Today, my day began with the sun gently painting the sky at 7 am. A delicious breakfast fueled my excitement for the underwater adventure awaiting me. Joined by my scuba diving buddy, Ana, we submerged ourselves into the ocean’s embrace, reaching a depth of approximately 20 meters. The underwater realm unfolded before us, revealing a mesmerizing tapestry of life – vibrant corals, intricate sponges, and fish gracefully moving in their watery abode.

For 35 around minutes, we marveled at the ocean’s wonders before resurfacing at the Discovery Bay Marine Lab. The day’s exploration continued with lunch, followed by a deep dive into scientific names, expanding my understanding of the marine ecosystem.

I love this picture because I look very intimidating

Eager to experience more, I embarked on a snorkeling escapade to my beloved mangroves. There, I surrendered to the tranquility, watching anemones “dance” in the water and colorful fish play hide-and-seek amidst the roots. A sense of serenity enveloped me.

Sun anemones dancing in the water

I ventured closer to the reef. To my delight, I stumbled upon a majestic being – a Caribbean reef octopus. In a moment of pure connection, the intelligent creature lingered beside me. Swiftly, I captured a snapshot, preserving the memory before it gracefully vanished into the rocky sanctuary.

The most beautiful creature  [Editor note: I think this is one of the best pictures (octopus or otherwise) we’ve ever had in this class !]

What a splendid day of underwater exploration, filled with vibrant life, breathtaking scenery, and the joy of encountering nature’s intelligent marvels!

Natalia.