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≋ Life in Shades of Blue ≋

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Welcome to Diaries of a Waterwoman : Gabriella's Ocean Chronicles! Dive into my world of ocean exploration, marine conservation, and exciting underwater adventures. From spearfishing in tropical waters to discovering unique seashells, I share my passion for the ocean and the incredible experiences it offers. Join me as I explore the beauty beneath the waves, advocate for a cleaner, healthier planet, and celebrate the wonders of marine life. Let's embark on this journey together and make waves for a better future! 🌊🐠🪸

Fascinating Facts About Queen Conch Shells

Gabriella Gerbasi August 7, 2024

The queen conch (Lobatus gigas) is a large, marine mollusk found in the warm waters of the Caribbean, including the Bahamas. Known for its beautiful, spiraled shell, the queen conch is not only a popular find among beachcombers but also an important species for local ecosystems and economies.

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In Shells Tags seashell, conch shell, queen conch shell, ethical shelling

How to Tell the Difference Between a Live Sand Dollar and One That Isn't Alive

Gabriella Gerbasi July 29, 2024

Beachcombing often brings the excitement of discovering sand dollars, those fascinating, delicate treasures of the sea. However, it’s important to distinguish between live sand dollars and those that are no longer alive to ensure we respect and preserve marine life. Here’s how you can tell the difference!

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In Shells, Travel Tags shells, seashell, sand dollar, sea biscuit, beachcombing, ethical shelling

10 Fascinating Facts About Sand Dollars

Gabriella Gerbasi July 23, 2024

Today, let's uncover some intriguing facts about one of the ocean's most fascinating creatures: the sand dollar. These flat, burrowing sea urchins are often found washed up on beaches, but there's much more to them than meets the eye.

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In Travel, Shells Tags sand dollar, Bahamas, shell, seashell

Discovering the Spider Conch in French Polynesia

Gabriella Gerbasi October 2, 2023

One of my most exciting seashell finds in French Polynesia was the Lambis lambis, commonly known as the spider conch. This large sea snail, part of the Strombidae family, can be found near shore along sandy sea floors throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

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In Diving, Shells Tags seashell, spider conch, french polynesia, marine biology

Discovering the Lightning Whelk

Gabriella Gerbasi September 23, 2023

Fun fact: The whorls of the lightning whelk shell coil in a counter-clockwise direction, with its opening on the left. This unique feature makes it easily distinguishable from other shells.

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In Shells Tags seashell, lightning whelk, shell

Finding the Moana Shell (Queen Conch) on an Abandoned Beach in the Bahamas

Gabriella Gerbasi June 17, 2023

During one of my most enchanting shell-collecting adventures on an abandoned beach in the Bahamas, I stumbled upon a beautiful queen conch shell, reminiscent of the iconic shell from Moana. This discovery was not only unexpected but also a fascinating look into the local culture.

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In Shells Tags seashell, marine biology, conch shell, queen conch shell

A Birthday Surprise: Finding a Beautiful Queen Helmet Conch in the Bahamas

Gabriella Gerbasi June 10, 2023

Last year, on my birthday, I made an incredible find by the dock in the Bahamas. This beautiful queen helmet shell was face down in just a few feet of water. From the surface, it looked like a big rock, but I decided to check it out, and I was not disappointed!

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In Shells Tags queen helmet conch shell, seashell, bahamas, salt life

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Post Archive
  • Ocean Lover
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  • Travel
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  • Sustainable Shopping
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order now

Bringing awareness to ocean conservation and empowering action through art.

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ocean-friendly favorites

Explore brands, companies, and products that share my passion for ocean conservation, sustainability, and conscious travel.

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vibe with me

Listen to my playlist and escape to a tropical beach with me.

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favorite books

Ocean, mindfulness, lifestyle and empowerment, here are the books that changed my life and perspective on it.

 

featured posts

Featured
Ever wondered how a simple workout product can help save the ocean?
Apr 14, 2025
Ever wondered how a simple workout product can help save the ocean?
Apr 14, 2025

Just tried the @oceanfoam rollers and I’m officially hooked! 🌿🌊💪 As someone committed to sustainability, I love that these innovative foam products are made with algae and recycled materials. Not only are they functional and sleek, but they also align with my values of supporting eco-conscious brands.

Apr 14, 2025
Spring Clean for the Sea – Beach Clean-Up with Neritic Diving in Pompano Beach
Apr 10, 2025
Spring Clean for the Sea – Beach Clean-Up with Neritic Diving in Pompano Beach
Apr 10, 2025

There’s nothing like giving back to the ocean that gives us so much. This past weekend, I joined Neritic Diving and an amazing group of divers, spearos, and ocean lovers in Pompano Beach for our Spring Clean for the Sea event. We gathered for a full day of beach cleanup, removing plastic, debris, and marine litter left behind after Spring Break.

Apr 10, 2025
 Kicking off Earth Month with an Amazing Beach Cleanup with 4ocean
Apr 7, 2025
Kicking off Earth Month with an Amazing Beach Cleanup with 4ocean
Apr 7, 2025

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to partner with @4ocean and an amazing crew of ocean lovers to kick off Earth Month with a beach cleanup that left my heart full. Together, we removed over 500 pounds of plastic and trash from our coastline—proof that when a community comes together, we can create real impact.

Apr 7, 2025
World Water Day 2025: Protecting Our Oceans, Protecting Our Future
Mar 22, 2025
World Water Day 2025: Protecting Our Oceans, Protecting Our Future
Mar 22, 2025

No matter where you live, we are all connected to the ocean in some way. Even if you’re far from the coast, the actions we take on land—such as reducing plastic use, conserving water, and supporting ocean conservation efforts—directly impact the health of our seas. Every bit counts, and it’s up to all of us to make a difference. 🌊

Mar 22, 2025
ShopMy Account: Travel, Diving Essentials, Clean Beauty & Swimwear with Purpose
Mar 5, 2025
ShopMy Account: Travel, Diving Essentials, Clean Beauty & Swimwear with Purpose
Mar 5, 2025

I’m so excited to share my ShopMy account with you all, where I’ve curated a collection of travel, diving essentials, clean beauty and swimwear that align with my passion for sustainability and ocean conservation. From eco-conscious fashion to clean beauty products, these are the brands and companies that I trust because they share the same values and commitment to preserving our planet.

Mar 5, 2025
Happy World Wildlife Day 2025: Investing in People and Planet
Mar 3, 2025
Happy World Wildlife Day 2025: Investing in People and Planet
Mar 3, 2025

As someone deeply connected to the ocean, World Wildlife Day has special meaning for me. Over the last few years, I’ve been fortunate enough to have some of the most incredible encounters with marine animals—humpback whales breaching in the distance, manta rays gracefully gliding past me, sharks weaving through coral, and vibrant ecosystems teeming with life. Each of these experiences has strengthened my connection to the ocean and deepened my commitment to protecting the creatures that call it home.

Mar 3, 2025
Honeymoon Adventures in Fiji and Christmas in Australia
Jan 2, 2025
Honeymoon Adventures in Fiji and Christmas in Australia
Jan 2, 2025

Our honeymoon in Fiji was nothing short of incredible. We flew halfway across the world for the elusive dogtooth tuna, but what we found was so much more than we imagined. Pristine waters, vibrant coral reefs, and an ocean full of life both above and below the surface. We dove Rainbow Reef and saw some of the most beautiful reefs I’ve ever experienced—so much life on the bommies, it was a truly magical underwater world. 🐠

Jan 2, 2025
Our Magical Beach Wedding in Key West
Dec 9, 2024
Our Magical Beach Wedding in Key West
Dec 9, 2024

I am officially married!!!

Our wedding in Key West was nothing short of a dream come true. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters and sandy shores, we exchanged vows on the beach with the ocean as our backdrop. The warm breeze, the sound of waves crashing, and the golden sunset created the perfect setting for the most memorable day of our lives.

Dec 9, 2024
Why I’m Obsessed with Oceanfoam: Sustainable, Stylish, and Perfect for My Active Lifestyle
Dec 3, 2024
Why I’m Obsessed with Oceanfoam: Sustainable, Stylish, and Perfect for My Active Lifestyle
Dec 3, 2024

Just tried the @oceanfoam rollers and I’m officially hooked! 🌿🌊💪 As someone passionate about sustainability, I love that these innovative foam products are made from algae and recycled materials. Not only are they super functional and sleek, but they also align perfectly with my values of supporting eco-conscious brands.

Dec 3, 2024
Make Waves: The Importance of Coastal Cleanup on International Coastal Cleanup Day
Sep 21, 2024
Make Waves: The Importance of Coastal Cleanup on International Coastal Cleanup Day
Sep 21, 2024

Beach clean-ups are essential for preserving our oceans and protecting marine life, but it’s important to remember that sustainability is a journey we can all embark on, no matter how imperfectly. We often think that to make a difference, we must achieve perfection, but the reality is that many people taking small, imperfect actions can collectively lead to significant change.

Sep 21, 2024

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