Snorkeling Path 3 (blue)
Fairly confident ?
This path, which covers depths between two (2) and five (5) metres, is ideal for fairly confident swimmers.
Photo Stop #1
Look out for? Sarpa salpa
Also known as the dream fish or cow bream, this pretty little fish which is a species of sea bream, is easily recognised by the golden stripes running along the length of its body
Photo Stop #2
Look out for? Paracentrotus lividus
Better known to most of us as the purple sea urchin, this spiny marine creature - whose roe is considered by seafood lovers to be a real delicacy – are generally found living on rocks and stones. Did you know? Although purple sea urchins aren’t dangerous, if you stand on one of those spines it can be difficult to remove. In some – rare - cases the urchin’s pedicellarines defence mechanism can inject you with a painful poison. As long as you don’t touch them you’ll be fine.
Photo Stop #3
Look out for? Geological seascape elements
Basically translated, that means keep an eye out for some of the fascinating rock formations, clefts and coves that cover the seabed surrounding Abaton Island resort & Spa.
Photo Stop #4
Look out for? Apogon imberbis
With its gold fish-like colours and feathery tail, the bright orange cardinal fish - also know as the king of mullets - is easy to spot. Did you know? The male of the species keeps the fertilised fish eggs in his mouth until they hatch.
Photo Stop #5
Look out for? Sphyraena viridensis
One of the more spectacular fish that you’re likely to see, the spear-like yellow barracuda can weigh as much as 10 kilos. Did you know? These predatory fish live in large shoals and prey on other fish, including mackerel.
Photo Stop #6
Look out for? Parablennius gattorugine
With its large globular eyes, branched tentacles and large fins the charmingly named tompot blenny could easily star in a remake of Little Nemo. Did you know? Despite that deceptively dopy face, the male of the species defend their territories aggressively from other males and are often wounded as a result.
Photo Stop #7
Look out for? Sea sponges and bryozoan colonies
If you’ve ever dreamt of seeing those crinkly natural sponges that are so good for your skin in their natural habitat, now’s your chance. You might also see some of those oddly named bryozoan colonies - more commonly called ‘moss animals’ – which can grow as big as footballs. Scientists say that their presence is a sure sign that the water is not polluted. Did you know? In the 19th century Europeans were big fans of the humble Greek sponge. After inventing a new type of diving suit so that they could fetch them from the deep, many Greek sea captains made a fortune in the sea sponge business.
