Coming from the freezing and murky-green water of Monterey Bay, the crystal clear blue water in the Gulf of Aqaba feels almost sinful. Swimming around in a 5 mm shorty wetsuit is only for show since the water is 27-28 degC (~80 Fahrenheit). So far there has been no currents or surge so you practically float around effortlessly. Completely weightless and at peace.
Puffer fish hiding among the corals
Polychaeata
Blue spotted sting ray
Soft coral
Surrounded by the endless deep blue are thousands of bright colors. Everywhere, shooting up and down, behind you, to the left, to the right. All 360 degrees are full of vivid colors of green, yellow, orange, pink, red, turquoise, another yellow, blue, purple. And in all shapes and patterns; spots, stripes, dots, streaks.
Clown fish
Blue Christmas trees - or Polychaetas
The soft corals sways gently back and forth while fish swims in and out between the branches of their solid cousins. Looking for shelter, looking for food. In between the branches of the corals colorful little Christmas trees appear; red, blue, yellow, purple. Hard to believe that there is a worm on the other end.
In the sand snails, hermit crabs and rock fish slowly wander around. Camouflaged to perfection. Except the Nudibranches. Naked snails. For their own protection they shine in vivid colors. "Don't eat me. Don't come too close. I might be poisonous. Do you dare try?"
Chromodoris quadricolor - or a Pyjama Nudibranch
Parrot fish
The Ocean is a magical place. Things don't look anything as they do above. Above the surface desert dominates. Grey, yellow, orange, dusty. Under the surface colors and life; Blue, green, red, yellow, pink, orange, purple. The creatures are strange. Adapted to a different world.
It is a peaceful, meditative world. If you haven't yet - you should go dive.
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