14th December 2024- Turtles Sharks and rays

MegaWild shot out to South Solitary this morning for a double dive, taking full advantage of the low forecasted swell and wind. We steamed out with a boat full of keen divers with nearly glass out conditions and had plenty of options to chose for a dive site!

First up, divers descended at Manta Arch for a swim through The Gap and finished at The Gantry. Upon descent, there were no Grey Nurse Sharks in or around the Arch but there were a dozen or so inside of the Back Gutter. A Spotted Eagle Ray was seen cruising around the back gutter, as well, and eventually made his/her way through the Gap and was again seen just outside on the other side of the island. The West Side of the Island was all about the Turtles Today! There were around 12 different turtles sighted today on the first dive, including Green Turtles, Loggerheads, and Hawksbills! A massive Lions Mane Jellyfish was sighted, just outside of 5 metre rock! A couple of different Cephalopods were also sighted, one being a Kents Cuttlefish and the other a Common Octopus.

After a surface interval spent in the sun, everyone decided to jump in at Shark Gutters for a quick swim down to The Gantry. Heaps of schooling fish were seen, as well as some big pelagic fish coming in for a cheeky look at our divers! Shark Gutters itself had around 8 Grey Nurse Sharks in the Gutter itself, with some more spilling over into the Third Gutter. A large Shove Nose Ray was seen along the boulder wall, too! More Turtles were seen near The Gap, but the highlight was Barney who was seen on top of 5 metre rock!

Congratulation Kenidi who finished her Open Water Course today and Justin who finished his Advanced Open Water Course!

Conditions Report

Visibility- 5 to 12 m

Temperature- 19 to 21°C