We are rookies when it comes to diving but it has become one of our favorite hobbies.Diving has not only become an amazing adventure where we explore the great blue and get to see nature at its purest but it has also become “our” thing. A bonding experience where words are no longer a viable option to communicate but gestures and just a plain locking into each others eyes is enough to express our thoughts and feelings.  As a 5 year anniversary present I got a diamond ring and my hubby got PADI certification although this was like a double present for me as we got certified together. Ever since we’ve gotten our advanced open water certification and have begun to finally enjoy a few fun dives without having to prove anything to our instructors while underwater.

As we were planning this year’s summer vacation we knew we wanted to test the Mexican waters. We had heard amazing things about diving in Mexico and even though Indonesia is one of the best places to dive we knew we didn’t want to miss the opportunity to dive in the Caribbean waters while we were there. After doing some research and contacting several dive shops we decided to use Dive Mike as out adventure shop. We had an incredible experience with them and would recommend them in a heartbeat. In fact we are already planning to go back to them next year.

After a few dives I knew I wanted to get a camera to start experimenting with underwater photography. These are my first pictures so please bear with me as I learn the tricks of the trade. Taking pictures without a strobe in the midst of a drift dive is a fun but challenging experience so please excuse the blurriness and very blue pics.

We were very lucky to have my parents with us during our vacation to the Riviera Maya and we took advantage of this and were able to go on six awesome dives. The first two dive sites we visited were in Playa del Carmen. Getting to the sites was very rough as it had just started raining and after loosing a mask and almost falling out of the speed boat we submerged in the pristine warm water and enjoyed the Mexican ocean floor.

Our second two dives were in the Centotes Dos Ojos just a few miles from Playa del Carmen. Diving in a cenote was so amazing. The water was a bit chilly but it was so pure. I was a bit scared at first and thought I might get a bit claustrophobic but once we jumped in it was such an exhilarating experience that you don’t even notice that you are completely surrounded by rocky formations. The flashlight was an obvious necessity and although there was very little marine life within the cenote, we felt extremely close to nature.

Our last two dives were in the world renowned Cozumel reefs. Words cannot describe the beauty of this place. We were so impressed by the intense colors, the majestic reef walls and the lively sea creatures. We were very lucky to witness how giant lobsters, sea turtles and nurse sharks live and were even able to see a few rays. If you are considering going diving in Mexico and are unsure where to go, Cozumel is the place. It is just magnificent.

On our dives in Cozumel we were able to go in and out the caves on the reef wall. Just thinking about it thrills me and makes me want to be there again. Our divemaster was amazing and pointed out incredible formations and creatures that our eye is not yet trained enough to notice.

Between our dives we took a break in a shallow area known as “El Cielo” or the sky due to the incredible amount of starfish present there. I had never seen so many starfish let alone giant ones with different colors. We snorkeled for a while and truly savored our time there.

Our last dive in Cozumel was fantastic. We got to see a nice nurse shark and more gorgeous fish.

 

After the two dives and while we were waiting for the ferry to take us back to Playa del Carmen we stopped by Wet Wendy’s where we had the most amazing Margaritas and fish tacos. I can honestly say they are the best Margaritas I’ve had in my life and I grew up in Mexico. The lime juice was freshly squeezed and the flavors were perfectly combined to make it sweet and sour but not overly tangy.

This vacation was oh so perfect. We had an amazing time with our family, the kids had a blast and we were able to dive in one of the best places in the world. God has been so good to us and we are truly grateful for all His blessings. We can’t wait for the kiddos to be able to start diving as we are sure this will be a family hobby in the years to come.