Tag Archives: Coral Gardens

JoJo the Dolphin

Posted on by
6
JoJo the dolphin in the Turks and Caicos Islands

JoJo is designated as the national treasure of the Turks and Caicos Islands

JoJo is a male dolphin that loves to interact with people all the way along from Grace Bay to Pine Cay. He is an Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin He has been injured several times by boat propellers and jet skis and has many scars. JoJo met Dean Bernal his protector, wild life warden and friend in 1984…..a friendship that lasts till this day. He was declared “a national treasure” of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

JoJo travels alone and seeks out humans and loves to spend time with them. These types of dolphins are known as lone, sociable or ambassador dolphins.

JoJo travels alone and seeks out humans and loves to spend time with them. These types of dolphins are known as lone, sociable or ambassador dolphins.

JoJo and his offspring, Dreamer and Scooter are three of the most famous dolphins in the world, known for their friendly and curious behavior towards humans. During a boat tour, visitors can interact with these magnificent creatures and even have the opportunity to swim with them in their natural habitat.

Dreamer, JoJo's offspring plays in the waters of Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Here’s Dreamer playing and swimming in circles

Should you be so lucky as to go swimming with JoJo and his offspring in the Turks and Caicos Islands, it promises an unforgettable adventure that will create memories to last a lifetime.

Dreamer the dolphin in the Turks and Caicos

Dreamer is so playful and often is spotted playing with shells he finds on the sandy bottom.

JoJo the dolphin in the Turks and Caicos Islands

JoJo’s often spotted in the crystal-clear waters around Providenciales

I have to thank Jodi from Snuba TCI for some of these terrific photos of JoJo taken at the Bight Reef (also known as the White House Reef at Coral Gardens). Also my son Mike who was happy to swim with Dreamer one day.

Jodi tells me that when he comes in, he usually wants to play and so it’s hard to get a photo as he is right in and far too close.

JoJo the dolphin in Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands

JoJo loves to interact with humans in the waters of Providenciales

Jodi says JoJo loves to play tricks and hides behind her so she can’t see him or he hides behind her divers. One time he was right behind and in between a couple with her and his head was about a foot away from their faces. It was a priceless sight but then the girl put her hand out to touch him and Jodi had to stop her instead of taking the photo. Remember that JoJo is a wild and beautiful sea creature and you should never touch him. Look and be amazed but please don’t touch him.

JoJo is an Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin about 7 to 8 feet long and these dolphins can weigh 250 pounds.

JoJo is an Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin about 7 to 8 feet long and these dolphins can weigh 250 pounds.

Snorkeling with dolphins in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Dolphins are wild so please do not touch them should you have a chance to snorkel with them

JoJo comes up to Jodi with a big smile and wanting to play........do dolphins smile?

JoJo comes up to Jodi with a big smile and wanting to play……..do dolphins smile?

And now here’s our JoJo story…………….yes, Barry and I were very lucky years ago when we first came to Providenciales. We were snorkeling together at the White House Reef when all of a sudden something huge was coming towards us. I was on the outside and in direct line of the fast  approaching object.  I was terrified and tried to scramble over Barry’s back to get on the other side of him so he could get it first. Nice of me don’t you think???? In a split second JoJo popped up and his head was right in front of us. Wow, my heart was in my mouth hammering away. He was so close that Barry put his flippers up in front of him to make JoJo back off a little. I can tell you we were some relieved that it was JoJo. He stayed but a minute or two and with one flip of his tail he disappeared into the blue. You realize how powerful and fast these creatures are and we wouldn’t have stood a chance if it was anything other than JoJo the dolphin.

A few years ago we heard JoJo has a female mate named Chenoa and together they had a calf named MoJo.

A few years ago we heard JoJo has a female mate named Chenoa and together they had a calf named MoJo.

Dolphins swimming wild and free for all to enjoy

Swimming with dolphins in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Swimming with JoJo, Dreamer, and Scooter, the famous dolphins of the Turks and Caicos Islands, is an extraordinary experience that will leave you in awe.

Remember. Should you be fortunate to see JoJo on your vacation here in the Turks and Caicos Islands, please do not attempt to pet or touch him. Thanks again Jodi and Mike for the photos.

Don’t forget to call Jodi and she’ll take you on a snuba underwater sightseeing tour of the reef .

Marta

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

Sunset Swim

Posted on by
Reply

Sunset cocktails and beer at Coral Gardens beach after a long, hot day.

Headed off to the beach late in the afternoon a few days ago. It has been hot and no breeze for the last little while. The beach at Coral Gardens was picture perfect, water was phenomenal and the drinks were also very good.

Sea grass washed up on the beach at Coral Gardens

Late afternoon sun rays creating beautiful hilights

 

Shooting into the sunset gives such a lovely effect.

Wonderful swimming can be enjoyed on Grace Bay. Don’t forget to take in the great snorkeling at the Bight Reef at Coral Gardens too.

 

 

Marta

 

 

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

Lionfish in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Posted on by
Reply
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

The Bight Reef

Posted on by
Reply
Wow........flat calm at the Bight Reef also known as the White House Reef.

Wow........flat calm at the Bight Reef also known as the White House Reef.

Provo has two great snorkel areas close to the shore line……….The Bight Reef or the White House Reef at Coral Gardens and Smith’s Reef just outside the entrance to Turtle Cove Marina. Usually you’ll see turtles, lots of fish such as parrot fish, angel fish, blue tangs and sometimes spotted eagle rays along with beautiful coral formations.

Look at the clarity of the water as Alexis prepares to head out snorkeling

Look at the clarity of the water as Alexis prepares to head out snorkeling

We have some of the best snorkeling ever here in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Come and see us soon and enjoy snorkeling on our reefs.

Happy snorkeling,

 

Marta

 

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

Grace Bay beach

Posted on by
Reply
Grace Bay beach at Coral Gardens is great for snorkeling with the turtles.

Grace Bay beach at Coral Gardens is great for snorkeling with the turtles.

Here’s my favourite photo of Grace Bay beach taken at the White House Reef by Coral Gardens. The reef comes up very close to the shore and is protected by a circle of buoys. Snorkelers are asked to stay outside the circle of markers to protect parts of the reef that come up close to the surface at low tide. Recent sightings have included turtles, eagle rays and all kinds of colourful fish.

Flat calm and the clearest water you will ever see greets the snorkeler at the White House Reef on Grace Bay beach

Flat calm and the clearest water you will ever see greets the snorkeler at the White House Reef on Grace Bay beach

Snorkeler Mike heads out to check out the reef. You can see the circle clearly in the photo so remember to stay outside and there’s lots to see as you make your way around the buoys.

Wow.....what amazing colours the parrotfish have.

Wow.....what amazing colours the parrotfish have as they swim through the coral reef.

The Turks and Caicos Islands have some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world with incredible visibility. Visit the White House Reef at Coral Gardens on Grace Bay beach when you head to our beautiful islands for your next vacation. The water’s great!!!!

See you soon,

Marta

http://www.diving.tc