the magic of speeding alongside a pod of dolphins

Catalina Island Marine Institute staff enjoy escaping the island on Blue Water Hunts -- although having a daunting name, BWHs are an ocean explorer's dream. Usually eyes are peeled on the horizon looking for the spout of a whale, a kelp raft, or the flopping fin of a Mola Mola, but today we were surrounded by something greater. A mega-pod of common dolphins were enticed by the speed of which our small whaler cut through the flat water. The jumped in front of the bow, catching momentum with the speed of our boat and bow-riding.

greens keep you healthy

Diving in a strong current, legs are kicking, and then I spot something I was hoping to see but thought I would not, a green sea turtle. This green sea turtle surprised me just as much as I surprised it, but after it moved a comfortable distance from me, it completely calmed down and let me hover above it. I breathed calmly through my regulator and the green swam lazily in the strong current. I kicked hard with my Atomic fins alongside the orange garibaldi and other fish that fought the current.