Isla Mujeres Manta Ray Conservation

By Michele Oziemina

A community you immediately feel a part of, a friend of Manzas’ is a friend of theirs. Humble as she is, she states it took a lot of time to build these connections, but that is hard to believe, because as soon as you meet her, you feel as through you have met a friend, someone who wants the best for you. Manza is quick to show us the town, greeting everyone with smiles and warm words. One of the biggest take aways in the initial days has been how strong the sense of community is here. Families remain close and friends become family. It may be in part to being a small island and the community looking out for each other, or it may be due to an inspiring person bringing all she loves and cares for together.

The first field trip we meet her close friend Ixchel who has brought her daughter, Camilla. Ixchel is the sister of the captain Jesús. A friend (and cousin) of theirs, José is also along. It is an early morning but no one is sleepy eyed, excitement seems to be buzzing in the air, along with loads of mosquitos, AHH, those bites! Introductions are made and we are off. The ride out brings easy conversations, this is a group that is very familiar and cares a lot for each other.

Observing the dynamics of the relationships brings a smile to my face. There were many moments when the friends were embracing, smiling, sharing in something special to all of them. Camilla is a bright and knowledgeable, enthuastically talking, anticipating what the day will bring. In time conversations trail off and everyone is content looking out at the ocean and scanning for wildlife. If you can pull yourself away from that beauty, you see yet another kind when you look at those on the boat; the faces of the friends and family all rest with faint smiles and kindness on them. It is a lovely environment to surround yourself with.

The whole crew is patient and encouraging to all the interns fumbling with equipment and fins, cheering you on throughout the day. Heading home we go slowly, only to realize that they were catching a fish and preparing fresh ceviche and guacamole, I don’t think I will ever have something as good in my life! Something I was not aware of, on Isla Mujeres the men do the cooking- perfecto!

Scuba Garrido, a family run business of native Islanders evokes much of the same feelings. Alvaro, talkative and radiating positivity is joined by his brother Arturo who has a perpetual smile on his face. Along with them is a nephew, Valentin who has an easy-going presence to him. They have a dive master intern, Nunu, who they continually give a hard time in a good natured way. On the boat out to the dive site you once again see content smiles resting on everyone’s face, with eruptions of laughter and animated conversations frequently breaking through. There is a peace here that comes with a deep appreciation for all the blessings in their everyday life, something they do not take for granted, all presented in a lighthearted manner with many jokes sprinkled throughout. After the dive we share lunch on the roof deck and speak easily about life and our different backgrounds, it is easy to waste a whole day away with this company.

I have never encountered so many individuals that put so much light out into the world. Each individual is truly influential and uplifting, all of them brought together for the love of the ocean and all the wonders it holds. A undertow of respect for it is felt, and inspiration is contagious. There can be occasional language barriers and yet you can still only feel the positive energy and camaraderie.

A gentle encouragement to embrace others, embrace the ocean, and all of it will give back. These are the individuals you want out in the world, shaping our beliefs and culture, and so many of them congregated here on this unassuming island! To observe all of this, without seeing a Manta this initial week, well… I can only imagine the overwhelming feelings of delight and gratitude that will arise when one or many (here is hoping!) reveal themselves to us, as just being in the presence of these individually incredible people has already shaped me and brought a level of appreciation I had not anticipated. This programme is truly something special, a large part due to all these individuals who guide you, through laughter and connection, that this is the true way to view and cherish this beautiful world.