An Alphonse Island compilation of images over Christmas and into January 2016.It had been a festive period full of fun on Alphonse with daily diving and courses running throughout the holidays. We have taken everything from kiddies Bubblemaker and Discover Scuba Diving try-dive sessions through to full Open Water Diver qualifications and even Advanced Open Water and Specilaties too. Huge congratulations go to all of our new and progressing scuba divers including: Raphael, Thomas, Lily, Mia, Gia, Adam, Leo, Abby, Charlotte, Ben, Alyona, Suzanne Ekaterina, Anna, Matvey, Sofia, Aurelien, Patrick and Charles.
A switch in the prevailing winds has brought cold upwelling and crystal clear water from the vast depths surrounding the Alphonse Group and with that have arrived the sharks. Some close encounters have been had during fun dives with several Bull Sharks as well as a spectacular feeding frenzy with hunting packs of Nurse Sharks stalking the drop-off amongst thousands of other fish. Otherwise White-tip and Grey Reef sharks have been regularly spotted, even on training dives!
As usual, the coral reef has been teeming with inquisitive Turtles, Moray Eels, Giant Sweetlips and all kinds of Rays from Marbled to Manta. Small and conspicuous creatures have also been cropping up everywhere with many fun divers spotting Nudibranchs, Flatworms, Scorpionfish and commensal Crabs and Shrimps among Anemones and Sea Pens.
The most magical part of this festive period has been watching as families explore the underwater world together. We have had some memorable moments such as mother Brenda and daughter Abby seeing twenty schooling Permit, the Degorce fathers and sons being surrounded by thick walls of Fusiliers, mother Aurore and son Charles with circling sharks, and the Beale family surrounded by startlingly colourful corals and Maria seeing a Manta Ray with all her children. What a way to start 2016 – more please!
Best Fishes, Lucy Martin and Sam Balderson
If you would like to join Charlotte on Alphonse 12-19 March 2016 or you would like more details on diving on Alphonse please contact Charlotte Chilcott or call the office on ++44 1980 847389.
