Belize Aggressor III Captain's Logs

[Aggressor Adventures]

Belize Aggressor III Captain’s Log Nov 10-17, 2012

Crew: Capt. Jay, Chef Yanis, Stewardess Jean, Engineer Fermin, Instructors Jody & Chris

Seas: choppy
Winds: 5-10 knots
Skies: mostly overcast and sunny on some days
Water Temp: 79-82F
Visibility: 120ft +

On Saturday we welcomed John, Mike, Scott, Karen, Patrick, Mark, Sue, Jim, Sandy, Ron, Phil, Scott, Jess, Rick, and Gayletta...Gray and Nikki arrived a day later. Our passengers boarded the vessel at 3pm and got settled while getting to know each other. After doing introductions and our Captain’s and safety briefings, we sat down to a wonderful meal of fresh fish prepared by Chef Yanis. Then we headed over to Turneffe Atoll to do our check out dives while waiting for your delayed passengers to arrive.

We moored up at Front Porch for the morning check out dives, and then moved over to Black Beauty for the afternoon and night dives. We started the week over at Turneffe, then motored to Lighthouse Reef Atoll and then back to Turneffe to finish off the week’s diving.

It seems like the morays came out to play this week…we saw free-swimming morays on almost every dive site. Also plentiful were nudibranch and sea slugs…lettuce sea slugs were observed mating! We spotted at least a dozen leech headshield slugs and some sea hares in the sand and sea grass at Half Moon Caye Wall. Pipefish were seen at several sites, and decorator crabs were found on every dive. Also found were skeleton shrimp, wire coral shrimp, banded coral shrimp, Pederson and red snapping shrimp, spiny and slipper lobsters. Several eagle rays cruised the walls on a few of the dives, and southern stingrays moved across the sandy bottom, and we stumbled upon a huge nurse shark tucked under a ledge. We got some action shots, like a moray eating a lionfish, a red hind eating a small parrotfish, and a few of the guests got to swim with a turtle.

Other things we saw this week…a pair of juvenile spotted drums, adult spotted drum, lots of flamingo tongues, comb jellies, yellow headed jawfish, sand tilefish, scrawled cowfish, several scorpionfish, lesser electric eel, peacock flounder, and off course the tons of regular reef fish such as angels, queen triggers, Creole wrasse, fairy basslets, trumpet fish, chromis, damsels, hamlets, squirrel fish, black durgeons, barracuda, sharp nose puffers, groupers, and snappers to name a few.

The night dives were awesome! At night we found squid, octopus, several different types of nudibranch, Spanish lobster, sharp-tail eel, rare sighting of a bonefish, and of course lots of tarpon swimming around under the boat.

What a fun week!
THANK YOU!!!!

 

[Aggressor Adventures]

Belize Aggressor III Captain’s Log
November 24 – December 1, 2012

Belize Aggressor III crewed this week by Jay, Mike, Fermin, Jody, Randy and Anna.

Sea Conditions: flat with a light chop
Average Water Temp: 79- 82F (recommended full body 3-5mm wetsuit for comfort)
Average Visibility: 80-100Ft (with a few days of 150+ visibilities)
Average Wind: 3-7 knots
Photos By: Capt. Jay Roberts (photos taken with a Sony NEX-5N in an Aquatica u/w housing)

Saturday:
All of our anxious guests boarded at 3pm and got settled in with their equipment. This week we welcomed, Jim & Julie, Don, Evelyn, Scott V, Dave, Volker, Scott H, Marcel, Derrick, Opal, John, Franck, Ben, Markus, Bob & Laurie. After doing our Captain’s safety briefing and introductions, we sat down to a wonderful meal prepared by Chef Anna. Afterwards, we departed from the Fort George Dock in Belize City and headed over to Turneffe Atoll for the evening.

Sunday:
Dive sites: AM: Black Beauty (2 dives); PM: Front Porch (3 dives) – – TURNEFFE ISLAND
We initiated our week moored to Black Beauty off the south end of Turneffe Island where we did our check-out dive and second morning dive. Spotted Eagle Ray Heaven!!! We were blessed to see three spotted eagle rays elegantly flying through the Caribbean blue water. We also followed a couple large free-swimming green moray eels along with a few stunning queen triggerfish. The reefs here are very healthy and populated with tons of juvenile fish and cleaning stations; especially for the groupers. Other sightings included; needlefish, butterfly fish, angelfish, damselfish, triggerfish, assorted wrasses and parrotfish. We also came across a huge coral crab, spider crabs, several lobsters and a few lionfish staking their claims on the reef. In the sand and shallows we found a southern stingray, spotted drum, a spotted moray eel, jaw fish, and assorted nudibranchs. The day concluded with observing five squid swimming in formation around the divers.

Monday:
Dive sites: AM: Aquarium (2 dives); PM: Long Caye Ridge (3 dives) – – LIGHTHOUSE REEF ATOLL
Sharks and manta ray!! We started off the morning by sighting a couple black tip and Caribbean reef sharks off the reef followed by Jody chasing down a huge 12’ manta ray in the depths for a video clip. Soon after, swam by a hawksbill turtle, barracuda and large groupers cruising the ridge. Later we navigated the awesome sand canyons and bumped into a very big and curious green moray eel that ended up following the group. In the sandy shallows, also discovered decorator crab, a bristol star, jaw fish and numerous nudibranchs.

Tuesday:
Dive sites: AM: The Blue Hole: PM: Long Caye Wall (3 dives) – – TURNEFFE ISLAND
Half Moon Cay Land excursion
We started the day off with a dive at The Great Blue Hole. This site was made famous by Jacques-Yves Cousteau, who declared it one of the top ten scuba diving sites in the world. In 1971, he brought his ship, the Calypso, to the hole to chart its depths. Today, our exploration was led past the deep and ancient stalagmites to relive its initial discovery and even saw a group of midnight parrotfish in the depths. Afterwards, we took a land excursion by water-taxi to Half Moon Key. The island is the oldest site for wildlife protection in Belize and also the only breeding colony in the country for the thousands of Red-Footed Booby Birds that nest beside their pirating neighbors the Magnificent Frigate Birds. We spent about an hour on the island walking around the palm tree lined beaches, combed paths, came across a few Hermit Crabs, an Iguana and enjoyed the scenery from the observation tower/platform nestled in the canopy. In the afternoon, we were back in the water to be greeted by a Caribbean reef shark, tarpon, a hawksbill turtle and a free-swimming green moray eel.

Wednesday:
Dive sites: AM: Half Moon Caye Wall (2 dives); PM: South East Cut (3 dives) – – LIGHTHOUSE REEF ATOLL
Hammerhead!! Had a rare glimpse of Jody’s elusive hammerhead shark, but this time we have video proof of the sighting. These locations are incredible wall dives cut by gorgeous sand canyons to explore. Huge barrel and tube sponges cover the underwater landscape and highlighted by all types of reef activity including; several stingrays, mini trunkfish, pipefish, triggerfish, parrotfish, spotted eel, grouper, puffer fish, spotted drum, golden tail moray and a couple black tip shark deep in the darkened depths. Later in the day, we also came across a hawksbill turtle, a grouper eating a trumpet fish, a hiding lobster and a spotted eagle ray patrolling off the wall. The night started off with nine huge tarpon under the boat and then off scanning the bottom floor for frogfish. Highpoints included; a photogenic squid, a passing stingray, a hunting spotted moray, a long horn nudibranch, a large adult drum fish and a large hiding lobster.

Thursday:
Dive sites: AM: Tarpon Caves (2 dives); PM Hat Caye Wall (3 dives) – – LIGHTHOUSE REEF ATOLL
Incredible sand canyons and had an opportunity of witnessing a Caribbean reef shark actually catching and devouring live prey from the deep. Also had several opportunities to observe spotted eagle rays, green turtles, hawksbill turtles, great barracuda, a playful green moray eel and numerous garden eels in the sandy shallows. In the evening, we scored three octopuses, two squid and finely revealed a mysterious toadfish.

Friday:
Dive sites: AM: Aquarium / The Elbow (2 dives) – – LIGHTHOUSE REEF ATOLL / TURNEFFE ISLAND
We awoke with a beautiful Caribbean sunrise for the dawn dive and encountered very active parrotfish darting around the reef as well as a huge school of Bermuda chub, stingrays and three huge crabs just beneath the boat. For the last dive of the trip, we played with friendly lobsters, had a glimpse of numerous energetic eels, spotted moray eels swimming between holes, a free-swimming green moray eel and a golden tail moray eel. In the afternoon and once back in Belize City, guests had the opportunity of participating in land tours to the Mayan Ruins, The Belize Zoo, cave tubing, zip lining or just enjoying a relaxing massage before the evening cocktail party.

THIS WEEKS DIVE AWARDS:
Gorilla Divers: Jim, Julie, Dave and Bob.
Nitrox Certification: Scott H.
Underwater Photography Certification: Opal

THANKS AGAIN TO ALL OUR AWESOME GUESTS
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OPAL AND CONGRATULATIONS TO JULIE FOR HER 700^TH DIVE!!

Captain Mike

 

[Aggressor Adventures]

Belize Aggressor III Captain’s Report Dec 1 – 8, 2012
Crew this week: Mike, Fermin, Chris, Jody, Randy and Anna.

Sea Conditions: flat with a light chop
Average Water Temp: 79- 82F (recommended full body 3-5mm wetsuit for comfort)
Average Visibility: 80-100Ft (with a few days of 120+ visibilities)
Average Wind: 3-7 knots

Saturday:
All of our anxious guests boarded at 3pm and got settled in with their equipment. This week we welcomed, Mike, Martin, Ken & Sandra, Domingo David C., Glen & Mary, Daryl & Barb, Dave S, Yves, Lionel, John & Janet, Normand and Joel. After doing our Captain’s safety briefing and introductions, we sat down to a wonderful meal prepared by Chef Anna. Afterwards, we departed from the Fort George Dock in Belize City and headed over to Turneffe Atoll for the evening.

Sunday:
Dive sites: AM: Front Porch (2 dives); PM: Black Beauty (3 dives) – – TURNEFFE ISLAND
We initiated our week moored to Black Beauty off the south end of Turneffe Island where we did our check-out dive and second morning dive. The dives started off with sighting two spotted eagle rays elegantly flying through the Caribbean blue water. We also followed a couple large free-swimming green moray eels along with a few stunning queen triggerfish. Schooling fish included numerous jacks, several large cowfish and a belt of blue chromis. These reefs are very healthy and populated with tons of juvenile fish and cleaning stations, especially for the groupers. Other sightings included; spotted toadfish, trumpet fish, needlefish, butterfly fish, angelfish, damselfish, triggerfish, assorted wrasses and parrotfish. We also came across a nurse shark on the ledge, a huge coral crab, spider crabs, lobsters and several lionfish staking their claims on the reef. In the sand and shallows we found a southern stingray, spotted drum, a spotted moray eel, jaw fish, and assorted nudibranchs. The day concluded with a beautiful Caribbean sunset and a night dive with octopus.

Monday:
Dive sites: AM: Long Caye Ridge (2 dives); PM: Long Caye Wall (3 dives) – – LIGHTHOUSE REEF ATOLL
Turtles, Turtles, Turtles!! We started off the morning by sighting a photogenic hawksbill turtle off the reef followed by three more in the afternoon. During the morning we observed barracuda, large groupers, queen triggerfish, queen angelfish, trunkfish, porcupine fish, lionfish and schooling sergeant majors. Later we navigated the awesome sand canyons and bumped into two nurse sharks and a curious green moray eel. In the sandy shallows, also discovered pipefish, wire coral shrimp, decorator crab, a bristol star, jaw fish and numerous nudibranchs. In the evening, we swam with tarpon, a group of squid, a colorful octopus and a hawksbill turtle.

Tuesday:
Dive sites: AM: Chain Wall / Inspiration (2 dives); PM: Julies Jungle (3 dives) – – TURNEFFE ISLAND
This morning was filled with activity and had many encounters with a variety of sea creatures including a manta ray, spotted eagle rays, stingrays, a school of midnight parrotfish, friendly groupers, a nurse shark, lionfish, baby trunkfish, green moray eels, spotted moray eels and a big curious great barracuda. Later that night, we were entertained by a dozen or so assorted sized squid, a stingray flying around in the darkness, a spotted moray eel on the hunt and a lobster trying not to attract too much attention.

Wednesday:
Dive sites: AM: Half Moon Caye Wall (2 dives); PM: South East Cut (3 dives) – – LIGHTHOUSE REEF ATOLL
Awesome visibility!! These locations are incredible wall dives cut by gorgeous sand canyons to explore. Huge barrel and tube sponges cover the underwater landscape and highlighted by all types of reef activity including; several stingrays, three large groupers, great barracuda, green turtle, hawksbill turtle, triggerfish, parrotfish, spotted moray eel, grouper, puffer fish, spotted drum, a golden tail moray eel and four blacktip sharks lurking around in the depths. On the mooring block, we discovered numerous baby trunkfish, baby angelfish, sailfin blennies, shrimp and pipefish in the grass. Later in the day, we also came across a manta ray and spotted eagle rays patrolling off the wall. The night started off with huge tarpon under the boat and then off scanning the bottom floor for frogfish. Highpoints included: passing stingray, spotted moray, a long horn nudibranch, a large toadfish and a large hiding lobster.

Thursday:
Half Moon Cay Land excursion
Dive sites: AM: Aquarium (2 dives); PM Silver Caves (3 dives) – – LIGHTHOUSE REEF ATOLL
We started the day off with a land excursion by water taxi to Half Moon Key. The island is the oldest site for wildlife protection in Belize and also the only breeding colony in the country for the thousands of red-footed booby birds that nest beside their pirating neighbors the magnificent frigate birds. We spent about an hour on the island walking around the palm tree lined beaches, combed paths, came across a few hermit crabs, an iguana and enjoyed the scenery from the observation tower/platform nestled in the canopy. Later in the day, we hit the water with great visibility. These sites have beautiful sand canyons with nice vibrant colors. Also had several opportunities to observe spotted eagle rays, schooling Bermuda chub, blacktip sharks, various groupers, big lionfish, spotted moray eel, octopus and a decorator crab.

Friday:
Dive sites: AM: Black Beauty / The Elbow (2 dives) – – TURNEFFE ISLAND
Swim with the Dolphins!!! We awoke to another beautiful Caribbean sunrise for the dawn dive and encountered very active parrotfish darting around the reef as well as an eagle ray and squid. The highlight of the week; enjoyed a pod of a least a couple dozen dolphins as they swam and leaped around the group. For the last dive of the trip, we had a glimpse of five spotted eagle rays, three hawksbill turtles, a spotted moray eel and a huge amount of schooling horse eye jacks, Atlantic spades, permit and dog snappers. In the afternoon and once back in Belize City, guests had the opportunity of participating in land tours to the Mayan Ruins, The Belize Zoo, Cave Tubing or Zip Lining before the evening cocktail party.

THIS WEEKS DIVE AWARDS:
New Nitrox Certifications: Daryl, Barbara and Dave S.

THANKS AGAIN TO ALL OUR AWESOME GUESTS
HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Captain Mike

 

[Aggressor Adventures]

Belize Aggressor III Captain’s Report Dec 8 – 15, 2012
Crewed this week by Mike, Fermin, Chris, Simon, Vanessa and Yanis.

Sea Conditions: flat with a light chop
Average Water Temp: 79- 82F (recommended full body 3-5mm wetsuit for comfort)
Average Visibility: 80-100Ft (with a few days of 120+ visibilities)
Average Wind: 3-7 knots

Saturday:
This week the Belize Aggressor III welcomes Team Lionfish!! All of our anxious guests boarded at 3pm and got settled in with their equipment. This week we welcomed Jay their leader, Ron, Darryl & Amanda, Kevin, Brian & Kim, Rick & Angie, Del, Terri, Jeff, Jim the lionfish tamer, Jonathan and The Filet Master Andy. After doing our Captain’s safety briefing and introductions we sat down to a wonderful meal prepared by Chef Yanis. Afterwards, we departed from the Fort George Dock in Belize City and headed over to Turneffe Atoll for the evening.

Sunday:
Dive sites: AM: Sandy Slope (2 dives); PM: Front Porch (3 dives) – – TURNEFFE ISLAND
We initiated our week moored to Sandy Slope off the west side of Turneffe Island where we did our check-out dive and second morning dive. The dives started off with sighting three southern stingrays, a free swimming spotted moray eel, spotted drum, cowfish, hogfish, colorful parrotfish, scorpion fish, garden eels, flounder, blenny, jellyfish and a posing hermit crab. We then moved over to our second dive site of the day where we encountered great barracuda, queen triggerfish, lionfish, a free swimming green moray eel off the top of the reef and a huge toadfish perched out in the open. For the night dive we experienced four squid, sleeping groupers, large crabs, a free swimming toadfish, and two crabs protecting their space.

Monday:
Dive sites: AM: Notch (2 dives); PM: Painted Wall (3 dives) – – LIGHTHOUSE REEF ATOLL
We started off the morning with friendly and very curious green moray eels and glimpsing at a spotted eagle ray elegantly flying through the Caribbean blue water. We also observed large groupers, ocean triggerfish, spotted drum, a lobster eating a lionfish, spotted moray eels, channel crab and squid. Our second dive site is a very healthy and active reef with bright vibrant colors. We saw another spotted eagle ray, more spotted drum, Caribbean reef shark, great barracuda, queen angelfish, trunkfish, porcupine fish, lionfish, decorator crabs, schooling sergeant majors, numerous Bermuda chub, tangs, a large green moray eel, a shy hawksbill turtle and a belt of blue chromis swimming by. After a beautiful sunset we jumped back into the water where we were welcomed by ten huge tarpon and a few very large midnight parrotfish. We also discovered a green moray eel, numerous nudibranchs, hiding lobster, filefish and a giant squid (actually just foot). Even though we could hear them croaking, we never did find the spotted toadfish this night ;(

Tuesday:
Dive sites: AM: Long Caye Ridge (2 dives); PM: Long Caye Wall (3 dives) – – TURNEFFE ISLAND
We awoke to calm seas and clear skies. The morning was filled with activity and had many encounters with a variety of sea creatures including three southern stingrays, hungry free swimming moray eels, giant groupers, big colorful lionfish, a baby hawksbill turtle, spotted moray, trumpet fish, shrimp, lobster, harlequin pipefish and a photogenic squid hovering around the swim ladder (Kim’s highlight of the week). The sun lit up the reef for all to see the amazing colors displayed by the various coral, sponges, sea fans and fish. After watching a spotted eagle ray fly by, we navigated the sand canyons that connect the depths to the sandy shallows where we came across six large and curious a huge barracudas, a massive loggerhead turtle, green turtle, a small hawksbill turtle, nurse shark, moon jelly fish, a mini spotted drum, more big green morays eels, a couple lobster and a neck crab. Later that night, we were entertained by spotted eagle ray, huge loggerhead turtle, six barracuda, green turtle and a hawksbill turtle.

Wednesday:
Dive sites: AM: Half Moon Caye Wall (2 dives); PM: South East Cut (3 dives) – – LIGHTHOUSE REEF ATOLL
Observed three spotted eagle rays off the reef!! These locations are also known for their incredible wall dives cut by gorgeous sand canyons to explore. Huge barrel and tube sponges cover the underwater landscape and highlighted by all types of reef activity including; several southern stingrays, three large groupers, very curious great barracuda, green turtle, hawksbill turtle, triggerfish, parrotfish, spotted moray eel, puffer fish, spotted drum and a golden tail moray. We also discovered a nurse shark sleeping on the ledge and a lesser electric ray hidden in the shallow sand. On the mooring block, we discovered numerous baby trunkfish, baby angelfish, sailfin blennies, shrimp, pipefish in the grass and numerous garden eels on the sandy bottom. The night started off with huge tarpon under the boat and then off scanning the bottom floor for frogfish. Highpoints included; passing stingray, a large octopus, spotted moray, a long horn nudibranch, a large toadfish and a large hiding lobster.

Thursday:
Dive sites: AM: Aquarium (2 dives); PM Long Caye Wall (3 dives) – – LIGHTHOUSE REEF ATOLL
FIVE SPOTTED EAGLE RAYS!!! The morning was full of activity, with eagle rays off the wall and circling the bow of the boat. Also encountered a loggerhead turtle at 100’, two green turtles off the wall and two hawksbill turtles in the shallows. Later in the day, we hit the water with great visibility. These sites have beautiful sand canyons with nice vibrant colors. Also had several opportunities to observe spotted eagle rays, schooling Bermuda chub, blacktip sharks, various groupers, big lionfish, spotted moray eel, octopus and a decorator crab. As jack circled the boat in the evening we were amazed by about a dozen dancing squid flashing a rainbow of colors. We were also lucky enough to follow a very active and on the move octopus as it jetted around the darkened reef.

Friday:
Dive sites: AM: Black Beauty (2 dives) – – TURNEFFE ISLAND
We awoke to another beautiful Caribbean sunrise for the dawn dive and watched the underwater reef transition from night to day. Saw a puffing puffer fish, two spotted toadfish out of their holes, a giant green moray eel on the ledge, a spotted moray eel and also wanted to note that Jim was unfortunately unsuccessful with his lionfish whispering techniques. In the afternoon and once back in Belize City, guests had the opportunity of participating in land tours to the Mayan Ruins, The Belize Zoo, cave tubing or zip lining before the evenings memorable cocktail party. The entire crew will truly miss you all ;(

Congratulations to the following divers:

Gorilla Divers (completed all of this weeks 27 dives): Brian, Jim, Jonathan and Andy.
Darryl’s 100^th Dive

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RICK AND CHRIS!!​

THANKS AGAIN TO ALL OUR AWESOME GUESTS​

HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!​

Captain Mike

 

[Aggressor Adventures]

Belize Aggressor III Captain’s Report December 15 – 22, 2012

Sea Conditions: flat with a light chop
Average Water Temp: 79- 82F (recommended full body 3-5mm wetsuit with optional hood)
Average Visibility: 80-100Ft (with a few days of 120+ visibilities)
Average Wind: 3-7 knots
Crewed: Mike, Chris, Simon, Jody, Jean and Yanis.

Saturday:
All of our anxious guests boarded at 3pm and got settled in with their equipment. This week we welcomed Amberly, Connie, Edie, Rob, Justin & Paula, Jim, Roland, Brian, Uri & Linda, Melissa & John, Mattia & Vlasta, Mark & Shelly and Caitlyn. After doing our Captain’s safety briefing and introductions, we sat down to a wonderful meal prepared by Chef Yanis. Afterwards, we departed from the Fort George Dock in Belize City and headed over to Turneffe Atoll for the evening.

Sunday:
Dive sites: AM: Sandy Slope (2 dives); PM: Front Porch (3 dives) – – TURNEFFE ISLAND
Lionfish Galore!!! We initiated our week moored to Sandy Slope off the west side of Turneffe Island where we did our check-out dive and second morning dive. The dives started off with sighting numerous lionfish, a free-swimming green moray eel, cowfish, barracuda, spotted drum, hogfish, colorful parrotfish, scorpion fish, garden eels, flounder, blenny, lettuce sea slugs, decorator crab and a hiding lobster. We then moved over to our second dive site of the day where we encountered a hawksbill turtle, spotted moray eel, great barracuda, queen triggerfish, more lionfish, a free-swimming green moray eel off the top of the reef. This was also macro heaven for our photographers with various nudibranchs scattered around the site. For the night dive we experienced a large octopus, spotted moray, slipper lobster, juvenile drum, and a spotted toadfish on display out of its hole.

Monday:
Dive sites: AM: South East Cut (2 dives); PM: Long Caye Ridge (3 dives) – – LIGHTHOUSE REEF ATOLL
We awoke to calm seas and clear skies. The morning was filled with activity and had many encounters with a variety of sea creatures including southern stingrays, hungry free swimming moray eels, giant groupers, big colorful lionfish, hawksbill turtle, spotted moray, trumpet fish, shrimp, lobster and a harlequin pipefish. The sun lit up the reef for all to see the amazing colors displayed by the various coral, sponges, sea fans and fish. After watching a spotted eagle ray fly by, we navigated the sand canyons that connect the depths to the sandy shallows where we came across large and curious barracudas, green turtle, a small hawksbill turtle, nurse shark, a mini spotted drum, more big green morays eels, a couple lobster and a neck crab. Later that night, we were entertained by barracuda, green turtle and a hawksbill turtle.

Tuesday:
Dive sites: AM: Half Moon Caye Wall (2 dives); PM: Long Caye Wall (3 dives) – – LIGHTHOUSE REEF ATOLL
Observed three reef sharks off the reef!! These locations are also known for their incredible wall dives cut by gorgeous sand canyons to explore. Huge barrel and tube sponges cover the underwater landscape and highlighted by all types of reef activity including; several southern stingrays, large groupers, very curious great barracuda, green turtle, hawksbill turtle, triggerfish, parrotfish, spotted moray eel, puffer fish, spotted drum and a golden tail moray. On the mooring block, we discovered numerous baby trunkfish, baby angelfish, sailfin blennies, shrimp, pipefish in the grass and numerous garden eels on the sandy bottom. Our second dive was another beautiful wall with approximately 150-foot visibility. We observed a spotted eagle ray flying around at approximately 100 feet, ocean trigger off the wall, tarpon on the reef and basket star in the shallows. The night started off with nine huge tarpon under the boat along with the schooling chub and jacks. The highpoint of the night was watching a spotted moray eel and six curious octopuses out along the reef flashing their amazing colors.

Wednesday:
Dive sites: AM: Aquarium (2 dives); PM: Julies Jungle (3 dives) – – LIGHTHOUSE REEF ATOLL
More Sharks!!! The morning was full of activity with three more reef sharks off the wall. We also encountered a free-swimming green moray eel, green turtles off the reef, hawksbill turtles in the shallows and were left still looking for John’s elusive pair of dolphins. These sites have beautiful sand canyons with nice vibrant colors. Also had several opportunities to observe schooling Bermuda chub, various groupers, big lionfish, spotted moray eel and a decorator crab. The day ended with a beautiful Caribbean sunset during dinner and then followed by our night dive. In the evening, we were again lucky enough to follow two very active and on the move octopus as they jetted around the darkened reef.

Thursday:
Dive sites: AM: Hat Caye Wall / Sand Box (2 dives); PM: Silver Cave (3 dives) – – LIGHTHOUSE REEF ATOLL
Day started off with a spotted eagle ray, stingrays and eventually saw John’s Dolphins. In the afternoon, we navigated through beautiful caves and sand canyons. Highlights included a ultra-huge grouper, big green moray eel, sailfin blenny, golden tail moray, black tip shark, spotted eagle ray, hawksbill turtle and Connie even found a scorpion fish. After a nice sunset, Uri went fishing and we all dove in the water with nine huge circling tarpon. Additional sightings included; a spotted moray eel, various nudibranchs, lobster, squid, toadfish and a hermit crab digging in the sand.

Friday:
Dive sites: AM: Black Beauty (2 dives) – – TURNEFFE ISLAND
BABY DOLPHINS!!! We awoke to another beautiful Caribbean sunrise for the dawn dive and watched the underwater reef transition from night to day. Saw lots of free-swimming green moray eels, big spotted toadfish out of their holes, a spotted moray eel, octopus, neck crab and hiding lobsters. To top off the week, we encountered a pod of 20-30 dolphins circling the boat with a bunch of baby dolphins at side and in play. In the afternoon and once back in Belize City, guests had the opportunity of participating in land tours to the Mayan Ruins, The Belize Zoo, cave tubing or zip lining before the evening cocktail party.


Congratulations to the following divers:
Gorilla Divers (completed all of this weeks 27 dives): Connie, Edie, Rob, Jim and Mark
Nitrox Certification: Rob
Advanced Open Water Certifications: Justin & Paula

THANKS AGAIN TO ALL OUR AWESOME GUESTS​

HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!​

Captain Mike

 

[Aggressor Adventures]

Belize Aggressor III Captain’s Report December 22 – 29, 2012

Sea Conditions: flat with a light chop
Average Water Temp: 79- 82F (recommended full body 3-5mm wetsuit with optional hood)
Average Visibility: 80-100Ft (with a few days of 120+ visibilities)
Average Wind: 3-7 knots
Crewed this week by Mike, Chris, Simon, Jody, Randy and Anna.

Saturday:
All of our anxious guests boarded at 3pm and got settled in with their equipment. This week we welcomed Eric & Jen, Gray & Michelle, Eugene, Susan, Parker & Kellie, Alan & Bari, Gregory, Jeremy, Sophie, John, Brian Scott & Keely and Margy. After doing our Captain’s safety briefing and introductions, we sat down to a wonderful meal prepared by Chef Anna. Afterwards, we departed from the Fort George Dock in Belize City and headed over to Turneffe Atoll for the evening.

Sunday:
Dive sites: AM: Sandy Slope (2 dives); PM: Front Porch (3 dives) – – TURNEFFE ISLAND
Manatee, spotted eagle rays and eels!!! We initiated our week moored to Sandy Slope off the west side of Turneffe Island where we did our check-out dive and second morning dive. The dives started off with sighting a big friendly manatee and three spotted eagle rays. Also found numerous lionfish, free-swimming spotted moray eel, lesser electric ray, flounder, cowfish, barracuda, spotted drum, hogfish, colorful parrotfish, scorpion fish, garden eels, flounder, blenny, lettuce sea slugs, decorator crab and a hiding lobster. We then moved over to our second dive site of the day where we encountered four large free-swimming moray eels, hawksbill turtles, spotted moray eel, great barracuda, queen triggerfish, more lionfish and another spotted eagle ray off the top of the reef. This was also macro heaven for our photographers with various nudibranchs scattered around the site. After a big sunset and dinner, we prepared for our night dive. We entered the evening water and observed four eels on the move, two octopus hunting, spotted moray, slipper lobster, juvenile drum, and three spotted toadfish on display.

Monday:
Dive sites: AM: Long Caye Ridge (2 dives); PM: Long Caye Wall (3 dives) – – LIGHTHOUSE REEF ATOLL
Goliath southern stingray!! We awoke to a beautiful Caribbean sunrise and calm seas. The day was filled with activity and had many encounters with a variety of sea creatures including a goliath southern stingray in the sand, spotted eagle rays, great barracuda, free swimming moray eels, giant groupers, big colorful lionfish, hawksbill turtle, spotted moray, trumpet fish, shrimp, lobster, harlequin pipefish and Margie found a baby green turtle exploring the reef. The sunrays lit up the reef for all to see the amazing colors displayed by the various coral, sponges, sea fans and fish. Guests also commented several times about how active and healthy the reef is. After watching a loggerhead off the reef, we navigated the sand canyons that connect the depths to the sandy shallows where we came across large and curious barracudas, a small hawksbill turtle eating in the shallows, mini spotted drum, puffer fish, a couple lobster, neck crab and schooling sergeant majors. After another beautiful sunset, we were entertained by squid, tarpon, puffer fish, barracuda and an active golden tail eel.

Tuesday:
Dive sites: AM: Aquarium (2 dives); PM: Cathedral (3 dives) – – LIGHTHOUSE REEF ATOLL
Merry Caribbean Christmas!!! We began the day with calm seas under a gorgeous sunrise and started off diving with Santa Claus and one lonely rein deer. These sites have beautiful sand canyons with nice vibrant colors. Also had a glimpse of a spotted eagle ray and hawksbills cruising the reef. Our second dive site is known for its amazing shallow caves and Swiss cheese like swim –thrus where we found big lobster, big green friendly moray eels, hiding octopus, and stunning lionfish on spectacle. We also saw a black tip reef shark circling around in the depths and schools of horse eye jacks, great barracuda and tarpon under the boat. After the sunset behind the Belizean mountain range we had dinner and began our night dive to discover the evening’s mysteries.

Wednesday:
Dive sites: AM: South East Cut (2 dives); PM: Half Moon Caye Wall (3 dives) – – LIGHTHOUSE REEF ATOLL
Observed spotted eagle rays and black tip sharks off the reef!! These locations are also known for their incredible wall dives cut by gorgeous sand canyons to explore. Huge barrel and tube sponges cover the underwater landscape and highlighted by all types of reef activity including; two pairs of spotted eagle rays, a couple black tip reef sharks, squid, several southern stingrays, green moray eels, large groupers, very curious great barracuda, green turtle, hawksbill turtle, triggerfish, parrotfish, spotted moray eel, puffer fish, spotted drum and a golden tail moray. On the mooring block, we discovered numerous baby trunkfish, baby angelfish, sailfin blennies, shrimp, a baby lionfish, pipefish in the grass and numerous garden eels on the sandy bottom. After a green flash sunset, the night started off with huge tarpon under the boat along with the schooling chub and jacks. The highpoint of the night was watching mom & baby lionfish, passing stingray in the darkness, spotted moray eel, lobster, crab, giant groupers hunting, shrimp, and numerous nudibranchs.

Thursday: Half Moon Cay Land excursion
Dive sites: AM: Tarpon Caves (2 dives); PM: Julie’s Jungle (3 dives) – – LIGHTHOUSE REEF ATOLL
Lots of Wildlife!! First dive commenced with seeing black tip shark at 70’ and hanging with a few curious Caribbean reef sharks off the wall. Later spent time watching a few hawksbill turtles swim by including one eating away on a coral head. Also saw a pair of grey angelfish and a couple stingrays in the grass. Between our morning dives we went off to Half Moon Key by water-taxi. The island is the oldest site for wildlife protection in Belize and also the only breeding colony in the country for the thousands of red-footed booby birds that nest beside their pirating neighbors the magnificent frigate birds. We spent about an hour on the island walking around the palm tree lined beaches, combed paths, came across a few hermit crabs, an iguana and enjoyed the scenery from the observation tower/platform nestled in the canopy. Later in the day, we navigated through beautiful caves and sand canyons. Highlights included an ultra-huge grouper, stingray, queen triggerfish, big green moray eel and a family lionfish excursion. During the night dive we encountered a large spotted moray eel, five squid flashing their colors under the boat, various nudibranchs, lobster and hanging out with a large octopus posing for pictures.

Friday:
Dive sites: AM: Black Beauty (2 dives) – – TURNEFFE ISLAND
Spotted Moray Eels!!! We awoke to another beautiful Caribbean sunrise for the dawn dive and watched the underwater reef transition from night to day. Saw lots of free-swimming spotted moray eels, sleeping parrotfish, golden tail moray eel, a green moray eel, big octopus, various nudibranchs, neck crab, hiding lobsters and a big crabby crab running around. In the afternoon and once back in Belize City, guests had the opportunity of participating in land tours to the Mayan ruins, the Belize zoo, cave tubing or zip lining before the evening cocktail party.

Congratulations to the following divers:
Gorilla Divers (completed all of this weeks 27 dives): Susan and Margy.
Advanced Open Water Certifications: Gregory, Jeremy, Sophie and Alan
Nitrox Certification: Margy, Gray, Michelle, Eugene and John
Open Water Certification: Keely

THANKS AGAIN TO ALL OUR AWESOME GUESTS
HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Captain Mike

 

[Aggressor Adventures]

Belize Aggressor III Captain’s Report Dec 29, 2012 to Jan 5, 3013

Sea Conditions: flat with a light chop
Average Water Temp: 79-82F (recommended full body 3-5mm wetsuit with optional hood)
Average Visibility: 80-100 foot
Average Wind: 3-9 knots
Crew this week: Mike, Fermin, Jody, Vanessa, Randy and Anna.

Saturday:
Our guests boarded at 3pm and got settled in with their equipment. This week we welcomed Peter, John E & Rita, John K & Beth, Gary & Sue, Kate, Dean & Rebecca, Viviana, Karen, Noeli, Paul & April, Judy & Bill and David. After doing our Captain's safety briefing and introductions, we sat down to a wonderful meal prepared by Chef Anna. Afterwards, we departed from the Fort George Dock in Belize City and headed over to Turneffe Atoll for the evening.

Sunday:
Dive sites: AM: Sandy Slope (2 dives); PM: Long Caye Wall / Sting Ray Alley (2 dives) - - Turneffe island / Lighthouse Reef Atoll

Dolphins, turtles and spotted eagle rays!!! We initiated our week moored to Sandy Slope off the west side of Turneffe Island where we did our check-out dive and second morning dive. The dives started off with sighting a couple hawksbill turtles off the slope with spotted moray eels and octopus hiding in the coral. Also found numerous lionfish, groupers, cowfish, barracuda, juvenile spotted drum, hogfish, colorful parrotfish, scorpion fish, mating garden eels, blenny, lettuce sea slugs, decorator crab and hiding lobster. As we ended our second dive we were fortunate enough to still be in the water when twenty to thirty spotted dolphins including six mini baby dolphins swam around the guests for almost a half an hour and at times almost close enough to touch. To top it off, three spotted eagle rays joined in on the activities. We then moved over to our second dive site of the day where we encountered two more hawksbill turtle, spotted moray eel, great barracuda, queen triggerfish, more lionfish and another spotted eagle ray off the top of the reef. After a big sunset and dinner, we prepared for our night dive. We entered the evening water and observed four stingrays on the move, hermit crab, sharp tail eels and a small spotted moray eel on display.

Monday:
Dive sites: AM: Half Moon Caye Wall (2 dives); PM: Julies Jungle (3 dives) - - Lighthouse Reef Atoll

Reef Sharks!! We awoke to a beautiful Caribbean sunrise with bright run rays breaking through the clouds. These locations are also known for their incredible wall dives cut by gorgeous sand canyons to explore. Huge barrel and tube sponges cover the underwater landscape and highlighted by all types of reef activity including; two spotted eagle rays off the wall, a couple black tip reef sharks at 70' and 100', squid, several southern stingrays, green moray eels, large groupers, great barracuda dive buddies, green turtle, hawksbill turtle, nurse shark, triggerfish, parrotfish, spotted moray eel, puffer fish, spotted drum and a golden tail moray. On the mooring block, we discovered numerous baby trunkfish, baby angelfish, sailfin blennies, shrimp, a baby lionfish, pipefish in the grass and numerous garden eels on the sandy bottom. For the last night dive of the year we found large octopus, tarpon under the boat hunting, basket star and hiding lobsters.

Tuesday:
Dive sites: AM: Long Caye Ridge (2 dives); PM: Cathedral (3 dives) - - Lighthouse Reef Atoll

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! We began the year with calm seas under a gorgeous sunrise and started off diving with a spotted eagle ray and a hawksbill turtle. These sites are known for their beautiful sand canyons highlighted by marvelous vibrant colors. Our second dive site was busy, busy, busy with activity including a couple reef sharks, more spotted eagle rays, hawksbill turtles, barracuda dive buddies, scorpion fish and free swimming green moray eels. Known for its incredible shallow caves and Swiss cheese like swim thrus where we found several tarpon, lobster, hiding octopus and stunning lionfish on spectacle. Before dinner, had a once in a lifetime video opportunity of capturing Dave trying to reel in a high flying Frigate (bird) with his fishing poll. A truly memberable and interesting way to start off the New Year!

Wednesday:
Dive sites: AM: South East Cut (2 dives); PM: Aquarium (3 dives) - - Lighthouse Reef Atoll

After another wonderful sunrise, observed spotted eagle rays, big great barracuda, stingrays and a hawksbill turtle in the shallows. These locations are also known for their incredible wall dives cut by gorgeous sand canyons to explore. Huge barrel and tube sponges cover the underwater landscape and highlighted by all types of reef activity including; spotted eagle rays, lionfish, squid, several southern stingrays, green moray eels, schooling groupers, more barracuda buddies, green turtle, hawksbill turtle, triggerfish, parrotfish, spotted moray eel, puffer fish, spotted drum and a golden tail moray. The day also included Sue's fun n'wild life ring ride back to the boat

Thursday:
Dive sites: AM: Tarpon Cave (2 dives); PM: Tarpon Cave (3 dives) - - Lighthouse Reef Atoll

Lots of Wildlife!! The day was filled with seeing Caribbean reef sharks, several hawksbill turtles, a few spotted eagle rays off the wall, southern stingrays in the shallows and octopus on the reef. Today the dive site was too good to leave and ended up doing all 5 dives at this location. Later in the day, we navigated through beautiful caves/sand canyons and were lucky enough to spot a hammerhead at around 75' down off the wall and two green turtles off the reef. There was so much activity for the day it even ended with a low high-speed helicopter flyby. During the night dive we encountered another spotted eagle ray in about 30' off the sandy bottom, large spotted moray eel, five giant lobsters, mini shrimp, various nudibranchs and a large octopus posing for pictures.

Friday:
Dive sites: AM: Cathedral / Front Porch (2 dives) - - Lighthouse Reef Atoll / Turneffe Island

Eel Alley!!! We awoke to another beautiful Caribbean sunrise for the dawn dive and watched the underwater reef transition from night to day. Saw lots of free swimming spotted and green moray eels (dive buddies), sleeping parrotfish, tiny octopus in a barrel sponge, various nudibranchs, neck crab, hiding lobsters and lionfish galore. In the afternoon and once back in Belize City, guests had the opportunity of participating in land tours to the Mayan Ruins, The Belize Zoo, cave tubing or zip lining before the evening cocktail party.

Congratulations to the following divers:
Gorilla Divers (completed all of this weeks 26 dives): Dean, Kate and Paul
Advanced Open Water Certifications: Rebecca
Nitrox Certification: Rebecca and Sue
A special congratulation to Dean for his 500th dive!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
THANKS AGAIN TO ALL OUR AWESOME GUESTS

Captain Mike

 

[Aggressor Adventures]

Belize Aggressor III Captain’s Report Jan 5 – 12, 2013

Sea Conditions: flat with a light chop
Average Water Temp: 79-82F (recommended full body 3-5mm wetsuit with optional hood)
Average Visibility: 80-100 foot
Average Wind: 3-9 knots
Crew: Mike, Fermin, Jody, Vanessa and Yanis.

Saturday:
All of our anxious guests boarded at 3pm and got settled in with their equipment. This week we welcomed Bruce & Donna, Chris & Tara, Mike, Lionel and Fran. After doing our Captain’s safety briefing and introductions, we sat down to a wonderful meal prepared by Chef Yanis. Afterwards, we departed from the Fort George Dock in Belize City and headed over to Turneffe Atoll for the evening.

Sunday:
Dive sites: AM: Sandy Slope (2 dives); PM: Front Porch (2 dives) – – TURNEFFE ISLAND
Shark, Eels and Ray!!! We initiated our week moored to Sandy Slope off the west side of Turneffe Island where we did our check-out dive and second morning dive. The dives started off with sighting a couple green and spotted moray eels, southern stingray and blacktip shark at around 100’ down the slope. Also found numerous lionfish, groupers, cowfish, barracuda, juvenile spotted drum, hogfish, colorful parrotfish, scorpion fish, mating garden eels, blenny, lettuce sea slugs, decorator crab and hiding lobster. We then moved over to our second dive site of the day where we encountered a nurse shark at 70’, free swimming green moray eel, a passing hawksbill turtle, friendly grouper, spadefish, filefish, toadfish, and four passing dolphins at play. After a big sunset and dinner, we prepared for our night dive. We entered the evening water and observed an active and on-the-move octopus, two spotted moray eels, puffer fish and a few hiding crabs.

Monday:
Dive sites: AM: Long Caye Ridge (2 dives); PM: Quebrada (3 dives) – – LIGHTHOUSE REEF ATOLL
Spotted Eagle Ray!! We awoke to a beautiful Caribbean sunrise with bright run rays breaking through the clouds. These locations are also known for their incredible wall dives cut by gorgeous sand canyons to explore. Huge barrel and tube sponges cover the underwater landscape and highlighted by all types of reef activity including spotted eagle rays off the wall, a couple nurse sharks, a huge free swimming green moray eel, pipefish, groupers, barracuda dive buddies, triggerfish, parrotfish, neck crab, and decorator crab. The second dive site was macro heaven on a stunning and majestic wall. Highlights included 11 hunting tarpon under the boat and Donna’s thirty-minute swim with a spotted eagle ray in the shallows. After another striking Caribbean sunset, we began our night dive and were welcomed by schooling Bermuda chub, jacks and hungry tarpon. We also spent time with assorted squid, octopus, golden tail moray eel, passed sleeping parrotfish and had a glimpse of a Caribbean reef shark hunting in the darkness,

Tuesday:
Dive sites: AM: Half Moon Caye Wall (2 dives); PM: Aquarium (3 dives) – – LIGHTHOUSE REEF ATOLL
Sharks, Rays and Turtles!! We began the day with a gorgeous sunrise and started off diving with black tips sharks at 100’, spotted eagle ray off the wall, hawksbill turtles on the reef, several sting rays in the shallow sandy bottom while being followed by barracuda dive buddies. These sites are known for their beautiful sand canyons highlighted by marvelous vibrant colors. On the mooring block, we discovered numerous baby trunkfish, baby angelfish, sailfin blennies, shrimp, a baby lionfish, pipefish in the grass and numerous garden eels on the sandy bottom. We also encountered oceanic triggerfish, big tarpon, schooling blue tangs and several queen triggerfish. For the night dive we found squid, porcupine fish, trunkfish, tarpon hunting under the boat, decorator crab, basket star and hiding lobsters.

Wednesday:
Dive sites: AM: Cathedral (2 dives); PM: Long Caye Wall (3 dives) – – LIGHTHOUSE REEF ATOLL
More Sharks!! After another bright and wonderful sunrise, observed more Caribbean reef sharks at 60 to 100’ off the wall. We also sighted more spotted eagle rays in addition to tarpon, pipefish, trunkfish, lobster, crabs and sunshine shrimp as the group was again followed by great barracuda dive buddy. Our second dive site was also exciting and full of life with tarpon, swimming green moray eel, grouper dive buddies and nurse shark. At night the reef shark were still active in the distance as the tarpon hunted under the boat. We also stumbled across squid and a sharp tail eel before the night ended.

Thursday:
Dive sites: AM: Tarpon Cave (2 dives); PM: Silver Caves (3 dives) – – LIGHTHOUSE REEF ATOLL
Lots of Wildlife activity!! The day was filled with seeing five spotted eagle rays, Caribbean reef sharks coming up from the depths, several hawksbill turtles cruising the wall, southern stingrays in the shallows and octopus on the reef. Donna even had another struck of luck to do her own personal dolphin round up and snorkeling with a few passing dolphins. Today the dive sites were so good we hated to leave and ended up doing all 5 dives in the same area. Later in the day, we navigated through beautiful caves/sand canyons and were lucky enough to spot more reef shark 50’ down off the wall, friendly grouper, great barracuda off the reef, a swimming nurse shark, golden tail eel, banded coral shrimp, spotted drum, decorator crab, free swimming green and spotted eels and a shy puffer fish trying to evade the divers. After a ‘Green Flash’ sunset and during the night dive we encountered squid and octopus flashing spectacular colors, hiding lobster and a hawksbill turtle trying to sleep

Friday:
Dive sites: AM: Uno Coco / Triple Anchor (2 dives) – – LIGHTHOUSE REEF ATOLL / TURNEFFE ISLAND
We awoke to a beautiful sunrise with the sun coming up behind and over Long Caye. For the dawn dive we watched the underwater reef transition from night to day and saw lots of free swimming spotted and green moray eels (dive buddies), sleeping parrotfish, tiny octopus in a barrel sponge, various nudibranchs, neck crab, hiding lobsters and lionfish galore. We finished the week off with a drift dive around the southwest tip of Turneffe Island before heading back to the dock. In the afternoon and once back in Belize City, guests had the opportunity of participating in land tours to the Mayan Ruins, The Belize Zoo, cave tubing or zip lining before the evening cocktail party.

Congratulations to the following divers:
Gorilla Divers (completed all of this week's 27 dives): Lionel and Chris missed by one dive ;(
Nitrox Certification: Fran

HAPPY NEW YEARS!!!
THANKS AGAIN TO ALL OUR AWESOME GUESTS

Captain Mike

 

[Aggressor Adventures]

Belize Aggressor III Captain’s Report Jan 12 – 19, 2013

Crewed this week by Mike, Fermin, Jody, Vanessa and Yanis.

Sea Conditions: flat with a light chop
Average Water Temp: 79- 82F (recommended full body 3-5mm wetsuit with optional hood)
Average Visibility: 80-100 foot (occasional 120’+)
Average Wind: 3-9 knots

Saturday:
This week we welcomed Joe, John, Marty & Heather, Andy, Minna, Luc & Stephanie, Don & Jeanne, Jim & Alice and Vanesa. After doing our Captain’s safety briefing and introductions, we sat down to a wonderful meal prepared by Chef Yanis. Afterwards, we departed from the Fort George Dock in Belize City and headed over to Turneffe Atoll for the evening.

Sunday:
Dive sites: AM: Sandy Slope (2 dives); PM: / Long Caye Ridge (2 dives) – – TURNEFFE ISLAND / LIGHTHOUSE
Spotted Eagle Ray!!! We initiated our week moored to Sandy Slope off the west side of Turneffe Island where we did our checkout dive and second morning dive. The dives started off with sighting free-swimming octopus and spotted eagle ray down the slope. Also found numerous lionfish, several groupers, cowfish, barracuda, juvenile spotted drum, hogfish, colorful parrotfish, scorpion fish, mating garden eels, blenny, jaw fish, lettuce sea slugs, and hiding lobster. We then moved over to our second dive site of the day where we encountered giant grouper, spadefish, filefish, toadfish, and tagged along by a giant green moray dive buddy. After a big sunset and dinner, we prepared for our night dive. We entered the evening water and observed nine large hunting tarpon under the boat’s underwater lights, two active and on the move octopus, inquisitive squid, shy spotted moray eel, puffer fish and a few hiding crabs.

Monday:
Dive sites: AM: Long Caye Wall (2 dives); PM: Quebrada (3 dives) – – LIGHTHOUSE REEF ATOLL
Fighting Turtles & Shark!! These locations are also known for their incredible wall dives cut by gorgeous sand canyons to explore. Huge barrel and tube sponges cover the underwater landscape and highlighted by all types of reef activity including a couple fighting hawksbill turtles, a baby green turtle, huge free swimming green moray eel, peacock flounder, pipefish, large groupers, barracuda dive buddies, schooling Bermuda chub, triggerfish, parrotfish, neck crab, and decorator crab. For our night dive and were welcomed in the water by 11 tarpon actively hunting under the boat. We also spent time with assorted squid, arrow crab, octopus, spotted moray eel, passed sleeping parrotfish and had a glimpse of a Caribbean reef shark in the darkness.

Tuesday:
Dive sites: AM: Half Moon Caye Wall (2 dives); PM: Julies Jungle (3 dives) – – LIGHTHOUSE REEF ATOLL
Seahorse, Sharks, Rays and Turtles!! We began the day with a gorgeous sunrise and started off diving with Caribbean reef sharks at 60’-100’, spotted eagle ray off the reef at 40’, hawksbill turtles were eating on the wall at 50’, several stingrays on the shallow sandy bottom all while being followed by barracuda dive buddies throughout the dive. In addition, Fermin was kind enough to find and share his mini seahorse discovery in the shallow sea grass and also a rare dwarf frogfish on the reef. These sites are known for their beautiful sand canyons highlighted by marvelous vibrant colors. On the mooring block, we discovered numerous baby trunkfish, baby angelfish, sailfin blennies, shrimp, pipefish in the grass and numerous garden eels on the sandy bottom. We also encountered cowfish, oceanic triggerfish, big tarpon, schooling blue tangs, several queen triggerfish and a golden tail eel hanging on the surface. For the night dive we found octopus, squid, conger eel, porcupine fish, trunkfish, tarpon hunting under the boat, decorator crab, basket star, hiding lobsters and played with a spotted drum.

Wednesday:
Dive sites: AM: Southeast Cut (2 dives); PM: Aquarium (3 dives) – – LIGHTHOUSE REEF ATOLL
Hammerhead & Caribbean Reef Sharks!! After a brilliant sunrise that resembled a Japanese flag, we observed two hammerhead sharks at 80’ off the wall. We also sighted a goliath southern stingray, great barracuda and big grouper dive buddies. We also came upon a huge 6’ green moray eel resting under a coral head near the mooring line. Our second dive site was equally exciting and full of life with three Caribbean reef sharks sighted at 70’, 80’, and 90’ respectively off the wall. We also encountered hawksbill turtle, a large school of chubs and two spotted eagle rays doing a fly by at 50’ off the ridge. At night, we swam with nine large tarpon hunting under the boat and also stumbled across four squid, nurse shark, a goliath grouper and a lobster on the run.

Thursday:
Dive sites: AM: Tarpon Cave (2 dives); PM: Front Porch (2 dives) – – LIGHTHOUSE REEF ATOLL / TURNEFFE
Lots of Wildlife activity!! The day was filled with seeing Caribbean reef sharks coming up from the depths, spotted eagle rays off the wall, several hawksbill turtles cruising the reef, southern stingrays in the shallows and octopus on the move. We even had a struck of luck to see another hammerhead shark in the shallows before heading back out over the wall. Being the favorite dive site of the week, we navigated through beautiful caves/sand canyons and where we spotted more reef shark down off the wall, friendly grouper, great barracuda off the reef, a swimming nurse shark, golden tail eel, banded coral shrimp, spotted drum, decorator crab, free swimming green and spotted eels and a shy puffer fish trying to evade the divers. After sunset and during the night dive we encountered squid and octopus flashing spectacular colors, hiding lobster and a couple toadfish.

Friday:
Dive sites: AM: Front Porch / Black Beauty (2 dives) – – TURNEFFE ISLAND
Toadfish Jackpot!! For the dawn dive we watched the underwater reef transition from night to day and saw five toadfish in various sizes, free swimming green moray eels, sleeping parrotfish, tiny octopus, various nudibranchs, neck crab and hiding lobsters. In the afternoon and once back in Belize City, guests had the opportunity of participating in land tours to the Mayan Ruins, The Belize Zoo, cave tubing or zip lining before the evening cocktail party.

Congratulations to the following divers:
Gorilla Divers (completed all of this week’s 26 dives): Andy, Joe and John
Nitrox Certification: Don & Jeanne
100^th Recreational Dive: Vanesa
500^th Recreational Dive: John

THANKS AGAIN TO ALL OUR AWESOME GUESTS

Captain Mike

---------- Post added January 30th, 2013 at 08:13 AM ----------

Belize Aggressor III Captain’s Report Jan 19 – 26, 2013
Crewed this week by Jay, Mike, Fermin, Chris, Randy and Anna

Sea Conditions: flat with a light chop
Average Water Temp: 79- 82F (recommended full body 3-5mm wetsuit with optional hood)
Average Visibility: 80-100 foot (occasional 120’+)
Average Wind: 3-9 knots

Saturday:
All of our anxious guests boarded at 3pm and got settled in with their equipment. This week we welcomed Brian & Anne, Loren & Melissa, Tim, Thomas, Zsolt, Viktor, Chris and Seth. After doing our Captain’s safety briefing and introductions, we sat down to a wonderful meal prepared by Chef Anna. Afterwards, we departed from the Fort George Dock in Belize City and headed over to Turneffe Atoll for the evening.

Sunday:
Dive sites: AM: Front Porch (2 dives); PM: / Black Beauty (2 dives) – – TURNEFFE ISLAND
Spotted Eagle Rays All Day!!! We initiated our week moored to Front Porch off the south point of Turneffe Island where we did our check-out dive and second morning dive. The dives started off with sighting a giant free-swimming green moray eel and three spotted eagle rays off the ridge. Also found great barracuda, numerous parrotfish, lionfish, several groupers, filefish, cowfish, juvenile spotted drum, hogfish, colorful parrotfish, scorpion fish, garden eels, blenny, jaw fish, lettuce sea slugs, and hiding lobster. We then moved over to our second dive site of the day where we encountered seven more spotted eagle rays in formation at 70’ and they visited the area for the rest of the day. Also saw scorpion fish, spotted toadfish, giant grouper, spadefish, filefish and more green moray eels. After a big sunset and dinner, we prepared for our night dive. We entered the evening water and observed two active and on the move octopus, inquisitive squid, shy spotted moray eel, puffer fish and a few hiding lobsters.

Monday:
Dive sites: AM: Grand Bogue (2 dives); PM: South East Cut (3 dives) – –TURNEFFE ISLAND / LIGHTHOUSE REEF ATOLL
Green Moray Eel, Nurse Shark & Squid!! After a beautiful Caribbean sunrise we started our first dive with spotted eagle ray, southern stingray, great barracuda, and four big free-swimming green moray eels. These locations are also known for their incredible wall dives cut by gorgeous sand canyons to explore. Huge barrel and tube sponges cover the underwater landscape and highlighted by all types of reef activity including, hawksbill turtle, a nurse shark cruising the area, spotted moray eel, trumpet fish, pipefish, large groupers, barracuda dive buddies, triggerfish, parrotfish, neck crab, and decorator crab. For our night dive and were welcomed in the water by a school of hunting jack and numerous tarpon under the boat. We also spent time with mini squid (Tim’s close encounter), arrow crab, octopus, a free swimming spotted moray eel, passed sleeping parrotfish and even found some toadfish.

Tuesday:
Dive sites: AM: The Blue Hole, Shark Point (2 dives); PM: Chain Wall (2 dives) – – LIGHTHOUSE REEF ATOLL
We started the day off with a dive at The Great Blue Hole. This site was made famous by Jacques-Yves Cousteau, who declared it one of the top ten scuba diving sites in the world. In 1971, he brought his ship, the Calypso, to the hole to chart its depths. Today, our exploration was led past the deep and ancient stalagmites to relive its initial discovery and even saw flamingo tongues in the depths. After the Blue Hole and on the next dive site we found great barracuda, lionfish, spotted drum, trunk fish, three lobsters sharing a coral head, hawksbill on the run and the incredible find of a 2” brown mini seahorse. These sites are known for their beautiful sand canyons highlighted by marvelous vibrant colors. On the second dive site we discovered a couple southern stingrays, more great barracuda, schooling jack, blennies, spotted drum, pipefish and a photogenic spotted moray eel. For our dusk dive, we found over twenty tarpon hunting under the boat, southern stingray in the sand, a big defensive crab, large colorful octopus, spotted drum, decorator crab, hiding lobsters and a green turtle swimming off the wall.

Wednesday:
Dive sites: AM: Tarpon Cave (2 dives); PM: Aquarium (3 dives) – – LIGHTHOUSE REEF ATOLL
Sharks, Turtles & Rays!! At the first dive site we observed a few Caribbean reef sharks between 65’ to 130’ and a black tip shark at around 65’ coming up the wall. We also sighted three hawksbill turtle traversing the reef, loggerhead turtle, several southern stingrays in the sandy shallows, tarpon, great barracuda, big grouper dive buddies and an extremely rare find of another baby brown seahorse. Our second dive site was equally exciting and full of life with spotted eagle ray, free swimming big green moray eels, octopus, evading lobsters, shy juvenile spotted drum, baby barracuda and several hawksbill turtles; including two sparring turtles. At the end of the dive found a mini 2” octopus on the dive deck that hitched a ride off one of the guests dive gear. At night, we stumbled across four squid, lobster defending their territory, large crab and a lively octopus on the run.

Thursday:
Dive sites: AM: Long Caye Ridge / Tarpon Cave (2 dives); PM: Half Moon Caye Wall (2 dives) – – LIGHTHOUSE REEF ATOLL / TURNEFFE
Hammerhead Shark!! The day was filled with seeing Caribbean reef sharks coming up from the depths, several hawksbill turtles cruising the reef, free swimming big green moray eels, southern stingrays in the shallows and octopus on the move. Even had a struck of luck to see a hammerhead shark in the shallows before heading back out over the wall. Being the favorite dive sites of the week, we navigated through beautiful caves/sand canyons and where we spotted more reef shark down off the wall, seven stingrays, friendly grouper, great barracuda, playful hawksbill turtles, banded coral shrimp, spotted drum, decorator crab, free swimming spotted moray eels and a shy puffer fish trying to evade the divers. On the mooring block, we discovered numerous baby trunkfish, baby angelfish, sailfin blennies, shrimp, a baby lionfish, pipefish in the grass and numerous garden eels on the sandy bottom. After sunset and during the night dive we encountered several hunting tarpon under the boat’s lights, squid and octopus flashing spectacular colors, spider crab, bristol star, hiding lobster and a couple banded shrimp.

Friday:
Dive sites: AM: Front Porch / Black Beauty (2 dives) – – TURNEFFE ISLAND
Toadfish, Spotted Eagle Rays and Loads of Lobsters!! For the dawn dive we watched the underwater reef transition from night to day and saw toadfish, lionfish in various sizes, tarpon, spotted moray eels, sleeping parrotfish, tiny octopus, various nudibranchs, neck crab and hiding lobsters. On the morning dive we stumbled upon four spotted eagle rays, hawksbill turtle, green moray eels and loads of lobsters. In the afternoon and once back in Belize City, guests had the opportunity of participating in land tours to the Mayan Ruins, The Belize Zoo, Cave Tubing or Zip Lining before the evening cocktail party.

Congratulations to the following divers:
Gorilla Divers (completed all of this week’s dives): Thomas, Tim, Zsolt, Seth, Anne and the honorable Sir Brian
Nitrox Certification: Loren & Melissa
100^th Recreational Dive: Melissa


THANKS AGAIN TO ALL OUR AWESOME GUESTS!!

Captain Mike

 

[Aggressor Adventures]

Belize Aggressor III Captain’s Log Jan 26 – Feb 4, 2013

Skies: mostly sunny
Water Temp: 79-80F
Seas: choppy
Winds: 5-10 knots
Visibility: 80 – 130 ft
Crew: Captain – Jay, Chef – Ana, Engineer – Fermin, Steward – Randy, Instructors – Jody & Chris

This week we welcomed back Sam from Skin n’ Scuba “Where Kansas City learns to dive!” as well as Jeff and Marty who were all here a year ago. Sam brought a group of 10 including himself and his daughter Amy. Also on board were Kevin, Al, Lori, Will, Mary, Don, Marie-Chantal (who spent last week on the Turks & Caicos Aggressor II), Sheila, Stephen, Andrew, John, Michelle, and Jason.

This week’s Dive Sites:
Sunday – Front Porch & Black Beauty (Turneffe Atoll)
Monday – Grand Bogue (Turneffe Atoll) & Cathedral (Lighthouse Reef Atoll)
Tuesday – Long Caye Ridge & Long Caye Wall (Lighthouse Reef Atoll)
Wednesday – Blue Hole, Aquarium, & Quebrada (Lighthouse Reef Atoll)
Thursday – Half Moon Caye Wall & Julie’s Jungle (Lighthouse Reef Atoll)
Friday – Front Porch & The Elbow (Turneffe Atoll)

Great week of diving with the guys from Skin n Scuba and our other guests. We started at Turneffe Atoll for the first day and a half and saw lots of green morays out swimming. We had a close encounter with an eagle ray gliding along the wall and saw schools of horse eye jacks, bar jacks and Creole wrasse. We also spotted several rainbow and midnight parrotfish swimming on the top of the drop off. As for the elusive critters…we were lucky to see the white spotted toadfish (indigenous to the Turneffe Atoll). We saw lots of lettuce sea slugs and several decorator crabs. At night, the octopi were hunting, tarpon were feeding under the lights of the boat, and once again…the white spotted toadfish showed himself.

On Monday we headed to Lighthouse Reef and started our dives there at Cathedral and stayed until Thursday night before we headed back to Turneffe.

We had great weather for most of the week and had some fun dives over at Lighthouse Reef…including a dive at the Great Blue Hole to check out massive stalactites formed thousands and thousands of years ago when the Blue Hole was an aboveground cave.

Some of the highlights of the week were close encounters with eagle rays, sharks, turtles, and free swimming morays; octopus feeding at night; the tarpon putting on a show under the boat lights; a half inch long juvenile reef squid; an eagle ray jumping out the water; finding well hidden decorator crabs, shrimp, and nudibranch and swimming amongst tons of reef fish on the dive sites…not the mention having some awesome dives and lots of fun with a great group of people. Thank you guys for a wonderful week. See you again soon!