Wonders beneath the waves

From the surface the sea appears to be a vast empty expanse

From land it appears to be a vast expanse of water, and not much else. Stretching away in a uniform manner as far as the eye can see, the ocean is a seemingly unchanging palette - save for the texture of restless, wandering waves.

In harmony with the moods of the sky above, its blue radiance can alter day by day, but from above it portrays a glistening emptiness. Yet beneath the surface, in many places only inches below the waves, exists an otherworldly terrain filled with breathtaking seascapes.

It is neither the wind nor the sea breeze which causes the corals to sway in unison. They bow to the gentle currents and undertows that sweep through the submerged, sculptured rocks where curious fish move in and out.

Colourful corals create a rich, underwater garden scene

A sergeant major fish shows off his stripes, while a secretive squirrel fish dares to venture from a hiding place. The fish come in all shapes, sizes and colours, mingling without incident, content to share with their neighbours the aquatic wonderland.

Beneath the waves is a world that lives and breathes by its own rules, immersed in a peaceful silence. To see and appreciate its wonders is to have your soul uplifted.

As we snorkelled last weekend, Heather and I saw turtles and a golden spotted sea eel. Unfortunately the camera was not switched on for those encounters. It is not a GoPro, alas. This is "old school" filming using a standard camera in a watertight pouch. Even so, I hope the glimpses of the world beneath the waves in this short video will uplift your soul.