My initial introduction to the enchanted world of Scuba diving occurred unexpectedly while on vacation twenty years ago. As a mother of four young children, stretched thin, balancing joy with exhaustion, and often holding myself to impossible expectations. Scuba diving was a gift, providing single-minded focus, where distractions could not follow.

 

An Invitation

 

Growing up on the coast of South Africa, the sea was my solace and refuge. Diving invited profound experiences of weightless boyancy in a magnificent world where everyday life dissipated. In the calming rhythm of bubbles and endorphins flowing, a grounding, rejuvenating peace exists. Over the years, the underwater realm has given me more than I ever imagined: vast coral walls, swirling ecosystems, a kaleidoscope of marine life in all its colors and curiosities, and a profound sense of presence.

 

Family Bonding Beneath the Surface

 

When our children turned ten, we offered an introduction to diving—if they were interested. To our delight, they embraced it. Diving quickly became our family passion; the skills learned strengthened our communication, discipline, and problem-solving skills. Further, diving nurtured our respect for the environment and provided unforgettable shared memories. Our adult children are “grown and flown,” and still carry those experiences, and the ocean remains a tightly woven connection.

 

The Rhythm of Liveaboard Life

 

Our recent adventure took us to the Caribbean waters of the Turks and Caicos this year. We chose a Liveaboard vessel designed for eager divers prepared for ocean exploration with photographic stations, tank refills, and the comfort of deliciously prepared meals. On board, camaraderie blossomed as friendships formed across nationalities, religions, and cultures. There is something about waking to the smell of fresh coffee and the promise of five dives ahead, then falling asleep to the sway of the sea, that feels like the truest escape.

 

Turks & Caicos Wonders

The Turks and Caicos Islands—forty cays scattered like gems in the Caribbean—boast thriving coral reefs, dramatic walls, and remarkable visibility. Our first dives off Providenciales were for gear checks, but soon we were immersed in sites with names as evocative as their beauty: Dome and Chimney, Eel Garden, Amphitheater, Spanish Anchor. We watched an octopus foraging in broad daylight and marveled as Jojo, a wild bottlenose dolphin known to locals, appeared from out of nowhere. On offshore dives, pelagic species swept past in schools, while green and hawksbill turtles glided gracefully between reef walls and seagrass beds.

Each dive was its own meditation. Breathwork, gauges, navigation, and sensitivity to the surroundings all demanded attention, yet this focus created a paradoxical freedom—a retreat inward, where awareness sharpened and gratitude expanded.

 

Returning to the Surface

 

Diving has carried me through the seasons of motherhood, through family adventures, and into the new chapter of life as an empty nester. Scuba diving has become my teacher in the art of slowing down, listening closely to my breath, and finding silence in the vastness of the ocean. In its depths, I continue to rediscover not only the wonders of the sea but also a profound sense of presence, which enhances a deeper understanding of myself.