Dive # 1 Molasses Reef - Hole in the Wall location
After our late morning dive at Conch Wall, we headed about 6 miles NE to Molasses Reef. Conditions were perfect with a very light breeze and great visibility. We had brought extra tanks along this trip so we could take advantage of the great conditions and get two more dives in.
Parrotfish
Visibility was close to 100' today with a current from the east. First we tied up shoreward of the familiar windlass site. After diving down and past the windlass we returned shoreward up the same alley that Scott and I spotted the reef sharks a few days ago. Not to be disappointed another reef shark passed right by us. Scott missed it as it went right over his head. They come by fast, so its hard to get the camera ready.
We also witnessed a feeding frenzy by Blue Parrot fish. I think you will enjoy this video with some unique experiences and beautiful scenery and great visibility. It was definitely a 5 star dive for us.
YouTube Video of Molasses Dive 4-13-16
Dive #2 at Molasses Reef Ball #2
After a 60 minute surface interval - we headed down Molasses Reef to explore an area none of us were familiar with. 2nd Ball in from the NE corner of the reef. This was deeper territory with different type structure. Visibility was excellent but for the first few minutes of the dive we didn't see much, then the sharks started cruising by. First a reef shark and then nurse sharks. BTW, Nurse sharks get their name from the sucking sounds they make..
We all started with slightly less than 1/2 tank of air, so we knew our time was limited. Just as I was heading back to the boat with 300+ psi Dave motioned for me to follow him. What we saw was two nurse sharks nestled together, perhaps feeding? Then a Green Moray Eel comes on the scene and swam right into the sharks as some grouper came in close to observe. The eel came out and around the sharks, looking mad and came right at me, I backed up quickly, it then veered off to a hole in the coral. I went to get closer to the sharks to see what they were doing. Dave said the eel came back out of the hole and toward me again.
I had to abort any further action and head to the boat (which was in sight) as I was down to 200 psi. I got back to the boat with 100 psi left out of a 3000 psi tank! But I captured some great video clips that we can all enjoy. I'm still not sure what was going on.
YouTube video of shark and eel encounters at Molasses Reef #2