#61534 - 03/26/07 12:57 PM
Underwater Life.....
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Travcarib
Member
Registered: 03/13/07
Posts: 119
Loc: Washington DC
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We have been snorkeling in Fp and many of the Caribbean Islands but I can't say I know a whole lot about some of the things one may encounter. Since the topic of Sea Cucumbers in the water at Le Tahaa has come up... I was curious if someone can explain if they can be dangerous if you step on them or brush up on one etc... Are they usually just at the bottom/ near coral/ all over the general area at Le Tahaa?
Also are there any other underwater cautions one should watch out for? Jellyfish?
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#61545 - 03/26/07 07:17 PM
Re: Underwater Life.....
[Re: Travcarib]
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QuincyMom
Member
Registered: 07/07/06
Posts: 90
Loc: San Francisco, CA
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Trav, sea cucumbers are like big sea slugs. They can't hurt you. They are, however, kind of icky. They mostly hang out on the bottom and near coral. Here's the link to their entry in Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_cucumber
In terms of other sea life, I think the best rule of thumb is not to try and mess with anything. If you leave it alone, it will probably leave you alone. For example, sting rays are way more afraid of you then you are of them. And, if you see a turtle, please don't try to touch it!
One last thing -- I saw your post somewhere else about diving for beginners. You may want to try a "shore dive" for one of your first ones. This means you basically walk into the water with your gear on, and in many cases, the water is shallow enough that you can just stand up if you are feeling weird. This was how I did my first dive and it was much easier than trying to do it off of a dive boat.
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#61577 - 03/27/07 12:42 PM
Re: Underwater Life.....
[Re: QuincyMom]
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Zoe
Senior Advisor
Registered: 12/14/03
Posts: 801
Loc: Walnut Creek, CA
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Sea urchins. Long black spikey, pincushion-like things-- that apparently walk around (very slowly) at night. You'll sometimes see them poking out of the corals and those you certainly don't want to touch. No worries, though-- just remember, as already mentioned, that you really shouldn't be touching anything. Nor do you want to go sticking your hands inside things. It's the usual good sense rule-- don't poke it, and it won't poke you.
We always wear water shoes, which is highly recommended and will also help protect you against anything accidental.
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#61600 - 03/28/07 08:28 AM
Re: Underwater Life.....
[Re: Zoe]
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Justine2
Expert Advisor
Registered: 02/12/07
Posts: 1911
Loc: Minneapolis, MN
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Trav- Amen to the waters shoes! Cucumbers aren't dangerous, just gross if you step on one. It's like stepping on slimy, wet tapioca pudding. You'll see them first thing in the morning liek a dark green cucumber on teh bottom of the lagoon. They don't move much, so they get covered with sediment during the day. They look like someone buried a baguette under the sand, so they're easy to avoid.
If you get an OWB that has alot of coral under it, poke your head into the water before venturing down the stairs in the morning to make sure they're aren't any urchins lurking below. We had a pair of them living at a small chunk of coral right next to the bottom of our stairs. Both of us almost stepped on them several times.
I haven't heard too much about jellies in FP. I'm sure they're out there, but I don't know the density of them.
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#61608 - 03/28/07 12:34 PM
Re: Underwater Life.....
[Re: Justine2]
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Travcarib
Member
Registered: 03/13/07
Posts: 119
Loc: Washington DC
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ok another really silly question... do you get your water shoes from a sporting place (REI, LL Bean etc) or are there better ones out there at dive shops? I hate the idea of wearing them but I know it might be best while wondering around the waters at FP. Anyone have suggestions on best brands...
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#61617 - 03/28/07 02:57 PM
Re: Underwater Life.....
[Re: Travcarib]
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QuincyMom
Member
Registered: 07/07/06
Posts: 90
Loc: San Francisco, CA
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Trav, there are no silly questions! I posed a similar one about water shoes in the "Any Topic" thread a couple of months ago and got some great responses. You may want to go there and check it out.
That said, you can spend anywhere from $8 for a pair of them at Target to $100 at REI. I saw a really cute pair at Zappos that almost look like Mary Janes for around $30.
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#61618 - 03/28/07 03:43 PM
Re: Underwater Life.....
[Re: QuincyMom]
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Patti.
Expert Advisor
Registered: 03/28/04
Posts: 2460
Loc: Las Vegas, NV
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I have worn $6 ones I bought at a Rite Aid Drug Store, and $70 Salomon Amphibains, and $40 Hydro Crocs. All have worked quite well.
Honestly, the $6 ones worked just fine for me. I'd have no problme wearing them again when we go, but my hubby wanted to buy neat new "cool stuff". So I am now the proud owner of hydro-Crocs and Salomans. :-)
Basically you just want to have something on your feet. A ratty old pair of tennis shoes would be fine too. Some people wear their Teva sandals.
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#61621 - 03/28/07 04:35 PM
Re: Underwater Life.....
[Re: Patti.]
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JanetinPA
Member
Registered: 11/08/05
Posts: 141
Loc: PA
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We also have $6 ones - we bought them 4 years ago at Target. We also have crocs. We've worn both in the water.
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#61622 - 03/28/07 04:38 PM
Re: Underwater Life.....
[Re: Travcarib]
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holte
Expert Advisor
Registered: 11/19/04
Posts: 2417
Loc: Duluth, Minnesota
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I used my Crocs when I was in Huahine. I don't know what kind of Crocs I have as I have only seen the kind I have. They look kind of like clogs. They are great for walking in any circumstances as they have the strap that you can put on for a tighter fit. I wore them swimming everyday, but because of the holes or whatever, they were only good for casual swimming, not when I needed power. I don't like fins, so I used my dive boots when I needed to do real swimming. I really like the Crocs as they are lightweight, inexpensive, can be worn for all occasions, and they can be washed easily.
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#61626 - 03/28/07 05:43 PM
Re: Underwater Life.....
[Re: holte]
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Rebecca
Member
Registered: 03/09/07
Posts: 110
Loc: WA
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I purchased a pair of these Keens for my husband:
http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/15323193/c/31476.html
He really likes them so I found a pair of womens same model
at REI
we can wear them on the plane & in & out of water, as they are waterproof but look good & are very comfy & have a thicker sole
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