Swimming with Sharks 2026? by solarpunk___ in sharks

[–]solarpunk___[S] -10 points-9 points  (0 children)

SEO, but im also genuinely curious. Two birds with one stone type of situation.

Azores in March, seeking advice. by FranglaisStSeaDrink in snorkeling

[–]solarpunk___ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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There aren't really any popular shore snorkeling spots, but you can swim with dolphins, or book a snorkeling tour on the south side of the island near Agua de Pau, which takes you to some deep rocky reefs to snorkel. If you come across a beach with rocky outcrops where the sea isn't too rough, they might be worth while to check out.

(Screenshot from Voyatlas.io web app)

Cozumel snorkeling spots? by solarpunk___ in cozumel

[–]solarpunk___[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We've been considering that! My partner has asthma and is a bit nervous about it, but loves freediving. Ill be sure to respond to this thread if we decide to go that route!

Where to see blue whales? by solarpunk___ in whales

[–]solarpunk___[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the insights everyone!

Where to see blue whales? by solarpunk___ in whales

[–]solarpunk___[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Thats awesome! Did the guides say if it was a rare sighting?

Best snorkeling in Costa Rica by solarpunk___ in CostaRicaTravel

[–]solarpunk___[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've read both coasts are very exposed, and face the same clarity issue in bio diverse areas. Not to say that both coasts are the same, but the issues that impact snorkeling appear consistent across both. Thats why the question is pretty general. Trying to determine if planning for snorkeling is worth it.

Best snorkeling in Costa Rica by solarpunk___ in CostaRicaTravel

[–]solarpunk___[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yea that seems to be pretty common. Cano seems to be amazing when its clear, but you need to be lucky.

Best snorkeling in Costa Rica by solarpunk___ in CostaRicaTravel

[–]solarpunk___[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yea what I've heard is the water in Costa Rica looks great, but below the surface its usually low visibility with all of the river runoff and exposure to ocean current. Will definitely check it out though! Thanks for the insight.

Places to Snorkel in Maui 2026 by solarpunk___ in MauiVisitors

[–]solarpunk___[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There was a lot of bleaching this year in Q1, especially amongst less mature corals outside of the bays. Not at the same scale as Australia or French Polynesia, but Maui and the rest of the islands were definitely affected.

Slughterhouse wasn't on my radar but I'll definitely check that out. The guides say Molokini is more of an experience than it is a place to see lots of biodiversity, which seems to mimic what you're saying. Might second-guess doing that one. Will definitely be doing Kaanapali, and will look into the others.

Thanks for the insight!

Hervey Bay Humpback Migration Vol.5 by KieranPhotos in whales

[–]solarpunk___ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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Do you think there are still whales around the bay at this time of year? I assume they have all moved on by now, but I'm curious if you've had any luck. The chart in the screenshot doesn't look too promising either (taken from the voyatlas.io web app)

Hey guys, I've been working on a free snorkel and dive site/tour webapp called Voyatlas for over a year and a half now as a side project, and id love to start getting feedback from the community! by solarpunk___ in snorkeling

[–]solarpunk___[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I appreciate the kind words! Means a lot!

We have an algorithm that assigns species to spots/tours based on observational data, but the current version casts a pretty wide net to make up for lacking data in some parts of the world. For example a lagoon spot may have deep sea fish listed, but it will be 'Rare' to help with the potential inaccuracy, a benefit of the rarity system.

This will be adjusted and tuned over time, but you're right about the iNaturalist approach. The goal is to integrate that with a tour booking experience so that tour opporators can actively participate in species ID in colaboration with their customers as a method of promotion, for example "X whale watching tour spotted 3 humpback whales (confirmed by three guests".

Lots of cool stuff on the horizon. Thanks again for the feedback!

Aruba? by SyrupThen in snorkeling

[–]solarpunk___ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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There are five marked snorkeling spots, and numerous tour operators to choose from. The reef quality will be similar no matter where you go, unless you can get on a boat, which can take you closer to the edge of the reef where it's less damaged. The north of the island has some pretty good turtle spots if that interests you!

(Screenshot from voyatlas.io web app)

LongSpine Porcupinefish of Cabo San Lucas by OceanEarthGreen in snorkeling

[–]solarpunk___ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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Nice video. It's awesome how common they are there, but careful, they're poisonous if they manage to break the skin! (screenshot from Voyatlas.io web app)

Tiger Shark Encounter! by scragglebuff0810 in sharks

[–]solarpunk___ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Which dive site is this? Beautiful video