Travel and Scuba Dive Vicariously on the Coralia in Raja Ampat, Indonesia! I came back from my trip in mid-February, and I want to share my experiences with you, I hope it cheers you during this time of uncertainty. One thing I am certain of: the sun always comes out, and this too shall pass. We’ll all be out enjoying our world soon!
[Read more…] about Scuba Dive Vicariously on the Coralia in Raja Ampat, Indonesia!International Whale Shark Day!
My introduction to the ocean happened before I can remember, as did my connection to it. Since childhood, the ocean has retained its magic and constant fascination for me. I have been in thrall to it my entire life. Of course, that goes for the marine life that lives there as well. A day like Whale Shark Day is always a celebration of life.
[Read more…] about Celebrate International Whale Shark Day and Learn How You Can Make a DifferenceI learned to plant and save coral during a trip to Cozumel in September 2018. Saving and replanting coral is more important now than ever as our oceans warm, chemicals from sunscreens abound, and acidification continues to threaten our ecosystems. I now have a Coral Reef Conservation Specialty from PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors), and I am ready to travel to help save our reefs! [Read more…] about How I Learned to Plant and Save Our Coral in Cozumel!
My last post, What Diving the Revillagigedos Archipelago is Really Like, Part One, focused on the island Roca Partida. On this post we will head to the island of Socorro, the largest island in the group. The dive sites on this island include Cabo Pearce, Punta Tosca, and the Aquarium. The Aquarium was the most happening site! Most of all, I want to show you the topography and lighting down below, and though it isn’t soft waving coral, it has its own kind of beauty, as do the animals. I went on this trip with Dr Andrea Marshall’s Ray of Hope Expeditions!
YOU WOULD ENJOY THIS ARTICLE FROM THE QUEEN OF MANTAS!
http://www.queenofmantas.com/the-citizen-science-revolution/
I love doing citizen science!
North American Travel Journalist Association Travel Writer’s Awards 2018 honored this post with an Honorable Mention in the Featured Photo, Illustration, Online Category!
Diving the Revillagigedos Archipelago looks quite different from the tropical waters of the Caribbean or Indonesia. The archipelago is so remote, 250 miles south and east of Cabo San Lucas, and the islands are basically just rocks sticking up out of the ocean. I thought I would give you a look at not only the animals, but the awesome structures that exist underwater. These islands are known as Mexico’s “Galapagos” because of the large pelagic encounters which are due to the open ocean surrounding the islands, which often includes strong currents and choppy conditions. Underwater are rocky outcroppings, boulders and walls. There is not much coral as this is a cooler water destination, ranging from 71 degrees Farenheit to 80 degrees F. This destination can only be dived from a live aboard dive boat. This was my third visit, and I know I’ll go back!
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http://tamtravels.wpengine.com/why-i-love-the-westin-los-cabos/
Another fantastic Solo Trip with Ray of Hope Expeditions and Dr Andrea Marshall, Queen of Mantas!
I love to travel solo, but traveling solo doesn’t have to mean traveling alone! When I travel solo I never feel “lonely” because there are so many new people to watch, to meet, and to talk to. My volunteer/citizen science adventures have introduced me to people who share my passion. As a result, I have friends all over the world! I was the oldest volunteer on my All Out Africa volunteer trip to Mozambique in 2012, but I remain in touch with, and have seen, my fellow volunteers because we bonded during our shared experience. I have friends I met on other trips who are older than I am. Meeting and working with people who share your passions is exhilarating no matter what your age, nationality, or religion. Doing citizen science with Ray of Hope Expeditions makes me feel good about myself, knowing I am trying to make a difference.
I am always careful when I travel, whether solo or not! It’s important to take good care of yourself financially as well! This guide will give you some good tips on how to travel safely with your finances!
Earlier this month I was off on another adventure with Andrea, this time to the Revillagigedos Archipelago. Where on earth is that, you may ask. It is very remote and takes at least a day to get there from Los Cabos. One is completely unplugged as there are no signals. This location is very special. It is 540 miles off the Baja peninsula, and is often called Mexico’s Galapagos. These uninhabited rocks, so far from the Mexican mainland, are among the most unbelievable dive spots in the world. It has one of the largest populations of sharks, manta rays, and includes groups of tuna, humpback whales, all kinds of cool fish, and turtles. This is the third time I have visited these islands, and though I have taken identification photos in this location for scientists, this is the first time I was on an actual scientific expedition.
Strangely enough, I became sea sick on the crossing, which is very unusual for me. I always take a couple of Dramamine and never have a problem. This time was quite different! I have to say, I have a lot of sympathy now for people who get seasick! What a horrible feeling. I spent the first 20 hours of the trip in bed, sleeping and eating saltines.
Once at the dive sites the water was calmer, and my sickness went away (until the next time we traveled which was every day or night!). Diving with mantas is always a magical experience no matter where you are, but the giant mantas at these islands are different. They want to interact with divers, and they want to feel the bubbles from our regulators on their bellies! There are plenty of sharks, dolphins, fish and even tuna in these waters. I was excited to get under the waves and take photos!
And this was just the beginning of the trip! Stay tuned for more fish, shark, dolphin and manta action!
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http://tamtravels.wpengine.com/how-to-perform-citizen-science-with-manta-rays/
