Welcome Back to the Blog – Let’s Dive In!
Hey there, and welcome back to Travel + Explore & Play with Sallee Jay! This month, I’m thrilled to introduce you to our featured guest blogger Keyerria Howard who’s taking us on an underwater journey—literally. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or just curious about what it feels like to breathe beneath the waves, you’ll want to follow along as we explore the fascinating world of scuba diving through the eyes of a passionate diver.
1. Meet Your Guide: Keyerria
Hi, I’m Keyerria! I’m an adventurer at heart with an insatiable curiosity for the world—especially the part that lies beneath the surface. I’ve always loved the ocean, but it wasn’t until a few years ago that I truly dove in and discovered scuba diving. That first plunge changed everything.
Keyerria Howard
Under the Sea
My journey started during a Christmas vacation while I was living in the Philippines. I visited the dreamy island of Boracay—known for its white sands and turquoise waters—and what started as a spontaneous curiosity quickly turned into a lifelong love. For me, scuba diving is more than just a thrill-seeking activity. It’s a practice in courage, mindfulness, and self-trust. As a Black woman, it’s also been an incredibly empowering experience—reminding me to take up space in places we don’t always see ourselves represented.
That’s why I want to speak directly to Black women who might be curious about diving but unsure where to start: this space is for us, too. The ocean belongs to everyone. You deserve to explore it, to find calm and confidence in it, and to challenge the notion of who “belongs” in adventure spaces. Don’t wait to be invited—take the plunge and claim your place..
2. That Unforgettable First Dive
I’ll never forget my first dive in Boracay. I was nervous—excited, but definitely nervous. I wasn’t the strongest swimmer and the thought of breathing underwater? Honestly, it felt unnatural. But I had a patient instructor who helped me every step of the way.
The moment I finally let go and descended, something shifted. I was surrounded by brilliant, neon-colored fish, and for a few surreal moments, time seemed to stand still. I was floating, weightless, in a world that felt both alien and deeply peaceful. It was exhilarating, humbling—and it completely transformed me. That dive taught me something powerful: when you move through fear, what’s waiting on the other side is often something beautiful.
3. My Favorite Dive Destinations (So Far)
I’ve had the privilege of diving in some amazing places. Here are three that truly stole my heart:
Utila, Honduras – A diver’s paradise! I spent 10 days here earning my open water certification. The marine life is incredible—I swam alongside eagle rays and even dolphins on the way to a dive site. The local diving community is warm, laid-back, and full of passion.
Nusa Penida, Indonesia – Diving with giant manta rays at Manta Point was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The currents were strong, but floating beneath a silent train of majestic mantas was nothing short of magical.
Boracay, Philippines – My sentimental favorite. It’s where my diving journey began, and the coral reefs here are a vibrant, living kaleidoscope of life and color.
4. The Highs and Lows of Diving
Diving isn't always smooth sailing. One of my biggest challenges has been equalizing pressure in my ears—particularly the left one. If I rush my descent, I risk sharp pain and migraines. It’s tough when your body doesn’t cooperate with your adventurous spirit.
But I’ve learned to adapt. I descend slowly, communicate with my dive buddy, and practice patience. One of my proudest moments was finally completing a deep dive after almost giving up because of the pain. That feeling of achievement—knowing I stayed safe, listened to my body, and didn’t give up—was priceless.
5. Travel Tips & Dive Advice
Thinking about diving? Here are my top tips:
Take Your Time: Don’t rush the certification process. Find an instructor you trust, and allow yourself to learn at your own pace.
You Don’t Need to Be an Expert Swimmer: What you really need is the ability to stay calm, follow instructions, and respect the ocean.
Invest in a Good Mask: Especially when starting out, having your own well-fitting mask is a game changer. Rental gear can be hit or miss—but a personal mask that fits well will make your dive more comfortable and focused.
Budget Travel Tips: Want to dive without breaking the bank? Head to affordable destinations like the Philippines, Honduras, or Egypt. Travel during off-peak seasons, book dive packages, and stay in dive lodges or eco-hostels that cater to divers.
6. Diving With Purpose: Ocean Awareness
Scuba diving has made me more conscious of how I live—on land and at sea. When you’re face to face with a sea turtle or floating over a coral reef teeming with life, you start to realize how precious and fragile our oceans really are.
I’ve become a big advocate for eco-conscious diving: using reef-safe sunscreen, avoiding single-use plastics, and supporting dive shops that prioritize sustainability. Because at the end of the day, we protect what we love. And once you fall in love with the ocean, protecting it becomes second nature.
7. What’s Next?
Next stop on my diving bucket list? Egypt! I’m dreaming of exploring the legendary Red Sea—known for its crystal-clear waters, sunken wrecks, and colorful coral gardens.
To anyone out there who’s thinking about diving but feels intimidated: do it anyway. You don’t have to be fearless. You just have to be willing. If I can do it—starting in my thirties, learning while living abroad, and navigating fears—you can too. And trust me, it’s more than worth it.
Thanks for diving in with me. Until next time—stay curious, stay courageous, and never stop exploring.
🌊💙
—Keyerria
Follow my adventures on @thewanderlustkey—I’d love to share more of the underwater world and my other travels with you!
