In dive lingo, a “surface interval” is exactly what it sounds like: a break at the surface between dives. There’s a good reason for doing a surface interval – your body builds up nitrogen bubbles while submerged, and you need to give yourself time to clear them from your system in order to safely dive again. (This is also the reason for that safety stop, otherwise known as “Quique holds onto Jaclyn and Steve’s BCDs for dear life.”) Our dive excursion each day included two dives, with a safety stop in between at the absolutely breathtaking Isla del Cano National Park.

Hard to find a better spot to decompress – quite literally, actually – between dives, right?

We pulled up in the little cove alongside about ten other boats, all of which were letting hikers, swimmers, snorkelers, divers and beach-goers off at this magical place. Quique, our divemaster and guide, rattled off our options – we could hang out on the beach, swim, or hike uphill to a pretty overlook. Steve and I were tired from an early wakeup call and an hour-long certification dive, and we wanted to conserve our energy for the next underwater adventure, so we opted to hang out on the sand.

Carefully selected lounging spot: as I mentioned last week, Quique was adamant that we were not to lay our towels out under a palm tree. We giggled a little at the fact that he seemed to be much more afraid of falling coconuts than he was of sharks and stingrays – until we saw a couple next to us nearly have their vacation ruined by a falling coconut. Y’all. Those things are like ROCKS.

Taking in that view – not bad, not bad at all. All of the couples on the boat had gone their separate ways – the two snorkeling couples were snoozing in the sun, and Garry and Donna had wandered off to find a quiet spot – and we just enjoyed the sight of the waves rolling in.

I am, however, notoriously high energy and I couldn’t sit still for long before getting up to poke barnacles and explore down by the waterline.

Five millimeters of neoprene, plus dive boots – I think this is the most fabric I’ve ever had on at the beach?

Back at the towel, Steve and I watched these hermit crabs scuttling around, trying to get as far away from us as they could. If you know Steve “IRL” you may know that he has an absolutely hilarious “critter voice.” He had me rolling on the sand, laughing until I almost couldn’t breathe.

Back on the boat, our surface interval continued with what will always be the most exciting sight for me, anytime I’m out on the water: cetaceans!

Blurry picture alert, but you can see the dorsal fin: these are pantropical spotted dolphins! A new one for my “Marine Mammals of the World” logbook. #nerdalert.

As exciting as dolphins – a new-to-me species, no less – were, we had an even bigger treat in store for us the next day. Our dive boat was called the “Ballena” – Spanish for “Whale” – and I was hoping that it was a good omen. February is prime humpback whale calving season in Costa Rica, as the whales come to the warm waters to give birth and let their calves build up strength and stamina before making their long migrations. We didn’t have a whale watch on the agenda, but we would be on the water enough that I was hoping for a sighting. Sure enough, the next morning – as we steamed toward Isla del Cano for a second day of diving – the boat’s captain pointed at the horizon and shouted “Ballena!”

No matter how many times I see these gentle giants, it’s never anything less than miraculous.

This was a humpback whale mom and baby traveling together. They were very relaxed and chill – couldn’t have been less interested in us, and no breaching either. I could have watched them for hours, but we had another day of diving to get to.

Next week – we’re giant-stepping back into the water for a second day of diving – completing our open water certifications!