Dan or Justy

We dove the Poor Knights and experienced one of Jacques Cousteau's favorite places. The islands are uninhabited by man and feature the native Weta grasshopper, the heaviest insect in the world. The islands feature sheer cliffs, large cavernous sea caves and huge natural arches. Topside was almost as interesting as the diving.

Almost. This is kelp country and the ever-present surge plays tricks on your perception. You would swear the giant rocks are moving, waving their kelp forests. Indeed, it takes effort and concentration to understand that the surge moving the kelp is moving you too, even if imperceptibly.

We found nudibranchs and even a massive sea hare. Picture a nudibranch a foot long and 4 inches wide, munching on kelp. Just amazing. There was no current, but working the surge easily took some technique. Swim when it's going your way. Streamline when it's against you. A fun ride!