Early Alpha, Charlie, Foxtrot, Sierra, Tango: Day 3 – Cooper & Salt Island

Written by Alex McCrindle, Dive Instructor & Mate 

Today, the PADI Open Water students began their course with the Sail Caribbean dive staff at Cooper Island. Students conducted their first three confined water dives over turtle grass flats, and spotted schools of tarpon, stingrays, and even a sea turtle! Most importantly, the students learned how to control buoyancy, clear masks, retrieve regulators, and use their alternate air sources. Non-diving students had a quick motor over to  neighboring  Salt Island. En route, students had a de-mooring lesson and learned how to anchor their vessels. The non-divers went for a scenic hike, taking in views of the beautiful Caribbean water and the salt covered pond on the island.  Campers then learned about the history of the Wreck of the Rhone, an infamous BVI shipwreck, while continuing to take in the views. After spending an afternoon sailing on the Colgate’s and eating ice cream on Cooper, we ate burrito bowls prepared by the crew and spotted schools of Horse eye Jacks off the stern of our catamaran. The students are eager to spend more time sailing our vessel, and look forward to finishing SCUBA certifications in the coming days.