Our final full day on Roatan at AKR and RIMS began with AM data collection! There were lots of dolphin leaps and breaches and some chases. Ronnie, Tank, and Rocky were in the mix this morning, also! The underwater visibility was still silty and icky.
Breakfast was hearty and filled our bellies before the boat ride to Sting Ray City, where we saw 4 stingrays and lots of other coral and fish and snorkeled for about an hour.
As we began our trek back to AKR, we encountered a group of wild bottlenose dolphins – about a dozen animals spread out around the boat and bow-riding or stern-wake riding (featured photo)! It was very cool!
We had a bit of free time before lunch and then watched the video from the morning session and had our one-on-one meetings with Shane about our final projects—everyone elected to do a PSA!
The afternoon gave us about an hour to pack or kayak or paddleboard or other. Dinner was at 6 and again yummy! We did our final blog entries (see below) and tested out our trivia knowledge of DCP, AKR, RIMS and marine life generally!
Abby – I saw a stingray for the first time and I saw wild dolphins, too.
Laura – Today was a bittersweet day being the last full day. I really enjoyed the boat ride and riding next to a pod of wild dolphins.
Anson – I enjoyed walking on the dock for observations today because a bunch of the dolphins were really excited to see us.
Christian – I’m glad to have met everyone in this program and glad to have built such amazing connection and I will cherish the last snorkel with them.
Anna – This week has been so full of learning and I’m excited to take away all that I’ve experienced back home forever. And, thank you to everybody.
Caroline – This week has been extraordinary learning from a lot of different people about marine life from dolphins to coral to sea turtles.
Tasha – Despite some complications this trip has been a very lively and exciting experience being able to meet so many wonderful people.
Gabe – Even though the boat ride was a little hectic and the snorkel was difficult for me, I’m glad that I got to spend my last day of this week in the company of people I really enjoy.
Lucy – The really long boat ride was nice. The snorkel was really nice and the length of it felt really rewarding at the end.
Nathalie – After our final snorkel, I am left with new friends and unforgettable experiences.
Ellie – It’s been such a great week and I’m so thankful for the experience and the people I met.
Don – Best group this year!
Paige – Sea snakes, mixed feelings, sad to be going home but happy to see my pets.
Manon – One of the first group to end the week on a good surprise at sea (dolphins!). Safe travel home every body.
Shane – Damn this week went by fast!
We have one final data collection session tomorrow morning before heading out for the airport.
Cheers
Kathleen, Manon, Don & the CSU Bubble Guppies!
KD and dolphins below:
