Margate Bay, Dive #4 - 7 June 2004

Spanish Hogfish

Black & White Crinoid

Scrawled Filefish

Morning, and while we could have used a few more hours of sleep, it was time for an early breakfast to catch the 8:30 AM boat dive. Breakfast was included at PRB, and it was terrific! Beth had fresh fruits, I had pancakes, bacon, and sausage, and we both enjoyed apple juice, orange juice, and fresh milk. Man, that's the way to start a dive day!

Our boat was Purple Rain, with Divemaster Mason and Captain Eddie. This was to be our boat the entire week, although Luis was usually our Divemaster. It was a long boat drive south to Margate Bay, a site which normally has moderate currents and can be a little challenging as a shore dive. So we were happy to enjoy a boat ride to the site.

The waves were flat calm or under one foot until we rounded the White Slave dive site, then we were running headfirst into 1-2 foot waves. Thanks to the boat orientation we got soaked! Fortunately the ride back was with the waves so it was much more subdued.

From my log book: Didn't take many photos but was a nice dive. 30 min (swimming) North then 30 min South. Tons of Margate and Snapper - tried to get a pic but they're skittish. Saw turtle on surface, lots of anemones. I spotted 3 Sharptail Eels, Queen Angels and Drum.

I got an awesome picture of a Black and White Crinoid, only found in Bonaire and sometimes Belize, perched on top of a coral head. Plus a good shot of a Scrawled Filefish, and a couple of photos of the skittish Spanish Hogfish.

My usual dive apparel was a 3mm farmer and 3mm jacket. The water was a balmy 82F but with all this diving, I needed to conserve body heat. And of course I dove with my beanie and aqua socks.