Banda Snorkel 1

Beez Neez now Chy Whella
Big Bear and Pepe Millard
Fri 29 Jul 2016 22:27
Banda Snorkel Number One
 
 
 
IMG_0941
 
Ashore for nine o’clock, we found our craft and Bear was soon settled on the roof. We were going out with a guide, two drivers and several boat crews.
 
 
IMG_0863
 
We were going to just above the ‘r’ in Vuurberg off Banda Api. Next stop above the first ‘u’ and finally after lunch off the west side of Keraka. Our guide promised us “a great day in the best spots”. We have really been looking forward to this trip.
 
 
IMG_0942
 
Out past the rally boats against the wall.
 
 
IMG_0943
 
Looking over to our anchorage - Brahminy Too, Beez Neez, Matilda, Wirraway, our local neighbour hiding Wishful Thinking and finally Serica.
 
 
IMG_0944
 
A sleek local boat, looking a bit like a hot rod methinks.
 
 
IMG_0950  IMG_2091
 
Around the back of Gunung Api we pulled in to the edge of the lava flow, not very appealing I hear you say. Well, let’s give it a go. Soon in the water above coral that has been growing here since 1988 covering the black base with a dull grey. Almost immediately curious fish came for a closer look.
 
 
IMG_2096  IMG_2200
 
Out to the steep drop off (from five metres to two hundred and fifty in just a few feet) there were clouds of fish.
 
 
IMG_2126  IMG_2122  IMG_2101  IMG_2225
 
Back in the shallows we saw checkerboard, fancy, yellow and blue in a tiny area, this is going to be great.
 
 
IMG_2134
 
So many different fish in one small area.
 
 
IMG_2227  IMG_2356  IMG_2243
 
Brand new to us.
 
 
IMG_2267
 
A big boy and friends.
 
 
IMG_2112  IMG_2291  IMG_2298
 
Conscious effort to remember the pale, beige and brown chaps.
 
 
  IMG_2160  IMG_2109
 
A real snooty and a beautiful Mr Fish.
 
 
IMG_2146  IMG_2137  IMG_2342 
 
Healthy coral, a big, fat blue starfish and some interesting yellow coral.
 
 
IMG_2328  IMG_2218
 
Wonderful to see a clownfish in a bright pink home. Parrot and trigger rest together.
 
 
IMG_2171
 
A pipefish almost got in my mask demanding his shot.
 
 
IMG_2286
 
A cheesy grin as this chap enjoys a cleaner wrasse’s attention.
 
 
IMG_2247  IMG_2253
 
The queue for the cleaners was quite long.
 
 
 IMG_2165
 
A new group to us. These chaps dangle in the water, noses down, like so many leaves wafting in the breeze.
 
 
IMG_2162  IMG_2175
 
We met three such herds and were absolutely fascinated.
 
 
IMG_2341  IMG_2177  IMG_2332  IMG_2113
 
The coral came in muted tones but very healthy.
 
 
IMG_2259  IMG_2203  IMG_2192
 
IMG_2207  IMG_2272  IMG_2230
 
IMG_2288  IMG_2193  IMG_2196  IMG_2314
 
So many different colours amongst the parrots. - the best of the rest........
 
 
IMG_2374  IMG_2277  IMG_2360
 
IMG_2303  IMG_2111  IMG_2117  IMG_2140
 
IMG_2124
 
 
 
ALL IN ALL AN AMAZING SMORGASBORD OF FISH
                     INCREDIBLE LAVA, NEW CORAL AND SO MANY FISH