Days: 177
Total distance travelled: 38,081.5 kilometres (23,653.11 miles)
As we sailed to Little Corn under dark skies and on horridly rough seas, we wondered if our plans to dive during our time on the island were little more than a pipe dream.
Thankfully, the seas calmed and the sun did emerge, so a few days later we found ourselves on board a small boat headed for south of the island and the dive site known as Yellowtail (for the abundance of Yellowtail Snapper at the site).
To learn that this was the first time they’d been able to dive there in a month made us feel a little special, so we were genuinely excited by the prospect of getting ourselves into the water.
Our Divemaster on this particular day was Jen, and another couple (I believe they were Canadian) brought our party up to five.
Given the recent weather conditions, we were surprised at how good visibility was, and it wasn’t long into the dive before we were met with several of the locals, plenty of Squirrelfish and some decent sized schools of Barracuda lurked as well.
Hanging out with a Dusky Squirrelfish
It also wasn’t long before we discovered that one half the Canadian couple was also a diver lacking in either confidence or ability (or possibly both), and before long it became apparent through his frantic, erratic actions, that he wasn’t likely to last very long due to what we imagined was some fairly rapid, panicked air consumption.
At times it got so bad that he’d begin kicking randomly & clutching onto the nearest diver he could find (usually 1 of us) which was by no means a fun experience.
Not a stunning reef, but fish aplenty…
This ultimately proved the case (his rapid air consumption), so after a quick safety stop so we could allow him to surface, we again made our descent, now able to enjoy our dive without the likelihood of further problems, and comfortable knowing he was now safely on the surface.
The occasional sighting of a Black Durgon (or Black Triggerfish) was nice, and eventually after the odd swim through and plenty of Yellowtail, it was time for us to call an end to the dive.
A couple of locals that help give the site its name
The 18m depth meant a mandatory safety stop (in this case, our second) as we made our final ascent back to the surface, and it was as we hovered at the 5m required, Yellowtail provided a final highlight.
A curious Remora felt it the perfect time to come and investigate this strange and motley crew, and his probing investigations, as well as the odd nibble at a weight belt here and there, provided plenty of entertainment.
The last minutes of the dive providing a standout highlight!
Notes:
* We chose to dive with Dolphin Dive who offer a starting rate of $35.00 US per tank (although have cheaper rates the more dives you do) with only a single tank at a time.
* Our Divemaster Jen (a US native from Boston) was great, however the condition of the equipment could have been better…
theworldwithchrisandsarah 
Looks absolutely gorgeous! I’ve heard good things about these islands. Must check them out one day.
Lovely underwater pics! It’s been far too long since I’ve been snorkelling. I hope I get to go when I’m in Mexico next month as I’ve really enjoyed exploring the reefs there. Thx for sharing, and best of luck in continuing the adventure!
Thanks Doreen, I hope you get to in Mexico as well! Where in Mexico will you be?
I’ll be in Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, and Tequila. Should be a tasty trip!
Some great spots!
How great that you got to dive after some bad weather! I’m pretty envious, because I was very close to planning a trip to Nicaragua and Little Corn instead of NOLA in January. I’m glad it worked out for you!
Your trip still looked amazing! I’m sure the weather was much better in January than when we were there!
The pictures are beyond amazing. It just have been such a great experience!
The pictures are beyond amazing. It must have been such a great experience!
Thanks, it was great fun (although still not our best dives)
Wow, that remora was pretty bold! I’ve never been that closely approached when I was diving!
Yeah, it was a bit of a thrill. That said, I’ve had the thrill of rubbing Nurse Sharks on their belly as well! 🙂
Definitely a place I want to visit! The water looks pretty clear considering the weather you had!
Yeah, visibility was surprisingly good!
Haven’t mustered enough courage to try diving but with these amazing underwater photos, you definitely got me! 🙂
I’m not all that confident in the water either Anne, but with diving, It’s always felt so relaxed (and there are plenty of wonderful distractions to take your mind away from any fears)!
Wow! I wonder how old kids have to be to participate? They swim like fish while I am a rock in the water and sink – all the while feeling pretty certain that I will drown. LOL! But, these fantastic photos make me want to give it a go!
Natalie, The Educational Tourist
http://www.theeducationaltourist.com