Swimming with a hawksbill turtle at the Bight Reef
Mike’s birthday today and so we took off to the Bight Reef for some snorkeling and just to laze around in the water. It was simply magnificent….a dream of an afternoon. Seas were calm and the sunlight rippled the water with prisms of colour. And swimming with turtles was the order of the day.
Ahh, the colours of the water and sky….just perfect!
Take time out to do some great snorkeling. A ton of fish to see as well as turtles, rays and more.
We do ask you to NOT touch the coral, fish or any sea creatures such as the turtles.
It’s important to use reef safe sunscreens too!
Do not touch the coral. Touching a coral can damage it or even kill it.
The Bight Reef consists of one main ridge of coral. It goes out to about 350 feet (107 m) out from the beach. The depth of the water at the outer edge is at about 15-20 feet (4.5-6 m).
The Bight Reef is just off shore and is therefore a great place for kids to experience the fun and excitement of snorkeling. Tons of fish and usually lots of green turtles and hawksbills.
Great snorkeling for everyone in the shallows as well as further out where the reef drops to about 15 feet. Please be cautious and and don’t allow your flippers or feet to touch the corals.
Green turtles are frequently seen at the Bight Reef. However they are on the endangered list. They are only 2″ long at birth but can grow up to 5 ‘ in length and can weigh up to 700 pounds. Watch them as they feed on the sea grasses and periodically come up to the surface for air. That’s when you can take a real good look at these wonderful creatures.
A small turtle hides as snorkelers take a a closer look.
Hawksbill turtles are also endangered and they are one of the smaller turtles. An adult can weigh 100-200 lbs and grow up to to 2-3 feet in length. They were highly prized and hunted for their shells ….tortoiseshell combs, jewellery and decorative objects and therefore became almost extinct.
A school of blue tangs scoot on by with such a flash of colour.
A cruising Southern Sting ray puts in an appearance.
Enjoy Grace Bay beach and snorkeling at the Bight Reef when you come for your next island visit. Marta http://www.harbourclubvillas.com