1st place
gold star award
Rodney Bursiel
united states 
Photo © Rodney Bursiel
title
Crocodile Smile
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entry description
I recently had the opportunity to dive Jardines De La Reina in Cuba. I was originally drawn to the area on the promises of pristine reefs and abundant shark populations. I wasn't disappointed with my experience but when I was planning my trip I was not aware of the crocodiles living in the mangroves there. Something I had been wanting to experience. I have been in the water numerous times with all varieties of sharks but never a salt water crocodile. They liked to stay in the shallow muck of the mangroves making it hard to get to them and get a good photo. I realized they were quite reactive to sounds so I started slapping the top of the water with an open palm. I guess it sounded like prey falling in the water and they quickly came to the open water to investigate allowing me to get face to face with this prehistoric creature. An experience I will never forget.back to gallery
