd because of all that colour but this too works perfectly so that this fish can  hide and blend in with the surrounding vibrance of the coral reefs in our area.

Queen Angelfish have a speckled, blue ringed spot that loks like a crown

Queen Angelfish have a speckled, blue ringed spot that looks like a crown

The royal title comes from this distinctive marking. It is a blue circle on the top of its head, known as the “crown” that gives this fish its name. 

This shy fish feeds on the sponges, algae and soft corals of the reef.

This shy fish feeds on the sponges, algae and soft corals of the reef.

They are quite large for reef-dwellers and can grow up to 18 inches (45 centimeters) in length. The Queen Angel has a  rounded head and small beak-like mouth. They have these long upper and lower fins that stream dramatically behind them. Although I love the Queen Angelfish best, The French Angelfish is also among the most beautiful of all the reef fishes.

The French Angelfish.....it's scales have bright yellow edges, making a vibrant pattern against its dark blue body.

The French Angelfish.....it's scales have bright yellow edges, making a vibrant pattern against its dark blue body.

A big thankyou to our Harbour Club guests Brian Gatt and Connie McEgan for their spectacular photos of the French Angelfish. I don’t dive (only snorkel) so I have to rely on others for underwater photos. The Queen Angel photos were taken by our son Mike on some of his regular visits to Provo.

The French Angelfish has a light blue face, gray/white mouth, and yellow highlights on its eyes, gill plates, and fins.

The French Angelfish has a light blue face, gray/white mouth, and yellow highlights on its eyes, gill plates, and fins.

I’m sure you’ll see these exotic fish as you snorkel at Smith’s Reef and the Bight Reef at Coral Gardens. For those that scuba dive, our coral reefs and walls are some of the best in the world. Come to the Turks and Caicos Islands for your next dive vacation and stay with us at  Harbour Club Villas. Dive boats leave our Marina every day  and if you don’t dive, snorkeling is great here too.

 

Marta

 

 

http://www.diving.tc

French Cay adventure

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Stunning day and crystal clear water out at French Cay today

Stunning day and crystal clear water out at French Cay today. The white speck to the right of the photo is The Turks and Caicos Aggressor liveaboard dive boat.

Our first time out to French Cay and we couldn’t have picked a better day. The weather has been flat calm with no wind for the past few days. We decided it was time to head to French Cay as none of us had ever been there except Barry who went out with FiFi of Caicos Adventures a few years ago.

Approaching the beach at French Cay in about eight feet of water. We could see everything so clearly.

Approaching the beach at French Cay in about eight feet of water. We could see everything so clearly.

We moored just off the beach in about two feet of water and went ashore to explore and of course my camera was constantly taking photos. So many birds and in a future post, I will show you some of  the bird photos I took.

French Cay is an amazing dive area……..divers come to the Turks and Caicos Islands to experience the dive sites out at French Cay. Take a look at my website at www.diving.tc where you will find some photos and information on dive sites out at French Cay.

A sun bleached piece of coral washes up on shore with that turquoise blue ocean as a backdrop.

A sun bleached piece of coral washes up on shore with that turquoise blue ocean as a backdrop.

We loved being able to see and experience this spectacular little island and its abundant bird life and hope to return again soon for more photos.

 

Marta

 

http://www.diving.tc

Malcolm Roads Beach

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Indescribable...........today was simply the most amazing day out at Malcolm Roads beach

Indescribable...........today was simply the most amazing day out at Malcolm Roads beach

Stunning colours today at Malcolm Roads beach where I took my sister Anna and friend Mike…………but really, it is always a photographer’s dream to take photos of the beach and water out here.  Every time I head out to Malcolm Roads, I know the colours are going to be fantastic and today was no exception!

Small beach where once every few years, there's a natural bridge. It was all sanded in today.

Small beach where once every few years, there's a natural bridge. It was all sanded in today.

I can’t emphasize enough that you do need a car to travel to these breathtaking beaches. You will be missing some of the most scenic areas of Provo if you don’t explore this area along with others. There are so many more out of the way beaches and Malcolm Roads is one of my ultimate favourites……….but then I do have many of them!

There's great snorkeling here too so don't forget to bring your snorkel equipment

There's great snorkeling here too so don't forget to bring your snorkel equipment

The dive boats were all out there today as it was calm and perfect for diving.

The dive boats were all out there today as it was calm and perfect for diving.

So, all I can say is make a point of heading out to this spectacular and picturesque stretch of beach………..pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the snorkeling as well as a beach with very few people.  

 

Marta

 

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

Lionfish in the Turks and Caicos Islands

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Beautiful and colourful but a disastrous predator eating juvenile fish on Turks and Caicos Islands reefs.

Beautiful and colourful but a disastrous predator eating juvenile fish on Turks and Caicos Islands reefs.

Lionfish are also known as Turkey fish, Dragon fish or scorpion fish and they are now a serious threat to our coral reefs and surrounding waters here in the Turks and Caicos Islands. If left to their own devices, lionfish could multiply in number into the millions eating up all marine life on the reef and then move into shallower waters where they will find conch and lobster. They are an extremely invasive species.

A snuba gal comes face to face with a Lionfish and Jodi from Snuba TCI snapped this great photo.

A snuba gal comes face to face with a Lionfish and Jodi from Snuba TCI snapped this great photo.

In June of 2009, Jodi and Snuba TCI donated $1200.00 worth of Lionfish catching gear….nets, gloves and collecting bags and gave it to the DECR on Provo. Jodi has caught at least 18 Lionfish on the Bight Reef at Coral Gardens also known as the White House Reef. I believe the first Lionfish sighted way back in 2006 was in this area. Today, all the dive operators are taking up the battle to catch any Lionfish they see out at the dive sites.

Lionfish have up to 18 needle like dorsal fins which contain venom purely for defensive purposes.

Lionfish have up to 18 needle like dorsal fins which contain venom purely for defensive purposes.

Lionfish are not poisonous but their spines are venomous and can cause a nasty sting to humans. They rely on lightening quick reflexes and camouflage to catch their prey.  They are a perfectly safe and delicious food fish once the fins have been removed. What remains is a tasty filet that’s as good as grouper according to some. The DECR has launched a 12 month long lionfish tournament which will award $3,000.00 to the first fisherman to record 3,000 lionfish catches.

Lionfish will hopefully be added to the menu at many of our islands' restaurants.

Lionfish will hopefully be added to the menu at many of our islands' restaurants.

Here’s what you can do to help:  Ask for lionfish at your favourite restaurants. Ask Mickey and Jayne of Flamingo Divers or Jodi to show you how to catch them (other island dive operators can show you too). Join REEF and give a donation towards their research or just by collecting data on lionfish when you dive.

Thanks once again to Jodi of Snuba TCI and Jayne of Flamingo Divers for such great photos of Lionfish.

 

Marta

 

http://www.diving.tc

Snuba with Jodi

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Jodi adjusts Barry's weight belt before taking them on their first underwater experience

Jodi adjusts Barry's weight belt before taking them on their first underwater experience

Tina finally persuaded Barry and husband Sheldon to do a Snuba dive with Jodi.  Barry was a little nervous and apprehensive about going down under!! Sheldon was cool and calm and ready for an adventure.

Sheldon holds onto the raft that carries the air tanks and floats above the divers

Sheldon holds onto the raft that carries the air tanks and floats above the divers

The snuba raft floats above the divers who breathe with a regulator attached to a long hose. Jodi has full scuba gear and takes you through the preparation and then leads the dive on the Bight Reef (also known locally as the White House Reef or Coral Gardens Reef.)

Ready to go under just to the right of the reef markers

Ready to go under just to the right of the reef markers

Jodi gives the last few words of encouragement and a run through of signals before going down.

Here's Sheldon and Tina's underwater photo taken by Jodi.

Here's Sheldon and Tina's underwater photo taken by Jodi.

No turtles today but the guys saw Atlantic Spade Fish, Grouper and Lionfish along with lots of other fish and corals.

Here's Barry having a great time and first experience with underwater......... close up and personal

Here's Barry having a great time and first experience with underwater......... close up and personal

Jodi takes a photo of each Snuba diver that they can keep as a lasting memory. Thanks for the photos Jodi!

Everyone comes up smiling after a great Snuba experience

Everyone comes up smiling after a great Snuba experience

Remember to phone Jodi to book a time to go out and Snuba. She’ll show you around the reef and point out so many great things as she knows this reef like the back of her hand. Come Snuba with Jodi in the Turks and Caicos Islands on your next vacation.

 

Marta

 

http://www.diving.tc

Seahorse spotted while diving

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Jayne of Flamingo Divers snapped this photo of a small seahorse while diving on Saturday

Jayne of Flamingo Divers snapped this photo of a small seahorse while diving on Saturday

Our guests at Harbour Club Villas have been out diving with Mickey and Jayne of Flamingo Divers for the past three days. What a highlight when Jayne discovered this little seahorse which was tucked away and very well hidden. It is a rare occurance to be the first to discover a new seahorse on a dive site. The dive operators here share this information with each other so they can point out the seahorse to their divers.

Another guest of ours Brian Gatt snapped this photo of Jayne taking a photo of another seahorse they came across last year

Another guest of ours Brian Gatt snapped this photo of Jayne taking a photo of another seahorse (see the orange tail ) they came across last year

On Saturday, Aug 1, Flamingo Divers were out at the dive sites of the North West Point and these creatures are quite rare and so very beautiful.
Seahorses are so named because they have a horse shaped head and a body and tail which is covered with concentric boney rings.
Brian got a great photo of Jayne's camera shooting the little seahorse

Brian got a great photo of Jayne's camera shooting the little seahorse

Brian's unbelieveably great photo of a seahorse

Brian's unbelieveably great photo of a seahorse

Seahorses vary in colour including orange, red, yellows, grey and greens and they change colours to blend in with their surroundings. They are not good swimmers and are most likely to be seen resting in sea grass beds or coral reefs with their prehensile tail wrapped around something that is stationary.

Seahorses vary in size from 1 1/2 to 12 inches long and don't generally travel long distances

Seahorses vary in size from 1 1/2 to 12 inches long and don't generally travel long distances

Seahorses only have one mate and it is the male that gives birth to its live young. The female seahorse lays eggs directly into the male’s pouch on his abdomen where he immediately fertilizes them as they are deposited. One or two months later he gives birth to tiny replicas of the adults.

We hope you are lucky enough to see one of these rare creatures when out diving in the clear waters and on our coral reefs in the Turks and Caicos Islands. If you are looking for some great diving, give Flamingo Divers a call………Mickey and Jayne are the best and give an exceptionally personalized service to all who dive with them.

See you under the water as you dive  and explore our reefs.

 

Marta

 

http://www.diving.tc

Kids like fishing too!!

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Wayne and his kids fishing off the docks at Harbour Club Villas

Wayne and his kids fishing off the docks at Harbour Club Villas

Wayne Hall of Ocean Vibes dive operation took some time out to show his boys how to fish. They set up on our dock at Harbour Club Villas where Wayne moors his boat. He’s originally from Grand Turk and is the only Turks and Caicos native to own and operate a dive operation on Providenciales.

I got one, I got one!!!

I got one, I got one!!!

The kids were so excited when they started to catch fish. Dad helped to release them into a bucket so that they could take a good look at them.

Wayne takes the hook out as the kids watch

Wayne takes the hook out as the kids watch

Next time you want a great scuba diving adventure in the Turks and Caicos Islands, we’ll put you in touch with Wayne and Ocean Vibes.

Marta

 

http://www.diving.tc