Our adventure began at Manly Wharf, New South Wales, Australia, where we met our guide James Dawson. He is a Manly local and is a very kind, patient, knowledgeable, skilled photographer and snorkel guide. He was organized and prepared for everything, and highly accommodating to our needs. From sizing with wet suits, to adjusting masks and snorkels, providing safety flotation devices (if needed), and all the steps for a successful experience, he is exceptional. He has been swimming these waters since he was four, and knew every species of fish, plants and each crag of rock formation under the surface. All of these photos from under the surface are his, contact information can be found below.
We were able to adjust to the 60.8 degree water for about an hour while wearing shorty wet suits. After that, it was too frigid, the summer is from December-February here with water temps. 67-78 degrees. We are at the tail end of Winter, and yesterday was the first day of Spring. The day was sunny and the beach had a fair number of people. I had not snorkeled for twenty years, and it was Angelina´s first time snorkeling in the ocean. The tide was high, and I used a flotation device to help me, Angelina was adept at the swimming and really took to the water.
Many species of fish abounded and we also had the privilege to spot a shark (a Port Jackson shark) and also a Green Moray Eel, wow! I have always feared those two things, so I did face my fear and rather enjoyed the shark.
(Angelina), I was so happy I got to see a lot of really cool fish and learn to snorkel. My favorite fish was the smooth frog fish, which is in the last two pictures. James told us that the fish is the most poisonous thing that we saw because it possesses poison in it´s glands so, if you eat it you can die.
It was awhile before I, (Mona) adjusted to breathing under water, but once I began to relax and to see the beauty, it became more natural once again. I love the plant species as well, and I saw the purple sea urchins, (my favorite to collect at the beach, almost every day at home) clinging to the rocks. It was an amazing day and afterward, James walked us to the best fish and chips restaurant in Manly (next post). Thank you, James for a delightful snorkel!
James Dawson, instagram @jamesmgd, or on airbnb for Manly, Australia (things to do in Manly). We highly recommend him!
The shark we saw was harmless and I (Angelina) had asked James our tour guide if we would see sharks, he said if I wanted he would take us to see the sharks. I said no but we saw one anyway, it was cool to see one but scary at the same time. The eel was more scary though. The front teeth of the shark are small, sharp and pointy, but the back teeth are flat. Mona and Angelina <3
Beautiful!! Looks amazing!
I wondered about the temperatures in the S.hemisphere. Glad your wetsuits kept you comfortable! Such beautiful sights. I'm not sure I would be okay swimming with sharks. Does that kind have teeth or baleen? You've added a lot to the blog! Thanks for keeping us in the loop <3 Katie