We sailed on a faux pirate sailing vessel to our snorkel site.

After clambering onto the padded seating that ringed the boat, we were given cauliflower soup in artisan bowls. Truffle oil glistened on the surface, tantalizing on this hot day with a hot soup offering.

The soup was delicious, and the flavor gliding past my palate was unfamiliar and mysterious. Unable to identify the spice profile, I ate it all anyway. It was a traditional island greeting for guests, we were told.

We reached the beautiful dark turquoise waters, and listened to the safety briefing as they anchored the sailboat. At last, into the water!

The sand below was white, and the ghosts of former coral formations lay pale on top of it. Floating, still, I listened to the crunch of the parrot fish as it ate the dead coral, depositing with the rest of the sand on the floor of the ocean.

I swam a bit, looking around, and finding a swarm of infinitesimal fish at the surface – clear, and tiny like gnats. I wondered if this was similar to the krill that the world’s giant whales lived on.

I swam toward the shore, and large coral formations materialized before me. Standing taller than I was, I carefully avoided getting too close. From my safe distance, I could see larger fish cutting in and out between the branches.

I surfaced, cleaning my mask and clearing my snorkel, and turned back toward the boat.

Soon I was over clumps of sea grass. I stilled myself, floating in the rhythm of the sea grasses below – back, and forth. Back, and forth. Arms outstretched, I breathed in the peaceful feeling of being one with the ocean.

Clown fish weaved through the green blades below me, and a blue tang surprised me by racing past me to the left. Various fish of color and size moved below me. I spent several minutes watching, my breathing slow and even. I was an interloper, but not one to disturb the life around me.

I started my move to exit their peaceful home, and smiled at the school of angel fish under the sailboat. I paused again to watch the coordinated movements to and fro, glinting bright on one side, muted on the other.

Reluctantly, I pulled myself back onto the swaying vessel.

Seated again on the thick padded cushion, I relaxed as I dried in the sun. The breeze was comfortable now, and the trip back was much cooler for the dip I had taken in the clear water.

I felt blessed to experience this day in Bonaire.