April 9

Awoke and readied for more diving. We started with couple of snack cakes. We arrived at the boat by 0700. Again it is all full with all the same group as yesterday. For whatever reason, we had a late start, departing at 720-ish. As we left the harbor area we turned, so not doing Whale Shark sightings. I'm actually good with this. I loved 😍 seeing the Whale Shark, but I am okay with a more laid back couple of dives.

The boat cut out and we were gathered for our briefing. We did Kudarah Thila Site dive again. Yeah – this is the one with all the Blue Striped Snappers, making the sea yellow!  As soon as we geared up, the main dive master said there is a current. Ah, Pooh! This did decrease the visibility of the dive drastically, and caused more issue when trying to stop for shark viewing. We actually had to pinch onto coral to stay still. I hate doing this, because it can kill where you touch 😔!  We saw the White-tipped Sharks and the Silver Sharks. Then we just searched around the reef. The dive lady pointed out some very tiny Shrimp, and Jeff saw a hiding Lion Fish. We saw a Moray Eel that was in a pull through spot. I could it's head and tail.  The Blue Striped Snappers seemed to be less in number, but was still great to be amongst them. Stats: me at depth of 30.7m (101 feet) for duration of 51 min; Jeff was 27.7 m (91 feet) for 51 min. We loaded up and moved to next site. We ate leftover pizza, me an apple, and a bread roll with Nutella.

Arrived and did briefing for Bodu Finolhu Thila dive site. Here we saw more Sharks, again having to anchor to some coral to stay still for the viewing. We saw at least three Moray Eels, one was sticking out of his hole by about a foot as if challenging any who dared come to close. Jeff spotted and pointed out a black and white Nudibranch. Those are always fun to see. The dive master pointed out a big Box-type fish. Saw more of the Oriental Sweetlips, which also stick out. Plus, we saw so much more, that I have previously blogged about. It was a good dive and near the end we saw another Hawksbill Turtle munching on some sea grass. We all surfaced after our safety dive. Stats here: me 26.8m (88 feet) for 53 min; Jeff 27.1 (89 feet) for 53 min. Once all on board, we split a cup of instant noodles and a pack of peanuts. Then it was announced for a third dive. Jeff went for it, I opted out, as did a few others, but majority went.

We arrived at the third site Dhangethi Maadhuni. Jeff said he saw a Black-tipped Shark, Lobsters, and more Moray Eels. He said there was a Hawksbill Turtle that he watched on the surface, while waiting for the boat. I snapped a picture of him as he was coming in to board the boat. His stats: 20m (66 feet) for 50 min. After they loaded up, we ate the other Nutella “sandwich”. The boat cruised back to Dhangethi Harbor and we disembarked, saying good-bye to some we had made an acquaintance with.

Back at our Inn by 1400, we showered and then took a siesta. I started this blog and Jeff planned. We went out around 1630 to Blue Moon Cafe for early dinner. As we were going to the cafe I noticed couple of bats flying. We have seen them practically every night, but it is usually at sunset. These two must have their 'bat senses' askew. Anyway, we had grilled chicken with sides of toasted rice, and mixed vegetable salad; and tuna steaks with sides of french fries, and mixed vegetable salad. Finished we went back to our room – I completed this blog; then back out for sunset. 

As always hopeful for a great one. Probably bed early.