Reef Dives in Tavernier

9 lucky ADA divers were treated to clear, warm, 84 degree caribbean seas and a beautiful summer day for two easy shallow (25 ft) dives with Conch Republic divers in Tavernier. The captain asked divers what they wanted to see, and was answered with sharks and turtles. 

We were not disappointed.

From left to right, Steve McPhillips, Sheila Schlafly, Maureen Dichiara Niland, Jay Abbazia, Francisco Alvaro, Dan Beery, Brian McDermott, Pamela Beery, and Melissa Hanono.

The first dive was at Davie Crocker reef, where other operations do shark dives. A dozen or so nurse sharks linger on the site hoping for a free meal. There we were able to see this beautiful reef rich with schools of tropical fish, soft and hard coral and a ton of nurse sharks.

Next we were on to Davis reef. The captain gave us instructions on how to see all of the sights, and the dive unfolded much as he had described. We were all able to find a small buddha statue and rub it’s head for good luck. After that we headed to where the captain said the turtle could be found, but nobody was home. Soon after, our buddha-luck kicked in as we ran into a 2 ½ ft hawksbill and were able to swim with it for a good long time. This reef had dense schools of tropicals as well as the standard cast of characters porcupine fish, a couple of large brown groupers, rainbow parrots, lobster and much more. On our final swing back toward the boat we were treated to a large nurse shark and a morray together beneath a ledge.

A beautiful day on and under the water for the ADA dive team!