Turtles and Rays and Eels, oh my!

Reef Report – Teardrop Reef & Ron’s Rock

Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025 (Morning Dives)

Dive Sites: Teardrop Reef, Ron’s Rock

Divers: Amber Laureano (SO), Aaron Brooks (SOC), Angelica Cookson, Brian McDermott, Bruce Garber, Roger Bach

Our dive group enjoyed a beautiful morning out on the water with air temperatures around 90°F and mostly sunny skies. The sea conditions were ideal, very little current with very mild 1-foot waves making for an easy and comfortable boat ride and entry. Although both dives had lower visibility than usual (about 30–40 feet), the water temperature was a pleasant 84°F, and spirits were high among the group.

Dive 1: Teardrop Reef

The first dive at Teardrop Reef took us to a depth of about 60 feet. Despite the limited visibility, the site was alive with marine activity. We encountered many turtles throughout the dive, an enormous southern ray as well as a green moray eel tucked into the reef and a free-swimming spotted moray—a special treat to observe in the open. The coral appeared vibrant and healthy, with no signs of bleaching or damage. Overall, Teardrop Reef provided a memorable start to the day, with abundant marine life and excellent conditions for a relaxed dive.

Dive 2: Ron’s Rock

Our second dive at Ron’s Rock also reached a depth of about 60 feet, with similar visibility and water temperature as the first. This site was bustling with huge schools of tropical fish, including grunts, parrotfish, butterflyfish, smooth trunkfish, and surgeonfish. The healthy coral reef provided a colorful backdrop for the diverse marine life. While there were no rare sightings, the sheer abundance and variety of fish made for a lively and engaging dive. Ron’s Rock is highly recommended for those who enjoy observing large schools of reef fish in a healthy, thriving environment.