Page 72 - AlertDiver_Winter2013

Spoiled for Choice in
the Mantas’ Realm
Text and Photos
by Andy Sallmon AND
Allison Vitsky Sallmon
E xhilarated and
starving, we pulled
off our gear as the
divemaster began
the roll call. With
all passengers
accounted for, the boat captain
started the motor and headed
toward the resort, where
lunch awaited our group of
hungry divers. We boisterously
compared notes on the
morning’s incredible manta
interactions. At least a dozen
of the graceful rays had closely
circled us, mugging for our
cameras like supermodels.
The boat suddenly slowed.
The divemaster was pointing
at a disturbance on the water’s
surface. Seconds later, the
surface was pierced by a tall,
straight dorsal fin. This was no
porpoise. Seconds later, shouts
rang out.
“Orcas?”
“Yeah! Orcas!”
70 | WINTER 2013