Today my son and I went scuba diving! I’ve never been diving before and we are not certified, but we took ScubaTony’s 2 tank Discover Scuba course. This course allowed us to dive with an instructor to no more than 40 feet. We took a taxi to the marina and met our instructors Javier and Liz and our captain Hector. There were 6 divers – 2 friends, a mother and daughter, and my son and I. The mother and daughter dove with Liz, and we dove with the friends and Javier. Javier was extremely knowledgeable, friendly and patient with us. He gave us instructions and helped us suit up in the boat on the way to Paradise Beach. We then practiced the skills in shallow water off the beach. After we demonstrated the skills, we swam out to Paradise Reef.
It was amazing and we saw parrot fish, eels, lion fish, lobsters, and crabs. We climbed back in the boat after about 45 minutes and switched our tanks for a second dive. We sailed to Chankanaab reef, which was bigger, brighter, and more populated with sea life. We saw a sea cucumber, larger crabs, and other fish I can’t name.
We could have taken a 1 tank course, but I’m so glad I signed up for the 2 tank course. We were nervous during the first dive and really needed that dive to become comfortable. I was able to relax more and really enjoy the second dive.