DAY 2 — After an early morning PB&J, we left TEC at 6am and drove back through Belize City to the docks. By 8am we were loaded on to our boat, the Manta Ray, and were peeling away from shore, accompanied by our reef guides, Javier and Adolfo. Goodbye land! 

The boat ride was, as promised, magical. We saw some flying fish, a giant green sea turtle, and last but not least, brown algae! The water was super blue: turquoise in the lagoons, and deeper blue in the open ocean. We ate more PB&J. 

We arrived at Middle Caye and it’s beyond expectations. Words don’t do it justice and pictures might not be upload-able on the limited wifi so just imagine the most beautiful, natural, tropical island you can. After a quick tour and lunch, we suited up and got in the water. What a nice relief from the sticky, sweaty heat. 

I saw sponges! I saw the Branching Vase Sponge (Callyspongia vaginalis) which is commonly found in communities of many “vases”. With less certainty, I identified the Scattered Pore Rope Sponge (Apylsina fulva). My goal tomorrow is to find these sponges again, with a less foggy mask. 

I also saw a butterflyfish (Chaetodontidae) grazing on the reef and lots of purple gorgonian (sea fans). Overall, it was a good first day in the water. I’m excited to get back in the water tomorrow and practice my snorkel skills. 

The coral graveyard, between the reef and before dinner, was a highlight today. We were able to identify lots of coral species by their calcium carbonate structures. These coral skeleton fragments are old, old, old and well preserved. I was able to correctly recognize some species learned in EBIO 372 including but not limited to Pseudodiploria strigosa, Orbicella annularis, Colpophyllia natans, and trusty old Montastrea cavernosa. 

I’m feeling pretty sandy and salty, but not too tired (after being awake for almost 17 hours). Can’t wait for another day!