There used to be crevasses overlaid with large pink plate corals just beyond the boat where you jump off into the lagoon at John Brewer reef, and so I never made it around to the reef front proper – at least not down the sandy front to a depth of 22 metres.

I was there last Thursday, at the reef front and I was mesmerised.

So many soft corals, especially Gorgonian fans in shades of purple and gold, feather stars, and fish, and more fish – so many little fishes in every shape and colour.

I was disappointed in my buoyancy on both dives at John Brewer reef last Thursday; it seemed to be all over the place.   The secret I’m told is to be calm.

Then again, how is one to keep calm when everywhere that I looked there was something more spectacular, than what we had just swam past!

More spectacular.  And when it came to the Jointed Razorfish (Aeoliscus strigatus) they were swimming on their heads.   And I was meant to stay calm.

There is no relief.  Even now.  When I close my eyes: I see fishes.

*******

The photograph at the top of this post, and the three clips are, of course, by the perfectly calm Stuart Ireland filmed at John Brewer Reef on 4th April, 2024.  So much thanks to our guide, Paul Crocombe who is a PADI Master Scuba Instructor, and a Master Reef Guide and the owner of Adrenalin Dive.