We frequently have octopus sightings around Gili Air, just like the one above, which was captured by PADI Advanced Open Water student, Ellie. The most common octopus sightings around Gili Air is the day octopus, but if you are lucky, it is possible to spot other species such as the blue-ringed octopus. Day octopus sightings in Gili Air are always memorable because they are often shy and hiding in crevices in the reef or under/within other objects that find their way into the sea such as tires, concrete blocks and metal structures. Sometimes it is easy to spot them as they are moving along the reef and changing their colours and textures, more often they are shy and will hide and work their camouflage magic to blend right in with the reef.
Not only are octopus masters of camouflage, they are fast swimmers, but their soft bodies also allow them to squeeze into the tiniest spaces and if very threatened they can expel some ink to confuse or deter any predators. Octopuses studies have also revealed that they are incredibly intelligent, having demonstrated the ability to solve problems, use tools and are keen escape artists when held in captivity. These fascinating species have been the subject of many studies, papers, books, and videos. For those of us diving here and experiencing octopus sightings in Gili Air, we simply enjoy the pleasure of their unusual company whenever we encounter them!
This week found us full steam ahead with Patric, Marcus and Mel as they continued their PADI Divemaster training. We did some skills practices in the pool, some practical assessments in the ocean and some dry workshops as well. All three are making great progress toward becoming PADI Pros!
Early in the week, we took them over to Lombok for a compressor workshop, and you can tell from Marcus’ face that he really enjoyed it!
Marcus, Mel and Patric all completed their mapping dives and have been spending some of their surface interval time working on the finished products, which we are very much looking forward to receiving!
Some long days of practical assessments have left everyone feeling a bit tired, but still in high spirits as Mel did some rescue practice with Marcus in the pool Thursday afternoon.
Thursday afternoon was also our bi-weekly beach cleanup and Mel and Marcus hit the stretch of beach in front of our dive centre along with local staff Adus, Komang and Jen. Just take a look at all of the rubbish they cleaned up from our beach area in less than one hour!!! Well done, guys!
We’re looking forward to continuing this weekend with Patric’s snorkel test and then the final week of training for Marcus and Mel!
Busy, busy, busy but lots of great divers, divers and of course, more octopus!!
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