South side of Kauai diving today and just hunting for some good specimens that were acting photogenic. Large shoals of Pyramid Butterflies (Hemitaurichthys polylepis) and Bluestripe Snapper (Lutjanus kasmira) making their way around the reef. The very shy but major in heart and minor in size stars of the show were two dwarf angelfish: the Flame Angel (Centropyge loricula) and the Fisher’s Angel (Centropyge fisheri). Both are small, fast, and hard to snap, but they did give us some glimpses today.
Ni’ihau in September
A September channel crossing to Ni’ihau can be a bit random but today we were blessed with a ‘normal’ passing. Good friends were present on the boat and under the waves. Stars for the day were the Hawaiian Monk Seal (Neomonachus schauinslandi), Tinker’s Butterflyfish (Chaetodon tinkeri), Millet-seed Butterflyfish (Chaetodon miliaris) which would not get out of the way of some Pipefish that I really wanted a picture of, a Frogfish…which looks to be a Commerson’s (Antennarius commerson), and a beautiful display of Orange Cup Coral (Tubastraea coccinea). Overall, an amazing day!
South Side of Kauai in September
Spring Ni’ihau Diving
Diving Kauai’s Wrecks
So, wreck diving on Kauai is often considered not possible…but today, 6-FEB-2021, we made it happen. Glad to have found this vessel upright as it likely won’t stay that way once the south swells move in. And, yes, the team over at SSD is notifying the owners of location and the recovered gear. Visibility was excellent today and had a guest appearance from a Flame Angel as well.
Plate Lunch and The Caverns
At the Buoy
A great time on and under the water near The Buoy on the south side of Kauai. Whales playing on the surface and breaching and singing to us throughout the dives. Clear water, low current, and the excellent Sea Sport crew made for some great early spring diving. Oh, and a rare Reticulated Butterfly to boot!
Stone House and Fish Bowl
A great afternoon of diving on the south side of Kauai at two dive sites. While visibility was just OK at Stone House, it really opened up for some great views at Fish Bowl. The best part though was being able to dive with both family (my daughter) and friends (A, K, L and the SeaSport Divers crew). In addition to the fun below, the Humpback whales, Spinner dolphins, and Manta rays were putting on a show topside as well.