BigSexysPlayground

Nito is a man with a big heart who lives in San Pedro, on the island of Ambergrise Caye, in Belize. He has been a scuba dive master for the past 15 years, leading people on adventures in the ocean and showing them his "playground", as he calls it. A natural teacher with enthusiasm and charisma, he is known all over the world for being among the best in the business. He has the nickname "Big Sexy" and few of his friends would even recognize him by any other name. Aside from loving the reefs and the animals in the ocean, Big Sexy also loves the other creatures that inhabit this island paradise. While walking to work one day, several years ago, he came upon a small iguana that had been caught by two feral cats. The cats had injured the iguana badly and he had a wound on his hind end. The little iguana was also exhausted and terrified. Big Sexy picked up the iguana and took him to the dive shop where he was working. He cleaned the wounds and gave the iguana a quiet spot to heal and be safe from predators. Big Sexy fed the iguana greens, peppers, fruit, and also some meat. He and the other dive shop employees were amused by the lizard and how well he responded to the help he was getting. They named him Pedro and they began letting him run free around the dock and the beach outside the dive shop. Pedro still enjoys food that he is given each day even after his release and he continues to watch for Big Sexy in the mornings. Incredibly, Pedro seems to be able to recognize him and he follows him up the dock towards the dive shop. He waits and watches from a distance. He does not want to be picked up anymore, but he will gladly eat or bask within a few feet of the people who look after him. Big Sexy has found that one of Pedro's favorite treats is "ceviche", a tangy mix of vegetables with lime juice and shrimp. Pedro munches happily on the ceviche while Big Sexy watches from a few feet away. After telling the story of the lizard to his Canadian friend, Big Sexy recorded the interaction so he could send a video that shows the happy little iguana doing so well. Pedro has grown well since he was injured and it is unlikely that even a full grown cat will tangle with him now. He is truly living the life at this little dive shop on the beach!

Clown fish are the best known members of a larger group of fish that are referred to as anemone fish. They have a unique adaptation that allows them to take shelter where other fish cannot go. Anemones give of a powerful sting that packs enough venom to kill most fish. In fact, that's how the anemone captures its prey. They inject venom into any animal that comes in contact with them. This paralyzes or kills the victim so that they can be drawn in and consumed by the anemones. Unlike other fish, clown fish may have a mucous coating that is sugar based, rather than the typical protein based mucous. This may make it difficult for the anemone to recognize the clown fish as potential food. It is also possible that the clown fish has simply developed an immunity to the stings. This is a symbiotic relationship. The clown fish aerates the anemone with its constant movement. It also preys on parasites and small fish that would eat the anemone. The clown fish eats the dead tentacles and keeps the anemone healthy. The anemone receives the benefit of being able to eat the feces of the clown fish as well. In return, the clown fish has a perfect place to hide safely from predators. The clown fish will also feed on the scraps of food from the anemone's meals. Clown fish are loyal to an anemone, protecting their host for most of their life.

Hawksbill sea turtles are critically endangered, having been hunted to near extinction in the last two centuries. Their strikingly beautiful shells were sought after for hairbrushes, ornaments, and furniture accents. Also part of the meat trade for many years, their numbers declined rapidly. Fortunately, conservation efforts and stricter laws have removed much of the incentive to hunt them and their numbers have started to increase. For scuba divers, a chance encounter with such a beautiful animal is a memorable thing. This turtle is a large male who is very relaxed about being accompanied by a scuba diver with a camera. The turtle glides along, seemingly effortlessly over the sand and coral, searching for food. Their main diet is a specific type of sea sponge. Although they appear to be bulky and clumsy, they are surprisingly graceful as they swim through the water. Able to propel themselves quickly with a few strokes of their flippers, they are also very agile when they need to be. Swimming with a beautiful sea turtle is a very relaxing way to spend time under water.

Sea cucumbers are one of the most bizarre looking animals in the underwater world. They are eyeless, faceless animals that are capable of moving only slowly across the ocean bottom. They filter the water or scrape surfaces to feed on algae and decaying plant material. They range in size from several cm long to more than 2m (6 feet). This one is approximately 45cm in length (1.5 feet). Responsible for keeping the water clean, they are beneficial to the overall health of the ocean. They also provide food for many animals, and even humans. This spiny sea cucumber has numerous "feet" that help propel it slowly along. Its mouth constantly works to push food in as it moves. Thousands of tiny suckers on its underside help keep the sea cucumber on the surface on which it is feeding. They also prevent the sea cucumber from being turned over easily. This allows it to stay protected, exposing only the tough, leathery skin on its back. This sea cucumber lives on a reef in Papua New Guinea. The waters here are home to an abundance of beautiful and unique animals. Crystal clear water makes this place a top ten destination for scuba divers. Rich in culture and history, Papua New Guinea is a wonderful place to explore, both above and below the waves.

Imagine being able to swim in crystal clear water "infested" with sharks and stingrays that greet swimmers like old friends. Perfectly safe, these swimmers experienced an up close encounter with some of the moist feared animals in the ocean. But the reality is that the sharks and stingrays are no threat to humans, and this wonderful encounter demonstrates this very well. Nito, known in the scuba diving world as "Big Sexy" is world renowned for his diving skill and his serious approach to a sport that requires training, careful planning, and attention to detail. He takes great pride in guaranteeing his clients safety while under his care. But he also has a fun-loving side that makes diving with him an experience that will not be forgotten. Big Sexy has a love for the ocean, the reefs, and all of the animals that live there. He strives to educate his guests and to provide them with encounters that educate and that foster a similar love for the animals. The first step in making people comfortable is make sure that they are relaxed unafraid. When this beautiful day of scuba diving was finished, Big Sexy treated his guests to a bonus swim at a place that the locals call "Shark/Ray Alley". It is here in this marine sanctuary that the animals are protected and safe, yet free to come and go as they please. The animals have learned that humans here pose no threat and they have developed a trust and curiosity that brings them up close for face to face encounters. The water is not deep and the clients were able to leave their scuba gear in the boat. Big Sexy hopped into the water with his delighted group to swim among these predators. While very few sharks are an actual danger to humans unless threatened, these nurse sharks are particularly docile and gentle. They are scavengers who eat injured or dead fish, playing an essential role in keeping the reef clean and healthy. They are still wild animals and they must be treated with respect, but the sharks have no desire to bite people, even when they are close enough to do so. The stingrays are an equally misunderstood animal, having an undeserved reputation as savage killers. The tragic death of the beloved Steve Irwin cemented this fear for many people. But stingrays are curious and docile creatures with no desire to harm humans either. Their main predators are sharks that attack from behind and above. The stingray will reflexively stab at something that surprises them with contact in this way, but they will never attack people who don't try to handle them improperly. This video actually shows one of the swimmers being met by a stingray that swims straight into his arms and makes no move to escape when it is lifted gently. The curious stingray initiated the contact on its own terms and the swimmer is obviously thrilled. Big Sexy has been introducing new scuba divers to the ocean, and accompanying seasoned scuba veterans for more than two decades. He was taught to dive by his father who grew up on the island of Ambergrise Caye in the town of San Pedro. This truly is "La ISla Bonita" and it is easy to see why Big Sexy loves it so much. Belize is one of the top scuba diving destinations in the world. Big Sexy can be found at Chuck & Robbie's Dive Instruction right on the beach and he is always waiting to take another group out to experience his "playground".

Scarface is a sea turtle with a lot of character. Injured badly at a young age, he lost one eye and still has the scars that gave him his name. But he does well for a turtle with only half the usual vision, partly because local fishermen in the area have taken a liking to him. Scarface comes and goes freely, but he makes a daily appearance in this protected marine park off the coast of San Pedro Island. Fishermen bring their catch here to clean it before going back to shore and heading to the market. They bring conch shells here and discard the old shells on the ocean floor. The meat is dropped into a cooler for their sales, but some of it never reaches the market. Instead, it goes to this hungry turtle. Scarface finds their boat and flaps around at the side with his gaping jaws wide open. He looks more like a hungry baby bird than a wild sea turtle as he opens his beak and demands food. Laughing and talking to him like an old friend, the fishermen use tongs to give him some of their catch. These swimmers were brought to this area between dives by their dive master, Nito, known as Big Sexy. They had been following the sharks, rays and other creatures around the marine park when they caught on to this incredible sight. Completely entertained, they filmed Scarface and the fishermen. Big Sexy explained that Scarface was a juvenile turtle and that the fishermen had taken pity on him due to his injuries. They saw him as a comical and endearing character and they explained that he would eat their entire catch if they allowed him to. Scarface is a famous turtle who has made an appearance in many tourist videos. He's a very popular turtle among the tourists and locals alike.

Dolphins are one of the most beloved and adored animals in the ocean. Their intelligence and playful nature appeal to people of all ages and almost everyone dreams of a close encounter with a dolphin. Inquisitive and curious, they occasionally approach scuba divers close enough to provide a close look for both the people and the pod of dolphins. But few people ever see them in the wild and even less are treated to a prolonged, close up interaction that is completely on the dolphins' terms. These scuba divers in Belize are being led by a very seasoned scuba master, Nito, who is known throughout the worldwide dive community as "Big Sexy". Famous for his charisma and fun loving nature, as much as his serious side, Big Sexy has a talent for delivering memorable scuba diving experiences. Well acquainted with the reefs around his home on San Pedro Island, he can find underwater animals as well as anyone. But this dive topped them all when a pod of dolphins visited the group and spent almost five minutes swimming between and around the divers. They passed closely, rolled, clicked, and squealed, communicating with each other, and seemingly communicating with this group of visitors in their domain. Dolphins are actually massive creatures that dwarf a human when seen close up. Their speed, grace, and incredible beauty are awe inspiring and they perfectly illustrate just how clumsy we are when we enter their domain. The divers' excitement couldn't be contained as we hear them squealing with delight through this magical encounter.

Stingrays are fearsome looking creatures that cause panic and terror for those who do not understand them. The famous and tragic incident that caused the death of the beloved conservationist, Steve Irwin, has only amplified the anxiety surrounding these animals. But the truth is that they are gentle and highly intelligent creatures. The reason that people fear stingrays is that they possess a sharp and toxic barb in their tails that can cause severe injury to a human. But stingrays are not aggressive and a human is not food for a stingray, so documented attacks on humans are almost zero. The stingray has one major predator, large sharks, which attack from above and behind. The stingray instinctively lashes out with its tail if it perceives that it is under attack in this manner. In all cases of injuries to humans, the stingray was acting defensively due to improper behaviour by people, or mistaken identity. Stingrays often glide over shallow coral and rocks, as in this video, looking for crustaceans and mollusks in the sand. They have sensors in their wings that allow them to detect minuscule electrical impulses from animals burrowed into the ocean floor. They beat their wings to uncover the creatures and inhale them to be consumed. Because they may be found hunting, or even resting in shallow areas, humans can inadvertently step on them, resulting in a defensive strike. But stingrays usually see people coming and move away. Shy and reclusive, they will avoid humans, or remain still if they are camouflaged under sand. People who are concerned about stepping on a stingray can walk slowly and use a shuffle approach in order to avoid surprising one. To see one swimming should be considered a treat, and perfectly safe, as long as a respectful distance is kept. Watching one glide gracefully through the water is a beautiful sight!

Loggerhead sea turtles are extremely rare and few scuba divers ever get a close look at one underwater. They are massive animals, capable of reaching weights of nearly 450kg (1,000lbs). A full grown loggerhead has an enormous head that would dwarf even a saint Bernard dog. These scuba divers in Belize were drifting along over the coral and sea fans, enjoying the beautiful colours and sights when they spotted a very large turtle coming straight for them. Respectfully, they drifted towards the turtle and it swam straight for them, obviously curious enough to check them out. The turtle is big enough that he doesn't fear anything except a fully grown shark. Carrying an armoured shell for protection and being capable of inflicting a crushing wound with his enormous jaws, the turtle knows he does not have to worry about these humans. Surprisingly swift in the water, the turtle can easily outswim a clumsy scuba diver with ease. But turtles don't usually have much reason to approach people either, and this encounter was a rare treat for this group. Loggerheads can be bolder during mating season and they will occasionally investigate scuba divers and then swim on their way, This one seems to want to meet everyone in the group, especially the one with the camera. At the end, he even seems to give the diver a big wink. When this dive was over, the group met on the surface and excitedly talked about this massive visitor. This is a dive that none of them will ever forget.

Belize is home to some of the most beautiful coral and most incredible marine animals on the planet. It is one of the world's tops dive destinations. And it is here that Loggerhead sea turtles come for breeding in the spring. These enormous animals can top out at over 440kg (1,000 lbs) and their shell can be large enough to completely fill the interior passenger area of a small car. Scuba divers occasionally see these massive turtles as they scour the reef for conch shells that they crush in their powerful jaws to access the meat inside. They are also on the lookout for female turtles. During breeding seasons, they are likely to approach scuba divers rapidly to look them over and determine whether they could be competition or a potential mate.

Octopus are one of the most bizarre and fascinating creatures on the reef. They are also one of the most intelligent. Possessing problems solving skills, phenomenal memories, complex social structures, and reasoning ability, they are the most intelligent invertebrates on the planet. They are also surprisingly powerful and flexible unlike any other creature. All of this together makes them formidable hunters. These scuba divers in Belize had gone on a night dive at Hol Chan Marine Park. The animal life at night is vastly different than during the day. The octopus is one of the creatures that is more likely to make an appearance after dark. It hunts by swimming or gliding over the rocks and coral, spreading its body out around the crevices and reaching under with long arms to catch fish. Any that dash out to avoid the tentacles will be captured and drawn into the center where a razor sharp beak delivers a fatal bite. Octopus can propel themselves using jet propulsion, ejecting a stream of water through the vent hole. They can also use their limbs to swim. It almost appears that they are flying or even climbing through the water. Their movements are fascinating and hypnotic. A male octopus will die withing weeks of mating. It undergoes metabolic changes that make it unable to eat. Some species mature in approximately six months while others may take up to five years. The females also die after mating, but they live long enough to care for the eggs until they hatch. The eggs will not survive without her efforts to keep them clean and aerate them.

These swimmers in Belize were treated to an incredibly close encounter with wild sharks and stingrays. This is an are where the animals congregate to feed and breed. The are is a huge marine park that is protected. Although the animals are free to come and go as they please, they can come to no harm here.

Manatees are incredible and gentle creatures that are often referred to as "sea cows". Large and clumsy looking, they have the body of a walrus and a flattened tail that resembles that of a whale. Their faces are similar to a very plump sea lion, complete with the whiskers. Slow moving and shy, they are often seen basking in the shallows in the mangroves, feeding on vegetation that grows and floats in the water. They are an extremely vulnerable creature because they swim near the surface, requiring air to breath. They cannot move quickly enough to get out of the way of boats, and many bear the scars of propellers and collisions with the hulls of ships. Many do not survive these strikes and their populations are dwindling. Manatee can very occasionally be found cruising over the reef as they make their way from one feeding ground to another, or as they look for breeding grounds. This lucky swimmer in Belize chanced upon a large manatee coming straight toward him. Nito, known in the scuba diving world as "Big Sexy" is a world renowned scuba dive master and tour guide who works at Chuck & Robbie's Scuba Instruction on San Pedro Island, Belize. Between dives or after a full day of exploring the depths, Big Sexy takes his guests for a snorkel tour, looking for sharks, stingrays, and other creatures of the ocean. He is famous for his way with animals as well, and unusual encounters are not so unusual when you are one of his swims. It's no surprise that if anyone was going to have a manatee swim straight up to them, it would be Big Sexy. The gentle giant was slow to notice the human in front of him and he casually looked around as he swam almost face to face with Big Sexy. At the last second, he rolled gracefully and turned around to put some distance between them. Very few people have ever seen a manatee in the water, and even fewer have met one so close up. An experience like this one is something that will not be forgotten.

Squid are one of the most bizarre creatures in the ocean. They are tube shaped animals with large eyes and strange looking appendages, covered in tiny, gripping suction cups. Their arms are capable of grabbing prey or adopting a defensive posture to discourage predators. Surprisingly intelligent, they are among the smartest of all invertebrate animals. Closely related to the octopus and the cuttlefish, they are capable of complex memory skills and problem solving behaviour. They are able to learn visually and they can develop understanding through watching other animals. They are even able to recognize animals that they had seen through the egg sacs while they were still unhatched. The squid has an advanced system of communication with other squid, using changes in its body to give off light and colour signals to others. They can even display different messages simultaneously on either side of their bodies. Squid often hunt in packs and assist each other to capture food. Although the larger squid, such as Humboldt Squid, are a serious threat to almost any animal, including humans, these Caribbean reef squid are perfectly harmless. They hunt fish and small crustaceans, capturing them by shooting out two of their rubbery arms to latch onto prey and pull it into the mouth where their sharp beak delivers a paralyzing bite. Seeing a squid for more than a brief moment is a rare sight for divers and these lucky observers thrilled to have such a display. The squid drifted between the divers in the group and changed colour and arm position, no doubt communicating a message of some sort, likely a warning to keep back. Squid are curious creatures that are likely to watch divers with fascination, although it will rarely last for long. They are also much more active at night, making them difficult to find.

Stingrays have a reputation as being cold blooded killers, unpredictable and dangerous. Public perception turned extremely negative when the beloved Steve Irwin died in a tragic accident as he interacted with stingrays. It was a freak incident that involved a fatal puncture of his heart when he was filming in Australia. Irwin was a world famous environmentalist and conservationist with a flair for drama and entertainment and his death shocked the world. Stingrays have not been known to attack humans unless boxed in and threatened. Even those instances are incredibly rare and are actually defensive as opposed to aggressive. They are highly intelligent creatures with no desire to harm humans. These stingrays swim freely in a protected area on San Pedro Island in Belize. There is no enclosure and the rays are completely wild, but they are also accustomed to people here and they have been treated respectfully. This swimmer invites the stingrays to approach on their own terms and they are able to swim away if necessary. Prolonged or intentional approach from the rear or from above is avoided because this could be mistaken as predatory. In this way, the stingrays are not dangerous at all. They are actually affectionate and friendly and they seem to enjoy being rubbed and petted. Interaction with wild animals in their own habitat is a thrilling experience. Wild animals should always be approached respectfully and with caution and it should always be on their terms, not ours. Operations and tour agencies that encourage or allow animal harassment and exploitation should be avoided. Scuba diving and snorkel tours with operations like Chuck & Robbie's Dive Instruction will provide ethical and safe experiences, and memories that last a lifetime.

Nito, known as Big Sexy in the scuba diving world is one of the most sought after dive and snorkel guides in the area. His love of the reef and his incredible way with animals provide guests with some of the most amazing and memorable experiences possible. Between dives, Big Sexy took his group to an area where they could swim with sting rays and nurse sharks in a shallow bay. The crystal clear water and plentiful animal life make this a perfect spot to get right up close with some wild, but friendly creatures of the ocean. The sharks and rays swim freely among the people and will approach curiously. Sharks and stingrays have a badly deserved reputation as cold-blooded killers and savage beasts. They are highly intelligent and surprisingly good-natured animals that deserve better understanding and respect. Without them, the delicate balance of the ocean ecosystems would be in serious peril. Big Sexy not only provides entertainment and fun on his dives and tours, he also teaches people about the softer side of "scary" creatures. Through education and demonstration of a true love for nature and all its beauty, Big Sexy promotes conservation and responsible tourism. His guests go home with more than just memories and great footage. They leave with a better understanding of the world that few are lucky enough to experience.

Iguanas are enormous lizards that can be found throughout the Caribbean and the Cayman Islands. They are impressive in size as well as colour, resembling dinosaurs more than any other creature today. This green iguana has found a perch in the mangroves along the coast of San Pedro Island. At more than 2.2m long (almost 7 feet), he is truly the king of the roost in this neighbourhood. Despite having powerful jaws and formidable teeth, the green iguana is vegetarian, living on leaves, fruit, berries, and flowers. They are territorial and will often find a perch high along a waterway and then defend the area from rival males. They are defending their food supply as well as their mating grounds and they can put on a very animated display of aggression with head bobbing and posturing to scare away other males. Fights for territory often result in serious injury or death for one of the combatants. Iguanas has monstrous claws and they will also whip their powerful tails to thrash an opponent, or even a human who gets too close for comfort. The reason this iguana is perched over the water is to allow it to drop into the ocean so it can swim to safety if it is threatened by predators. The iguana actually possesses an organ in its head that senses light. Technically, a third eye, it can detect when a predator is approaching from above in order to help the iguana recognize danger and escape before capture. A sensory device in its mouth, known as Jacobson's Organ helps the lizard sense food and even danger with its tongue. Iguanas are very complex and well developed in terms of sensory ability. Male iguanas are also surprisingly beautiful with their brightly coloured scales and skin flaps. Only the males have these features. The females are smaller, and they are grey or green in appearance.

Hawksbill sea turtles are possibly the most beautiful of all the sea turtles. Their shells are strikingly ornate, which is why they were hunted to near extinction not long ago. Their shells were sought for hairbrushes and ornaments, and their meat was being consumed at an unsustainable rate. The turtles were pushed to the edge of their ability to survive. Fortunately, a change in laws, as well as strong conservation efforts have seen the turtle populations starting to rebound. But seeing one in the wild is still considered a very lucky thing and scuba divers particularly enjoy these sightings. Hawksbills are usually shy and they will often swim away from people. But this turtle is surprisingly relaxed with Serena, a young scuba diver who has a certain way with animals. Even though Serena has been diving only a few years, her enthusiasm has more than made up for the shorter time that she has been involved in the sport. She has explored the reefs of Mexico, Cuba, Cayman Islands, Belize, and the Galapagos Islands several times. In this time, she has come to understand the animals very well, along with the need to approach them respectfully. He slow and careful approach will often allow her to gain the trust of the animals, which presents a better opportunity to see the creatures up close and to enjoy a safe interaction on their own terms.

Reef sharks are scavengers and are not usually much of a real threat to scuba divers. They don't usually attack unless provoked or threatened. Even cases of mistaking people for food is extremely rare and it almost always involves improper behaviour on the part of the humans. In Belize, reef sharks have only recently begun to appear. Until recent years, nurse sharks were the only species that would be seen around the island of San Pedro. The arrival of a gang of hungry sharks was a surprise to these divers who were spearing lionfish, an invasive species that needs to be eradicated for the health of the reef. The lionfish were being carried out in a tube that was designed to store the fish in a manner that protected the divers from the dangerous stings. These sharks arrived, likely because they smelled blood from the injured fish. They circled and followed the diver who was towing the tube on a string. He went to the bottom with the tube and then inflated a small buoy that would take the tube and fish to the surface, away from the divers. The sharks had already shown enough interest in the tube that they bit at it and tried to get at the fish inside. One end of the tube opened and fish scraps fell out. One shark came up below the diver, indicating curiosity, but this can easily turn to aggression and the divers were wise to head to the surface. After finishing their safety stop, the divers left the water promptly and considered themselves very lucky to have gotten great footage without injury. Reef sharks are becoming more common in this area now as water temperatures and currents change. All animals in the ocean should be treated with caution and respect. Although sharks are not the dangerous killers that they are made out to be, they are not to approached without great care.

Scarface is a loggerhead sea turtle with a lovable character. He is well known throughout the world by visitors who are fortunate enough to meet him in the waters around San Pedro, Belize. Loggerheads are an endangered species. It's a treat for guests who come here to meet one close up and Scarface is a predictable sight at this popular snorkel and scuba diving location. The locals named him Scarface due to the injury on his face and eye that has rendered him partially blind. But despite his setbacks, Scarface thrives here. He is a juvenile and still a long way from the maximum size of almost 1,000lbs that these turtles attain. He inhabits a protected marine park where the animals cannot be hunted or harassed, but he is free to swim in and out as he pleases. There are no barriers here to keep the animals in or out. Guests come here to meet friendly stingrays and sharks, as well as the occasional sea turtle, like Scarface. He has a voracious appetite and he approaches everybody with curiosity. He will occasionally nibble at tourists or their belongings in an attempt to eat whatever he can. In this video, he is curious about the swimmer's GoPro camera and he tries to get his beak on it, giving a momentary view of the inside of his mouth. Scarface has been delighting tourists and residents for a few years. Fishermen come here to clean their catch and they will usually have a few scraps for this wonderful turtle.

Nito, known in the scuba diving world as "Big Sexy" was swimming on the reef in his home in Belize. San Pedro is one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean and it has some of the most abundant and beautiful life, above and below the waves. Big Sexy is a world famous scuba dive master who leads his clients on explorations deep below the surface. Famous for his underwater bubblering demonstrations, he is a popular and entertaining dive master. But he is also very well known for his love for the animals of the reef. As if they sense that he is a gentle soul, they seem to interact well with him as he swims along. This small nurse shark was a perfect example. Possibly hoping for a meal, or possibly just curious, he took a serious liking for Big Sexy and followed him closely for almost an hour. At one point, the shark came up over a small coral head and swam up underneath Big Sexy. Slightly startled by the closeness, he jumps slightly but recovers immediately and he can’t help but reach out to give the shark a little pat. Nurse sharks are gentle and completely harmless to humans. Although they possess sharp teeth, and can bite if provoked, they have no desire to hurt people and would never consider them food. Like almost all ocean creatures, when treated respectfully, they pose no danger to scuba divers. Nurse sharks are affectionately called the puppies of the ocean because they will occasionally approach divers and they are curious like dogs. Big Sexy works at Chuck & Robbies Scuba Diving and Instruction in San Pedro. Big Sexy is famous for finding dolphins, sharks, turtles, eels, and anything else that guests would like to see. A dive excursion with Chuck & Robbie's is near impossible to beat!

Sharks are incredible creatures that hold our fascination and terrorize us at the same time. We can't help but be in awe and fear of their teeth, their jaw strength and their incredible power. As hunters, they are sleek and efficient. They are the top predators in a world where we are clumsy and vulnerable and even entering the ocean strikes fear in the hearts of many. For most, Hollywood movies such as "Jaws" have contributed to our anxiety and sharks have been the cold-blooded villains of many stories. The truth is far from what we have been taught and more information is available than ever before. Only a few species of shark would consider a human as food and most species have never attacked a human who did not act improperly in the first place. Nurse sharks such as these as the perfect example. They are large and powerful, growing to 3.5m (11 feet) in length or more, but they are scavengers, as many sharks are. They prey on the injured, the sick, and also eat dead fish. The nurse shark has a mouth that is not designed to be capable of seizing a limb or severely injuring a person. They are so docile that swimming among them is a frequent and enjoyable experience for seasoned scuba divers. This is a feeding frenzy that was set up for educational purposes in a somewhat controlled environment. The sharks here are wild, but the protected area is part of a marine park in Belize. The sharks have become accustomed to being treated well by humans and they have fear and very little defensive behaviour. They swim among tourists and people on snorkel excursions, curiously approaching closely. An experienced guide has brought his guests to this area to allow them to see the feeding behaviour of the sharks as part of a learning experience about shark conservation. While attracting the sharks with a fish carcass, guests were able to float nearby to watch. But one guest from another tour unwittingly approached too closely. Oblivious to the large pack of sharks around him, he gripped the side of the boat to ask a few questions of the guides. He ended up right in the middle of a pack of jostling and hungry sharks. As they bumped each other and competed for the food, they also bumped the swimmer and pinned him against the boat. He was quickly instructed to swim outside of the feeding area. With nurse sharks, the swimmer was in much less danger than it appeared, but these are still wild animals with large teeth and an accidental injury was very possible. The swimmer was able to distance himself and enjoy the rest of the show without consequence. When observing animals close up, it is always advisable to keep a safe distance, especially when food is involved.

Nito is no ordinary man, and he's no ordinary scuba guide. He's loved by serious divers who come from all around the world to learn from him and to share his ocean paradise on the reefs of Ambergrise Caye in Belize. Known as "Big Sexy", those who have known him for years don't actually know his real name because the nickname is all he is called. He is a dive master with a local operation called Chuck & Robbies and he has made his living there for 20 years. It's a beautiful spot, made famous by pop singer Madonna when she sang La Isla Bonita, about the town of San Pedro. When Covid 19 gripped the world and stopped tourism abruptly, it affected the dive community on this little island drastically. Suddenly, income was scarce and everyone was struggling to put food on the table for their families. Big Sexy was determined to look after his family so he started a tamale business. He, and his wife, along with other family members have been working long hours into the evening, preparing banana leaves and corn dough. They wake up early and start cooking chicken and vegetables and they whip up hundreds of their delicious chicken tamales. Tamales are popular lunch or dinner foods around the Caribbean and most people who travel have tried one at some time. But most of us don't know what goes into them or how they are made. They are a fascinating dish, wrapped in banana leaves and sometimes also in tinfoil. They are full of flavour and textures that are very different than the food we eat in North America. Big Sexy has recorded the entire process and created a tamale documentary that shows the care and effort that goes into his tamales. When on holiday, we are likely to be offered a tamale by a local family run business like Big Sexy's, and the price is likely to be more than reasonable. Knowing how much time goes into their production, we can easily see the value and the adventure in having one of these delicious treats. Maybe even two! Big Sexy is an inspiration to all who know him. His dedication and professionalism, along with his love for the ocean keep people coming back to Chuck & Robbies Scuba Diving Operation. It is equally inspiring how he has met the challenges of Covid like a true champion. And his family are all champions too.

Loidy is a scuba master with a serious talent for guiding his clients over the reefs and providing them with amazing experiences. Whether he leads them on a search for sea turtles, or a thrilling dive among Caribbean Reef Sharks, he always provides them with memorable sights and amazing experiences. He is part of a very skilled and professional operation in Belize known as Chuck & Robbie's Scuba Diving and Instruction. When the dives are over and the guests are completing the mandatory three minute safety stop to expel nitrogen gas from their blood, the divers gather at 15 to 20 feet beneath the surface and count off their three minutes. It's a great time to look around below and see the creatures of the reef as they move over the coral. It's also a good time for the dive instructors to show their guests a few tricks and skills. Loidy demonstrates a fascinating trick that involves pushing some of his air bubbles down in front of him. He then puts his fists together and rapidly pulls them apart, creating a spinning vortex of water and air that forms a circular bubble ring. The ring swirls and moves slowly through the water away from his body, creating a mesmerizing effect. Loidy's guests had heard about this maneuver and they had asked him to demonstrate. Of course, he was willing to entertain the divers and teach them the skill. Scuba diving is a thrilling sport that exposes the adventurous to a world of unspeakable beauty and wonder. The animals here are like nowhere else on earth. Humans are the clumsy intruders who make their way over the reef while the other creatures move swiftly and gracefully. The sport is very safe, as long as basic safety rules are followed. Divers must also undergo thorough training to teach them how to avoid complications and how to deal with underwater emergencies. Diving is never advisable without a partner and a specially trained scuba master to lead the group and plan the dives.

The hawksbill sea turtle is undoubtedly the most beautiful of all the sea turtles. It's shell is ornate and colourful, with a mix of black, grey, and golden yellow coloring. The beauty of their shells nearly brought them to extinction as they were hunted to make hair brushes and other items. Conservation and changes in the law now protect this critically endangered turtle and the populations are slowly rebounding. These hawksbill turtles were very fascinated with this diver and his camera. They circled around and inspected him closely. Usually shy and reclusive, hawksbill sea turtles will often swim away from humans who venture near. This dive provided memories that will last a lifetime. To interact with endangered animals on their own terms, like this, is a beautiful experience. Belize is home to many wonderful and fascinating creatures. Each trip beneath the waves is a completely different experience. The beauty of the coral and the fish who live among them is difficult to describe adequately. But humans are wise to approach all animals with respect and caution. We are guests in this underwater domain and our actions can have a devastating effect if we are not careful.