From black-market spirits and coconut-hurling to finding buried treasure in Sandy Caye. A journey through spearfishing elation, baring souls under the stars, and the best day ever.
Utila – Week 4, Day 4: Plan B and Broken Coral
From the awe of a giant lionfish to the shock of a cocky diver’s coral catastrophe. A journey through final certifications, career Plan Bs, and sock-filled wrecks.
Utila – Week 4, Day 1: Shark-Sucking Sidekicks
From the suckers of a remora on my leg to the PVC “trees” of a coral nursery. A journey through reef restoration, vulgar sea cucumber signals, and brownie points.
Utila – Week 3, Day 7: Mapping Mayhem
From the “mapping mayhem” of a digital Black Coral Wall to the bittersweet joy of a four-month travel milestone. A journey through upended plans and unwanted roommates.
Utila – Week 3, Day 6: Squid Game
From toothpaste pranks and mapping the Black Coral Wall to the awkward reality of a travel reunion. A journey through squids, scribbles, and revirginizing crises.
Utila – Week 3, Day 5: Pirates of the Labyrinth
From battling tempestuous seas and spotting pyrosomes to the “pirate” life on deck. A journey through 800-meter swims, equipment exchanges, and beer pong defeats.
Utila – Week 3, Day 3: Refresher Course?
From the exhaustion of a “hell dive” to the triumph of a PADI bureaucracy win. A journey through rescue drills, academic tutoring, and the return of the Roving Doctor.
Utila – Week 3, Day 2: The Electrolyte Fad
From Christ rising from the tomb to the holy word of electrolytes. A journey through island fanaticism, PADI Platinum discipline, and the soul-crushing FOMO of a grounded kid.
Utila – Week 3, Day 1: The Big Hibernation
From 25 successful dives to a febrile mess in a dark room. A journey through tropical fevers, missing the sunset, and the long-awaited gossip of the island.
Utila – Week 2, Day 6: A New Routine
From assisting my first Advanced course to becoming the island’s unofficial masseuse. A journey through buoyancy squares, marching bands, and the world’s worst pasta.