PLAYA DEL CARMEN - When I was a teacher, my director of school often said that true educators can create magic. Feeling more mediocre than magical, I took another path. Luckily, I spent time around such incredibly talented teachers, that I developed an eye for the gift.

Enter Natalie L. Gibb. Pint-sized, with Peter Pan energy, you’d never guess that this woman guides dives in some of the world’s most unique caves. An aficionado of karst landscapes, she’ll make anyone want to explore the underground world of the Riviera Maya.

After completing a degree in chemistry, Natalie worked with restaurants in New York City until she took a spur-of-the-moment vacation to the Florida Keys. She enrolled in an open-water certification course, and since her first dive in a muddy lagoon she's been hooked. The moment she entered the caverns and caves of the Riviera Maya, Natalie discovered her true vocation. She now serves as a freelance guide for tourists and scientists. In fact, just a short time ago, she worked with a researcher who is conducting water quality studies in the local cave systems.

The real magic happens when Natalie talks about her work. With a passion that's infectious and a razor-sharp understanding of science, she exudes an authority that surpasses her small stature. More importantly, she practically glows when she's describing the massive mammal fossils she’s seen in theses caves. When she explains how salt and algae change the color of the water it sounds more like an art lecture than a science talk.

Considering her expertise, its probable that Natalie will eventually work with research projects and professional expeditions into our local cave systems. For now, though, she accepts private clients for cavern and cave diving. If you contract her you’re sure to get a heavy dose of science, history, and a unique respect for these impressive underwater environments. She also speaks excellent spanish.

A talented writer with an eye for detail, Natalie has developed an excellent blog. Anyone with questions about diving, from basic to advanced, should check it out because she offers extremely well-written and relevant material.

Visitors in the Riviera Maya planning introductory cavern dives can usually schedule an outing with Natalie on short notice. If you’re in town with an urge to explore, please contact her. Specialty cave divers should speak with her in advance to confirm dates and diving sites. If you’re just learning, and you want to do basic open water dives, she’d be my first choice as both teacher and guide.

You can contact Natalie regarding her guiding services online: scuba.guide@about.com or info@cenoteland.com

websites: www.cenoteland.com link text link text

The photos for this article were shot by Luis Leal of link text for inquiries or sales please contact him directly: piratamalayo@hotmail.com