Snorkeling in Statia

The day after our arrival in Statia, we were able to go snorkeling for the first time. Everyone was extremely excited, and the excitement grew as the snorkeling gear was uncovered and boat trips to shore were underway. When all of us arrived ashore, we lugged all the gear and our picnic lunch down the road a little ways to a very small sandy beach. Fins and snorkels were provided for everyone. We all tried to find the right fin sizes, but if we couldn't, then we had to settle for the next best fit. After brief instructions from Christine, it was into the water we went. Snorkeling is a lot of fun. It wasn't a coral reef, but there was an old sea wall underwater that supports a lot of marine life. We swam along it for a little ways, spotting all the little wonders of the water. The vibrant colors of all the tropical fish were absolutely gorgeous. They swam about all around us. Giant sea urchins clung to the rocks like magnets clinging to the fridge. Their sharp quills stuck out in every direction, making them look very trecherous. The underwater world is such a wonderful and mystical place. It was amazing to see it so up close and personal, and I can't wait to do it again. It was soon time for lunch though, and we had to swim back ashore for our PB and J's.
student, Chandler Neale