Since the beginning of summer, Isabelle Lara has been organizing snorkeling tours, departing from the “bains militaires” beach located in Nice. It is an opportunity to exercise and have fun, while discovering different species of fish.
This morning, the meeting point was scheduled for 9:30 am, in front of the nautical club of the bains militaires, near the port of Nice. One of many appointments, since Isabelle has been regularly welcoming clients since the beginning of the summer: “in July and August, I was doing about three snorkeling tours per week, depending on demand,” she explains. Therefore, it is in groups of up to six that clients can discover the species that the Mediterranean hides, accompanied by Isabelle. “It is an exploration of the seabed, where we encounter fish, octopuses, and many beautiful things, to relax. We walk around as in a hike, but this time in the water,” she adds.
Ensuring the participants feel good
A freediving sports educator and sophrologist, Isabelle pays particular attention to the well-being of participants during her sessions and adjusts them according to various requests. Before putting on masks and snorkels, the group is invited to board a small boat to change, secure their belongings, and especially to chat and get comfortable. “I like to take my time, chat a bit with the people,” Isabelle confides. Then, it’s off to the sea, and after a few explanations about how to use the snorkel, the snorkeling tour can begin. Soles, octopuses, seahorses, sea urchins, or even mackerels may make an appearance depending on the day. The walk can last from 1 to 2 hours, depending on the participants. “If people feel good in the water, we stay longer, I adjust according to the people,” she specifies. The session ends with a moment of relaxation, including breathing exercises after swimming.
For those interested, Isabelle Lara also organizes aqua-sophrology sessions, a technique for relaxing in the water.
