swaying and dancing backwards and forwards

A couple of weeks ago, I was doing a dive at Puerto del Carmen.

As part of the DiveMeister course I have to practice, to demonstration standard, a host of skills, for example clearing the mask of water, removing and replacing the mask, pivoting on the fins, and removing and replacing the regulator (the breathing apparatus in the mouth).

During this dive, we past a field of garden eels (my personal favorites) and a cuttlefish.

Then, Mr D decided to give me a treat and for about 10 minutes I was allowed to be distracted.  We looked in some ropes and found a little seahorse.

It was so very well camouflaged.  It was attached by its curling tail to some algae covered rope.

It was tiny, no bigger than my thumb (about 5cm long) and so delicate.  It sat clinging to its rope haven swaying and dancing backwards and forwards in response to the subtle effects of the surge.

It was a real privilege to see the little creature.

I have been told that seahorses can be found in the waters near Dover harbour, which is great news and I cannot encourage divers enough, if you have not spent time looking up close at these majestic creatures, just do it!

For me, the 20° water has visibility in excess of 30 meters.  Given my current circumstances, I think I know where I would rather find them!