SUMMER MAGIC

By: Capt. Angelia Swanson

It is officially summer in the Keys and my favorite guilty pleasure is snorkeling and freediving our many marine sanctuaries on the reef. Harvesting of marine life is prohibited in these sanctuaries and it’s almost as if all of the sea creatures know it! I have had the exquisite privilege of swimming with marine life in these sanctuaries that most people only dream of, and every day is different.

Taking my charter guests out snorkeling these areas is great fun; especially with first timers or children. Sharing this underwater paradise with people who have no idea what lies below the surface is fulfilling beyond words. When I have a guest who is a bit spooked and reluctant to get in, I simply take their hand and never let go as I guide them through an underwater paradise they never imagined possible.

The extensive variety of live coral is stunning. Mountainous and Lobed Star Coral, Finger Coral, Brain Coral, and Fire Corals (just to name a few) are healthy and abundant along with plenty of sea rods and colorful fans. Sponge varieties such as Red Boring and Branching Vase accent this underwater landscape as well. Fish which seem almost too pretty to be real, with colors and shapes that will fascinate even seasoned snorkelers. Angelfish, Parrotfish, Damselfish, Hogfish, Trunkfish, and every variety of snapper, plus so many more I couldn’t possibly list them all. Then there are the bigger, more impressive creatures like Giant Tarpon, Nurse Sharks, Blacktip Sharks, Stingrays, and Barracuda just hanging about or cruising through.

I’ve been lucky enough to treat my clients to Spotted Eagle Rays that are so graceful they look like effortless flying carpets moving through the water and varieties of sea turtles that not so long ago were endangered and almost never seen.

Just a mere week ago I had a solo snorkeling experience with a very large and very old (I could tell from the large barnacles clinging to his massive shell) Hawksbill Turtle, which is still on the critically endangered list. As I free dove with this amazing turtle and swam alongside him, but far away enough to not disturb him, he seemed to be observing me just as intently as I was him.

All of that beautiful warm water is also the major contributor to our harsh summer storms. They usually pass quickly, and are beautiful to watch from a distance, but can contain extreme thunder and lightning. Try to wait them out or navigate around them for safety, but enjoy the amazing show from a distance, nonetheless.

The clearest of water with unusually warm temps, brings forth amazing life under the surface that one has to see for themself to truly appreciate, and our dazzling summer storms make summertime in the keys magical.

Book your summer snorkel trip with me and let me change the way you look at the ocean forever!

— Come out fishing with me by contacting me at: floridasaltycowgirl.com | 813-610-0078