Not all friends are people, but that doesn’t make them any less fun. On the contrary, I have met some incredible creatures under the water here in Cozumel, so I thought I’d introduce you to some today.

First up, a chain moray eel.

Say hi

A stone fish:

These guys blend in and they’re hard to spot. Can you see him?

A tiny baby trunkfish:

So cute!

And I’ve never seen a lionfish this color:

Also, I don’t know if I’d call a lionfish my ‘friend’

I’ve found most of these friends in the coral nursery that sits off the shore, past the ridgeline that we dive. We frequent the area as it’s got all kinds of interesting structures that create artificial reefs for rehabilitating coral, and providing habitat for other marine life.

Most of the corals grow on tables like these:

But sometimes they grow on more interesting structures, like minecraft characters!

It’s a turtle!

For you Harrison!

I see all kinds of amazing creatures every day I’m out on the reef. Some people ask me how I can keep diving in the same places over and over again, it’s because every day there is something new to see, and new to explore. No two dives are ever the same, and there’s so much to enjoy, I couldn’t possibly take in all in on a single dive. And it’s fun when I remember where the moray eel lives, and I can go visit him whenever I want. Like I said, friends!

Sometimes the human friends are underwater too!

That’s all for now, bye!

-Natalie