Snorkeling, Sea Glass Hunting and Exploring the Caribbean

I have spent countless hours floating in the Caribbean waters searching for these amazing creations of sand and sea. The perfect days were when the surf had just a ripple and the blue of the water matched that of the sky.

Jellyfish were usually a problem but as long as they weren’t boxes, we were ok. A short zap, a little sting and we would be on our way. Lion Fish, more and more over the last couple of years, hung suspended like poisonous marionettes. Fish of every shape, size and color, darted by continuously.

When we snorkeled, we were rarely in water deeper than what we could stand in. It wasn’t fear that kept us so close to shore. It was because we knew that the best sea glass was right off the water’s edge.

It was always a good 15 minute swim until the hunt began and it was always filled with muted excitement. Our excursions usually lasted 4-6 hours and had to be planned for days in advance.

Once the hunting began, my friend and I would stay within a short swims distance of each other but rarely were side by side. This was time to be “alone” in the beautiful sea but still have a buddy. It was a soul reaching experience.

I can’t accurately describe what it looks like to search for sea glass under the water. The colors and shapes are all magnified. The intense sunlight up above gives every color a bright pulsing glow. The smallest piece was seen with acute vision aided by the water and our masks.

Sea Glass collecting is unique here. The object in most places is to find a single piece of sea glass but here it it to find a perfect piece of sea glass. We don't pick up every piece we find. If we did we wouldn’t make it more then30 minutes before having to swim back to shore and unload our finds. The shear amount of sea glass in these waters allows us to pick and choose through thousands!

Every treasure we found was placed in our very special mesh baggies. We toted our precious cargo through the waves, always making sure to have them closed tight and upright for a lost piece is hardly ever forgotten.

Days when the surf was rough and unfriendly were the days you found the most unique and stunning treasures. The waves have so much power and it requires much effort to keep one hand free for digging while bracing yourself with the other three limbs. Usually you could wedge yourself in a spot with both legs and an arm and dig until either your grip failed or the waves increased.

At times it was dangerous. At times my friend and I would comment about how lucky we were that we weren’t hurt more than a few scrapes and bruises. We knew our limits well and learned early on that the ocean does not give you second chances, only subtle warnings. Every time was an experience, a fantastic memory, a true adventure.