Scuba Diving in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef

I never imagined my very first scuba diving experience would be in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef system! I remember, Jason and I explored the beautiful corals and aquatic life with 2 other divers and our dive master. We got a very quick introduction about how to dive. Before entering the waters, I wasn’t feeling absolutely confident about my diving abilities so I felt nervous. But yet, I was also excited because this was going to be a new adventure!

The experience of seeing the underwater world for the very first time was absolutely incredible! I remember my senses being so captivated by the numerous colorful fish and corals. I had entered this amazing new world. I truly felt time had stopped, and nothing else mattered except my curiosity for this fascinating aquatic world. I was so present. In fact, I was so enthralled by the underwater life, that I actually lost sight of all the other divers for a brief moment.

When I realized I was alone, I strangely felt pleased at first. I was thrilled that I was all alone enjoying and appreciating the beauty of marine life. However, when I started feeling disoriented in this enchanting but foreign world, I felt a pang of panic. My heavy breathing began affecting my buoyancy and from somewhere my vigilant dive master quickly arrived to help me.

The rest of the dive was smooth sailing. So, that was my first scuba diving experience. I will always remember that brief but special moment, when I was all alone in the world’s largest coral reef system!