April 2007
VENUS 2 DIVE TRIP
17th – 20th APRIL 2007
On this trip we had Oko and the guys out from 3DAdventures and what a trip they had.
On the first day we awoke to absolutely spectacular weather. Flat calm seas and not a cloud in the sky it really did seem like paradise. Our first dive was at manta ray bommie and we were greeted by several manta rays, nudibranchs all in a garden of fantastic corals. From there we moved and decided to drift through shark alley however today the sharks were on holidays as none were sighted. There was no disappointment though as on this almost mile long dive along the reef edge we had numerous manta rays following us.
After a satisfying lunch we motored to the southern end of Lady Musgrave Island to watch about 10 manta’s playing on the surface. You can be sure that many breathtaking photos were taken of this activity.
The last two dives were at the northern end of the reef and accompanied by the usual large quantity of diverse and colourful reef fish, we experienced the magnificent sight of manta rays, octopus and small reef sharks below while dolphins frolicked on the surface above. What more could you ask for?
On day two of our adventure we woke early and headed for the Fairfax Islands and our first dive was on the deeper dive site named Deep Blue. Even before we entered the water we were entertained by a group of Booby birds flying above while dolphins played in the water behind the boat. During the dive the divers were greeted by the riveting sight of a bright purple and yellow ribbon eel, and you don’t see these every day, as well as the usual multitude of reef fish.
Following this highly satisfying dive, we moved to my favourite dive site called Jackson’s bommies where we saw a huge devil ray, about four metres across, as well as a beautiful and placid tasselled wobbegong shark. Such sights make you really appreciate the tremendous diversity of life and energy on the Great Barrier Reef.
We went for an island walk on Fairfax and following another beautiful dive at Birthday Beach, we headed back to Musgrave lagoon in preparation for the night dive.
Night dives are always spectacular and this was no exception as we first encountered a resting octopus and a large sleeping Parrot fish enclosed in its protective bubble. We swam among the usual groups of cleaner shrimp and other creatures before heading back to the boat for a succulent roast dinner.
Day three began with two early morning dives at manta ray bommie and visions where the divers saw many manta rays including a group of seven on one dive. These magnificent creatures were accompanied by several reef sharks and large schools of baitfish. From there we made our way back to the boat for the trip home on a beautiful, calm day and we had our first whale sighting for the year possibly a small Minke whale and all in all the divers had a fantastic trip and I must say that in all the trips I have done I have never seen as many manta rays before.
Daniel Chadwick
Dive supervisor.
