FULL CAVE DIVER, BABY!!!

Since the very first cenote (6, maybe 7 years ago) that had a sign telling me I couldn’t go any further because I wasn’t a cave diver, I’ve wanted this certification.

Then I SAW cave divers and all their equipment, multiple tanks, reels, and I didn’t even know some of what was hanging off of them. I honestly didn’t think I’d ever go through with it. It looked insurmountable.

Then I met a diver last year who got his cave diver cert and it didn’t sound like Mt Everest anymore. Ok, possibly doable.

Fast forward one year and that friend gave me his instructor’s info. I thought I’d start with the basics then pick it up later, maybe do more next year, maybe not.

When I met Daniel, my instructor, I had an immediate sense of his kindness, humor, warmth, intelligence, and a passion for the sport, as well as teaching it-with a reputation to match. In a word, I felt safe. I finally found the person I trusted enough to teach me the skills to earn my cave diver certification. (Admittedly, for a split second, I questioned myself when I was blindfolded in a cave to do the lost line drill, but immediately reminded myself we practiced this multiple times on land and settled right down-and found the line. Hahaha)

I’m immensely grateful for the education and experience, but also the laughs, the shared war stories of 2 former paramedics, LOTS of tacos, a new espresso addiction, being treated like family (literally 5 family members came for my final dive. So sweet!), making sure I had a place to stay (thank you!!!), a keen eye for vintage Volkswagen Beetles, new dive buddies, and a friendship for a lifetime.

A most sincere thank you.

If you’re ever in the Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum areas and want to do anything from dive a cenote, to earn your instructor or full cave diver certifications, please call APE Divers academy. You will be well educated and well cared for.

Stephanie Dawna