In Tobago, an island off the coast of Trinidad, there is a large coral reef called the Buccoo Reef. To get there, I took a boat with a glass bottom that I could see through. On the ride there, I was able to see a lot of fish and the coral reef through the bottom of the boat. During the ride, we stopped and were able to get out and go snorkeling right above the shallow reef. There were so many different species of colorful fish swimming in schools by the reef, it felt like I was in Finding Nemo! I was told there are even sea turtles out there, but I wasn't able to spot any.
The coral reef looks like a big, hard brain that goes for miles and miles. It was light grey/white in color. Other parts of the reef grew in the shape of a piece of cauliflower, and the texture was hard as well. Some parts of the coral reef went deep down, while other parts were very shallow. At times it felt like I could touch it, but I did not because that could harm the reef.
I was so excited because I had never seen a coral reef before. I had only seen pieces that had washed up on Tybee Island. It was even more exciting because I was able to go snorkeling to see the reef and beautiful fish with a closer view than those who decided to stay in the boat.
