We arrived around 11:45 and were assigned a scuba dive slot of 12:40. By the time we got onto the pontoon we had enough time to grab out suits, flippers and masks and head to where we were to meet ready for the dive. We got the briefing from the instructors on the trip out to the pontoon and there was plenty to remember.
Being honest both Matt and I were feeling more than a little nervous as we began to don our gear, with neither of us ever having done it before. Our instructor was really good and started by getting us used to breathing whilst sat on an underwater platform before heading out to the seabed. It took a bit of getting used to as I was finding I wasn't breathing out far enough initially which made things difficult. The instructor soon set me right on this and I felt a lot happier. We then had to go through some basic safety stuff, including how to clear water from your mask should any get in there, and how to change over to the backup regulator in the event the primary one failed. Not a thought I wanted I can assure you, but after a nervours start we both managed to do them both ok.
Then came time to lower ourselves down using the ropes provided. Every time you drop down a meter you have to hold your nose and blow out through it to pop your ears. This takes some getting used to when you have a regulator stuck in your mouth! By this point (and you will have to excuse my French but I need to tell it how it is) I was shitting myself!
We made it down to the bottom and it is far too easy to panic a bit while down there. Not a pleasant feeling. Thankfully our instructor was obviously used to this sort of thing so if she could see you were struggling, or you indicated to her that you weren't 100% through hand signals she was brilliant at relaxing you, or distracting you so you weren't thinking about things other than the fish, or corals that were around you. We saw all sorts of fish, and clams, including Crusher a Mauri Wrasse. Either way, this thing was bloody massive and very friendly. It was quite happy for you to stroke or pet it which was most odd for a fish.
Onwards we went to giant clams that closed up as you touched them, a sea cucumber that the instructor picked up and handed to each of us in turn, amongst countless types of fish and corals. Crusher made regular appearances too. He seems to like the divers, and the air bubbles they produced.
I can honestly say it was one of the longest and scariest, but at the same time amazing and enjoyable 40 minutes of my life. As we made it back to the boat we were asked if we wanted to go again a little later at half price. Matt and I looked at one another and agreed that we had had enough for one day, bet would definately try it again at another time. We settled for buying a copy of the DVD they make of you down there instead.
After the diving we went snorkelling which was great. Admittedly you didn't see anywhere near as much, but I felt far more comfortable. I suspect this was partially due to having got used to the mask and flippers during the dive, and partly because I could go to the surface whenever I wanted. Either way the time flew while we were snorkelling and it was soon time to head for home.
It was a great day out and a fantastic experience. Tomorrow we are headed for the Skyrail from Carvonica which takes you up into the mountains and rainforests, following a recommendation from Helen. Thanks Cous. Unfortunately the railway is closed currently for maintenance so we have to take the Skyrail in both directions. Oh well - I'm sure it will still be good :).
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