This past week brought some of the best snorkeling conditions of the year to the jetties at North Padre Island and Port Aransas. With virtually no wave action and an incredible 15 to 20 feet of visibility, the Gulf transformed into a calm, clear aquarium — perfect for underwater exploration.
I took full advantage of the conditions, snorkeling along the rocks while filming an upcoming beachcombing video focused on green sea turtles. These amazing creatures were everywhere — gliding effortlessly around the rocks and surfacing for air. Sharing the water with them was unforgettable.
The jetties were buzzing with life. I swam through shimmering schools of bay anchovies, their bodies flashing in the sunlight like a living curtain. Colorful fish such as mangrove snapper and sergeant majors darted in and out of rock crevices, while stone crabs clung to the shadows. A couple of spider crabs made an appearance, along with a sleek snook cruising by, making this one of the most vibrant snorkeling experiences I’ve had all summer…