He said on his blog that he was posing for the photo when a sea turtle came up for a breath of air at just the right moment.

The island, according to de Jesus is "one of the world's best known community-managed Marine Protected Area[s]."

De Jesus has been contacted by multiple media outlets on his blog for interviews and to confirm the photo is real.  He told an NBC News producer in the comments that "the photo is authentic, just like the turtle."

About the Author

Featured

Managing Partner at Atlantica Properties, Darion Dunn (center) talks with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens during a tour following the ribbon cutting of Waterworks Village as part of the third phase of the city’s Rapid Housing Initiative on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025.
(Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez