Tag Archive for scuba diving

My 2 cents on the worlds best dive holidays

2012/05/17 / manu / No comments

1. Rocktail Bay, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa

The temperature in the Maputaland Marine Reserve can be quite chilly, but there are heaps of tropical fish and good chances of glimpsing some really big pelagic species. Rocktail Bay Dive Centre has the only dive boat for 100 miles. We even saw common dolphins and right whales on the ride to the dive site. Mary and Fins, the dive team, now send me frequent correspondence detailing their encounters with everything from great white sharks as well the more endearing species such as lionfish and green turtles. Between November and February you may see mating green turtles along the rough coast of Manzengwenya

2.Holmes Reef, Coral Sea, Australia

Holmes Reef, positioned in the Coral Sea off Cairns is well known for it’s incredible visability, most of the time over 150 feet. While you are not diving the Great Barrier Reef , you will see all the same species of fish and coral only much larger. With some incredible caves, 1 km walls, pinnacles, a turtle’s grave yard and some amazing night diving no scuba diver should miss Holmes Reef. It is probobly the best and most reliable shark feeding in Australia.

3.Little Cayman, British West Indies

The majority of Caribbean scuba diving is not what it once was, having fallen prey to pollution caused by golf courses and general over-fishing, but Little Cayman still has a special feeling. The island is miniscule – just ten miles from end to end – with roughly 200 residents. On the northern side of the island there is the awesome Jackson’s Point, where a vertical coral cliff drops 2,000 metres into a submarine trench. The dropoff made me feel disorientated the first time I swam over the trench because the water is so miraculously clear. It is not where I would go to dive with big fish or loads of sharks, but for relaxing warm water diving conditions this is one not to be missed.

4. The Bismarck Sea, Papua New Guinea

I happen to like coral and sponges and sea slugs and all the weirdly shaped micro-creatures that crawl, slither and hop along the reefs. That is why I love the “fertile triangle” of the Philippines, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea (PNG), where marine biodiversity is the highest on the planet. Getting to PNG from Europe is a long slog, and once in Port Moresby you need to fly on to New Britain Island, but the diving makes up for it. Night diving on the offshore sea mounts rising from the abyss in the Bismarck Sea cured me of my fear of being in the sea at night. Apart from the big stuff, you will see squat lobsters and sponge crabs, dwarf scorpion fish and pygmy seahorses. Some of the best shore diving in the world is accessible from the Walindi Plantation Resort in Kimbe Bay, where biologists have identified more than 800 marine species.

5.Punta Cana, Domenican Republic

This island paradise offers divers the opportunity to explore comfortable Caribbean waters which are the final resting place of many shipwrecks and amazing corals and sponges as well as lots of caves and swimthroughs to experiencce. Explore the rock formations which these incredible sea creatures call home. Nurse Sharks and Manta Rays will glide past you underwater. The currents from the Atlantic often affect this destination in the cooler times can make diving unpleasurable, so March to September is the best time to travel there.

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All About Used Scuba Diving Equipment

2012/05/03 / manu / No comments

If you plan to try your hand at scuba diving, then you definitely should have went through a number of realizations. One is that scuba just isn’t as straightforward as it appears. Regarded as basically as an outdoor activity, scuba seriously isn’t like many other sports since it calls for not just strengthening of any particular body area but instead total health and physical fitness. A further disappointing and doubtless alarming recognition you might have experienced is that the cost with which diving comes translates to a good deal. Which means, so that you can engage in the activity, you’ve got to shell out big money. This is exactly why scuba diving is known as a vacation hobby by a number of people – just a few men and women have enough money to scuba dive as regularly as they could since it calls for a lot of cash. So if you are intending to end up being one of those particular people, then it could be time to locate places where you could purchase used scuba dive items.

Why do i need to buy used scuba diving gear?

Second hand scuba dive gear is scuba diving gear that has been utilized for a specific period of time. Chances are you’ll sneer at the thought of buying second-hand diving gear. This is not really surprising ever since the idea of purchasing a thing that has also been used by other men and women may seem inconceivable and also ridiculous. Having said that, the price in which scuba diving equipment will come for can be very demanding, and it also may be very irrational for you to get the latest number of every single instrument as well as device necessary for your scuba diving equipment. As opposed to opting for this type of irrational approach, the one alternative for your situation is to buy second hand diving items. In fact, it can save plenty of cash while not necessarily decreasing the product quality. You must keep in mind that, from time to time, you have to give up your current ideals so as to achieve what’s going to be, eventually, effectively for you.

Furthermore, you’ll want to take a look at purchasing second-hand scuba gear if you don’t believe you are likely to make use of it regularly. If you’re planning to purchase diving equipment just because you’ll need some whenever you take a vacation – whichadmit it is an activity which basically happens once in a while – subsequently, you better go and buy pre-owned diving equipment.

What factors do i need to look for in shopping for pre-owned diving gear?

Admittedly, it is far from perfect for one to invest in a total used scuba diving equipment set. One example is, if you are intending to buy a total second-hand scuba gear set. including a previously owned diving diving suit, then you definitely will often have a problem with this. An used scuba wetsuit suggests that the diving suit has not only been used from head to feet by the initial possessor, but it has also been pulled to the limits. You can not expect the medium size of a new diving wetsuit to generally be the same size of a medium-sized pre-owned scuba diving wetsuit. Simply because the material has been expanded, and possibly a little bit of damage has been done to it. A dive face mask is a really personalized choice and should never be purchased used, however fins last for many years and therefore are a perfect pre-owned acquisition.Thus, you ought to investigate the question of purchasing second hand scuba diving equipment very carefully. For all you comprehend, you may be purchasing all the completely wrong components when it comes to pre-owned diving products.

However you can also find excellent options for second-hand diving equipment. For example, buying a second-hand under water compass may be perfect, as an underwater compass can be something that doesn’t easily break. Also, purchasing a brand new compass is extremely costly. In the long run, the expense by which the latest compass will come just isn’t worth it. You may get the same level of quality by using a second-hand scuba diving compass, when you look long enough.

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American Scuba Diving Destinations

2012/02/24 / manu / No comments

Plenty of people believe The sunshine state some sort of scuba daydream come true. Simply because Florida is made up of more than 1,700 islands along with the Keys that stretch more than 150 miles there are numerous locations to go diving. The actual seas are usually calm, clear, and filled with gorgeous and unique marine life and colorful coral. You can travel to many of the around 5,000 ship wrecks in these waters, or even the sole barrier reef in the region. In combination with sea scuba diving, Florida scuba diving also offers a number of the best spring locations you will come across.

Among the many places which should really be on top of your checklist to scuba is Steve Pennekamp Coral Reef State Recreation area. Sara Pennekamp Coral Reef State National park is definitely the state’s first under water preserve. Situated near Key Largo, the actual visibility right here is almost ideal, causing it to be a favorite dive location suitable for rookie and skilled scuba divers alike. An additional spot which comes strongly recommended will be Florida Keys Nationwide Marine Refuge. This particular refuge starts in Key Largo and then extends the full length of the islands, offering some of the most popular scuba diving in the world.

Statue of Christ of the Abyss is surely an strangely spectacular site to dive. Found twenty five feet underneath the surface, the particular statue is prominent and distinct. Scuba Divers also love this site mainly because it boasts canyons and also ditches to be looked into, as well as a large variety of eagle rays and ocean turtles.

Plus there is the Anchor Area, an enchanted place where you will see beautifully colored coral rising upward from the bottom, similar to cactus about the wasteland floor. For shipwrecks, we recommend making time to look at the Elbow, also within the Upper Keys vicinity. The penetration is exceptional additionally, the overall experience unbelievable. All of those areas offer you wonderful visibility, helping to make the actual diving adventure unrivaled.

Found in the Looe Key National Marine Refuge is 5.3 nautical miles of attractive reef, the Stargazer. Just five miles off Key West, this particular reef has a number of replicated star constellations once used in coastal course-plotting. If it is diving in waters with vibrant marine life and coral, then this is the place to always be.

Last, in the central area of the Pan Handle you can find over 1,000 scuba diving springs. Some are found on non-public land, while others are situated within National or State parks and reserves. A lot of scuba divers visit Orange Springs because of an incredible once in a lifetime encounter: the migration of the manatees. Various other favorite dive places throughout Florida include things like Turtle Reef that has a depth of 30 feet, Carysfort Reef which has a diving range up to 80 feet, Carysfort Southern that has a scuba diving depth to 19 feet, the Knee, as mentioned, that is as much as 27 feet deep, along with the Dry Stones in Key Largo, which has a depth of 27 feet. For more experienced technical scuba divers who like to dive in much deeper waters, you ought to check out Adolphus Busch, that has water depths to as much as 110ft, or even Outside Reefs and also North western Dry Rocks down to 210 feet depths.

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Scuba Diving Official Certification

2012/02/13 / manu / No comments

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.

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

2012/01/19 / manu / No comments

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.

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Some Info About The Barrier Reef

2011/12/30 / manu / No comments

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.

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Our Day at The Great Barrier Reef on Reef Quest

2011/12/14 / manu / No comments

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.

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A Selection Of Cairns Diving and Snorkelling Trips

2011/11/24 / manu / No comments

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 .

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The perfect scuba diving trips

2011/11/15 / manu / No comments

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.

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