Posts Tagged ‘Diving’

Diving in Mauritius

Located in the Indian Ocean, around 500 miles to the east of Madagascar is the beautiful island of Mauritius. Formed by volcanic activity, the country is a beautiful spot that brings in thousands of visitors a year.

As well as a gorgeous landscape – including the 828 metre tall Piton de la Riviere, one of three peaks on the island – Mauritius offers crystal clear waters that contains a myriad of different fish and coral types which makes it one of the top diving locations in the world.

Those travelling to Mauritius for the diving aspect – it is estimated that the surrounding waters are home to around 430 different fish types and about 200 different species of coral – should note that the water temperature varies from 21 degrees Celsius in the cooler months to 28 degrees at the peak of summer. Because of the warmer temperature, most divers stick to the western side of the country, with the very northern and southern peaks being particularly popular.

Divers can expect to see an abundance of eagle rays and turtles, while sightings of tuna, Wahoo and marlin fish are not uncommon. For those who like investigating ship wrecks there are more than 200 wrecks that have been located near the island, which local diving companies are happy to take you to visit.

Mauritius’ climate is mainly subtropical with temperatures ranging from 25 – 30 degrees Celsius throughout the year meaning it is open to visitors all year round. The cheapest flights to Mauritius are between November and February as this encompasses the country’s rainy and stormy seasons. If you’re visiting during this time it’s good to know that the central area receives around twice as much rain as the coastal areas.

Although wetter, the central plateau also records the highest year round temperatures. For those looking for more comfortable heat the east coast is the cooler side because of trade winds. This was noticed by early settlers who preferred the warmer western side and it is there that much of the history of the island can be found.

Mauritius has been colonised several times since it was discovered by the Portuguese in the 16th century. First the Dutch took over, before the island became French and then, in 1810, it was under British control. One hundred years later Mauritius gained independence.

As Mauritius has developed into a thriving tourist attraction, its services – such as the diving schools – have improved their techniques, safety precautions and professionalism, meaning touring divers know they are in safe hands when they go into the sea.

Scuba Diving in Puerto Rico: What Underwater Sights to Behold?

It is always necessary to go with a dive guide when you are diving in a region unfamiliar to you. Scuba diving in Puerto Rico is as easy as inquiring at the front desk of your motel. Many diving centers that cover the island as well as most of the motels in Puerto Rico offer scuba training and diving guides. From there, you can begin your adventure into the wonderful, blue ocean.

From the Condado District of San Juan, you can start your journey. You will encounter amazing lava reefs that protect and shelter an array of sea life. From arrow crabs to coral shrimp and sea horses, as well as batfish and snappers, these beautiful reefs shaped from ancient volcanic activity provide an incredible view of ocean life that cannot be witnessed from above. However, the most popular areas for scuba diving in Puerto Rico is on the western coastline where reefs are surrounded by beautiful, clear waters adding to its attraction.

An excellent destination for divers of all levels is Desecheo Island, also on the west coast of Puerto Rico. From snorkeling to diving, there is much to behold. Mona Island is also an ideal place for scuba diving in Puerto Rico. This beautiful island is only accessible by boat and the marine life concealed here is incredible which includes dolphins, sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, whales, and hundreds of tropical fish.

At Mona Island, it is guaranteed that divers will see wide variety of fishes and sea animals on every dive. There is also many other spectacular places to dive in Puerto Rico. For instance, on the southern most coast of the island is Fajardo. It lets you see the world of caverns and reefs with clear view beautiful coral of all types. You can also see beautiful parrotfish, as well as bantailed puffers and more on the amazing double-barrier reef surrounding Palomino Island.

Cayo Diablo, just a little further east, is where you can as well find amazing corals, as well as marine life, such as green moray eels, octopuses, even the occasional manatee. Further south from Fajardo is the Humacao Region. Here you will discover the Basslet Reef and its amazing caves, overhangs, and incredible tunnels stretching over a mile long. Visiting this reef in the spring will enable you to swim with dolphins.

Not far from Basslet Reef is the Cracks. This is an area known for its incredible caves and alleyways that seem like they could hide an underwater civilization. Here is offered the benefits of visiting a cleaning station where goby-fish take advantage of the opportunity to clean and feed off of the local marine life. You are also likely to encounter a lobster and get a good up-close look at some amazing corals. In an area called the Drift, you can swim along side nurse sharks, as well as beautiful angelfish, and enter a world of incredible swim-troughs and amazing ledges.

Scuba diving in Puerto Rico would not be complete if you fail to visit Red Hog drop off. This area is relatively new for divers and offers an amazing panoramic view of a drop off that goes from eighty feet to over one thousand feet. It is indeed a wonderful experience in taking a dive in Puerto Rico that will stay with you forever. There are so many different things to do and views to see which you will surely enjoy.

Want to find out more about scuba diving in Puerto Rico, then visit MyDiveBuddies site and start planning your scuba dive today.

Best scuba diving

Florida has exceptional dive sites that have something to offer to scuba enthusiasts regardless of their level of ability. From shallow dives that offer plenty of bottom time to deeper more technical dives for the more experienced diver.

BLACKMAR’S REEF:

If you are looking for one location that will provide an entire week of diving, then Blackmar’s Reef might be just the place for you.

You will find Blackmar’s off the coast of Jacksonville. It’s a diverse scuba site that is both man-made and the work of nature. You will find five large wrecks that include airplanes, a super barge, a tug, and even a ferry boat.

To complement these, you will find natural limestone reefs with soft coral growth. Even though the reefs are not exceptionally large, it tends to be a magnet for a diverse range of  marine life. If you are interested in photography, this site is a must visit.

THE GATOR BOWL REEF:

If you are interested in a dive that is one of a kind, this site might be of interest to you. After being given a NFL franchise, someone in Jacksonville had the inspiring idea to drop the press boxes from the old stadium onto a group of small reefs.

Now they are a popular Florida diving site and the sprawling press boxes are home to huge schools of assorted game fish. Don’t forget your light, because there are plenty of caves to explore in the same area.

You will also discover that the gator bowl reef is a popular night diving spot.

COPPEDGE TUG:

As part of the Jacksonville artificial reef program, the Chippewa was sunk off the coast in 1988.

One advantage of this site is that it sits in only 75 feet of water. This makes it an excellent dive site for the beginner as the depth allows for plenty of bottom time.

You will find the tug sitting upright with it’s prop still in place. At first the wreck might be difficut to spot amongst the thousands and thousands of fish that occupy the reef.

THE HALSEY:

This world war II wreck can be found just offshore of Fort Pierce.

It may well be one of the state’s most interesting “natural” wrecks you will enounter.

It sits in the exact position it settled to the bottom after it was torpedoed. The bow, midships, and superstructure sit upright, but the stern settled upside down.

The ship is fairly intact, and is in about 90 feet of water.

Most likely the fish you will spot here will be of the large variety. That might include barcuda, nurse sharks, and big grouper.

If you look carefully at the sea bottom you may spot some extremely large lobster as well.

KINGFISH HOLE:

If your interests lean toward night diving, this site off the Treasure Coast might be just the dive for you.

It has the advantage of being quite shallow at 40 feet or so, and as a result you have the opportunity to spend lots of time on the bottom.

You’ll be able to observe lobsters, and large schools of snapper, and it you’re lucky, some nurse sharks having a nap under one of the many overhanging ledges.

THE PLAYGROUND:

This is for the more serious, experienced diver. The Playground is located in West Palm Beach and sits at 125 feet or so.

Pipes, and culverts are scattered across the sea bed. This provides an opportunity to see some very large, green moray eels. Barracuda are also in the neighborhood, as are some very big residents such as, eagle rays, whalesharks and even sunfish reaching weights over 500 pounds.

SAND KEY:

This tiny strip of land is located near the southwest of Key West. It has a huge variety of dive sites as the island that houses the Key Lighthouse is surrounded by reefs.

Off the South side, brilliant colored coral can be seen in every direction you look.

The area is simply teeming with fish and has interesting trenches that are fun to investigate.

As you venture further out, the bottom will begin to slope away. This is where you want to be sure and have a camera along as often eagle rays and huge morays can be spotted in the area.

Whatever your experience of interests when it comes to scuba, Florida is sure to have a site to make your next dive a memorable one.

Scuba Diving in Costa Rica: Why an Amazing Quest?

Scuba diving in Costa Rica is distinct from any other scuba diving location. It presents two different, widely diverse locations for diving. There are many different things to see and experience. Somehow, like any scuba diving adventure, it is best to have a guide that is familiar with the area. In this way, you will be assured with great fun and safe dive.

If you are not familiar with scuba diving and would like to get a sight with the amazing underwater world that Costa Rica has to offer, many of of the motels, as well as the travel companies, offer scuba diving lessons. Near perfect conditions such as excellent water temperatures to amazing marine life makes scuba diving in Costa Rica among the best. There are many admirable destinations to dive on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. The area called Bahia Drake has amazing dive spots, especially around the Isla del Cano, as well as the Isla del Coco. Off the coasts of the two islands is an amazing display of marine wildlife. Around these islands are rich of sharks, sea turtles, and several different species of fish, making them the perfect underwater paradise for divers.

Around the Isla del Cano, over eighteen different species of coral, several species of dolphin, and many more species of crustaceans are also found. Also on the Pacific coast, you can encounter many different species of shark, including the dangerous hammerhead and the enormous Whale Shark. On the other hand, while the Pacific coast is copious with beautiful fish and interesting sea life, it pales in comparison to the wildness of the Caribbean coast. There are very few scuba diving centers on the Eastern coast of Costa Rica, however, the diving is still premier.

Failure to explore the amazing shipwrecks, scuba diving in Costa Rica would not be complete. The Caribbean Coast offers three. The first is the Fenix, which was a cargo ship that sank off the coast of Isla Uvita in Costa Rica many years ago. Further south you will find Cahuita National Park and a reef stretches for nearly seventeen hundred feet long and covers a total of 63,828,741 square feet.

It is on this reef where the second and third shipwrecks can be seen; two galleons of either Spanish or French origins, believed to be pirate ships, sunk in only twenty-three feet of water. Their surroundings could not have been more apt for a shipwreck, surrounded by the beauty of an incredible coral reef and thousands of fish of different species. Knowing the outstanding underwater worlds that blossom on either side of Costa Rica will bring much excitement to visit and experience scuba diving in Costa Rica.

Want to find out more about Scuba diving in Costa Rica, then visit MyDiveBuddies site and start planning your scuba dive today.

DIVE SITES & DIVING AMBERGRIS CAYE BELIZE

DIVE SITES & DIVING AMBERGRIS CAYE BELIZE

Diving Ambergris Caye can be an exhilarating experience when you Dive the islands best dive sites.

This small article will educate you on what dives you will want to be sure to Dive when you Dive Belize, I will list some of the very best dives and some of my own personal favorites that you should include when you visit and dive the island of Ambergris Caye.

No matter where you stay on the island (see my other articles) you should be able to dive all the dive sites I list here.

HAPPY HOURS REEF North Ambergris Caye

Located North of San Pedro Because this site is a little out of the way of most dive operators it gets dived very seldom, which means lots of fish life and no signs of damage caused by divers. We particularly like this site as it has a lot of barrel sponges and is wonderful for macro photography due to the abundant small critters found at this site. Another observation we made at this site is at a certain time of the year we have noticed the coral spawning. This site is currently being studied by Professors from Texas AM University and is part of ongoing studied for the year of the reef..

Experience required: intermediate

Depth: 60-80ft

Location: North Ambergris Caye

Type of Dive: Boat

LOVE TUNNELS North Ambergris Caye

This site is located north of San Pedro and the site got its name as a couple got married in the mouth of this huge tunnel. At a depth of 60ft we swim through the tunnel that comes out on the edge of the drop off at approx. 90ft, due to the unseen approach we have spotted many large pelagic cruising the drop-off, as we exit the tunnel.

As we swim along the drop off you see many varieties of hard and soft corals and the usual juveniles and groupers that are abundant in these waters.

At all times you can see the surface as we swim through the caverns and it is quite safe for all levels of experience, as we near the end of our dive we enter another small cavern that takes us to our exit point, a real exciting dive that ‘s a favorite with our visitors.

Experience required: intermediate

Depth: 60-80ft

Location: North Ambergris Caye

Type of Dive: Boat

M&M CAVERNS North Ambergris Caye

Located north of San Pedro town lies M & M Caverns one of Ambergris Caye’s best cavern dives. The underwater topography is deep spur and groove formations formed by the wave action over thousands of years. It is literally riddled with swim through and tunnels.

As you descend down to 90ft you see a small entrance going up through the reef as you enter you see a small light at the end of the tunnel about 40ft away, it is an awesome feeling as you swim literally through the reef to come out at 60ft then enter another, a totally different dive that’s always a hit with our visiting divers.

Experience required: advanced

Depth: 90-120ft

Location: North Ambergris Caye

Type of Dive: Boat

CYPRUS GARDENS South Ambergris Caye

This is an excellent site for all types of coral species, such as huge Pillar Corals, Elkhorn, Staghorn corals and very abundant with small reef fish and critters. Located in 50ft of water, this has long been one of my favorite sites for the sheer quality of the coral formations and the superb Macro photo opportunities. This site focuses on smaller marine life associated with coral reef and is sure to be a hit with visiting divers not to be missed.

Experience required: novice

Depth: 50-70ft

Location: South Ambergris Caye

Type of Dive: Boat

HOL CHAN MARINE RESERVE PILLAR CORALS South Ambergris

Hol-Chan Marine Reserve 5 square miles of protected habitat, makes for some great diving. One of our favorites is Pillar Coral, a 60ft dive with some wonderful Pillar coral formations, great for photography as during this dive there are resident grouper and Snappers that will follow you throughout the dive. It’s easy to position them around the Pillar corals giving the opportunity for some great pictures.

The site is protected and nothing dead or alive may be removed, gloves are not allowed to be worn in the marine reserve and there is entrance fee to the park which is used to maintain the buoys and fund the ongoing research conducted at Hol-Chan marine reserve.

Experience required: novice

Depth: 60-70ft

Location: South Ambergris Caye

Type of Dive: Boat

HOL CHAN MARINE RESERVE THE CUT South Ambergris

Another great site, this is a cut that allows passage through the Belize barrier reef to the open sea. Starting at 8ft and sloping down to a maximum of 25ft, this is an underwater wonderland with literally thousands of fish, including huge groupers and the biggest snappers you have ever seen.

As you enter the cut there are a variety of small caves which hide huge Moray Eels over 6ft in length. Because this park is in a protected area the animal life is abundant. At the buoy, which marks the maximum you may enter into the channel, there is a small swim through cave which usually has a giant Dog Snapper lurking in the back part of the swim, though he casually watches as you swim through. A very scary looking fellow showing his big teeth, but the slightest movement toward him and he’s off.

This site is used as our primary night dive spot. At night it is totally different: lobsters, giant spider crabs, Stingrays, and on many occasions the odd lemon Shark has passed through. All in all this is one of the best sites for marine life found anywhere in the Caribbean.

Experience required: Intermediate due to strong current

Depth: 30ft

Location: South Ambergris Caye

Type of Dive: Boat

EAGLE RAY CANYONS HOL CHAN

This site although not new has recently become known for regular sightings of spotted Eagle Rays. I recently dove this spot with some friends from Rodale,s Magazine. Steve, one of the dive masters, was guiding the dive and during his briefing guaranteed that we were going to see Eagle Rays, and was quite adamant about it. I asked him if he was sure because we now had some excited divers aboard who were expecting to see Eagle Rays and they would be disappointed if they didn’t. Steve assured me and down we went, sure enough after 15 minutes we saw our first 3 Eagle Rays, 5 minutes later we saw an additional 5 a lot closer this time. In addition to the Eagle Rays, lots of coral formations, spur and groove formation and the usual congregation of juveniles.

This is a Marine Reserve so nothing may be touched or taken, we ask that you are careful with your fins and avoid accidentally touching the reef. If you feel you would like to improve your buoyancy, we will be happy to assist you.

Experience required: Intermediate due to strong current

Depth: 60-80ft

Location: South Ambergris Caye

Type of Dive: Boat

AMIGOS BARGE HOL CHAN

One of my favorite sites, and fantastic for photography, is the wreck of an old barge located in 70ft of water in front of Shark Alley. It was sunk by Amigo’s Del Mar, a local dive operator and is named after them.

As you descend, you are literally surrounded by big groupers, lots and lots of Snappers and GUARANTEED Nurse Sharks. Unlike Shark Ray Alley, where it is only 8ft deep, at the wreck you will be able to get a shark silhouette shot and some great close-ups guaranteed, plus some amazing eye to eye encounters with some big groupers. Its amazing that this wreck has abundant marine life and is covered with coral growth.

This is definitely one of Ambergris Cayes best dives. The Wreck is now located in the marine reserve we ask that you conform to the marine reserve guidelines on all dives conducted in the waters of Belize to preserve and protect our resources for future visitor

Experience required: Intermediate

Depth: 60-80ft

Location: South Ambergris Caye

Type of Dive: Boat

SHARK RAY ALLEY HOL CHAN

This is not a Dive Site but I thought I would include it as it is unique and usually included as a surface interval stop so you can snorkel with the sharks and rays.

This is an unbelievable snorkel site similar to Caymans Stingray City except we have in addition to the resident Stingrays, 15 to 20 Nurse Sharks which means double the action. Located south of Hol-Chan Marine reserve, in only 8ft of water, this spectacular site is the only site in the world where you can interact with both Stingrays and Nurse Sharks.

So unique is this site it attracted the attention of Jean Michel Cousteau and Skindiver magazine, who have featured it on the cover page of Skindiver in 2 issues. Jean Michel told me that they are all female juveniles and it is most likely a nursing ground and kept in the area from years of fishermen cleaning their catch and discarding the scraps to the sharks.

Most dive operators offer a complimentary stop at Shark Alley during surface interval the opportunity for photography is endless.

The Nurse Sharks and Stingrays steal the show but the coral formations and other fish life is worth a mention. I visited Shark Ray Alley many times before I discovered the superb coral formations and dense fish populations. Remember to check them out when you visit Shark Ray Alley.

I hope this short article will give you an idea of some of the excellent dives on offer when you dive Ambergris Caye. Be sure to visit my website for additional articles on Diving Belize

Dive Safe

Gaz Cooper

Scuba Diving In Fiji Islands

The islands of Fiji are well known for its spectacular scenery and world class attraction for sea sports such as big game fishing, snorkeling, sailing and scuba diving.

Fiji is a favorite scuba diving location for many scuba divers from all over the world and its highlights include a fantastic variety of colorful soft corals, more than 1200 species of fish, 12 species of whales and dolphins.

There are also many scuba diving resorts in Fiji which cater to all kinds of budgets and divers. Alternatively divers can choose live aboard dive boats or if you are a tourist on vacation in Fiji do not know how to scuba dive, you can take up lessons there or simply go snorkeling off the pristine beaches.

The Fijian archipelago is encircled by a huge reef and therefore there are many shallow lagoons to swim, snorkel or frolick in. There are also thousands of scuba dive sites to choose from. Most dive locations are easy to get to with plenty of resorts offering scuba diving scattered around the Fijian islands.

The water temperature is just perfect for scuba diving with at its coldest at only 25C. On warmer days, it is about 30C. Water visibility in Fiji is excellent with superb visibility of up to 40m or 120ft is a norm rather than exception.

Mamanuca dive sites in Fiji is easily be accessible by boat from the Nadi Airport area on the main island of Viti Levu. Several resorts in the Nadi offer full diving facilities and there are numerous day packages for snorkeling and scuba diving. The diving landscape in Mamanucas consist of shallow lagoons with hollows and bommies and excellent marine life. There are some interesting caves to explore, especially in Sawa-i-Lau in the Yasawa Group.

If you are in Fiji for a scuba diving vacation, you must dive in the world famous Astrolabe Reef on Kadavu in the Southern Islands. This dive spot has excellent hard and soft corals and abundance marine life. There are more soft corals along the north and south coast with some interesting caves to explore. Majestic drop-off can be found on the western tip of Kadavu.

Another excellent dive spot is the Beqa Lagoon to the north of Kadavu boasts of beautiful soft corals, reef bommies and passages. This dive location is famous shark feeding activities with many species of sharks including hammerhead sharks.

The Rainbow Reef in Northern Islands is another world famous scuba diving destination. If you are diving in the Rainbow reef, you will enjoy diving the Great White Wall and advanced drift diving through channels.

These are just some of the many fabulous scuba diving sites in Fiji.

Ban’s Diving Resort Koh Tao and Khaosan Road Go Hand in Hand

Banâ??s Diving Resort Koh Tao and Khaosan Road Go Hand in Hand

When you think of diving or learning to dive in Thailand, itâ??s hard to think that the huge metropolis of Bangkok would have any connection with scuba diving whatsoever. For a start Bangkok only has one beach and if you went diving off there then you would end up swallowing a mouthful of the tons of sewage that gets flushed out with the Chaopraya River every day. But there is a place near the centre of Bangkok that is synonymous with diving in the South of Thailand.

Khaosan Road became a popular hub for travelers to South East Asia in the 1980s when a large event in Bangkok celebrating its first two hundred years convinced the locals on Khaosan Road to rent their rooms out to western backpackers. Ever since then millions of travelers every year western and Asians alike pass through Khaosan road and it has become the gateway of South East Asia and a hub for those going to dive or learn to scuba dive in the south of Thailand.

Over the years dozens of guesthouses, hotels, travel agents and diving agents have sprung up on Khaosan Road with scuba diving agencies often working for or employed by the diving centers and resorts in the south. And with Koh Tao being the diving Mecca of Thailand it is noticeable that most of the scuba diving agents on Khaosan Road have the same name as the diving centers and schools on Koh Tao like Buddha View and Banâ??s Diving Resort two of the most popular diving resorts in Thailand.

Banâ??s Diving Resort itself has at least three scuba diving offices on Khaosan Road and this is simply because one office is not enough to deal with the thousands of walk in customers. Banâ??s Diving Resort and PADI CDC diving center is probably the largest and one of the most popular diving schools and resorts on Turtle Island and the first in the region to be awarded the PADI award for excellence.

Due to Banâ??s Diving Resortâ??s high standard of operations it encourages all its staff and agents to take diving certificates so all know exactly what they are talking about when dealing with customers and answering their questions about their diving courses. All the staff at the resort and on Khaosan Road operate like one big happy family making sure that everyone is in constant communication with each other to ensure that they can deliver the highest standard of service and that every customerâ??s individual needs are catered for. With just a few hours notice diving courses from open water to diving instructor  can be taken in all major languages including, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese and Swedish.

The newest addition to the Banâ??s Family on Khaosan Road is Banâ??s Diving, Tour and Travel office which can be found at the entrance to the 7 Holders Guesthouse across from the Buddy Lodge Resort. Banâ??s Diving Tour and Travel Office is not just a diving agency but also a travel and tour agents offering diving courses, multi day vacations, sightseeing tours, flight tickets and train tickets. They provide a warm and friendly service and welcome walk in customers and also internet customers who can book online via their website www.bansdivingthailand.com.