Born in the arid desert of El Paso, Texas, I consider myself a land mammal. There were trips to Galveston in the summers, where I frolicked in the warm and mild waves of the Gulf, but otherwise, the ocean seemed vast, wild, and unpredictable to me. But when I got the opportunity to join a sailing trip in Belize, a place I had never been to during my years traveling through Latin America but had always heard great things about, I decide to face my fear of the ocean. As an adventurous traveler who never turns down an opportunity, I buy Dramamine and dive in headfirst. With no time difference to contend with, no money to exchange, and the national language being English, I relax and pack a backpack with a bathing suit, flip flops, and a good book.  

Belize is still relatively unknown as a sailing destination; seasoned travelers are familiar with the British Virgin Isles and Croatia as being high-trafficked locations when it comes to yachting. But with over 400 islands or “Cayes” to explore and the largest living reef in the world, I was stunned to hear that the word had not got out. I envisioned swarms of white sailboats bobbing on the surface of turquoise-blue waters with yacht rock blaring from speakers, but what I end up finding is solace and rest. 

That evening after a delicious 5-star meal, with an orange-and-pink-toned sunset as our backdrop, I sit in silence. When was the last time I felt wild? When was the last time I didn’t care about how I looked or what I was wearing? Why did I even bring make up? I feel like a kid again; salty, tan, and happy, without a worry in the world. Soon, the calm waves, dark skies, and a full belly lull me into a deep sleep. 

Within the next few days, I quickly learn the rules of sailing--to sit while moving, to focus on the horizon to ward off seasickness, and to keep applying sunscreen. Four toasted women all make the same mistake of laying out too long and then paying for it later, reverting to sun shirts and loose dresses the rest of the trip. As we sail to our next destination, the sound of the fishing rod reel captures our attention. Ruben and another guest jump into action and reel it in with vigor. “We’ve got dinner for tonight!” we yell. Fresh from the source, it was the best fish I ever tasted. 

We spend time snorkeling through the many reefs that call the Caribbean home. Swimming alongside sea turtles, eagle rays, and even nurse sharks, I feel at ease being tethered to Ruben on lifesaver as he points out the sea life below. The rainbow-colored fish and coral engulf my vision of this underwater world, I don’t know where to look. Curious eyes meet mine and then are gone in a flash.