Tag Archive for scuba diving

Scuba Diving Official Certification

Due to the rise in the worldwide popularity of the sport, a number of centres as well as courses with regard to diving qualifications has come up recently. In the United States alone, one can find nearly 2000 specialist scuba dive centres. The very first thing you’d ought to do before getting started with a course of study would be to explore the different facilities and then determine what type of those should be the best option for you personally.

Open Water Diver Certification:
You ought to be not less than Fifteen years old to obtain the open water diver certification. Most open water qualifications allow you to dive on your own with no instructor around (in the event the charter boat isn’t going to make it required). There is also Junior Open Water Scuba diver Qualification for people between ages ten to fifteen. Before getting your qualifications, it is strongly recommended by virtually every center that you’re in decent health. Several centres may even need you to obtain a medical certification ahead of registering for an accreditation program. Also you need to know how to swim although you don’t necessarily have to be great at that. Even so, you’ll want to be capable of swim 200 meters utilizing any action, and also float or tread in water for approximately 15 minutes.

Scuba Diving Centres for Official certifications:
There are several scuba diving centers around the globe that will teach you the technical background knowledge and also functional skills of scuba diving, though not all of them are entirely dependable. Try to do some research prior to signing up your self in a training course. Also think about an agency that has an internationally accepted accreditation certificate if you travel a great deal. Nearly all western scuba dive destinations have high quality scuba courses available – for instance almost any Cairns Dive Course course is going to be high-quality.

Some of the most common and largest scuba diving certification firms consist of PADI, NAUI, YMCA, Scuba Schools International, and PDIC. These kind of agencies provide some of the best scuba diving courses and training teachers readily available. However, the training process, time-span, instruction etc most likely are not identical with just about all of these. For instance, NAUI classes are often more technical in the classroom as compared to other courses but can’t be said much better or worse as opposed to others. And so, the end result of the coaching and training course might be based upon one’s own hard work along with individual instructor.

Bubblemakers, Diving rangers, along with SASY are some of the common businesses focusing on supplying Junior Open Water Diver Qualification for people between ages 10 to 15.

Training:
The time period of a diving accreditation program generally is determined by you and your own agenda. Essentially, it takes approximately two to three weeks to acquire a full qualification that would cost between $175.00 and $250.00 and may even include extras including training books, tables, and rental equipment etc (you’ll need to buy or rent your own scuba dive gear). An accreditation course generally contains classroom work, exams, practical knowledge sessions, and four to five open water dives. Classroom tasks may perhaps be held once per week with more intensive saturdays and sundays which include enhanced studying, while open water dives typically take 2 additional days and nights.

Most of the scuba diver qualification means that you can dive from sixty to 100 ft below the surface, while an advanced diving accreditation permits you to undertake deep dives of around 130 feet. The advanced scuba diving qualifications focuses more about safety, science, the navigation, nighttime diving, body structure scuba diving along with the dive tables.

Why Don’t You Thought of Learning to Scuba Dive For Your Upcoming Vacation

A remarkable simple fact everyone should know is the fact that greater part of planet Earth happens to be draped in ocean. Hence essentially almost all of the planet is concealed under water. You may want to discover that area and find out just what exactly else is down there aside from people together with ground animals? Some of the most elegant and unique objects lie within the very world associated with the oceans and also other bodies of water. It would make for a terrific vacation to find out these kinds of fascinating under water secrets. Several scuba dving tourist suppliers these days for one’s enjoyment. If you’re a spouseless individual this is usually a good place in order to connect with others who have got the same desire for the experience associated with searching for unique and exotic varieties located in the deep sea. For people with families there is nothing superior that can be done to take you and your family with each other then through going scuba dving plus checking out the unknown.

There are several Scuba Diving companies that view the a large amount of out of the way and unique sites on Earth. A few of these stunning locations may include; the Red Sea, the Mediterranean, the Bahamas, Nigeria, Australia, Thailand, and Costa Rica. They are simply a few of the intriguing along with exciting places some dive vacation packages include. Get to know many different scuba diving vacation providers and see exactly where they travel. You see, the fantastic thing with regard to scuba diving getaways is simply because are more grand compared to the normal summer vacation. The majority of vacation companies provide a good room in which to stay that has great cusine and lots of various other amenities. Hence the reality is that you will get to go to an extraordinary scuba dive destination as well as reside in gorgeous lodging in addition. If you’ve a family, many are child friendly and provide courses and recreational pursuits for your children.

Nearly all diving vacations will comprise training in addition to gear to be able to rent or buy. These types of courses you will coach you how to use the diving equipment together with the proper safety guidelines to follow to help with making your scuba dving vacation as risk-free and positive as it can be. The actual courses will be generally scheduled at the diving destination. You may also find out about that individual underwater environment as well as various species of fish you will come across. Many of these species may very well be protected but some you could be free to spear then have with dinner. There’s nothing superior as compared to recently caught lobster, crab or shellfish. Once you learn easy methods to scuba dive it really is an pastime which you could include in approaching holidays.

Many men and women try some form of truly adventurous holiday during their lives. If you are thinking of a holiday getaway or possibly a holiday, think out of a box, feel thrills, think grand adventure, give some thought to exploring untouched marine caverns, give some thought to scuba diving getaways. They will expand your own world. You will discover ways to carry out a completely new sporting recreation. You’re able to experience stuff most of the people will not ever see in their whole lives along with live like royals when doing so. It is actually a different as well as thrilling choice for individuals who are tired of the same old boring vacation.

Some Info About The Barrier Reef

The Barrier Reef is one of the natural wonders of the world stretching from the northernmost point of Australia to just north of the border. It’s coral reefs stretch over 2000km along the eastern coast.

The Barrier Reef is home to well over 1200 fish species, dolphins, dugongs and turtles. Many different types of birdlife can be found on the reef.

The coral which creates the reef itself is also a living thing. When it dies it turns white, and creates the basis for further reef growth. Different varieties of coral grow at varying speeds, while some are very quick to grow, some take well over a 100 years to reach maturity. The vivid colours are not formed by the coral but by the growth of algae living on it.

The barrier reef needs a tropical climate as it requires on warm shallow water for optimal growth. Clean water and lots of light is required to keep the coral healthy.

With 100′s of 1000′s of square miles of reef it is a watersports mecca. Various day tours are available from the communities right along the coast. Even if you don’t swim you can see the marvels of the reef through reef viewing tours.

The reef is heritage listed and vast areas are restricted from fishing and removing coral from the reef is prohibited to protect it for our childrens children.

The colourful and exciting capital of North Queensland, Cairns is alive with life and charm. Located in the centre of some of the most awe inspiringly beautiful and environmentally important areas in the world, Cairns is the natural doorway to the natural riches of rainforest, tablelands, outback, and The Great Barrier Reef. The CBD itself has many attractions – great shopping, theatres, cinemas, museums, botanical gardens, a casino, and fine international dining. Cairns is firmly established as one of Australia’s leading visitor destinations, being the departure point for all the best water based adventures. Cairns reef tours are definately the most popular for most tourists, however the area is quickly becoming recognised as the extreme sport capital of Queensland.

Our Day at The Great Barrier Reef on Reef Quest

Friday , 23rd July, and what a perfect Cairns day to go to the Great Barrier Reef… and we made a great choice to go on “Reef Quest”, from Cairns which provided an absolutely fantastic day trip.
After arriving from Sydney last night I was due some north Queensland weather. It was a little cooler than I’d planned and I was glad I had packed trackies and a hoodie!
I’ve been vacationing in Cairns for over 10 years and have been out on my fair share of Reef Trips and let’s admit it, they all do pretty much the same trip: 2 reefs, snorkelling gear, lunch and coffee & tea – so it’s the reef destinations and little extras that make the difference.

From the time you get on the boat to the time you get off, the service and staff are very professional. The staff to guest numbers are really high, as there was always someone right there to assist with any questions or problems. The crew seem really happy and their service and attention were great.

Reef Quest supply a wetsuit for everybody which is normally an extra (usually $7.00 hire) on other trips. For the snorkelers a wetsuit provides you with sun protection and also buoyancy which makes snorkelling simpler and much more enjoyable.

Reef Quest have a choice of 14 different moorings and select the best 2 reefs based on the weather and visibility for the day. A guided snorkelling tour is also on offer at both sites and this is a real bonus for beginners or anyone wanting to learn a little bit more about the Great Barrier Reef. The snorkel guide dives to the bottom and picks up things like jellyfish and starfish and brings them up so you can all have a close look. They also know where the best bits of the reef are, so it does add a lot to the days experience.

Lunch was yum with plenty of variety including potato salad, rice salad, Asian salad, local fruits, cold meats, bread rolls and prawns. There is tea and coffee and soft drinks from the bar available throughout the day.

To sum things up it was a great day.

A Selection Of Cairns Diving and Snorkelling Trips

The Great Barrier Reef, best visited from Cairns Australia is the world’s largest coral reef and home to an amazing variety of marine life. There are a large number of tour operators that depart from Cairns, below is a short selection.

Reef Encounter is an unique floating hotel offering 1 night or several nights surronded by the crystal clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef in style snorkelling, scuba diving and learn to dive packages are all available

Compass Cruises is Cairns best value budget trip to the Great Barrier Reef price is $60.00 plus $20.00 for levies, cruise includes snorkelling equipment, lunch, afternoon tea, boomnetting, 2 spectacular reef locations Local Family Owned and Operated.

Tusa Dive are a specialist dive boat, but also take snorkellers. They take a small number of guests to the two best dive sites depending on the day’s weather. If you’re a certified diver, they come highly recommended.

Ocean Spirit have two vessels – one that goes to Michaelmas Cay and one that goes to Upolu Cay. If you’re looking for an inexpensive snorkelling day cruise, the Upolu Cay tour is good value for money.
Michaelmas Cay Prices: Snorkelling only: Adult – $179, Child (4-14yrs) – $87.50. Introductory dive: $98 (additional).
Upolu Cay Prices: Snorkelling only: Adult – $119, Child (4-14yrs) – $75.50. Introductory dive: $9 (additional).

Passions of Paradise is a modern catamaran that goes to the reef and Michaelmas Cay and is another inexpensive option. This company recently won the Cairns Tourism Award for Adventure Tourism. Traveling to two different uncrowded destinations you can be sure of a high quality experience.
Prices: Snorkelling only: Adult – $169, Child (4-14yrs) – $89, Family (2A & 2C) – $407. Introductory or Certified dive: $70 (additional). These prices include $10 reef levy.

Pro Dive Cairns has boats departing tours non-stop to various places on the reef, catering to divers of all experience levels. They have 3 boats running 3D/2N liveaboard cruises to the Great Barrier reef, as well as expeditions from 3-7 days in various combinations visiting other famous GBR sites such as Cod Hole, Ribbon Reefs and the Coral Sea. Outer Barrier Reef 3D/2N (leaves every day except Tuesday) prices are $609 for certified divers / $507 snorkelling only. This includes all gear hire, accommodation and food/drinks while at sea. Dive courses are available from introductory diving to professional level training, and run on the liveaboard trips, check the website for further information.

Deep Blue Divers Den This is an overnight vessel that can best be decribed an a floating 4 star hotel. she is surprisingly spacious. She moves around Norman, Saxon & Hastings Reefs; and visits three sites a day. There are daily transfers to and from the vessel every day so you can stay for as little as one night or as many as you want. A perfect boat for both divers and snorkelers .

The perfect scuba diving trips

1. Rangiroa, Polynesia

Not many islands have captured my imagination like Polynesia, and the amazing islands of the Tuamotu Archipelago, about 250 miles from Tahiti, felt like something special. Rangiroa translates to “Long Sky” and it is the second largest atoll in the world. Two passes, named Tiputa and Avatoru, allow the tide into and out of the atoll twice daily when the tides turn. I remember being carried through by the incoming flow and sharing the ride with scores of dolphins and sometimes large grey nurse sharks, too. It is high adrenalin diving, but on shore, the atoll is one of the most chilled places on the planet.

2.The Cod Hole, North of Cairns Australia

Discovered by world famous undersea photographers Ron and Valerie Taylor. Large potato cod are almost tame, as they have been fed for over 20 years. The fish feeds are done by Dive Instructors. See clouds of cod, emperor and various other species. Drop to the clear floors area between the reefs, and you can watch the fish feeding from above. See 200 pound cod biting at the food. Other reef life includes average coral cover, whitetip reef sharks and Giant clams as well as cleaning stations and giant feathered stars. Departing from or Port Douglas with various dive operators visiting the Cod Hole in their Great Barrier Reef Dive Trips.

3. Cocos and Malpelo, Eastern Pacific

This pair of isolated islands are frequented only by scuba divers and members of the Colombian navy. I have never heard stories of of anyone diving to Cocos and Malpelo and not viewing schools of grey nurse sharks, night time feeding frenzies by white tip reef sharks. Both islands are marine reserves and have their own unique land and marine species. The islands are stunningly beautiful, and their location gives them a degree of protection. Large schools of tuna and jacks come swooping in from the depths and there are over two dozen unique fish species on Cocos by itself, including the weird looking red-lipped batfish. The only way to dive the islands is on a dedicated expedition boat such as the Ocean Hunter.

4.Marsa Alam, Red Sea, Egypt.

Holidays to Marsa Alam offer spectacular snorkelling and diving opportunities with thousands of kinds of tropical fish. Less dived than its rival, Hurghada, its perfect for exploring the best of what the Red Sea has to offer. Elphinstone reef is over 180m in length and almost 20m accross, and is one of the most popular dive sites in Marsa Alam and home to many kinds of sharks. Its excellent for experiencing the pink and purple corals, home to Lion Fish and if youre lucky you could even spot whales in these warm waters.

5.Galapagos Islands

First visited by Charles Darwin and the Beagle, this group of islands is a place with experiences like nowhere else place on earth. The Galapagos Islands, located off Ecuador, are much more than where the theory of evoloution was born. Incredible moments are available to the average layman scuba diver as well, as scuba divers can mingle freely underwater with tortoises as well as Iguanas and a myriad of other wildlife.