A quiet morning and an early start 📖🌅
I woke up early and read a chapter of my book while looking out over my stunning east-facing view. Water, mountains, light shifting slowly.
Today was scuba diving day, and I wanted to be out the door early, so I’d have time for one beach.
Hawknest Beach 🌊
I stopped at Hawknest Beach for a short but perfect visit.
I lounged with my book, took a refreshing dip, and tried snorkeling again. Still learning, still adjusting, but feeling calmer than before. After that, I parked the jeep back at the rental spot and mentally prepared for the main event.
At this point, I was genuinely praying scuba would not get canceled because of the wind.
Snorkel prep, wind wisdom, and Brunch 🍤☀️
Before brunch, I made a crucial pit stop at the snorkel rental.
This time, I actually understood how the life jacket works, which already felt like growth. I also discovered an app called Windy, which tells you wind direction and conditions. It made planning water activities much easier. The islanders are so helpful and lovely.
Fueling up next, I headed to Sun Dog Cafe and got the shrimp quesadillas, which hit exactly right. I also wandered into Bamboula, all conveniently located in Mongoose Junction, a great little marketplace in Cruz Bay.
Then it was time.
Discover Scuba Diving With Low Key Watersports 🤿
I signed up for a Discover Scuba Diving course with Low Key Watersports, which included two dives.
Before diving, I had to pass three skills tests in about four feet of water. I felt confident going in, but the first dive humbled me quickly. I only managed to get through one of the three skills, and panic crept in fast.
Breathing underwater using only your mouth is a completely foreign sensation. I genuinely thought I might have to abort the mission if I could not calm myself down.
Enter Steve, my instructor. God bless his patience.
Fear, adjustment, and a breakthrough 🫧
The second dive changed everything.
Once my body stopped fighting the experience, something clicked. I demonstrated the required skills, felt stable, and finally believed that I could scuba dive. It helped that I started noticing the world around me, even at just four feet.
Coral. Schools of fish. Movement. Life.
Before medical school, I really wanted to be a marine biologist, and this experience brought all of that rushing back. The dive itself was short because of how long it took me to learn, honestly, how to live underwater.
But those 12 minutes felt impeccable.
Steve told me he was proud of how well I did, and that alone made the whole experience worth it. I will absolutely be doing this again.
Ending the day sweet and satisfied 🍫🌴
Afterward, I treated myself to a chocolate sea salt Irie Pop, wandered through markets and gift shops, and then drove back home for the day. I picked up a fridge magnet which had footprints – very symbolic of my trip so far.
Tired. Proud. Calm.
I ended the night with a plan to properly snorkel tomorrow, armed with more knowledge, more confidence, and a much deeper appreciation for the ocean.
Anushka's Bookish Shenanigans 