2019 SOC Bioinformatics: Day 10: Turtle capture and release: Matapalito Bay, North Shore of Santa Rosa National Park

This first picture shows why we were up early to travel across the bay to the sea turtle haven on the north side of Santa Rosa National Park: If you leave early, there is typically less wind and better visibility while snorkeling. Half the group went across the bay in a local fishing boat, the other half took a more leisurely crossing aboard a sail boat. Upon arrival, both groups put on their fins, mask and snorkel along with their safety open water bubbles (used by triathletes - now, budding marine researchers).

During the crossing some saw a humpack momma and her calf and on the way back the fin of another whale. Most saw butterfly fish, puffer fish, angel fish, parrot fish, and needle fish. Two side-by-side eagle rays were seen by some, and many sea urchins and territorial fish hiding between the barbs were noticed by all. Excellent conditions for Equipo Tora Carey (Team Hawksbill) to net three sea turtles: a small Indo-Pacific black turtle, a Hawksbill turtle and later a decent sized Indo-Pacific just prior to departure.

In the afternoon we went to Playa Rajada for swimming, walking and hang out time along the shore of a beautiful beach at sunset. We snapped the classic sunset "jump" photo of all and headed to Kembly's for our final BBQ meal with Equipo Tora Carey. We enjoyed a barbecue at our host site and showed all the kids (and adults) of Equipo Tora Carey how to make s'more sandwiches with marshmallows, chocolate and cookies A definite hit!

The night ended with groups of students chatting up Equipo Tora Carey volunteers (from France!) and meandering through town in a nostalgic mode.

What's that?

Is it a turtle?

It looks like 2 turtles... floating.

How many are there?

Definitely two - Mating?

Yes, mating.

Betin and Danielson maneuvered our boat right alongside with the motor off... We could reach over the side and actually touch them, but we didn't. Soooo AMAZING!