The twenty-sixth day in Banda Neira promised an underwater adventure. After a breakfast of toast with genuine nutmeg jam (which tasted far better than Caroline's homemade perfume) at their historic guesthouse, President Nisa's entourage and The Corrs prepared to explore the "Spice Heaven" from a different perspective: beneath its clear surface.
A simple yet sturdy motorized wooden boat was waiting at the small jetty. Snorkeling gear – masks, snorkels, and fins – was prepared. This time, the atmosphere felt more relaxed compared to previous snorkeling sessions in Gili or when encountering the Komodo dragons. Perhaps it was because of Banda Neira's captivating beauty and tranquility, or maybe because Jim had run out of conspiracy theories about marine fauna (for now).
Andrea, although still carrying a slight trauma from the Nemo "piranha" incident and the "Evil Queen" jellyfish, seemed braver this time. "Okay, I'm ready! But if there's a fish with a strange stare like the Komodo yesterday, I'm climbing straight back onto the boat, Nisa!" she said, half-joking, half-serious.
Caroline was ready with her underwater camera, determined to get a selfie with colorful fish. Sharon looked the most composed, ready to peacefully enjoy the underwater beauty. Jim? He was observing an old Banda Neira sea map displayed on the boat, perhaps looking for the location of VOC ships that sank centuries ago.
Their first snorkeling spot was a shallow coral reef area not far from Pulau Pisang (or Syahrir Island). The moment they plunged into the water, the sight presented was truly stunning. The water was so clear, visibility was almost limitless. Coral reefs of various shapes and colors thrived, home to thousands of small tropical fish darting back and forth. There were clownfish (Nemo!) playing among sea anemones, bright blue angelfish, cheerful yellow butterflyfish, and occasionally, rainbow-colored parrotfish busy munching on coral.
"This... this is like swimming inside a giant aquarium!" Caroline exclaimed from inside her mask, her voice slightly muffled.
Andrea, this time, genuinely enjoyed it. She swam slowly, admiring the colorful fish without excessive fear. She even managed to point out an exotic-looking lionfish (from a safe distance, of course), "Look! Its spines are beautiful! But it looks fierce."
Sharon swam gracefully, her movements blending with the ocean current, as if she were dancing with the fish. Jim, with his mask and snorkel, seemed to be conducting serious observation. He wasn't just looking at the fish, but also observing the types of coral, the current patterns, and occasionally pointing to the seabed, perhaps seeing something interesting (or maybe just an old tile shard he mistook for a VOC artifact).