Three Rays and a Hooker (Warning: Graphic Images)

[Soloist]

I’m here and we saw them too but we overshot the wreck and saw them in the 2nd reef. Best excuse for getting lost.

Excellent. You just never know. I hate to promote even more activity on the Hooker, but unfortunately that was the only location I saw eagle rays in 27 hours of diving. I managed to sneak up on an adult foraging in the sand once again at the stern. However, it bolted immediately upon seeing me.

 

[Soloist]

Nice job Eric! Outstanding!

Thank you! Blind squirrel finds a nut. I was told I should include a video, so here it is. It’s short and in the sequence the encounter occurred.

 

[Joneill]

Thank you! Blind squirrel finds a nut. I was told I should include a video, so here it is. It’s short and in the sequence the encounter occurred.

Awesome video - what a great encounter! You did a good job flying left wing in that formation (reminded me of the Blue Angels)

What did you capture the pics and video with? The white balance was spot on!

 

[AdivingBel]

Great vid & pics. I usually follow Ash and his "magic mask," but after seeing that I want to hang with you in GC. He'll probably want to hang with you too as long as you're wearing more than a speedo (I'm not as easily offended as long as you're finding good stuff).

 

[Scubagolf]

Absolutely stunning video.

 

[beaverdivers]

Great job of not spooking them! They had very long tails and looked healthy.

 

[Trailboss123]

Thank you! Blind squirrel finds a nut. I was told I should include a video, so here it is. It’s short and in the sequence the encounter occurred.

Totally Freaking Awesome! Thanks to Lisa @uncfnp for twisting your arm to post the video. That water is so blue and beautiful!

 

[Lorenzoid]

Wow--that is amazing. I can't remember the last time I got that good a look at ONE eagle ray, but THREE in formation!

The Hilma Hooker is one of my and my wife's least favorite dives on Bonaire, but we may just have to give it a chance again on our upcoming trip.

 

[uncfnp]

Wow--that is amazing. I can't remember the last time I got that good a look at ONE eagle ray, but THREE in formation!

The Hilma Hooker is one of my and my wife's least favorite dives on Bonaire, but we may just have to give it a chance again on our upcoming trip.

We use to feel the same way but came to appreciate it more when we started diving to the wreck from the adjacent sites.

Typically we would start at Angel City, immediately cross to the second reef and travel north. You will eventually see the chains that led to the Hooker. It is a dramatic perspective to follow the chain until it starts across the sand and you see the silhouette of the Hooker forming over the sand. More recently the chain on the sand has been covered but it is still an interesting approach to the wreck.

This latest trip we had discussed the dive starting at The Lake and heading south. This was Eric’s approach on his dive.

 

[Soloist]

Great vid & pics. I usually follow Ash and his "magic mask," but after seeing that I want to hang with you in GC.

The camera is a blessing and a curse, so be careful what you wish for. I was so obsessed with some goofy blue fish below me at Something Special I was completely oblivious to the bait ball (see picture) just a few feet over my head. My buddy finally had to punch me to get my attention.