The Dig at Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas is the largest open-air marine habitat in the world with the exception of the world's oceans. It's absolutely amazing. Just under and outside the Royal Towers is a labyrinth of dimly lit halls and chambers paneled with floor to ceiling windows on one side, and individual aquariums and tanks on the other. Not only does this watery world house the recreated ruins of the destroyed city of Atlantis but it is home to an incredible array of exotic sea creatures.
As you meander through the maze of chambers, you'll be stopped in your tracks as you see the gigantic manta rays turn the corner and float directly toward you, only to brush the window and proceed on their way; or, you'll be transfixed by a school of shimmering translucent-looking silver jack fish. Captivating too are the lionfish - venomous creatures using their reddish-brown and white stripes as camouflage, their needle-like dorsal fins to deliver venom to their victims, and their long flashy pectoral fins to say "Stay away!" which it appears should be fairly effective. And, I smile every time I turn the corner and find myself eye-to-eye with the tiny orange and white striped clownfish wondering which one is Nemo. This year, however (and you'll see) one was different - one was black with white stripes. How'd they do that?
Whether you like primeval looking gargantuan groupers, undulating jelly fish, rocking seahorses, slithering moray eels, spiny lobsters, or piranha, you'll find a chamber holding them, but what I found the most mesmerizing was the Ruins Lagoon. Thousands and thousands of fish swim past you at eye level revealing their spectacular colors and/or quirky natures. So many species in one location, some acting independently, and others darting to and fro in huge schools with no recognized leader and no understandable reason for their collective, erratic behavior.
I've put together this slide show to share with you some of the magic of The Dig and its inhabitants. Shooting fast moving objects in very dark lighting is a challenge and one that I still need to master, so please be patient with the graininess of some of the photos, but I did so want to share these characters and their colors with you. Remember to get the best resolution change 360 to the highest number you can (either 480 or 720).
Photos and Slide Show by Claudia Ward ©2010 All Rights Reserved
Music: Under the Sea by Kidzone
