My First Manatee Encounter in Key Largo

Key Largo September 2010
Hidden Lake Mangroves & Grecian Dry Rock  Reef

Mangroves

My first ever visit to a protected mangrove area could not ave been more perfect. The rain lifted and the clouds cleared just as we were ready to head out to the water.  As the group was putting on wetsuits and rinsing goggles with fresh water we had a surprise visit from a young manatee. In this area of the Florida Keys Manatees will enjoy the opportunity to drink the fresh water we were using from the spout. After a short ride through a man made cut we where we where able to view old fossilized corals and tropical birds we arrived to a lush mangrove with turtle grass and live algae. We were able to view small snapper fish, Small sea stars, little oysters and even swim with another manatee. Some students viewed small barracuda, and snails also. I was in my element in the water and wanted more!

Coral Reef

The afternoon was warm and our boat headed out about 30minutes to a protected coral reef. The water was absolutely clear and the various beautiful colors could be seen from the boat. The surf was ruff and once in the water we were right on top of the reef. There were queen conch settled in the bottom and Large Barracuda swimming in groups. The coral was stunning, so many forms, colors and sizes, most of witch I have just begun to learn about.  A yellow sting ray swam right under us. We studied a honeycomb Cowfish hovering on the bottom. Many angel fish swimming together, schools of doctor fish swam by, a few different species of parrot fish could be seen biting the coral. Even a small shark! The animal life was everywhere! We were visitors in their world and I was in my element.
The day spent on the water was a great hands on learning experience that I will not soon forget.