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Hawaiian Monk Seals


Today was one of those diving days that just plants a permanent smile on your face. It started just like any other. There was the perk of seeing a Hawaiian monk seal beached on Poipu Beach on the way to Kukuiula Harbor to meet the dive boat. Keep in mind that these are some of the world's most endangered species. There are believed to only be about 1200 to 1300 in the entire world, and only about 25-30 on Kauai. Volunteers go to great lengths to protect the seals when the come on to the beaches to rest.

On we proceeded to Seasport Divers' very roomy and comfortable Newton dive boat. On our way to the first dive sight we saw a baby humpback whale just breaching and having a blast. It was remarkably smaller that the gentle giant it will soon grow to become. I am still hoping to see a whale while diving, but until then I am thrilled with seeing them from the surface.

Our first dive was a drift dive on Brennecke's Ledge. Shortly after we descended we saw a lionfish (nohu pinao) tucked under some coral. As we dropped down to the sand to follow the ledge we came across a good sized whitetip reef shark. He didn't stick around so, I didn't get any pics. Under the ledge you can find generous amounts of rare black coral. It looks very delicate. Many times you can see the equally rare Longnose Hawkfish.



For our second dive we headed to Sheraton Caverns, one of Kauai's signature dives. As we moored up we were greeted by an eager and very curious juvenile Hawaiian monk seal. I was very excited. After catching a glimpse of him on the surface I raced to get geared up and in the water. I would not be disappointed. As I descended I caught a glimpse of him peeking out at me from the puka (hole). I settled to the bottom and got a few worthwhile shots of the seal.

This was one of my top two best underwater marine life encounters. I hear from the crew that on trips to Ni'ihau seals are abundant and they even go as far as to pose for the camera. Needless to say that I am looking forward to working and diving the Ni'ihau trips with Seasport Divers. I love what I do for a living, the opportunities it affords me to interact with marine life, and the majestic island I call home. Nature's creations have no rivals in man's world.

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