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Lauren Smith

Something Sinister Lurks in the Deep — March 21, 2014

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Staff: Capt. Joe, Dive Guide Pete, Boat Crew Erika

Weather Conditions: Swell: Mild, Winds: Moderate Trades

Dive Sites: The Corsair & Angler’s Reef

Dive Conditions: Visibility: Good, Current: Mild

Marine Life Observed: Green Sea Turtles, Blue Dragon Nudibrach, Yellow Margin Morray Eels, Moorish Idol, Harlequin Shrimp, Hawaiian Octopus, Leopard-Print-Evil-Cracken-Sam of the Deep…

The short ride out to the Corsair went quick as Pete deliverd his briefing. With the Sea Fox tied up the team of divers worked their way down the lines to where the WWII era wreck rests in 107′ of crystal clear seawater. We spent around 15-20 minutes exploring the incredibly well preserved wreck, now host to a myriad of sea life including Yellow Margin Morray’s, Sea Stars, an Octopus & countless other reef fishes. A nearby pod of humback whales serenaded us as we explored the plane though none came by for a visit.

Once everyone was safely back on the Sea Fox, Capt Joe navigated us back into Maunalua Bay where the divers could relax in calmer waters during their 45 minute surface interval.

Then it was back down for a drift dive at Angler’s Reef. All things were proceeding as planned as the team explored the ledge discovering octopus, Moorish Idols, Hawaiian Sergeant Major’s just to name a few. But about 10 minutes into the dive, the divers came accross something no one was expecting…

Something lurks in the deep…

No one was sure what to make of the strange creature donned in the leopard print. At first it seemed as though it was meerly curious. But it wasn’t long until the true nature of the beast was revealed and it began to attack our divers!

Fortunately our dive guide for the day, Pete, was adequately armed and defeated the treacherous beast in single underwater combat and everyone survived. He saved the divers, the day, and probably the whole world from certain destruction.

We all owe our lives to this great hero.

Harlequin Shrimp

Harlequin Shrimp

 

Soomething evil looking fabulous in leopard print

Soomething evil looking fabulous in leopard print

The Corsair

The Corsair

March 26's Divers

March 21’s Divers

Lauren Smith

3 Things You Should Do If You See a Shark While Scuba Diving

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3 Things You Should Do If You See a Shark While Scuba DivingMost people believe that our ocean is teaming with ravenous, human eating sharks. This is not the case. Maybe shark encounters were frequent at one point in history, but not so much today. Our island is a great place to see some of the magnificent shark species inhabiting our waters but first, there are three things you should remember to do that will ensure you enjoy your first, and many other encounters with this wondrous underwater predator. So, what do you do when you see a shark while diving?

Stay Calm and Observe

If a shark comes close enough for you to even know they are there, they are just curious to see what you are.  Most people do not realize that typically there are not many organisms that blow bubbles underwater like you do through a diving regulator.  Some of the more curious species of fish and marine life will come and see that unique spectacle!  They are not interested in eating you or even testing to see if you taste good. Upon entering any animals’ habitat, you must be aware that it’s their territory, and you must beware if they are displaying any behaviors that suggest they are feeling threatened by your presence.  Such behavior include arched backs and downward facing fins. This would be a sign they are scared of you being there, or that you have encroached on their area where they are mating.  Just stay calm and swim slowly out of the immediate area.  They won’t typically react unless you provoke them.

Remember You’re Not on Their Menu

Contrary to popular folklore, Man-Eating Sharks are not a reality, not in the literal sense. Of course, there have been the occasional unfortunate surfers or swimmers that had a bite taken out of them, but it is a case of mistaken identity. The shark thought they were seals because of how they look while swimming. The sharks usually don’t go back for a second bite when they realize the unfortunate victim’s actual species. If you’re deep under the water, you are even less likely to run into the chance of being bitten by a shark.  Most sharks hunt at the surface, and others look for small injured fish, not large bubble blowing bulky divers.

Take Pictures and Share with Friends

The best part about diving with sharks are the memories. You get to be a part of the exclusive “I swam with sharks” club!  It is amazing to see these creatures glide effortlessly through the water and to observe their ancient body mechanics flex and contract as they make their way around the corals and fish in the water. Their ease through the ocean is mesmerizing and something only a few of us get to witness.

Whether you’re a first timer, or experienced diver, contact us today and see the sharks up close with the safest operation in Hawaii.