Xiaoliuqiu Snapshot Diary — Everyday Moments with Sea Turtles
2018 0301-07 Xiaoliuqiu Ocean Snapshot Diary
The south wind has truly made its presence felt — the soaking-wet motorcycle seat every morning is all the proof you need. The northern side of Xiaoliuqiu appears to be under the influence of a Kuroshio branch current; water temperatures have climbed as high as 27°C, and visibility is generally excellent, averaging over 20 m.
Sardine schools were spotted on three consecutive days in the Shanfu Harbor area. I hope they can survive and thrive here — or, failing that, sacrifice themselves to lure in something big.
The highlight was witnessing a sea turtle defecate in person for the very first time, and I even managed to film it. For some reason, sea turtle droppings are oddly adorable — positively buoyant, and utterly unforgettable. On a sadder note, I came across the skeletal remains of a small sea turtle near the bow of a wrecked boat. A fishing line and a small float buoy were tangled around its humerus; whether these were directly related to its cause of death, I cannot say. I can only hope that all these creatures get to live out their lives freely and naturally.
---
Water temp / 25 - 27 °C Visibility / 10 - 30 m Shanfu Harbor , sardines , the eating, drinking & daily life of sea turtles , sea turtle death
How is a BlueTrend dive trip different from a regular travel-agency dive tour?
We're a digital media company rooted in marine ecology. Every trip comes with top-tier dive-safety oversight, plus underwater-photography and marine-science insights shared by professional photo instructors or eco-guides. The precious wildlife shots you take can even be identified and logged as citizen-science records through our AI ocean-data platform — so your holiday isn't just sightseeing, it carries real meaning for ocean conservation!
Are there certification (C-card) level or logged-dive requirements to join a BlueTrend overseas dive trip?
Difficulty varies by site. 'Bali Tulamben', for example, suits AOW (OW divers, just ask us); while 'Maldives tiger shark diving' and 'Palau's high-current sites' strongly require AOW level and 50+ logged dives. If you're unsure whether your experience fits, contact us anytime and our instructors will give you a professional assessment.
Can I join as a solo diver? How is room arrangement handled?
Absolutely! Many of our travellers sign up solo and make like-minded dive buddies on the trip. For rooms, we prioritise pairing same-gender travellers; if you'd prefer a single room, you can upgrade by paying the difference.
Does the trip fee include dive insurance, gear rental, flights or instructor tips?
BlueTrend believes in transparent pricing. Our dive packages include professional underwater guiding, insurance on certain itineraries, and accommodation. Since every traveller’s departure point and gear needs differ, flights and gear rental are usually optional or self-arranged. For a detailed included/not-included list, check each trip’s itinerary or ask our LINE support.
