Tag: diving

Vacationing in Gran Canaria

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After a six-week adventure exploring Morocco, I decided to head west to the Canary Islands of Spain for a 10-day vacation. Despite not being a fan of all-inclusive options, the need for a relaxing break and the consideration of the expensive Euro led me to opt for the convenience and cost-effectiveness of a nice hotel where I wouldn’t have to worry about a thing.

Playa Taurito

Situated on the southwest coast of the island of Gran Canaria, between the port town of Puerto Mogan and the popular town of Puerto Rico, Playa Taurito is perched on volcanic hills. Notably, the iconic sand dunes of Maspalomas are just a short drive away, offering the chance for a camel ride along the desert-like dunes.

Paradise Valle Taurito

Choosing the hotel Paradise Valle Taurito through www.booking.com proved to be an excellent decision, given its scenic location, reasonable pricing, and a plethora of attractions (my personal reviews are listed at the bottom).

This family self-sufficient resort provides all the services and amenities one could need. Picture waking up to a delicious breakfast on the terrace, followed by a leisurely day by the pool with a book in hand and a refreshing pina colada. For lunch, savor a seafood paella or opt for a classic burger and fries. If an action-packed afternoon is more your style, the waterpark offers slippery rides, or you can unwind on your patio while admiring the beautiful views of the resort and the nearby ocean. For extra relaxation, indulge in the full-service spa.

There’s no shortage of activities in Taurito. Book a package with one of the beachside companies offering jetskiing, banana boating, parasailing, snorkeling, diving, and sailing.

The black sand beach of Taurito is just a few feet from the hotel, nestled between two wind-shielding cliffs, creating a peaceful and comfortable area to relax, take a stroll, or simply watch the warm golden sunsets.

The hotel room patio becomes a perfect spot to catch up on work, share adventures with those back home, or simply enjoy a glass of wine.

Evenings can be spent savoring a nice dinner under the stars, followed by a leisurely stroll on the venue. Public shows and entertainment add to the lively atmosphere. For those seeking a quieter experience, the poolside bar, manned by friendly bartenders, offers a perfect setting for conversations over a glass of wine with fellow vacationers. Nothing beats the tranquility of these moments.

Scuba Diving at El Cabron

I booked a day diving trip with Delphinus and did 2 beautiful dives at the marine reserve of El Cabron.

Exploring the port town of Puerto Rico

The vibrant port town of Puerto Rico provides a delightful escape, offering a variety of experiences. Whether you prefer a leisurely walk along the oceanfront promenade, catching glimpses of fishermen returning to the marina, enjoying a delectable dinner at one of the authentic local restaurants, lounging on a beach chair by the shore, or strolling through the pedestrianized development surrounded by gardens of bougainvillea, palm trees, bird-of-paradise flowers, hibiscus, and other colorful plants, this little “Venice of the Canaries” is sure to enchant you with its diverse and charming offerings.

Cruise along the coast

Finally, it wouldn’t be a complete vacation if you don’t cruise along the coast. Whether it is by bus, by car, or by scooter, the road along the ocean offers a scenic drive with the perfect sea breeze. We opted to rent a scooter and rode along the winding cliff roads, wind in the hair, chasing the sun setting over the Atlantic. Epic, scenic, simply majestic.

Paradise Valle Taurito Hotel review:

  • Location: The hotel is located south west of the island of Gran Canaria, between the towns of Puerto Mogan and Puerto Rico. The sand dunes of Maspalomas are a short drive away. No airport transfer is included with the hotel. You can choose to pay a taxi, but be prepared to pay a good 100 euros. You can opt to take public transportation. Ask the bus station clerk at the exit of the airport which bus to take to your destination. To get to Taurito, we took 2 buses, a total of 10 euros each. It took about 1  1/2 hour. Renting a car could be a great option.
  • Hotel: Very clean and comfortable newly renovated rooms with beautiful views of the resort and the ocean. Hotel always clean and well-maintained. Beautiful flowers and gardens.
  • Amenities: Small but nice pool surrounded by free long chairs. Pool tables, hot tub and free access to water park. The water has fun rides, although could need a good deep clean and TLC on the slides. Entertainment is a bit poor, but great for kids. Games room fun, but bowling is expensive. Mini-golf is a must! There is a nightclub that opens late for adults. Doesn’t get too busy and the drinks are not included, hence a bit pricey. Beach is clean and located only a few feet away. There is also a full service spa.
  • Food and Drinks: As most affordable all-inclusive resort, the food isn’t close to gastronomy. It tends to be a bit repetitive, but overall it is decent and eatable. The drinks are also ok. However, the self-service wine at dinner is horrible. Drinks and wine at the poolside bar are way better.
  • Staff: Had a great experience thanks to the staff. Very kind and helpful and, even after long days, they keep their smiles. Good job especially to the service and bar staff as well as the housekeepers. However, the front desk wasn’t too helpful with indications and recommendations, which made us miss our bus and take an expensive cab to the airport.

Island Life: A Year in the Making

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I arrived on the 4th of July. Like many islanders, I came searching for a new light — to shake up the mold, create new experiences, and start a chapter of my own.

This wasn’t a plan. It showed up as an opportunity, at just the right time — when my heart needed recovery and my soul was ready to hold on to something new.

I’d never thought much about the Caribbean before. To me it was touristy, full of big hotels and all the things I usually avoid when I travel. But this wasn’t about backpacking. It was about leaving home, on my own, at an older age, and stepping into the unknown. I had no expectations — just a work permit, a one-way ticket, and an open heart.

The first months were tough. I missed friends, my dogs, the family I’d built over nine years. I missed the mountains, the lifestyle, the fresh air of the Canadian West Coast. I missed home. But there were reasons I was here. I needed to push through the loneliness and give myself over to this island life. After two months in an old hotel room, I found a small condo on the beach. When my co-worker Jo from Whistler arrived, it felt like a piece of home had followed me here. That’s when life began to shift.

Fourteen months later, I sit on my balcony with a latte, looking out at the Caribbean Sea, remembering it all. The taxi dropping me off, the humidity instantly claiming my hair. My toes in the ocean, marking the Caribbean as mine. My first kiss with a stingray. My first dive into the clear waters of the Antilles. Wakeboarding at sunset, hold on tight, convinced I’d be shark bait if I fell. Jetskiing rough seas, clinging to life. The parties, the too-much Jäger, the nights I thought I’d forget but now hold onto. The friends who came, the ones who left, the ones who lit the way for future dreams.

I remember the pride of welcoming my mom and friends into my little paradise. Walking barefoot to beachside lunches. Watching sunsets on the way home from work. Snorkeling in my front yard. A quick weekend with my mom in Cuba. Diving at dawn and showing up to work with a mask mark across my forehead. Cheering with my roommate as we bought a Jeep with two months left on our lease, a Riesling bottle in hand. The DJs, the boat parties, the famous Sunday Fundays. Like steering a small vessel, I navigated my island life through it all — sometimes with a bottle in hand (no judgment, it’s island living).

It’s been a wild ride — a rollercoaster of challenges, joy, and memories I’ll carry forever. No regrets.

Cayman Islands, I raise my glass to you: thanks for the ride. Ya man!

When Does It Start to Feel Like Home?

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So when does it start to feel like home? Is it when the pile of shoes grows in the condo entrance? When swimsuits crowd the towel rack? When you’re greeted by familiar faces at the grocery store, the local pub, or while strolling the beach at night? Or maybe it’s when your skin slowly adjusts to the daily sun, the mosquito bites, the fire coral burns, and the jellyfish stings. How much — and how long — does it take before you truly consider yourself at home?

Lately, I’ve noticed a shift: easing into the constant heat and humidity, finding comfort in my apartment, building a circle of friends (eventually you meet the whole island), and becoming more at peace with living far away. But does that mean it feels like home?

I still miss my friends, my dogs, the mountains, and the life I left behind. Soon it will be a year since I first landed on this rock. Looking back, it’s been a steady evolution — from scared and lonely to comfortable and at ease. And now, as this Caribbean chapter nears its end, I’m not sure I’m ready to let go.

During the first five months, I was desperate to go back. Then a friend told me: “You just got here. This is a new habitat. It takes time to mark your territory, build comfort, and feel secure. Don’t run back to your comfort zone. Sit with those feelings, learn from them, and grow stronger. This island has so much to offer — be kind, keep your heart open, and give yourself the chance to truly live it. Don’t give up. Not yet.”

He was right. When I went home for the holidays, I struggled to return. But once I did, I threw myself into my “Cayman To-Do List.” I stayed busy with work and endless social gatherings, but also carved out time for new experiences: scuba diving twice a week, exploring parts of the island I hadn’t seen, trying new restaurants, chasing Sunday brunches, and even flying off on quick getaways, like the weekend I met my mom in Cuba. I wanted to do it all — to give this island chapter a big, honest checkmark. I even started thinking about buying a car, just for the freedom it would bring. But then I wondered — isn’t that one step closer to settling down?

So yeah… after months of loneliness and homesickness, here I am in Grand Cayman, living island life at its fullest. I had doubts at the start, but no regrets now. I’ve realized we all leave something behind, we all feel lonely at first — but in a way, we’re all lonely together. And somewhere along the way, I caught myself thinking: this is starting to feel like home.