The boundless beauty of the ocean still astounds me as I glide over the long, elongated branches of an underwater paddock of dusky pink sea whips, swaying in the current below on Half Moon Wall. No matter how many times I dive into her depths, the mesmerising colours, the changing shades of blue, the smell and the sounds of the sea still entrance me. What is it about water that intoxicates and draws us into a suspended state of bliss?
I am enjoying a week of scuba diving on one of Aggressor fleet’s liveaboard vessels stationed in Belize, home to the world’s second-longest barrier reef. The reef system runs parallel to the country’s entire coastline, promising adrenalin induced encounters with beautiful, bizarre life forms, countless species of fish and exotic gardens of soft and hard coral.
Today’s dive is an eerie descent into the country’s Great Blue Hole — a giant marine sinkhole that, seen from the air, shimmers perfectly circular in shape, approximately 70km offshore at Lighthouse Reef. The famous 1971 explorations of Jacques Cousteau put the cave system on the map when he declared it one of the top five scuba diving sites in the world. Decorated with long, heavy stalactites dropping down from the cave ceiling like oversized, colossal teardrops; these can only form on dry land, confirming that sea levels must have risen at least 100 metres all that time ago.
As we glide through the southeastern passage on our early morning approach to the hole, the ocean’s deep aqua hues change to an eclectic mix of pale teal and translucent blue. The outside deck is bustling with an underlining energy pulsing through the divers. This will be a deep dive, perhaps deeper than many of us have ever done. Jerome, our boat captain, will lead today and he gathers everyone for a significant briefing. No one wants to mess things up at 40 metres.
Esta historia es de la edición Issue 185 de WellBeing.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición Issue 185 de WellBeing.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
SKY WALKING
Explore the untamed beauty of the Gondwana Rainforests, where pristine pockets of wilderness beckon with thundering waterfalls, misty forest trails and encounters with rare wildlife.
Unleash your sense of adventure in Shoalhaven
You won't fully appreciate the sheer size of the Shoalhaven region until you immerse yourself in its hidden treasures such as Jervis Bay, Huskisson, Berry, Mollymook and more.
Plyometric tennis flow
Low-amplitude plyometric training is the number-one reason why tennis players' bodies remain strong, resilient and injury-free well beyond their 40s. This versatile workout regimen can be performed anytime, anywhere. Simply find a court summon your determination and get moving
YOGA TO CONQUER THE FEAR OF DEATH
In a world of constant change, there's one immutable truth we all share: our inevitable encounter with death. Despite its universal presence, fear of mortality abounds, subtly shaping our lives and decisions. Through the lens of yoga and mindfulness, we discover pathways to confront this fear, unlocking a profound sense of peace and purpose in our existence.
LOOKING BACK, MOVING FORWARD
Nostalgia is often touted as an unhelpful emotion, but recent research suggests reminiscing about the past can enrich our present and guide us towards a more fulfilling future.
ANCIENT wayfinders
Amid modern challenges, indigenous wisdom may offer a path to healing. From fostering community bonds to embracing spiritual connections with nature, we explore the enduring relevance of ancient wisdom in today's world.
COMMUNITY & COOPERATION in the cost-of-living crisis
In the face of escalating living expenses and economic uncertainty, embracing mutual-aid initiatives and community-driven solutions can alleviate financial strain and foster resilience in times of need.
On the men you
Finding your personality revealed in the foods you choose from a menu might seem like a piece of New Age flummery, but there is research suggesting that your food choices might reveal more about you than you suspect.
Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatus)
Sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse with many sustainable healing benefits.
Green Beat
All the latest in environmental issues
