We left Deshaies (Day-Hay) and made our way down the west coast of Guadeloupe to the Pigeon Cove anchorage near the city of Anse Melendure. It was raining when we dropped anchor and I had another opportunity to use my new raincoat. I’m sure glad I had Chilor bring it! I think he was just fine getting soaked, but not me! Our anchor held tight and we were happy to be in another beautiful bay overlooking an exquisite terrain.
We took a ride in the dinghy to check out the anchorage. It’s a beautiful bay, but somewhat rolly and a little crowded with tourists on the beach. Since it was drizzling most of the day, we spent the afternoon on the boat getting our dive equipment ready. While we were in Deshaies, Kory went to Tropicalsub Diving near the dock and arranged for a dive boat to pick us up on our boat in the Pigeon Cove anchorage and take us diving. We hadn’t been diving in years, so we were excited; and Chilor had never been diving in the ocean, so it was a special treat for him.
The Pigeon Islands, or îlets Pigeon, are internationally known as Réserve Cousteau (Jacques Cousteau’s Reserve). He declared this area to be one of the top diving spots in the world and made efforts to protect this magnificent underwater sanctuary for all to see. This is where we were going to go diving! What an incredible opportunity.
The crew from Tripicalsub Diving were so friendly and helpful. The two dive masters each took about six divers under their wings. They did all the work for us, putting our BCD’s on the tanks, hooking up our regulators, and making sure our air was flowing well. We felt quite pampered by them. They provided water and hot tea for break times, and a great deal of knowledge of the area.
There were no platforms to walk off the back of the boat, so each person had to go off the side. The water was nice and warm, so it wasn’t a shocker getting into the sea. Immediately, upon my descent, I could tell this was going to be a fabulous place. Snorkelers were everywhere on the surface, but we got an opportunity to enter depths very few get a chance to explore.
The underwater world was remarkable. We saw vibrant coral gardens with elkhorn, staghorn, lettuce leaf, sea fans, organ pipe and grooved brain corals. What a thriving community of anemones, sponges, and corals. We also came face to face with a variety of colorful reef fish, from angelfish, parrotfish, squirrelfish, butterflyfish, and trumpetfish, to grouper, snapper, blue tangs, and the oft dreaded lion fish. We even saw a green moray eel and a sea turtle. What a sight to behold!
We took a 47-minute surface interval break between our first and second dive. It was nice to spend that time talking with the dive instructors. Thankfully, they spoke great English. Most of the other divers spoke French, so we were limited in getting to know them.
What an amazing experience! Each day of our journey, I marvel at the splendor of God’s creation. It is truly magnificent! Behold the glory of the Lord! For in so doing, we are changed into His likeness!
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV)