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Turtle Hatchlings on Kaua’i
Photo and Video Compliments of the U.S.Navy "PMRF" John Burger
Kaua’i Sea Riders Crew have had a great 2010 summer!
Na Pali Charters, South Shore Reef Charters and Now…. Turtle Hatchlings!
The “Na Honu Kai” have recently been nesting around the island on a few remote beaches.In the past this was unheard of as Sea Turtles were hunted almost to extinction in the 1950′s and 1960′s. Most females would migrate to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, sometimes 800 miles or more, each way, to avoid humans, who are their #1 predator.
But since their protection in the 1970′s we are seeing a comeback and change of natural history in that all Sea Turtles of the world will generally go back to the place that they were born in order to build their nests. Could it be that they are more comfortable around people, that we aren’t as threatening?
For the 1st time in over 10 years, nests were successfully monitored and protected by the Pacific Missile Range Facility at Barking Sands: John Burger, also known as “Navy’s Nature Guy” and Kaua’i's Aquatic Biologist: Don Heacock, helped with the survival of dozens of the Pacific Green Sea Turtles. A significant blessing and bridge from the military to the eco-community!
Hatchlings still have to face their natural enemies, such as Crabs and Sea Birds and of course the ” Mano” or sharks. We are trying to lend a hand by marking off nesting sights, fencing off nesting areas inland and scooting the newborn Sea Turtles,who are lost, into the Sea. Check out this video: Movin’Out
Young Sea Turtles, will now endure what is called the “Lost Years”, a time when they live in convergent currents and are extremely vulnerable to pollution:entanglement and ingestion of plastic.
So keep up the Good work everyone! Dispose of your trash properly and Recycle! All of us together can make a difference! So that our Children and Grandchildren get to experience the joy of swimming with the Sea Turtles!
Na Pali Eco-Tour – Summer 2010
Na Pali Coast
“Tara, we just wanted to thank you again for the wonderful Napali Coast snorkel trip. Your efforts to focus on our interests was truly appreciated. I was thrilled to be able to see the Spinner dolphins, Monk seals, Brown Boobies, Sea turtles, and all the tropical fish. It was a biologist’s dream come true. Wishing you a great summer season.” –Karen and Tony Santiago
NOW is the time to cruise and Snorkel Kauai’s NaPali Coast. The Na Pali is gorgeous right now - Sea Caves, Waterfalls, Spinner Dolphin and the rain of winter making the Sea Cliffs an emerald green! Read the rest of this entry »
Octopuses Garden
We had a great time as usual on our AM Snorkel Tour. Despite some choppy surface conditions, the Ocean was chrystal blue and we encountered a Hawaiian Octopus at the turtle resting area. The den of the octopus can be easily seen from the surface as an anomally on the reef. With broken shells and rocks topsy-turvy, close-by I noticed the animal changing colors in preparation to flee. Known by scientists to have eyes as complex as a humans’ and considered the most intelligent invertebrate on the planet. After a few photos, the animal was released next to his condo!
At Kaua’i Sea Riders we always seek the rare and unusual in small personalized groups. Nature runs the show and we never know what to expect! Looking forward to a great Summer Na Pali Season and continuing to explore the reefs around the Southshore on our 3 Hour Southshore Adventure.
Kauai Whale Watching & Snorkeling Tour Reviews
As the whales wave goodbye and leave to go to their northern feeding grounds, I would like to take the time to thank all the passengers that made this 2009-2010 Whale Season, such a success! Kaua’i Sea Riders can’t accomplish the Research without the Outreach ! Mahalo!
Here’s a sampling of the comments we received this season… Read the rest of this entry »
It’s a Fluke!!
The underside of a Whales’ Tail is unique to each individual, hence a modern way of tagging and counting the North Pacific Humpback Whales is done through digital photography. Our Presidents Day Charter Passengers had a rare and close encounter and I would like to share these Humback whale visions from Alexa Boyes. Mahalo Alexa!