Diving into your health

Research shows that being near, in, on or under water can make you a happier, healthier and more connected human. Discover why scuba diving is good for your mental health.

- CATHY FINCH

The boundless beauty of the ocean still astounds me as I glide over the long, elongated branches of an underwater paddock of dusky pink sea whips, swaying in the current below on Half Moon Wall. No matter how many times I dive into her depths, the mesmerising colours, the changing shades of blue, the smell and the sounds of the sea still entrance me. What is it about water that intoxicates and draws us into a suspended state of bliss?

I am enjoying a week of scuba diving on one of Aggressor fleet’s liveaboard vessels stationed in Belize, home to the world’s second-longest barrier reef. The reef system runs parallel to the country’s entire coastline, promising adrenalin induced encounters with beautiful, bizarre life forms, countless species of fish and exotic gardens of soft and hard coral.

Today’s dive is an eerie descent into the country’s Great Blue Hole — a giant marine sinkhole that, seen from the air, shimmers perfectly circular in shape, approximately 70km offshore at Lighthouse Reef. The famous 1971 explorations of Jacques Cousteau put the cave system on the map when he declared it one of the top five scuba diving sites in the world. Decorated with long, heavy stalactites dropping down from the cave ceiling like oversized, colossal teardrops; these can only form on dry land, confirming that sea levels must have risen at least 100 metres all that time ago.

As we glide through the southeastern passage on our early morning approach to the hole, the ocean’s deep aqua hues change to an eclectic mix of pale teal and translucent blue. The outside deck is bustling with an underlining energy pulsing through the divers. This will be a deep dive, perhaps deeper than many of us have ever done. Jerome, our boat captain, will lead today and he gathers everyone for a significant briefing. No one wants to mess things up at 40 metres.