Under the sea - scuba diving off the coast of Spain

Roisin Burke takes to the sea for the holiday of a lifetime – scuba diving off the coast of Spain

Under the sea - scuba diving off the coast of Spain

Roisin Burke takes to the sea for the holiday of a lifetime – scuba diving off the coast of Spain

Diving was never on my bucket list, but after completing the SSI beginner scuba diver course in Gran Canaria, I am a convert.

Described by some as ‘yoga of the sea,’ scuba diving has a very serene and peaceful element to it.

Drifting around amidst cold blue water with just a few hand signals to communicate with your diving buddy, it offers a contentment in isolation that is hard to come by in the fast-paced society we all live in.

The secrets of the sea are far from elusive in the modern world. Thanks to modern technology, diving is extremely accessible to anyone who wants to try it out recreationally.

With just a few small lessons almost anyone can swim under the sea among the fish, plant life and rocks and there is no better place to do it than in crystal clear waters off the coast of Spain.

I wouldn’t say I am nervous of the water, but I definitely have a healthy respect for the power of an ocean and I have to say I was more than slightly apprehensive about taking on the challenge of learning to scuba dive in five days.

Thankfully my worries were expertly put to ease by the friendly, welcoming staff at the Blue Explorers Resort situated in the delightful harbour village of Puerto Mogan.

The small, intimate resort kitted out with 14 one and two bedroomed apartments is manned by a cohort of hardworking divers who love the sea and want to share their hobby of scuba diving with others.

One of the first things I noticed about the resort is eco-friendly, meaning everything carries a consideration for the environment.

All the food available on the menu and even bar snacks are sourced locally and ethically. All fish is line caught and from sustainable species, all meat is organic, eggs free-range and vegetables are grown on the Gran Canaria island, supporting local businesses and farmers.

Plastic straws, cups and bags are banned at the resort and guests are asked not to bring products that contain plastic microbeads.

As well as this, the Blue Explorer crews regularly take part in beach and ocean clean-ups.

Only opened since May 2018, The Blue Explorers Resort is Spain’s first ever dedicated scuba diving resort.

My first session was with my instructor Sabrina, who was my diving buddy for my whole course, in the covered pool at the resort.

In a swimsuit, I was kitted out with a tank, inflatable jacket, breathing apparatus and face mask, just like I would wear with a wetsuit in the ocean.

In the pool, Sabrina slowly showed me how to use my equipment, the signals I would need underwater to communicate and finally got me used to swimming and breathing underwater wearing the gear.

After about an hour and a half I was comfortable in the pool and after a bite to eat at the resort, Sabrina and I headed out to the harbour of Puerto Mogan for a peek at what lies beneath the glassy calm surface of the Atlantic ocean.

Putting my head under the water for the first time was a terrifying moment. All kinds of thoughts were going through my head. Mostly what happens if it my equipment doesn’t work? And what happens if I can’t breathe?

But with reassurance from my dive buddy, I took an unnecessarily deep breath and went for it.

The next thing you have to get to grips with is your inflatable weight jacket. This is what you use to float in the water, but to go under, you have to let out some air.

It is not rocket science, but it can be tricky trying to figure out how much to release. Too much and you sink too quickly, too little and your back floats on the surface in a most unflattering manner as you attempt to swim deeper.

Having mastered these elements, I found myself underwater listening to my sharp intakes of breath, followed by a release of bubbles while watching all kinds of creatures scurry past.

Something I was worried about was having to consciously breathe and then the possibility of forgetting to do so while underwater, but it soon became clear to me that that simply wouldn’t happen. The breathing system is extremely intuitive and you do it without thinking.

Feeling brave after my excursions, the next day I went out for a dive off a boat. The big thing about this is you have to fall into the water off the boat backwards, holding onto your face mask with one hand and the other across your chest.

Although initially concerned about this manoeuvre, I am glad to report it went off without a hitch and within minutes I was once again under the sea, floating listlessly between rocks and seabed, peering into caves and gazing at strange looking fish.

With my diving buddy, I then completed the tasks required to pass the beginner scuba diving course. The first thing is to take off clear your mask of water. Something I had been doing regularly anyway because your mask fills up with water if you laugh and then you have to clear it out. Next, I had to take off my mask underwater and put it back on. A scary thing to do 12 metres under the surface.

Even worse, I then had to take out my breathing mouthpiece and fling it away, only to retrieve it in a specific manner practised previously by following the air tubes.

I passed with all honours. I was amazed at what I managed to achieve in such a short space of time.

Later that day I passed the written exam and I was the latest official member of the growing community of recreational scuba divers.

As an initially reluctant recruit, I was delighted to become a certified diver. It was great to get the ID card to show that I had worked hard for something while enjoying the sun and the sea in the picturesque surroundings of the Gran Canaria island.

It introduced me to a new type of sun holiday where you can explore your environment to a deeper level while still working on a safe suntan and enjoying good food in great company.

Returning to Cork, I not only felt relaxed and rejuvenated, I felt like I had accomplished something and it definitely added something to my trip and to the whole experience of being on holidays.

I may have been slow to dip my toes in diving waters, but I will definitely be dabbling again. A great holiday and an experience I will remember for years to come.

GETTING THERE

  • There are direct flights from Dublin and Cork to Gran Canaria airport, Las Palmas, which is 30 minutes from Puerto Mogan where the Blue Explorer resort is situated.
  • Puerto de Mogán is a picturesque fishing village on the south-west coast of the island known as ‘the Venice of the Canaries’ thanks to the traditional Canarian architecture and its pretty canals and bridges.
  • It has plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants and a man-made village harbour that is functional, practical and scenic.
  • As well as diving, Blue Explorer Resort arrange a range of land, sea and air excursions, such as jeep safaris into the strikingly beautiful volcanic landscapes famous in the Canary Islands, or take to the waves with luxurious sunset sailing trips and whale watching excursions. There is something for the whole family to enjoy.

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