Northerly winds

Today we had the yucky nearly Northerly winds. It was very calm, but still felt oppressive. On days like this we head across to Ravens Cove and Nara Inlet, a gorgeous spot on Hook Island.

On the way over we had a mother whale and calf practicing their synchronized swimming. So wonderful to have got this shot of them.

Getting back to Blogging

It's been a few years since we last posted any blogs. Lots has changed, but much has stayed the same.

The boat has been refitted internally, new carpet, old carpet on walls being removed, various other modifications to the vessel have taken place.

We still do the same trip, and it is still Josef and I, Naomi, running the show.
The fish are mostly the same (though are dear friend Priscilla the Maori Wrasse has gone to the great big ocean in the sky) and we welcome a few new ones (Rambo is becoming the new male Maori Wrasse).

The diving is still great, and coral bleaching is only something heard about on the news. Honestly it hasn't affected us at Blue Pearl on Hayman Island or Langford Island at all.

Illusions Whale Watching

Josef the skipper is still up to his silly tricks

Naomi completed her 3000th dive earlier this year.

We have been welcoming many Taiwanese and Chinese visitors

And more Whales

Trialing new crew for the day!

We love our fish

Lots of Cushion Starfish around

And Flatworms too. Love watching them fly!

This Wobbegong hung around in the same spot for over a week.

New Crew

The last two days has seen Illusions with a new crew member. Hayley is a student at Proserpine High School who is doing work experience with us. She is fitting in well and today spotted this whale and calf near Black Island. Welcome to Illusions Hayley!

Whales Whales and yet more Whales

Awesome again

Another glorious day.

We saw the 2 whales from yesterday again today. They had been close into Langford Reef (check out photos on the Illusions Whitsundays facebook site) yesterday. We suspected the female was about to give birth based on her behaviour. Today we saw the 2 of them again, with a little one with them!!!!! WOW.

The viz has been great diving. Seeing Lionfish almost daily! Love these creatures.

Amazing Weather and Whales

I love this time of the year. Sunny, fairly still days. Calmer seas. AND whales everywhere.
Even underwater when diving I am seeing lovely creatures and can hear the whales too.

Nudibranch

Stunning Viz and Diving

Haven't seen any whales yet. Even though there have been early siting out at the reef, it is still a little early.

But having fun taking photos of some of the amazing creatures.

Sea Cucumber at Langford Island

GT schooling up the bait fish at Blue Pearl Bay

The Bait Fish at Blue Pearl Bay

 

Flat Worm in flight