Imagine you’re walking along a dark Caribbean beach. The night air is warm, and there’s a light breeze that blows the ocean spray onto your face, bringing with it the smell of sea salt. As you step forward, the sand sticking to the bottom of your feet, another wave crashes onto the beach, and millions of tiny bioluminescent lights twinkle on the sand like stars, seeming to reflect the view above of the night sky.  

For some Georgia Tech students and staff, this fantastical scene was not a daydream — it was the reality of their spring break on Bonaire, a small, picturesque island off the coast of South America. The Georgia Tech Scuba Program, a part of Campus Recreation within Student Engagement and Well-Being, took a group of 23 students and staff to Bonaire on its annual spring break trip in March.  

While the trip included everything you would expect from a Caribbean vacation — stunning sunset views, white sandy beaches, clear tropical waters, and lasting memories made with friends — the divers weren’t just enjoying time away from school and work. They also made several dives as part of a volunteer program with the Reef Renewal Bonaire, a coral restoration initiative founded in 2012.  

Georgia Tech divers spent hours cleaning and maintaining coral nurseries that will eventually outplant diverse and resilient corals back to the natural reef. They also collected data on coral health and growth that will help the Reef Renewal foundation with ongoing research and restoration efforts. This positive environmental impact was one reason Tech students gave for why they were attracted to the scuba program, in addition to the supportive community and opportunities to learn and explore.  

“To me, my experience at Tech has been defined by learning new things, meeting new people, and finding ways to make my community better. This trip wrapped all that into one,” third-year psychology student Ana Peralta Rolka said. “I got to learn about all the different wildlife and coral and the various environmental impacts that affect them.” 

Second-year environmental science student Camden Hyde, who always dreamed of becoming a scuba diver, said he formed lifelong bonds with his peers and instructors on the trip and found a sense of community within the program. 

“This program and trip gave me a whole new community to explore, and it connected me to a ton of like-minded individuals who love and care about the environment just like I do,” he said. “The scuba program is an amazing community and an awesome opportunity to see more of the planet than many others. Even with rigorous academics and a busy lifestyle, Georgia Tech scuba gave me a pathway to achieve my dreams and create strong connections that will serve me well in my passions and professional career.” 

The scuba program offers a range of classes for beginners to advanced divers and provides a pathway to open water certification. Equipment is provided for participants during classes at no additional cost, and all courses in the program are located on-campus in the Campus Recreation Center’s McAuley Aquatic Center. Those who are interested in learning more and trying scuba can attend a two-hour Discover Scuba session before committing to a course. 

Natalia Celis, a second-year industrial engineering student, said that she would encourage anyone who has an interest in diving to join Georgia Tech scuba.  

“Do it — seriously, don’t hesitate. Even if you’re nervous about not knowing anyone, or even if you’re new to diving, you’ll be welcomed immediately,” she said. “Everyone is super supportive, and there’s a place for everyone, whether you’re advanced certified or just starting out. If you’re even considering it, take that as your sign to just go for it. I promise you won’t regret it.” 

Celis, who is an experienced diver, knew she wanted to find a way to continue doing what she loved when she came to Tech. She said when she learned about the scuba program, it felt like the perfect opportunity to keep diving while making connections in a new community. 

“I just want to say how grateful I am that Tech has a program like this,” Celis said. “Not every school gives you the chance to go on a scuba trip with your peers, and I think it’s something really unique about the experience here.” 

The Georgia Tech Scuba Program is open to students, staff, faculty, alumni and the community. More information about the program and class offerings can be found on the program page on Campus Recreation’s website.