We still don´t know what´s on the deepest bottom. Pictures taken shows luminous water creatures and sonar’s has pick up some pretty terrifying shrieks and sounds. The muddy ocean bottom has a life of it´s own, there are whole societies of creatures that we have no idea about, there are seasons, storms, winds, volcanoes and earthquakes to keep life from getting boring.

The deepest ocean bottom is a pretty dark and hostile place to humans. This, on the other hand, being the complete opposite to the not-so-deep waters of 
the coral reefs. The loveliest colors and species are within reach by regular snorkeling.

If you haven´t tried it yet you should. We have trained people normally horrified of water to snorkel happily after just 10 minutes. Fear of water usually means fear of dark, muddy waters where you can´t see the bottom. Snorkeling in warm waters instead means floating on the surface of perfectly clear waters, spotting the bottom comfortable and safe just feet below, watching a firework of colors all around. It is capturing and people usually spend hours exploring the waters upon their first encounter with the sport.

Going deeper, you´ll need scuba gear. Deep diving means larger fish, sharks, whales, and wrecks - a thrilling adventure of a different kind.

We have done scuba diving with PADI for 15 years and have found their training excellent. You do need training; scuba can turn ugly very fast. We dive on our own today from Santa Maria. Unfortunately, diving operators, especially in the Caribbean are restricting such free diving. You are required to dive with them and pay well for it too.

But it is a large world and there are still vast parts that you can dive on your own. Get your dive training, preferably at some nice place. 
The PADI Open Water course takes around 3-4 days, Advanced Open water another week. 
After that you can  add courses of your choice, up to the Master diver level. The more you learn, the safer and more relaxed dives you´ll enjoy.

We have 4 tanks, 2 sets of full gear and a small boat compressor (Airmax). Filling the tanks takes around 30 minutes per tank, but is noisy and your neighbors’ won´t like it. Choose a good time; around noon when the boaters usually are busy is good.

There is a lot to take into consideration when diving, the currents, the gear, and the boat - be sure you know your stuff!