Snorkelling in Mexico

Kirsty Leicth

As the coach travelled past the many hotel complexes along the outstretched road, I could think of nothing to take my mind of the adventures to come. It would be like venturing into an unknown world. As I thought about this more and more it made my stomach seize into the size of a needle. I gazed out the window imagining what would lurk under the depths of the aquarium...

As I stepped off the coach into the sun's blinding gaze, my family gathered around me with the same anxiety and excitement that I was feeling. My body was tingling from head to toe, realising the day I had been anticipating had finally come. Xel Ha, the waters of the world's most beautiful natural aquarium was beckoning. At last the dreams of jumping into the aquarium, of drifting into an astonishing underground magic were about to come true.

During the past week of my holiday in Mexico I had not only taken many walks along the white sands and swam in the crystal, clear blue ocean. I had also been experimenting in many enjoyable snorkling practices beneath the coral reefs. I had read about Xel-Ha many times before my trip. It is described as nature as no one has ever felt it before, a place to share in celebrating the biological parade of the Riviera Maya. The natural wonder is an open-sea aquarium where fresh rainwater runs from the mountains to meet the natural sea.

As I dipped my toe into the luke warm water, I knew this was going to be an experience I would never forget. I fastened my life jacket tightly ensuring it would not fall off, however at the same time trying to take in everything the instructor was telling me. Before I knew, it my whole body was now in the water with my snorkel and goggles attached to my head. With one kick of my flippers, I was away in a world of my own taking in the spectacular sights beneath me. The fish seemed to swarm around me from every direction. The bright colours filled my eyes capturing every pattern and texture I could have imagined.

I looked further below the surface I began to see a coral reef emerge which was sparkling from the sun's gaze. I was floating among the fish it almost felt as if! was part of the extraordinary aquarium. I lifted my head above the water to spot the rest of my family and to my surprise they were further behind me. As I began to take in my surroundings I noticed steep cliff sides surrounding me. When I came closer I could see someone standing on the edge; I recognised her from my group. Suddenly, to my surprise, the girl was jumping from the 'steep' cliff into the water. I could barely look when she emerged quickly from beneath the water. She shouted, 'That was amazing!' Then suddenly I had this huge desire to climb the many stairs of the cliff then I found myself standing over the edge, just as the girl before me had done.

My stomach turned inside out and I could feel myself shaking like never before as if I was starting school all over again. I heard my sister shouting from below: 'Come on jump, you can do it.' A rush of energy suddenly filled my body. I clenched my fists, curled my toes over the edge and jumped, not looking below me until I hit the surface of the water. I struggled to the top gasping for air. Then I realised that it had been the most out of the ordinary thing I had ever done but I had enjoyed every minute!