Pushing My Limits Cave Snorkeling with Flow Bonaire

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Cave Snorkeling with Flow Bonaire

I like being in situations where I’m pushing my limits. Being outside of my comfort zone makes me more aware of my surroundings. It’s a natural high that keeps me wanting more. That’s how I felt while cave snorkeling with Flow Bonaire. Each turn, corner, or new cave put me in an unfamiliar environment where my heart was pounding faster and I breathed in adventure.

With my guide, Rudy, I explored two caves in Bonaire. The first one required minimal maneuvering and no snorkeling but it gave me an excellent understanding of what can be found inside. I was greeted by impressive stalactites and stalagmites and glass-like pools of clear water.

Cave-Snorkeling-in-Bonaire-with-Flow

It wasn’t until the second cave when my heart beat quickened and the drug-like feeling of adrenaline started to kick in.  We climbed down a narrow passageway and entered the darkness.

Rudy got in first. He was calm and in a familiar environment but it was like going into a scary movie scene for me. I had no idea what to expect in the water or above.

Cave Snorkeling with Flow

I put on my mask and snorkel and dipped my face below the waterline. It was alive with shapes and unfamiliar structures, some like popcorn and others like bacon, but no fish or marine life. I was grateful. As we pushed further into the cave we came to a deep, jagged section and Rudy said we could free dive under to continue deeper into the cave system.

It was nerve-racking at first. I worried that I wouldn’t have the ability to hold my breath long enough to make it to the other side but my curiosity was too strong to pass. Rudy made a huge difference as well. He could go under and back without coming up for air. It didn’t bother him to be under water for over a minute. I knew that if I struggled, he’d come and get me.

My anxiousness made the experience even better. Arriving on the other side gave me a feeling of accomplishment and the beauty was heightened by my increased heart rate.

On the other side, we turned off our lights and listened. There was an intense silence and a deep darkness that I didn’t imagine possible. No shadows. No light. No difference between eyes closed or wide open. Being trapped in there would be an inconceivable Hell but knowing the way out was beautiful.

I wonder how I got this way? Most people have an innate understanding of their fears and they walk away from them. Does it take moments away from my life because my heart rate is in a constant state of flex or does it give me more time because I embrace it? Regardless of the answer, I’ll take the fear and the rush any day of the week.

43 thoughts on “Pushing My Limits Cave Snorkeling with Flow Bonaire”

    • I think I would have said the same thing about a year ago. I was nervous of what was in the water while snorkeling in the ocean; forget in a cave! But I had to try and I loved it! Do you like snorkeling in the ocean?

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      • I also fear those sharp-toothed finned things in the ocean but adore the chance to see dolphins (I mostly only snorkel in areas where there are dolphins). I think a wide open clear-water lake would be amazing but those deep caves … very brave of you !

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  6. I am right there with you!!! The rush of pushing your limits, of finding the edge, words can’t describe it.

    I think you truly start to live at the end of your comfort zone. Whether riding my motorcycle, racing sailboats, sky diving….it’s all about the adventure!!

    Hunter Thompson said, “The Edge. The only people who really know where it is are the ones that have gone over. The others – the – living – are those who push their control as far as they felt they could handle, and then pulled back, or slowed down or whatever they had to when it came time to choose now and later. But the edge is still out there.”

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      • Hi Lesley, a flotation tank is filled with salt water so you remain buoyant and your body should experience weightlessness so you completely relax. I’ve always wanted to try it to see if it freaks me or effortlessly makes me feel like I am back in the womb!

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  12. I like your approach to fear. I think I might have to try thinking of it like a good adrenaline rush the next time I’m uncertain (or afraid) of something, like crossing over a river on a log…it gets me every time.

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  24. fantastic adventure, i recently walked across a bridge with a train coming, we didn’t know what time, and a fall, or a incoming train would mean death, but there’s something to be said about thrilll seeking, calculating is the best kind, well done !

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  28. Dear Lesley, so you are one of those adventure seeking psychos !!!! I am scared as hell to try anything this crazy .. But I am so glad I read your post .. I could feel the experience reading your words .. !! I wonder how you can do all this , but I wish you the very best .. I am loving the blog and being on the adventures with you (while sitting at home thankfully!!!) 😊

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