Deep Blue Sea

image via DNS Diving on Facebook

Well, I'm back. It was a wonderful week full of sun, outdoor activities, good food and of course relaxing on the beach! If you're headed to the Caymans anytime soon, you shouldn't miss out on the diving. The water is warm and crystal clear and the wildlife is absolutely breathtaking.

If you're not certified, I highly recommend it. If you're scared, I totally understand. I got certified in college and didn't go on my first open water dive until two years later. It was an 80 foot wall dive in Cozumel and as soon as I got on the boat, the panic set in. I jumped in with all my gear, took a look in the ocean and realized I was terrified. All I could see was blue, everywhere. I swam to the top and told the dive master I wasn't going. Yea, I felt a little bit like a chicken, but I got over that. I did a much shallower dive the next day that was beautiful and also a much-needed confidence builder. It also reminded me how much I actually like diving. Once your below the surface, it's so peaceful!

we saw a whole flock of these beautiful spotted eagle rays right off the wall ....  image via Google

Fast forward to the most recent experience — diving in the Caymans. I'm not going to lie, I got really nervous again. I jumped in the water and my mask leaked like crazy ( note to self: don't forget your own gear), I had the same wave of panic come over me, but the dive master gave me a new mask and descended with me (literally holding me hand). Once I was down below, all was great. We saw sea turtles, a flock of spotted eagle rays, a nurse shark devouring a crab, green moray eels and an array of brightly colored tropical fish.

The underwater world is incredible and unlike anything you'll ever see from snorkeling alone. Despite my moments of fear, it's a great thing to know how to do and something I'll continue to do for the rest of my life.

Two days later we did another beautiful wall dive as well as the shipwreck dive, Kittiwake. A big thanks to the people at DNS Diving in Grand Cayman. They were wonderful and made the whole experience easy and so enjoyable. Now, go get certified!