We anchored off the north side of the Totegegie island (airport).  It was perfect timing with a full moon and low tide to go make some discoveries.  The tide has been incredibly low over the last 7-10 days.  We have never seen it this low.  We were wondering how we were going to get Sweetie to shore, as we looked over the dried-out reef.  Lucky for us we found a small path, paddled for a while, then walked the dinghy closer.  Normally this is all under water.  I am standing on shore looking back on Sweetie and Sugar Shack.  The bottom photo is Matt walking out toward the water’s edge.

Low tide exposure

We circled to the windward side of the island to see what we discoveries we could find.  With the water receded back so far lots of sea critters are exposed for my curious eyes to find. 

The coral and lava rocks are exposed once the water recedes.  Lots of little tide pools are left behind holding what little wild life can survive in them.

Underwater Discoveries Exposed by the Low Tide

Exposed reef

Lots of clams of all sizes were gasping for air.  Well, truth be told I don’t know if they breathe, but they were all closed up and unhappy looking (top two photos below).  Normally, they have their fat, beautiful lips sticking out (bottom photo) when they are underwater.  It was a lot easier to see how they wedge themselves into the rocks when they are out of water.  Gives a new meaning to “clam bake.”

Clams baking in the sun

Some discoveries should be left undiscovered.  The sea cucumber manages to survive outside of the water.  The lower one was showing me how he does his “business” – no really, I could have done without seeing that!

Sea cucumbers

We found dozens of baby sharks (white tip, black tip and maybe lemons) swimming in a large tide pool.  Poor things were barely swimming in the water.

Find the sharks

A few more discoveries…a fighting crab, floating trees, and blue parrot fish trying to make it until the tide returns.

The most beautiful discoveries were the coral.  Usually you have to light these guys up to capture their color and intricate designs.  However, out of the water, it much easier to see and capture.

A few more pretty corals making an appearance.