Scuba Dooby Dive

Overall, the last few days have been relaxing, with us lounging on the beach, reading our books and Kindles, getting a few brews at the Louisiane Brewhouse (the first and only microbrew we've found on this trip) where Claire enjoyed a dark lager, and I a pretty good witbier (wheat beer.)  The witbier tasted darn close to a Blue Moon or Shock Top at home so I was very pleased!

On Saturday, April 9th, Claire and I went snorkeling off the coast.  We left about 7:00 am for a boat through a local company called "Turtle Dive" where we hopped on and rode for about an hour off the coast.  Soon we were in a choppy little cove off one of the nine islands in the area.  The boat was filled with primarily Vietnamese and Russian divers, but we befriended a young British fellow named Max for conversation during the trip.  We were the only other native English speakers, so it was nice for all three of us.

Our boat just before launch.

After the boat departed the harbor, we cruised under the VinPearl cable car.  It is a cable car that takes people back and forth to VinPearl resort on an island just off the coast.  It was astonishing to see because it is the longest cable car over water in the world.

VinPearl cable car.

Cruising out to our dive cove, we passed VinPearl island and some others where it looked like fish farming was being done in little houses over the water.

On the way out.

We arrived at our dive cove about an hour after departure where Claire and I suited up in masks and wetsuits for our first snorkel excursion of the day.  It was my first time snorkeling so I was very excited, and I could tell that Claire was super excited to introduce me to it!

All masked up 'n ready to go!

The clear tropical water was wonderful to jump into and swim around in, though it was a bit colder than we expected.  We stayed in the water for about 30 minutes, swimming around, looking at beautiful coral reefs and colorful tropical fish.  It was really amazing and something I can't wait to do again in the future.

One of our dive spots.

Enjoying fresh fruit between dives.

 After a bit, we went to a second dive spot much calmer than the first where we both went in again for about 45 minutes.  I loved swimming around and got to see some jellyfish free floating under the surface and some amazing spiky sea urchins.  Claire even saw an octopus!  Overall, an amazing, fun, and relaxing day at sea.

Our second dive spot

April 9th marked the "two months left" date of our trip. See you all in June!