Follow Along as I Discover Dominica

Victoria Falls, Dominica

Dominica is one of the few countries left in the Caribbean that I haven’t visited. It’s a hiker’s paradise with adventure, beauty, nature, and culture abound. Starting Wednesday, I will discover this unspoiled destination. My trip will include hiking Sari Sari Falls and Trafalgar Falls. I’ll canyon, dive, snorkel, and relax on the beach. I’ll swim at Bubble Beach Spa and Champagne Reef and enjoy a whale watching excursion. You know when I visit a new place, I’m all in. My packed schedule will introduce me to the best of Dominica and I’ll be sure to share it all with you. Continue reading

We’re Doing 11 Days on Oahu, Hawaii Bucket List Style

Hawaii Sunset

Most family vacations in Oahu include Pearl Harbor, Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium, building sand castles on the beach, and splashing in the kid’s pool. Even with a toddler, that’s not how we do vacation. We’ve lined up three spectacular family-friendly resorts, tons of unique adventures, delectable dining with a twist, and fun cultural experiences. We’re doing Oahu bucket list style.

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Pushing My Limits Cave Snorkeling with Flow Bonaire

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. Continue reading

5 Amazing Underwater Encounters

beluga whales

Every time I have an underwater encounter, it’s a magical experience. It’s essentially diving into a different world filled with incredible sights and animals. I’m scared; no that’s an understatement. I’m petrified. I know so little about the dangers and beauties of the ocean. Although it has always been a huge part of my life, I fear what could kill me, bite me, or I guess even swim near me. Not all fears are rational, but that doesn’t make them go away. It’s this feeling of uncertainty and discovery that draws me back time and time again to the ocean. Over the last two years, I’ve had five remarkable underwater encounters including swimming with schools of fish, dolphins, beluga whales, whale sharks, and manta rays. Each encounter was uniquely amazing and life-changing. Each encounter has given me a new perspective and encouragement to continue learning about the magical world underwater. Continue reading

Snorkeling with the Ballerinas of the Ocean

Manta-Ray-Night-Dive---Hula-Kai

I prepared to jump from the Hula Kai Adventures boat into the endless abyss. I had no idea what to expect below. Resting stations were set up only feet from the boat, but in the dark of night on the Pacific Ocean I could feel my pulse quicken. Before I even stepped off the boat, I could see the gigantic shadows  gliding through the water. I was about to snorkel with enormous manta rays in Hawaii. Even now as I type it, it doesn’t sound real. There are some opportunities in life that everyone should experience and snorkeling with manta rays is one of them. Continue reading

Does It Count if You Try? Missing a Bucket List Item

Bucket list item number 14: Try Snuba – Snuba is a form of diving that is a mix between snorkeling and scuba diving. A diving regulator is used but instead of air coming from tanks strapped to the diver’s back, it comes through a long hose from tanks on pontoon rafts on the surface.

Every year, I create a bucket list of activities that I’d like to experience. I put a lot of thought Snuba, Arubainto which items should make the list and if it’s humanly possible to accomplish every item in one year. Readers, friends, and family often think that I’m completely unrealistic about my goals, but I believe the more unrealistic I am with my dreams and goals the more I’m able to achieve.  This year’s list included 50 items and I’m more than half way through. I was truly starting to believe that I’d successfully complete every item on the list; I didn’t consider the fact that I could chicken out of an activity but today it happened. I’m in one of the most beautiful countries I’ve visited in my life, I’ve crossed two items off of the list since arriving two days ago, and I’m starting to think Aruba is my new favorite country, but during our adventure today I felt totally defeated and one bucket list item is not going to see the check mark of success this year. Continue reading

Snorkeling at Castaway Island, Fiji

It’s obvious from my whale shark experience at the Georgia Aquarium that I have a great fear of encounters with marine life. When I can overcome that fear, I see it as one of the most naturally beautiful events that humans can experience. Today, at Castaway Island in Fiji, I was able to see past the fear and enjoy a unique encounter. Continue reading

Ignorance is Bliss – Snorkeling in Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach – known internationally as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. With dolphins diving within view, sun caressing the sand and making the ocean sparkle, and perfect waves for surfing or boogie boarding, what’s not to love? The beauty is all encompassing, creating a burning desire to explore it more. The idea of snorkeling through  such perfection was flawless. I imagined viewing colorful, tropical fish, coral, and new sea creatures. I grabbed my Promate snorkel gear and set out toward the water. Continue reading