Earning my SCUBA Certification in Roatan: The Perfect Underwater Adventure!
I never imagined that I’d be floating 60 feet below the ocean’s surface, watching a sea turtles and rays swim effortlessly past me, but there I was—breathing underwater and completely in awe with a group of amazing women exploring the underwater world. Getting my scuba certification in Roatán, Honduras and taking a group of women with me- was one of the most epic weeks of my life!
Our trip took us to the cutest dive shop for our Open Water Certification course in West End, a laid-back beach town known for its world-class diving. The course started with some classroom-style learning—we spent time reviewing all of the pre-trip online learning and then taking our test. Learning about pressure, buoyancy, and equipment felt a little overwhelming at first, but our fabulous instructor Val broke everything down in a way that made it easy for us to understand and prepped us so well.
Then came the fun part: getting in the water. We started with confined water skills in the shallow ocean off the bay, practicing basic things like clearing a flooded mask, retrieving a lost regulator, and learning how to control our buoyancy. We spent plenty of time in the calm water, about 15 feet deep to master these important skills and prep us for an open water dive!!
After lots of practice..it was time for our first real dives! We took a boat out to a nearby reef, and as soon as we descended, I was completely mesmerized. Schools of colorful fish darted around the coral as our instructor guided us through a few essential skills underwater, like practicing emergency ascents and signaling to our dive buddies. Being that diving is a buddy skill, it was really special to do this in a group of ladies and to develop bonds and trust with each other underwater. We were pushed to lean on each other and it was so special to form those relationships of dependence on your buddy with another woman.
Most of our days were spent with this rhythm, a morning review session out of water, practicing equipment skills and discussing the dive sights and other important information, followed by time in the calm bay waters. We’d stop for lunch and take a walk around the bay to find a quaint seaside cafe and then head back for open water dives in the afternoon! Every boat ride was short and sweet to our dive sights & gave us beautiful views of Roatan and the Caribbean.
One of the biggest challenges was mastering buoyancy. At first, I kept either sinking too much or floating up uncontrollably. But after some practice, I started to get the hang of using my breath and my BCD (buoyancy control device) to stay perfectly suspended in the water. It was such a cool feeling when I finally nailed it and to see the other ladies in my group work through this skill as well.
On our last training dives, we reached depths of around 60 feet, exploring the incredible reef systems that Roatán is famous for. We swam through massive coral formations, saw giant conch, lots of fish, turtles and ALL the animals.
By the end of the week we had passed all skills and were officially certified Open Water Divers! We got to “ring the bell” announcing our course completion to the island and I felt excitement, accomplishment, and a little bit of disbelief that I had just become a scuba diver in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Dreams come true!
If you’ve ever thought about learning to scuba dive, Roatán is the perfect place to do it. The water is warm, the visibility is amazing, and the marine life is absolutely stunning. Plus, the island has a relaxed, welcoming vibe that makes the whole experience even better. Now that I have my certification, I can’t wait to explore more dive sites around the world—but I have a feeling Roatán will always hold a special place in my heart.
Kristi Hughes: New Mexico Ambassador and WWE Trip Host
Kristi, a long-time resident of the Four Corners region, finds herself blessed with the diversity of landscapes within a few hours' drive. Her journey to rediscover her love for the outdoors began during her time in Houston with her family, where she realized how much she missed the natural world. Upon returning to New Mexico, Kristi fully embraced her passion for outdoor adventures, embarking on trips with her husband and teenage daughter as much as possible. She aims to be a positive example to her daughter, demonstrating that as a strong woman, one can achieve anything she sets her mind to.
An enthusiastic adventure seeker and nature lover, Kristi is dedicated to sharing incredible outdoor experiences with other like-minded women. Since 2022, she has served as an ambassador with Women Who Explore, furthering her commitment to empowering women in the outdoors. For Kristi, the connections formed on the trails are the most profound journeys of all.
Whether traversing varied landscapes, overcoming fears, or pushing personal limits, Kristi believes in the magic of exploring the outdoors. She cherishes the moments of escaping reality and embracing the beauty of nature, creating unforgettable experiences that resonate for a lifetime.
Instagram: @krispy.adventures
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Blog: www.krispyadventures.com
