At Sea
The Atlantic Ridge (and its islands spread few and far between) is a place where only a handful of tourists have visited. Sitting in remote locations throughout the South and North Atlantic Ocean, the usual visitors include supply ships (many of the islands do not have airports, and are only re-supplied every few months), fishing and fishery patrol vessels, and perhaps the occasional military vessel.
Our trip is a total of 37 days, many of them being at sea, by and large one of the main reasons the guests on Endeavour take this expedition. As we travel north, the days become warmer and the ocean gazing seats have moved out on deck. Our keen eyed naturalists are on constant watch for birds and marine mammals, never disappointing. Today’s sightings include a large pod of short finned pilot whales and a group of spinner dolphins. Having plenty of time in our pocket, we were able to stay with both groups from some time, enjoying their behavior and acrobatics.
The underwater world of this trip is just as important as our terrestrial expedition. The diversity of each site we visit is staggering. David Cothran, our Undersea Specialist, takes every opportunity to explore the amazing underwater communities we encounter, and bring back film for the guests to enjoy in the comfort of the lounge.
Pictured here is the blackeared moray eel, Muraena melanotis. These Moray Eels, that can grow as long as one meter, are generally found in depths up to 20 meters. Most moray eels are night hunters, and prefer to stay hidden under rocks and ledges during the day, however Muraena melanotis can be seen out in the open during the day. It is quite easy to recognize this eel by its spot pattern, and the black “ear spot.” When looking at Moray eels, they may seem quite ferocious, due to the fact they are constantly opening and closing their mouths. In reality, this movement is necessary for them to move water through their gills for respiration. Most moray eels are not aggressive, but if molested can give a nasty bite.
Tomorrow is another day exploring waters of the Atlantic Ridge as we continue northward to the Cape Verde Islands. Your guess is as good as mine as to what the North Atlantic Ocean will reveal to us here on Endeavour, but we all eagerly await.
The Atlantic Ridge (and its islands spread few and far between) is a place where only a handful of tourists have visited. Sitting in remote locations throughout the South and North Atlantic Ocean, the usual visitors include supply ships (many of the islands do not have airports, and are only re-supplied every few months), fishing and fishery patrol vessels, and perhaps the occasional military vessel.
Our trip is a total of 37 days, many of them being at sea, by and large one of the main reasons the guests on Endeavour take this expedition. As we travel north, the days become warmer and the ocean gazing seats have moved out on deck. Our keen eyed naturalists are on constant watch for birds and marine mammals, never disappointing. Today’s sightings include a large pod of short finned pilot whales and a group of spinner dolphins. Having plenty of time in our pocket, we were able to stay with both groups from some time, enjoying their behavior and acrobatics.
The underwater world of this trip is just as important as our terrestrial expedition. The diversity of each site we visit is staggering. David Cothran, our Undersea Specialist, takes every opportunity to explore the amazing underwater communities we encounter, and bring back film for the guests to enjoy in the comfort of the lounge.
Pictured here is the blackeared moray eel, Muraena melanotis. These Moray Eels, that can grow as long as one meter, are generally found in depths up to 20 meters. Most moray eels are night hunters, and prefer to stay hidden under rocks and ledges during the day, however Muraena melanotis can be seen out in the open during the day. It is quite easy to recognize this eel by its spot pattern, and the black “ear spot.” When looking at Moray eels, they may seem quite ferocious, due to the fact they are constantly opening and closing their mouths. In reality, this movement is necessary for them to move water through their gills for respiration. Most moray eels are not aggressive, but if molested can give a nasty bite.
Tomorrow is another day exploring waters of the Atlantic Ridge as we continue northward to the Cape Verde Islands. Your guess is as good as mine as to what the North Atlantic Ocean will reveal to us here on Endeavour, but we all eagerly await.
