SAINT THOMAS, U.S Virgin Islands –  The Northern Kentucky men's basketball team had just one item on its to-do list Friday, its fourth day in Saint Thomas, an excursion at sea visiting Turtle Cove to swim with local sea life.
 
Turtle Cove is a small inlet on Buck Island, which sits roughly two miles to the South of Saint Thomas, and houses a National Wildlife Refuge. Turtle Cove is home to many different forms of marine life, including sea turtles, sting rays, fish, coral and more.
 
After a short briefing, the Norse set sail for Turtle Cove aboard Heavenly Days, a 53-foot catamaran. While aboard, the team enjoyed the fresh air, spray of the water and scenic views off the front of the boat.
 
Following a 25-minute sail, a second briefing awaited the team. This time, they were instructed on proper snorkeling techniques and guidelines for interacting with the sea life. Then, the Norse hit the water with one of the guides who led them on an exploration of the cove.
 
The first experience awaiting the Norse was a sea turtle going for a stroll along the sea floor and then surfacing amidst the team for a breath of fresh air. Within the next 10-15 minutes, the players also got to see a pair of stingrays meandering below them as well as another sea turtle snacking on some algae.
 
The guide leading the tour then discovered a conch for the players to see up close before safely returning it to its home.
 
NKU's tour of the marine life ended with an exploration of a small coral reef. From yellowtail snapper to royal blue tang, the same type of fish as Dory in Finding Nemo, the Norse saw a wide variety of fish swimming along the reef.
 
Players returned to the Heavenly Days and spent the rest of the time jumping off the side of the boat and swimming around the cove. From there, it was a leisurely cruise back to Saint Thomas.
 
Next up for the team is its final game of the trip, a 2 p.m. showdown on Saturday against the British Virgin Islands National Team. NKU defeated BVI, 93-64, Thursday night.