Giant Starfish
In the shallow, sandy channels surrounded by mangrove roots, you will find giant orange Cushion Starfish (Oreaster reticulatus) scattered along the seabed. These magnificent animals live in just 2 to 4 feet of warm water, thriving in the quiet flow.
* Please never lift starfish out of the water, as they cannot breathe air.
Juvenile Nurseries
Look closely between the tangled mangrove roots plunging into the water. This dense root structure acts as a natural nursery, protecting thousands of juvenile yellowtail snappers, sergeant majors, and schoolmaster grunts from ocean predators.
* Floating calmly without kicking will allow the schools of fish to surround you.
Coral & Sponges
Where the mangrove channels open to the bay, the water deepens. Colorful sea sponges in vibrant hues of fire-red, neon-purple, and rich orange cling to the submerged roots. Patches of brain coral and soft sea fans flutter in the gentle ocean currents.
* Watch for blue tangs, parrotfish, and the occasional spotted eagle ray cruising the reef edge.
