Day 7: the First Day of Diving - A Mix of Excitement and Challenges

The day began with excitement and a touch of nervousness, as it always does on the first day of diving. I woke up early to prepare my camera, and as a reward, I caught the mesmerizing sight of the sun rising just over the horizon—a tranquil and beautiful moment.

The dive briefing was scheduled for 7:00 a.m., with coffee available from 5:30 a.m. and breakfast served at 6:00 a.m. Despite years of diving experience, the first day always feels a bit uneasy. Questions swirl in our minds: Will everything operate smoothly? Are the weights adjusted properly? How will the currents behave? Will the camera work as expected?

As we descended into the water for our check dive, these uncertainties began to fade. On the sandy seabed below, three reef sharks greeted us—a thrilling start. One shark stood out, its dorsal fin missing a tip, giving it a unique appearance. Another shark seemed to shadow us throughout the dive, adding an air of mystery to the experience.

There was even a playful remora that decided to land on divers, as if mistaking us for the large fish it usually attaches to. Among the smaller creatures, we spotted a tiny nudibranch and a spiny blenny peeking out from a coral hole. These delightful sightings made for a satisfying and calm check dive.

However, I faced some challenges. Both my legs felt as though they were cramping, which made movement difficult and added an element of stress to the dive.

On our second dive, the excitement escalated. As bait was set out, a group of five to six reef sharks appeared, swirling gracefully around the bait. One of them, notably plumper than the rest, stood out. The highlight, however, was an arrow blenny—a small and fast-moving creature that eluded my camera. I hope we encounter it again so I can capture its delicate beauty.

Relaxation Between Dives

After lunch, we retreated to the deck to soak in the sunshine and enjoy the serenity of the sea. This was a moment of pure happiness—good food in our bellies, the turquoise-blue sea stretching endlessly before us, and the occasional sight of frigatebirds diving gracefully into the water to catch fish. It was a simple yet profoundly peaceful scene.

The Third Dive

Our final dive of the day brought its own challenges. My husband struggled with ear issues throughout, making it difficult for him to enjoy the experience. These physical setbacks—my leg cramps, camera troubles, and his ear discomfort—are reminders of how diving requires regular practice to maintain comfort. Despite these challenges, we made the most of the dive. Another bait was placed, and although only one shark appeared, it stayed with us for the entire dive, circling calmly and providing a quiet yet fascinating close to the day’s underwater adventures.