A colorful array of brittle starfish slither out one slender arm at a time until they are hugging coral and barrel sponges. A moray eel swims confidently in the open, protected by the night water. Under a ledge, beneath the eel's daytime hole, a spotlight parrot fish slumbers in its mucus bubble, a self-made security system that wakes the fish if the bubble is disturbed. I hear the snapping of the banded coral shrimp. They are hiding among the sea urchins and the skeletal body of an aerocrab.
Lobsters venture out of their holes to forage for food among the rays.
You may even see a sleeping nurse shark hiding in the sand under an outcropping of coral, or an octopus or squid. The variety of fish and creatures that dominate the night sea make each snorkel a unique one. One of the best aspects of night snorkeling is its availability to anyone comfortable with swimming. You'll need a mask, a snorkel and fins. Although they aren't essential for snorkeling, fins are highly recommended for ease of movement and speed.