By telling us your country of residence we are able to provide you with the most relevant travel insurance information.
Please note that not all content is translated or available to residents of all countries. Contact us for full details.
Shares
I threw myself from the small white speedboat into the warm translucent sea. "Agua!" the dive instructor yelled, encouraging us to let go of the safety of the boat and into the unknown waters below. We were in Cartagena, on the northern coast of Colombia. I was part of a group visiting La Isla del Encanto (The Enchanted Island) with its tall palm trees, white sandy beaches, beaming sun, and tranquil turquoise sea. As we arrived, Luisa, our tour guide, gave us the option of relaxing on the beach or scuba diving with Julio - this was to be my first-time scuba diving. The dive site was in the Caribbean Sea, just a 10-minute boat ride from the Island. Five of us came forward for the dive, some more experienced than others. Julio talked us through the rules, including the buddy system and the all-important OK sign. Having to rely on hand signals was a new challenge for me; and some hesitation and fear started to rise within me. I persevered and paid attention to the instructions. Julio reassured me. "Remember these instructions and I'll be there with you all the way. We are all together and you will enjoy the experience under the sea," he said enthusiastically. On the speedboat to the dive site, Julio kitted us out with our diving equipment and scuba set. I feel a sense of excitement while putting on the weight belt around my waist and slipping on my bright blue fins. I start to imagine all the amazing things I hope to encounter under the sea. The speedboat's engine slowly comes to a stop and the air fills with a quiet nervousness. With the tropical island still in view, I take in my surroundings and look up at the vibrant blue sky while feeling the sun on my skin. Slowly, we are lined up on the side of the speedboat for the jump - then it was my turn. I sit on the side of the boat and swing my legs over, so I'm facing the sea and ready to jump fins first (unlike in the movies!). I look out and watch the others floating on the sea’s surface. I can see their legs through the clear water as the sunlight bounces off the gentle waves – this spurs me on, and I throw myself into the sea to join them. It's not elegant that's for sure, but this is adventure! Julio assures me that once I’m under the sea, I'll be swimming like an octopus. We start using our regulators (which allow us to breathe underwater) while still on the surface to get used to them before diving - the key I’m told, is to breathe normally. However, I’m temporarily paralysed with fear and I almost abandon the dive. Julio, who has seen this type of reaction many a time before, takes my hands and looks me straight in the eyes, "just breathe," he says. His kind and calm words resonate with me; I take a breath and regain my confidence. I give the OK sign and we descend. As we descend, the change in pressure causes a sharp pain in my left ear. I remember to equalize the pressure by holding my nose and blowing, repeating this throughout the dive. This is one of the drawbacks, but it doesn't stop me or anyone else from enjoying the experience. We explore the depths of the sea, where it gets bluer and darker - my eyes take a moment to adjust. I look around to see intricate coral, and a variety of sea flora and fauna on the seabed. A rocky oasis. A school of vivid silver and yellow fish swim past me, I turn my head to follow them as they disappear from sight. There are also sea anemones that contract when sensing something near, which Julio demonstrates as I watch in awe. Sadly, there were no turtles or big fish, nor many vivid colours or archaeological sites; but it’s a first-hand glimpse into life under the sea - something new and unknown to me. Such natural beauty is a reminder for us all to appreciate and look after our seas.