Sean Chinn’s Snorkel Journeys: Part 5 – Surface Interval Heaven

In this ongoing series regular contributor and worldwide snorkel adventurer Sean Chinn shares his snorkel journeys.

Part 5 – Surface Interval Heaven

Any dive trip you are lucky enough to travel on will be sure to have some amazing snorkelling opportunities too. One of the reasons I always say a dive trip can also be great for a non-diving partner/friend but who is a keen snorkeler. The adventure that greeted us in Jardines de la Reina, Cuba was no exception and gave me the best surface interval snorkels I have ever had.

Tito the croc relaxing on the mooring lines of Tortuga.

The trip started with a bang and the anticipation of sharing the water with crocodiles grew the minute I set foot on Tortuga (our liveaboard for the week). Tito the resident croc was relaxing on the mooring lines of Tortuga and although it was late I was itching to get in the water for my first opportunity snorkelling with crocs. I didn’t have to wait long and my first opportunity came after 2 incredible morning dives the next day. I must admit when I first entered the water the opposite end to Tito and started the swim round to greet him, I was a little nervous. I kept thinking to myself “I’m swimming around to greet a 3 metre American Crocodile in the water with no protection, am I crazy?” Them nerves soon passed as I realised how docile Tito was in the water. Crocs are actually quite chilled most the time but be wary of that sudden burst of pure power. It was thrilling to be in the water and I could have stayed there for hours.

I had numerous moments in the water with Tito over my time in Jardines de la Reina as he was on the mooring lines the majority of the week. The most memorable time come on our last meeting in the water at sunset. I noticed a different attitude to Tito as the sun got lower and lower and night was drawing in. He was a little more interested in me and paid more attention to me. I didn’t push my luck and decided to swim back round the boat to get out and he even followed me to usher me out this time. Later that evening a bigger croc known as Franco made an appearance next to the boat with Tito and this could have been the reason for his different demeanour.

 An American crocodile turns towards my friend Nick in the stunning mangrove area of Jardines de la Reina.

The surface interval interactions with crocs weren’t limited to around Tortuga but also on 2 occasions in the most beautiful pristine mangrove habitat I’ve had the pleasure of visiting. As the dive skiff moored up in the mangroves the guides would call out “NINOOOOOOO” to alert the crocs of our presence for a small handout of chicken. On day 1 we were greeted by 2 crocs. The larger croc asserted its dominance and picked the best spot by the boat. The smaller one waited patiently in knee deep water and allowed me to come close and spend some time taking photos of it while the rest of the group enjoyed marvelling at the other beautiful beast. Day 2 saw only the larger croc greet us but it was another incredible hour or so in the water with this prehistoric creature.

American crocodile relaxes on the sea grass. It was refreshing to see such healthy sea grass and mangroves. 

Our last diving day wasn’t complete without breaking another “surface” interval and enjoying it in the water. We moored up in a small opening to the mangroves and I spent quite a bit of time working my way through the maze of branches. The way the light pierces through the mangrove is a marvel in itself with flickering beams occasionally creating a spotlight on a small passing fish. Mangroves are so important to our survival it really was incredible to spend time exploring some pristine examples underwater.

Juvenile fish use the mangroves for protection.

Find out more about Sean, his photography and his trips at: www.greatwhitesean.com