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Puerto Rico

The current weather in Culebra

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dangers of snorkel
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: dan fried (---.nycmny.east.verizon.net)
Date:   02-18-06 20:31

tell me- while snorkling saw stingray, i was on top and it was way below but ireally got scared- isee debbie takes pics of them and barricudas as well- but does anybody know if these things are dangerous and what to do if you see them or even a shark-

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Re: dangers of snorkel
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Debbie (---.asm.bellsouth.net)
Date:   02-18-06 21:19

Well, I don't think they're dangerous. I think they're beautiful! My most recent pictures are of eagle rays, not stingrays. Southern stingrays are somewhat common in Culebra; this type of stingray, if you step on its barb, can "sting" you, and their barbs are venomous, according to Reef Fish Identification, by Paul Humann and Ned DeLoach. The general rule is when entering the water from a sandy beach, do the "stingray shuffle" - shuffle your feet in the sand until you have reached a point where you can swim. This shuffling will scare up any stingrays and make them move on. Once you are on top of the water and they are below, they will not harm you. They are only harmful if you step on the barb. Much like a sea urchin; it's a docile character unless you step on it. Spotted eagle rays are very wary of humans; they will not purposely come near you.

Barracudas are curious animals. They like to follow divers around, which can be unnerving, but seems to be more out of curiosity than anything else. Never seen a barracuda "attack".

As for sharks, the only ones I've seen in Culebra are nurse sharks, and they too are docile animals. They just lie under ledges and in the sand, observing the world around them.

Hope this helps; respect Mother Nature's creatures, and they will respect you.

Happy Diving!
Debbie

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Re: dangers of snorkel
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: mymoosie (---.res.east.verizon.net)
Date:   02-19-06 09:47

I love watching stingrays and I think it is a treat to see one. As Debbie said, they won't hurt you unless you step on their tail. We've seen a barracuda too while snorkeling and for the most part it minded its own business. I heard barracudas are attracted to sparkly things, so try not to wear those diamonds and "bling" while snorkeling or diving. ;-)

Kris

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Re: dangers of snorkel
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Michael (---.c3-0.nyw-ubr2.nyr-nyw.ny.cable.rcn)
Date:   02-19-06 13:58

There definitely are other than nuse sharks in Culebra. I have encountered at least three. As long as you are not spear fishing (and have your catch on you) - you should be fine ;)

Enjoy Culebra!

Michael

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Re: dangers of snorkel
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Kim Pingston (---.hsd1.mi.comcast.net)
Date:   02-19-06 15:03

If you're afraid of Stingrays, you should visit Grand Cayman to swim with the Stingrays! They're adorable, feel like rubber, and they love for you to feed them!

Kim

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