Geysir Reef
Lying off the northwest coast of Madagascar, Geysir Reef is a submerged coral atoll that currently has very little above water, even at low tide. It was first discovered around 700 AD and named after the British vessel Geysir which ran aground there in 1678. Being about 80 miles from the nearest land, it is a pretty exciting place to set off and explore.
This morning we visited Geysir and explored its underwater world by glass bottom Zodiac, snorkeling, and diving. For many people, it was quite a shock to be snorkeling “so far from land.” We found a sheltered part of the reef and were thrilled to find a dramatic wall teeming with fish and vibrant soft corals. Clouds of damsels and Anthias hovered above the coral, while parrotfish and groupers showed their vibrant hues. A camouflaged scorpionfish provided a challenge for many to find it in its cryptic hiding place.
In the afternoon we returned to the ship and wove our way around the various drop-offs of Geyser reef and the neighboring Zelee bank in search of marine critters. Many groups of tuna were spotted driving small fishes to the surface which were then fed on by various terns. Late in the afternoon, keen eyes spotted some dolphins, and on closer approach we realized they were spinner dolphins. A small group of 40-60 individuals didn’t show too much interest in us, but a few animals displayed their fantastic characteristic spinning behavior, much to the delight of those of us on the bow.
A very exciting and relaxing day exploring this incredibly remote part of the world.
Lying off the northwest coast of Madagascar, Geysir Reef is a submerged coral atoll that currently has very little above water, even at low tide. It was first discovered around 700 AD and named after the British vessel Geysir which ran aground there in 1678. Being about 80 miles from the nearest land, it is a pretty exciting place to set off and explore.
This morning we visited Geysir and explored its underwater world by glass bottom Zodiac, snorkeling, and diving. For many people, it was quite a shock to be snorkeling “so far from land.” We found a sheltered part of the reef and were thrilled to find a dramatic wall teeming with fish and vibrant soft corals. Clouds of damsels and Anthias hovered above the coral, while parrotfish and groupers showed their vibrant hues. A camouflaged scorpionfish provided a challenge for many to find it in its cryptic hiding place.
In the afternoon we returned to the ship and wove our way around the various drop-offs of Geyser reef and the neighboring Zelee bank in search of marine critters. Many groups of tuna were spotted driving small fishes to the surface which were then fed on by various terns. Late in the afternoon, keen eyes spotted some dolphins, and on closer approach we realized they were spinner dolphins. A small group of 40-60 individuals didn’t show too much interest in us, but a few animals displayed their fantastic characteristic spinning behavior, much to the delight of those of us on the bow.
A very exciting and relaxing day exploring this incredibly remote part of the world.
