Sunny+Dolphins=Perfect trip!

Among the sea life found on yesterday's Sealife Encounter: dozens of Pigmy Seahorses, Pipefish, and Spider Crabs.

 

We saw quite a few dolphins on the way to Picnic Island where we were able to catch several different kinds of sea creatures in the shallow grass beds.  While at the island we also saw a few more dolphins and collected many other types of sea life in our nets. Back at the boat, we dragged the miniature otter trawl through slightly deeper grass beds and found a few Striped Burr Fish, a Southern Puffer, and about a dozen Filefish as well as several Pinfish and Grass Grunts. There was one fish that we scooped up which I was unable to identify, but after some research I determined the mystery fish to be a Srawled Broom Filefish.

 

Just a quick glimpse into our paradise. Until next time. Naturalist Andrew here.

The Sealife Excursion rocks!

On today’s trip we started off with a very impressive dolphin show. We got to see a pod (group of dolphins) up close and from about a hundred yards out we were able to catch another group of dolphins performing a long series of acrobatics. 10 feet out of the air! Half a dozen times! Not kidding. 

Before the trip the weather was looking a little intimidating, but as soon as we took off, the wind died down some and the clouds parted, making for a beautiful afternoon.  Good thing the AIP Outfitters store made the order for sunshine this afternoon. ;-)  When we made it to picnic island, we waded into the water and were able to find a large assortment a little sea critters. We all found shrimps, pin fish, pipe fish, hermit crabs and fish egg sacks (they look like gobs of slim with specs inside them). One gentleman caught not one but two baby seahorses! 

We had a great time with Capatin Bob2 and to the rest of the folks on the trip we hope you all had a great time and good job on finding such a diverse group of sea life!

-Naturalist & First Mate Josh