SOLOMON ISLANDS, MAROVO LAGOON
The days we spent in Drift Wood Lodge were pure magic. Every day we went with our small boats to paradisiacal islands and could see the most magnificent, healthy coral reefs. When snorkeling, I was sometimes surrounded by thousands of fish swimming in a group. Time is different when in the ocean. Everything seems to be slower, more graceful, and peaceful.
Going snorkeling and free diving with our crew
Lorenz made photos with an underwater camera. However, it was only able to capture a glimpse of the beauty of coral reefs.
The coral reefs are an example of harmony and beauty. A coral reef is a humongous living being hosting plants in its inside, which provides nourishment for the corals. In the Solomon Islands, the coral reefs are still healthy, but the Great Barrier Reef in Australia is in the process of dying. Global warming causes a big stress on the corals. In order to cope with the stress, they push out the plants they need for nourishment. This leads to a starvation of the corals and they become white – coral bleaching. In 30 years, 50% of the world’s coral reefs have died. Global warming leads to a disaster in the ocean and on land!
One time, two manta rays were swimming underneath us, checking us out. They swam like angels of the ocean
We saw many different kinds of beautiful fish. Sometimes, we saw turtles swimming by and often sharks. Sharks are not dangerous (if you do not have an injury and do not touch them). On our way back to the Drift Wood Lodge, our guide spotted a group of pilot whales beside our boat. We all jumped into the water. There were about 25 pilot whales communicating with each other and also about 100 sharks. Even the crew members never saw something like that. It was amazing!
Spotting pilot whales beside our boat
Click below for pilot whales swimming video:
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In this part of the world, the oceans are still clean with crystal clear water. No trash anywhere, no plastic – also no noise and pollution of any kind.
The calm water reflecting the magnificent cumulus clouds