Snorkeling in Cancun Near Isla Mujeres

Recently, Scott and I went snorkeling off of a catamaran tour in Cancun, near Isla Mujeres. This may not sound like a big deal, but for me, it kind of was.

When I was 18, I had a very memorable snorkeling experience in the Bahamas involving a barracuda, my shiny jewelry, and me swimming back to the boat faster than I have probably ever swam in my life. I have snorkeled a few times since then, but barely. That experience from when I was 18 always comes back to me.

So yes, I had a little snorkeling trauma.

This time, it took me a minute to get past that old fear. And while I stayed pretty close to the guide at first, I powered through, and I am so glad I did.

We got to see part of the Cancun Underwater Museum of Art, which has more than 500 life-size sculptures submerged in the waters around Cancun and Isla Mujeres. We also snorkeled around the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, also called the Great Mayan Reef or the Great Mexican Reef, which is commonly described as the second-largest barrier reef system in the world. Once I got past the old story in my head, I was able to enjoy what was actually in front of me. And there really were some beautiful things to see.

I think aging well has a lot to do with staying willing.

Willing to try again.

Willing to feel awkward.

Willing to do something even when it brings up an old fear.

Willing to remember that doing hard things is usually good for us.

A small adventure. A little uncomfortable at first, but completely worth it.