The simple phrase “South Pacific” conjures up images of white sand beaches back-dropped by swaying palm trees, with azure colored waves washing on the shore. For us, guests of the National Geographic Endeavour, these images have become our reality, and the further west we go, the more primal drums begin to play in our ears, and what we might have formally referred to as a hedonistic lifestyle, suddenly becomes quite appealing and more common place.
We have dropped our long trousers for shorts, and our shirts are mostly brightly colored, printed with palm trees and tropical fish. Shoes are optional, and hours are spent idly lying by the pool or on deck, enjoying the seascapes and brilliant views.
The last few days have been packed with activities, so today we have a day at sea, a chance to relax and collect our thoughts before we officially enter into the tropics, and a whole new gamut of island experiences are put towards us.
No trip to the South Pacific would be complete without exploring the underwater realm. Coral reefs surround most of the islands, providing a thriving ecosystem for marine creatures, and whether one is riding in the glass bottom boat, snorkeling or Scuba diving, they will be astounded by the plethora of life found there.
Your basic coral animal, the basis for the reefs, is dependant on small uni-cellular plants (zooxanthelle) for growth. This plant facilitates the growth of a calcium-carbonate skeleton, which provides the framework for the reef (along with help from some mollusks and echinoderms). Whilst we all admire the small and often brightly colored corals that lie on the surface of the reef, this is actually the least significant part, as the skeleton from the coral generations before form the real basis of the community.
And why is it that, even in the clearest, and generally least nutrient rich waters in the world, are coral reefs able to house such an amazing amount of life? The answer is once again the zooxanthelle. They use the sun to produce energy rich organic compounds, and are a food source for some of the lower men on the food chain. Additionally, coral reefs provide many different habitats, from small quite pools, to fast moving water, to safe nooks and crannies.
Biology aside, dropping into the water and exploring a coral reef is one of life’s little pleasures that far too few of us get to experience. You can investigate, pry (with your eyes), and become entranced while on a reef. Small fish dart to and fro within the reef, while larger ones patrol the water above; coral starts to take on shapes and forms, just like the clouds, the one here reminding me of the drippy sand castles I used to make at the beach as a kid. It never gets boring, as every new reef holds a new treasure to be found.
We have dropped our long trousers for shorts, and our shirts are mostly brightly colored, printed with palm trees and tropical fish. Shoes are optional, and hours are spent idly lying by the pool or on deck, enjoying the seascapes and brilliant views.
The last few days have been packed with activities, so today we have a day at sea, a chance to relax and collect our thoughts before we officially enter into the tropics, and a whole new gamut of island experiences are put towards us.
No trip to the South Pacific would be complete without exploring the underwater realm. Coral reefs surround most of the islands, providing a thriving ecosystem for marine creatures, and whether one is riding in the glass bottom boat, snorkeling or Scuba diving, they will be astounded by the plethora of life found there.
Your basic coral animal, the basis for the reefs, is dependant on small uni-cellular plants (zooxanthelle) for growth. This plant facilitates the growth of a calcium-carbonate skeleton, which provides the framework for the reef (along with help from some mollusks and echinoderms). Whilst we all admire the small and often brightly colored corals that lie on the surface of the reef, this is actually the least significant part, as the skeleton from the coral generations before form the real basis of the community.
And why is it that, even in the clearest, and generally least nutrient rich waters in the world, are coral reefs able to house such an amazing amount of life? The answer is once again the zooxanthelle. They use the sun to produce energy rich organic compounds, and are a food source for some of the lower men on the food chain. Additionally, coral reefs provide many different habitats, from small quite pools, to fast moving water, to safe nooks and crannies.
Biology aside, dropping into the water and exploring a coral reef is one of life’s little pleasures that far too few of us get to experience. You can investigate, pry (with your eyes), and become entranced while on a reef. Small fish dart to and fro within the reef, while larger ones patrol the water above; coral starts to take on shapes and forms, just like the clouds, the one here reminding me of the drippy sand castles I used to make at the beach as a kid. It never gets boring, as every new reef holds a new treasure to be found.
