Today had many of us in the water multiple times – from AM data collection by Manon to morning and afternoon boat snorkels by Manon, Christine, Tom, Sue, Tony, Maggie, and David and morning and afternoon dives by Bill, Don, Charles, Lauranne, Maggie, David, and Tony, and several of us did the night snorkel. We were almost waterlogged by the end of the day.
Our feature photo shows Manon being checked out by Gracie, Elli, and someone else. You can see a full frame of Gracie just below. She (and most of the dolphins) did a double take when they realized it was Manon collecting the data! Lightning came around quite a lot with Tilly and Elli – he’s a very curious and precocious calf! The photo to the right below is Manon’s greeting party just prior to her entry.
The Anthony’s Key water taxi stand has become a haunt for two pelicans – Charlotte and Peter, as they are called. They rule the air by the taxi stand while a moray eel and cleaner shrimp share a luxury spot just below the birds and in the water.
The afternoon brought several of us together for an educational lecture by Jennifer, RIMS Education Director, about coral restoration in the area. Thank you Jennifer for an enjoyable and interesting presentation. We look forward to your sea turtle talk tomorrow.
Our night snorkel had several octopuses and burr fish, puffer fish, and lobsters and brittle stars as well as urchins. It was a very calm and quiet evening, and the sky was filled with stars. A great way to wrap up our day.
Tomorrow brings more data collection, more educational info, and a fiesta night of celebration!
Cheers
DCP’s May 2026 Ecotour Team