DIVING HOT SPOTS

DIVING HOT SPOTS IN KEELING COCOS

2009-07-19T18:07:00.000-07:00

Flying over Cocos you can be forgiven for thinking that you are about to land somewhere else. The scenery has that familiar Indian Ocean look: a bright turquoise lagoon is ringed by tiny islands, small splashes of land where the pale yellow shoreline merges into deep green vegetation.

Yet you have just arrived at Australia's furthest outpost, an horseshoe shaped atoll that has kept quietly to itself for decades, except perhaps as staging post between distant destinations. In the two World Wars, Cocos Keeling was the location for an important telecommunications station used by several navies.

The weather dictates the diving on this atoll. Located 2750 km north west of Perth, and with no other land in sight, the islands are rather isolated. You can dive the inner part lagoon when it's windy, the outside edge when it's calm.

Inside the lagoon is surprisingly barren and affectionately known as ‘diving the desert’. These reefs are designed by currents and tidal surges. Smooth rocky surfaces are peppered with small hard coral heads where the marine life gathers for shelter. An occasional octopus and many lionfish lurk amongst rocks and outcrops, while plenty of sharks swing by to watch the tourists. There are a few small wrecks and the remains of that all-important telecomms cable.

Outside, the landscape couldn't be more different - the reef drop-offs are smothered in hard corals which are generally in fabulous condition. At the base of the walls are huge apricot fans and more patrolling sharks. Hovering over the edge of a wall you're likely to encounter all sorts of pelagic fish - tuna, barracuda and several types of trevally that school in mutual groups. And, if you are lucky, there'll be a school of bottlenose dolphins that come to play.

SRI LANKA DIVING HOT SPOTS

2009-07-19T17:44:00.000-07:00

Wallduwa (Coral Garden Rocks) (Depth: 3-10m)

Ideal for beginners and SCUBA reviews. A nearby spot
just in front of Coral Garden Hotel, good for small reef
fishes and turtles.

Cave (Depth 8-16m)

A small but beautiful cave, near Wallduwa, again great
for turtles and nudibranches. Next to a reef with lots of
soft corals

Hikkaduwa Gala (Depth 5-18m)

Beautiful rock formation with many reef fishes, ideal for
beginners and experienced alike.

Sunil Gala (Depth 6-18m)

Dive starts with a large rock near the surface,
following this down to the rocky bottom where you
can see reef fishes, groupers and moray.

Kadavara Gala (Depth 5-18m)

A pretty rock formation similar to Sunil Gala.

Goda Gala (Depth 8-26m)

Stunning large rocky area with lots of friendly moray
to be found. Also good for big groupers, trigger fish
and schools of small fish.

Teli Gala (Barracuda Point) (Depth 12-28m)

Large rocky area good for sting ray, barracuda and
groups of small fishes.

Napoleon Point (Depth 24m)

A combination of rock and reef, well known for finding big
Napoleons, groupers and also for colourful reef fishes.

Black Coral Point (Depth 16-30m)

Deep dive for experienced divers where you can see lots of
beautiful black coral as well as many reef fish and soft corals.

Kirala Gala (Depth 21-38m)

Amazing deep dive. Dive starts at bottom of large conical rock
formation and spirals around to the top. For advanced divers there
are plenty of reef fishes, soft corals, groups of trigger fish,
barracudas, travellys and groups of batfish to be found.

Pathapara (Depth 32-36m)

Near the Conch, this site is a very long reef with big rocks, good for
big barracuda, seer fish, groupers and can see spotted eagle rays.

OMAN DIVING HOT SPOTS

2009-07-19T17:39:00.000-07:00

1 - Cave Site:

Area: Bander Khayran
Dive report by: Rob Gardner 13/1/01
Depth: The average depth will be 13.6 m to a max. of 22 m with a min. depth of 4.5 m, which will be on the return in one spot.
Cave site is approx. 20 min. boat ride from Muscat. I have had some good dives at this site. There are two rocks near to the cliff facing towards the open sea. The anchor point is back inland near to a small rock. There is a mooing buoy. At the moment fishermen stab them and cut them loose. The dive is towards the two rocks and back. Dive at the lowest point of the rocks towards the big rock. This area is bouldry and drops off at an angel to sandy bottom. Fin round the corner a bit as you pass the big rock towards the sea the corals are more abundant. Then ascend up to 16mts and overtop and back to the boat over the rocks near to the cliff face. I have seen 4 frog fish on one dive. Moray eels can usually be found about half way along under a rock, the rock sits a little on its own, Last time Brigitte found five big morays all underneath. I wish I had a camera. There I have seen many types of Nudibranchs. I am always amazed at their colors.

2 - Easter Bay:

Area: Bander Khayran
Dive report by: Rob Gardner 13/1/01
Depth: Max depth is 18mts average 14 m
This site is a 20min trip from Muscat. The bay has a sandy bottom, boats can moor in side the bay using the beach for picnics. A good 2^nd dive, your surface time can be sat on the beach with a cup of tea or coffee. You dive just at the headland towards the open sea keeping the land to your right side. A one way dive or dive from the seaward side to the bay (land to your left side). This site there is a lot of hard corals to the shore side of the dive and the turtles are often seen feeding here. Take your time to look, they sit in the coral and will not move. On the seaward side of the dive the area is not so abundant with corals but the sandy areas attract the rays.

3 - The Tug and Barge:

Area: Fahal Island
Dive report by: Malcolm (Dive Eco) 20/1/01
Depth: The tug at 30mtr and barge at 25mtr
You should be an advanced diver to go there.
The site is just off North bay by Fahal island to the west of Muscat. About 20mins boat trip.
The island can be seen from shore, you will see the oil tankers being filled, then you realize how big they are. Take note how high they sit in the water, then check on your way back the difference, No rubbish, fact.
Dolphins can be seen in the hundreds following the tuna. Spinner, common and some bottlenose dolphins are the main types. There is a better chance seeing them early morning. Guests have seen Orcas playing round the island twice in last year. Also whales. You are better to go on one of our dolphin and whale watching trips to increase the chances of seeing them (sorry for that sales pitch, but its true).
The tug and barge are both lying in deeper water on sand.
The area is barren and no good visible points for reference. The anchor points will be just off North bay

These are not big wrecks but interesting .This is a definite compass dive. From the mooring block go down to 15m. Go on a compass heading of 120؛ until you see the reef. When you see the honeycomb moray called Gums, turn left. Now go on a heading of 60؛. Keep going down to 28m and the tug will be in front of you. After going around the tug, go to the bow (that's the pointy end), take another heading of 305؛. You will then find the barge in 24 m. On the barge look very closely around the top edge. You will find white nudibranches, in the size of a pen tip and a resident grouper called Spot. If your air supply is still good, take a heading of 240؛ and go back into the bay.

You need a dive guide to the wrecks, let them send an SMB to the surface to save time and air. Why waste good air on just a sandy bottom. If the guide says the visibility is bad, do not dive, pick some wear like bills bumps instead.

4 - East Bay:

Area: Fahal Island
Dive report by: Rob Gardner 13/1/01
Depth: The depth will be average 8mtr max 12mtr.
The same area as the above, try and use this site for your second dive. On your surface interval go snorkeling you will have a good chance of seeing black tip reef sharks, about 4 @1.5mtr long. They disappear when you go diving, the sound of you breathing with the bubbles frightens them off.

Your anchor point will be just out of the bay the anchor will be on the sand area between the corals.

This site is interesting for the swim though, a tunnel about 30mts long with a bend in the middle. The tunnel has surges and you need to be aware of this, you will normally swim from the small entrance to the big opening. Better to become negatively buoyant for the trip through. Keep near to the bottom, most of the boulders in side are well rounded on the bottom. You can use your touch to protect your self from hitting the rocks against the sides if you get caught out. The tunnel is full of thousands of small sweeper fish and when you get to the big cavern type exit it will look very blue and full of fish. Do not rush out sit on the bottom for a few minutes as tuna and barracuda do prowl the outside. I have seen on one trip, three 2.5/3 meter long lemon sharks with 2 black tips slowly circling round, just when I was trying to impress the editor of sport diver UK, Mark Evans. The rest of the dive is in a big circle right, you will drop off a bank and swim round back to the boat. There are some corals, not anything really, you can find old fisherman's basket traps. The area has boulders with corals growing over. You will find more morays poking their heads out. The corals get better as you head back towards the island where you can fin along the island back to the boat.

5 - Bill's Bump:

Area: Fahal Island
Dive report by: Darryl (Dive Eco) 2/2/01
Depth: The depth will be average 6mtr max 22mtr.
Located on the west side of the Island of Fahal. This site is ideal for divers of all experience. Starting from the mooring the max depth achieved is 14m. This is a sandy bottom. To the east is the gentle sloping coral wall. This runs downwards from around 6m to 12m. Following this wall to north you come to large boulders on your right. At this point the depth drops to around 15m. Following this direction around the rock head, you continue in a northerly direction. There are a number of large rocks to your right and left and a small drop-off. The sea bed now drops eastwards to a sandy bottom of 22m. Turn round and head back, fin past the mooring buoy you will see some nice table coral. Hug the right hand edge of the coral and follow this along, you will see that the bottom begins to drop away. Follow this drop off , you will descend to around 18m and fin with the coral wall. Keeps your eyes to the right a popular place for rays. At the end of this short wall ascend up to 10m and follow the coral back to the boat. This reef is highly populated with fish.

6 - Daymaniyat Islands:

The jewels in the crown of diving in the Gulf of Oman are the Daymaniyat Islands. These tiny islands lie about 18 km off the Batinah Coast and are Oman's only marine National Nature Reserve. Diving here is spectacular. Fishes tend to be larger and more numerous than along mainland shores of the Gulf of Oman and coral reef development is more substantial.

7 - Bander Khayran:

Situated 20 minutes by boat from the local dive center in Muscat, this coastal area has fjord-like entrances, with a number of bays, and is predominately reef diving. There are a variety of different dive sites, from 30m drop-offs to shallow coral reefs or swim-through beneath huge boulders. Sandy beaches and calm waters inside the main area make this an ideal site for picnics or a break between dives.

8 - Fahal Islands:

Fahal is a large island, 4 km offshore from Muscat's popular tourist beach. It is a 30 minute boat ride from the local dive center. Smaller in area than Bander Khayran it boasts equally excellent diving, with bays containing different types of hard and soft coral and swim-through. For the more adventurous there is a cave swim-through and a wreck at 30m, to the north of the island. Sharks can be often found basking on the sand banks.

9 - Cemetery Bay:

The bay lays between Muscat Island and Sidab. The rock shores of the bay are lined by scattered coral, with two large banks of cauliflower coral in two to three meters off the north side of the bay. Huge, turreted boulder corals from a small reef in the sheltered water off the stony beach on the south-east side of the bay. These corals, which reach four to five meters in diameter, are hundreds of years old, making them some of the oldest surviving corals in this part of Oman.

10 - Cat Island

About 300m off the beach to the left of the Marina. Small blacktip reef sharks often cruise among the shallow rocks, and you are likely to see a number of stingrays lying on the seabed or gracefully gliding over it in search of food. There are also a number of large rocks with their accompanying fishes, coral and plant life, en route to the island. Watch for the three-fined turtle, who is normally on the landsite of the island.

DIVING HOT SPOTS IN ANTIGUA

2009-07-08T06:08:00.000-07:00

These dives are the most frequently visited dive sites in Antigua

Billy's Grotto
62' dive. Large knoll with rocky ledges on the east. Contains sea fans and soft corals. Minimum amount of hard coral and sponges. Marine life is abundant. Nurse sharks, turtles, barracudas and large schools of small fish. Lobsters are usually abundant and stingrays occasionally.

Jettia's Wreck
Old French steam powered freighter sunk in 1817 and sits at a depth of 25'. The wreck is broken up into mainly the bow, the boiler, the engine and the stern. There is coral growth and lots of small fish surrounding it, including parrot fish, grunts, trumpet fish, blue tangs and spanish hogfish. Occasionally a large barracuda puts in an appearance along with a large dog snapper.

Boon's Reef
Patch reef, dead coral in some areas surrounded by live coral, some damage due to hurricanes. This site is primarily used as a first time diver's site. Parrot fish, snappers, blue tangs, grunts, occasional eel, barracuda and turtle.

John's Cave at Ariadne Shoal
67' dive.Long rocky ledge. Visibility usually 100' - 150'. Barracudas are always present along with the usual parrot fish, trumpet fish, grunts, etc. Occasionally nurse sharks, jacks and other pelagic are seen.

The Chimney
Dive site starts at 40' and gradually descends like stairs to below 80'. There is a hole in the rock face which comes out at the top of the ledge. Blackjacks, angelfish, atlantic spade fish, barracudas are usual. Nurse sharks occasionally rest in the chimney.

Snappers' Ledge
Dive site begins at 40' and gradually slopes to 80'. There are several rock ledges and undercuts where numerous amounts of fish and other forms of life reside, puffer fish, black jacks, school master snappers, trumpet fish, and parrot fish are usually spotted. There is also a large green moray that hides in the area.

Pillars of Hercules
70' dive. The site is named from the limestone formation in the cliff above the site. The site is mainly composed of large boulders which have fallen from the cliff above. Sergeant majors, chromis, blue tang snappers and other pelagic cruise around the site.

Pillars
36' dive. This site was a spur and grove formation resembling fingers. It was named for two large columns of pillar corals. Small fish are in abundance and the occasional nurse shark and eagle ray are spotted.

Mary K
42' dive. Also a spur and grove site with small ledges and undercuts. Lobsters, barracudas and lots of small fish are usually present. The occasional turtle and stingray put in an appearance.

Stereo Reef
36' dive. Small knoll of dead coral surrounded by live coral. Many varieties of hard and soft corals. Large schools of small brown chromis swim around the knoll along with blue tangs and bogas. Parrot fish, grunts, and other fish are also present, fish populations come and go on this site.

Horseshoe Reef
36' dive. Parallel pile of coral approximately 100' apart. Parrot fish, snappers, blue tangs, bogas and brown chromis, barracudas, eagle rays and moray eels show up every once in a while.

Monk's Head
47' dive. Coral knoll with sandy patches at the top and bottom. Parrot fish, trumpet fish, snappers, creole wracks are usually seen. Large numbers of southern stingray are occasionally seen.

Try Reef
Depth 30'. Long pile of coral named for the try spotted at the site. Barracudas are sometimes abundant. Parrot fish, chromis, snappers and blue tangs are permanent residents.

Papaya Channel
36' dive. Long "road" of sand with reef on both sides leading to a mini wall. Stingrays and barracuda are common along with creole wracks, parrot fish, sergeant majors and grunts.

Sandy Island Barge & Knoll
47' dive. Small round knoll with lots of soft and hard corals on it. There's a sunken barge laying next to it which is home to several different creatures. Stingrays, barracuda, Atlantic spade fish and moray eels show up occasionally. Parrot fish, snappers, grunts, lobsters and chromis are usually present.

Sandy Island Ridge
42' dive. Long coral ridge with sand at the base. There are several large coral heads along the ridge where lobsters, eels, napes, grunts, squirrel fish, and others hide. Nurse sharks are also spotted, but not as often.

Jewel Box at Sandy Island
25' dive. Parallel lines of sand and reef with small ledges for creatures to hide. Lobsters, barracudas and eels are occasionally spotted.

Wreck of Joe Young
40' dive. 90' long tug-boat intentionally sunk. visibility is poor due to the fact that is sits at the edge of the harbour's shipping lane.12' to 15' visibility is normal. On days of dead calm weather, the visibility gets up to 40'. There is no growth on the wreck but queen angels are in abundance. Large fish such as tarpon, cobia and grouper live in the hull.

Bluff Cut
50' dive. Parallel lines of sand and reef with several undercuts. Large amount of soft corals, sea whip and sea fans. Marine life spotted here includes angel fish, stingrays, nurse sharks plus the usual collection of fish.

see:

http://123scubadive.com/Antigua/index.htm

DIVING HOT SPOTS CRIMEA SEVASTOPOL BLACK SEA

2009-05-13T03:14:00.000-07:00

Sevastopol is only “open” for tourist from 1996 on! This means that all at the moment known sites (more then 50 places from 2 until 140 meter deep!) where you may dive are not visited by treasure hunter’s jet! Everything is original and Crimea has learnt a lot from the rest of the world. They protect all their sites! The mysteries of marine abysses have attracted people for centuries and thousands of daredevils from all over the world continuously join the ranks of an army of diving enthusiasts. There are a host of miraculous deep sea nooks and crannies on earth, but you need to travel to the Crimean Black Sea coast for her underwater exotics, what will enchant even the most experienced divers.

If you want a vacation with a touch of the deep sea extreme, head for the Crimean Peninsula .The sea waters will gently embrace you and the Black Sea shelf will readily reveal its historical secrets of sunken ships and ancient epochs, breathtaking underwater landscapes, caves and volcanoes, as well as acquaint you with marine life. Even tough this underwater fairytale is quickly over; the memory of it will stay with you for the rest of your lifetime.

Like a museum, the Black Sea preserves military relics. A great number of shipwrecks were left following the Crimean War of 1853 – 1856 that enveloped the waters of the southwestern Crimea from Cape Lukall to Cape Sarych. During a single hurricane in November 1854 in Balaklava Harbor, 60 British, French and Turkish vessels sank just as they readied themselves to bombard the fortress city of Sevastopol. On that fateful day, the sea took into its embrace the pride of the British fleet, the sailing frigate “Prince” and …. 20 thousand Pound Sterling in gold and silver. The legend of dozens of barrels filled with gold and silver still attracts treasure hunters all over the world and frigate itself was long ago renamed “The Black Price” in order to make the intrigue more exiting.

One more wonder of Crimea’s underwater realm is an English frigate, whose name still remains in mystery, which went to the bottom with a cargo no less precious than that of the “Price”, numerous bottles of wine and cognac, which caused divers to christen it in “The Drunken Jack”. Today in the wreckage of the ship, you can find a bottle of wine or cognac that has already been maturing for more then a century. At depths from 6 to 15 meters, one can finds the eternal resting place of other heroes of the Crimean War: the legendary “Lord Reglan” and his fair lady the “Duchess of Glendaloge” and the majestic warriors “Gung”, “Pyrenees” and “London”.

The Second World War also left its marks in Crimea’s submarine spaces. In 1943, the German ship “Santa Fe” sank to the bottom near Sevastopol for unknown reasons. The vessel had on board 12 canonsns, a tank destroyer and 1.278 tons ammunition and bombs. After the war, the sunken ship was cleared of all dangerous objects, rendering it safe for fascinating underwater excursions. Beside the vessel rests the German submarine destroyer “UJ102”. Its deck is so well preserved that divers can easily recognize the once dangerous cannons. Unforgettable impressions will remain after a visit to Balaklava, a small town in the vicinity of Sevastopol. During the Soviet era, there was a submarine shooting range there in the area of Mramorna Balka. Today, at a depth accusable to divers, one can see the remains of broken targets and unsuccessfully lounged torpedoes. We also recommend a visit to the former submarine maintenance plant located inside a mountain not far from Balaklava where divers can swim along submarine water passages connected by a manmade canal. Installed on the eve of the Second World War in Balaklava Harbor in order to keep hospitable ships out, the world’s only device for laying underwater mines makes a unique underwater exhibit. One more spot for submarine exploration (at a depth of 20 meters) is a 50 meter schooner that once sank near the Gulubaya Harbor because of an explosion. By the way, in 1961, famous director Genadiy Kazanskiy shot several scenes for the classic Soviet film “The Amphibious Man” there. And not far from the Genoese Fortress (in the town of Sudak) in the mysterious Shaitan district, the entire seabed is so densely strewn with metallic debris from schooners that compasses malfunction…

The Crimean Submarine landscapes are genuine masterpieces of the most talented artist “Mother Nature”. A fantastic stone garden “grows” 300 meters from Cape Sarych at a depth from 8 to 21 meters. Instead of trees, there are giant blocks of stone ranging from 1 to 10 meters in diameter. Between them are numerous grottos, crevices and underwater houses. Near Cape Ay-Ya and at shallower depths, another garden has spread out with huge boulders that once fell from the cliffs, admirable underwater alleys and wonderful cozy little grottos with spacious deep sea halls. If you want an adrenaline rush, you can swim along the adjoining sheer cliff. This is a real great attraction for courageous divers who are not afraid to see a great depth beneath them and an overhanging cliff above. Cape Fiolent also strikes one with its submarine beauty. There are caves, grottos and sandy glades hiding among conglomerations of stone. And not far from the coast is the “Sharks

Head”. This wonderful underwater area got his name from a huge stone that juts above the waterline and resembles the head of a shark. The waters near the cape are rich in interesting spoils, because in olden days, numerous ships crashed against its steep coastal cliffs. As for the citizens of the underwater realm, you will meet them all during your undersea trip: cheerful dolphins, schools of sprats, white sturgeons, grey mullets, dogfish, greenfinches, ruffs, crabs and jellyfish.

The ancient fortress city of chersoneses Tavricheskiy is a unique historical site on the Crimean Peninsula. Due to underwater tours, it is now possible to see not only its terrestrial part, but also its submerged part. Diving along the city blocks of ancient Chersoneses (located today at a depth of 12 to 18 meters), one can see fortifications with towers and belfries, rooms connected by labyrinths of passageways, the remains of walls and a great number of relics and monuments from ancient civilizations, one can identify the shattered remains of medieval ceramics. What’s more, the Chersoneses Harbor has one of the biggest cemeteries of sunken ships in the world. Nobody knows the exact number of the ships lost there. Cape Chersoneses has gained the ill fated reputation shared by the Bermuda Triangle, since numerous vessels survived the Black Sea crossing to crash against the reefs at the harbor’s entrance, unable to reach the shore. It’s worth noting that the “Chersoneses Triangle” is a unique archaeological preserve. Beside the ships remains, the seabed also offers a huge collection of anchors, once lost by ancient seafarers trying to save their vessels. This is perhaps the world’s biggest concentration of anchors in one place. There are forged iron anchors from medieval times, leaden anchor stocks from the Roman period and stone anchors belonging to ancient era.

Over the entire history of navigation on the Black Sea, perhaps some 60.000 vessels went to the bottom. It’s hard to imagine what treasures the sea depths preserve! In the period from 1984 to 1991 alone, divers retrieved more than 2 billion dollars worth of silver and gold coins, signet rings, chains and other objects made of precious metals from the Black Sea shelf!.

DIVING HOT SPOTS IN CAPE VERDE (Cabo Verde Islands)

2009-04-18T15:41:00.000-07:00

The seas around Cabo Verde are said to be one of the least exploited in terms of commercial fishing, so the marine life is fairly abundant. Diving is available year round although the main season is in the summer (June to December) when the seas are flatter and visibility better . In the winter, swells will sometimes cause dives to be cancelled. The islands have many seasonal visitors, including humpback whales, whalesharks, turtles and manta rays. In addition the number of ships that have foundered off the islands give great potential for wreck diving. Many lie undisturbed with their cargoes and riches intact.

Given the latitude the water should be cool but the sea life is much more tropical as the islands do not get the cold water upwellings that are usual off Africa. Water temperature varies from 28 deg in the summer to around 21 deg in the winter. We used 6mm suits in March, but you would probably want to take a 3mm or 5mm if you went in the summer. September and October generally have the best visibility.

With no real coral reefs, the underground topography is much more like European diving, with rocky ridges, pinnacles and boulders and great underwater arches and caves. Currents can be strong.

At the moment diving is available on five of the islands, although you need plenty of time and a fair amount of determination to dive them all.

Apart from on Sal, the diving is from small, wooden fishing boats with tiny outboard engines. Most boats would struggle to accommodate more than four divers, which is good if you don't like diving in big groups. Unfortunately, the lack of room means that you can usually only do one dive before heading back in for a fresh tank. The small engines also mean that the range is not very far, but as there are plenty of good sites close to shore, this shouldn't be a problem.

Most centres do two dives a day, one in the morning and one in afternoon with a long lunch break in, although in Sal when it's busy it is possible to do a double dive in the morning. Courses and try dives are available on Sal and Sao Vicente. Free pool try dives are available on Sal. Night dives are also available.

The dive industry here is in its infancy but it is definitely going to grow and in Sal the level of service is what you would be used to in other resorts. However, if you go, be aware that this is a remote location and although there is a recompression chamber on Sal it isn't operational at the moment. On the other islands the likelihood of any rescue operation is remote as there are no helicopters and no coastguard.

If you are a novice, we recommend you stick to Sal, but on all the islands, make your level of experience clear when you book. All the dive centres, except on Santiago had good equipment available to rent, although you will save yourself some money if you take your own.

The great thing about Cabo Verde is that there is still plenty of exciting diving waiting to be discovered as so many areas are totally unexplored. The long season makes it a good place to visit at almost any time of year and there's an excellent chance of seeing some of the big seasonal visitors like sharks, whalesharks, whales and turtles. Another interesting thing is that Cabo Verde is in the Atlantic, with Atlantic topography, but the fish and animals include tropical species.

Photo Cabo Verde Diving

The islands also have links with the UK & Irish waters. The first leatherback turtle in Europe to be satellite tagged was released in Ireland and has included Cabo Verde on its migration (www.turtle.ie). Humpback whales are also being identified as possibly the same ones that are seen around the UK & Ireland.

Hopefully the rich seas around the islands will not end up being another sad tale of exploitation but one of conservation. Development is rife on a couple of the islands but there are many spots that are pristine and many, many areas that have never been dived. If you have an adventurous spirit and you like to dive where few others have been, its definitely for you.

DIVING HOT SPOTS IN PEMBA

2009-04-04T11:32:00.000-07:00

Emerald Reef

The average visibility on this reef is 30m and derives its name from the green coral covering the reef. It is located on the Southern most point of Pemba and subject to strong currents. There is a gentle slope from 7 - 30m where many large brown marbled grouper are found. Most varieties of fishlife are found between 20 - 25m with damselfish, goldies and fusiliers. A large school of giant barracuda frequent the area. On occasion hammerhead sharks have been seen.

Panza Wreck

A shallow dive on an old 100m long Greek freighter called the Paraportiani which sunk in 1969 lying on an inside passage between the outer and inner reefs. Can only dive on a slack low or a slack high. Frequent strong currents present. Best visibility on a slack high when there is always a mild current present. The stern, which is intact lies at a depth of 7 - 9 m while the bow lies in 12 - 14 m. A large helm is still in place. A great variety of fish, with hundreds of glassfish, a resident juvenile napoleon wrasse, abundant unicorn fish of different types, lionfish and trevally. Also full of diverse marine life such as crabs, nudibranchs, sponges and corals.

Samaki Reef

A large flat reef on the edge of the Pemba Channel, 20 m+ depth. Best for experienced divers as strong currents are common. Scattered unspoilt corals richly inhabited by diverse marine life. Look out for lobster, octopus and moray eels hiding amongst the bommies surrounded by large schools of trevally, surgeon fish and fusiliers.

Misali Big Blue

Experienced divers only!! Drop into the blue and get swept along Mesali's Southern Channel. You need eyes in the back of your head for this dive as the possibility of reef sharks, barracuda and giant rays is high.

Makarere Reef

An interesting undulating reef set on a sandy slope on Mesali's Southwestern edge. A series of coral hillocks extend from the top of the reef at 8 - 10 m depth to the bottom at more than 30 m. The corals are home to torpedo rays, moray eels and lobsters along with many reef fish while the sandy valleys are home to schools of surgeon and unicorn fish, roaming napoleon wrasse and large spotted eagle rays. This area is in dolphin territory and you can often hear a pod of friendly spinners nearby.

Misali Coral Garden - Razorback Reef

The coral garden runs North - South mainly conducted as a drift dive. Consists of a multitude of different corals all in extremely good condition. At its Southernmost point the corals might not be at their best but turtles can be sighted here. The whole site has at lest three resident Napoleon Fish varying in size. The Razorback Reef and a further deep reef for experienced divers can be included on this dive. The inside face of the razorback reaches 30 m while the outside face reaches 40 m. Excellent fish life all around this reef. The deep reef can be looked at from the top at 45 m from where very large Napoleon Fish have been seen and a 2.5 m bull shark.

Misali Coral Mountain

Rose coral dominates this beautiful mountainous site to which are attracted some unusual fish such as the leaf fish. Octopus and lobsters can be seen here and manta rays have been spotted passing through the area. Depths reach 80 m. Many other game fish such as dog tooth tuna, rainbow runner and trevally hunt on the mountain and blue striped fusiliers abound.

Mapinduzi

A wall dive dropping to 45 m with large gorgonians and fan corals adorning its sides. This site has also had sightings of manta rays, big shoals of barracuda and sharks. Giant triggerfish live here in large numbers. They are Pemban triggers and are not aggressive.

Uvinje Gap

Spectacular sheer wall dropping to over 40 m with breathtaking overhangs and numerous fish such as moorish idols, butterfly and angelfish hiding amongst the black corals commonplace in this area. Large groupers and napoleon wrasse can be spotted at depth. Plenty of life in the shallows with thousands of goldies playing amongst the large coral bommies.

Uvinje Outer Walls

The coral on the North wall is in excellent condition with large gorgonians and fan corals surrounded by the thousands of ever-present goldies. Manta and spotted eagle rays are known to frequent the area as well as giant reef rays and hawksbill and green turtles. Schools of tuna and barracuda and large napoleon wrasse have been seen here. The top of the site starts at 7 m and in places terraces down to below 40 m.The South Wall starts at 6 m and drops again to 40 m+. Here again you may see Napoleon Fish, large grouper and some pelagics. Here let the current swing you into the gap along the spectacular sheer wall.

The Balcony

A deep wall from 7 m to 100m + covered in seawhips and gorgonian fans with a giant overhang hence the name. Look out for large napoleon wrasse, big mackerel, jackfish and large numbers of fusiliers.

The Cave

The top of the reef is a shallow 4 m sandy bottom with a sheer cliff face dropping down to more than 100 m. A cave is found on this wall at depth - but we do not penetrate. Large pelagics are ever present and the currents can be strong. Look out for turtles on the wall.

Fundu South Wall

Strong currents can be present and as on many dives in Pemba only recommended for experienced divers. The reef lies from 5 m to 40 m +. Shallow caverns and sheer wall faces make up the topography of this wall with superb coral formations and plentiful fish life. Kingfish, jacks, barracuda and napoleons are present with humphead parrotfish and sweetlips swimming around the yellow fans.

Manta Point

A coral pinnacle reaching up from 40 m to within 8 m of the surface situated just outside the mouth of Fundu Gap. Due to its name you would expect typical luck to not provide manta ray sightings - however they do still come into this area occasionally to visit a cleaning station or cruising out of the blue at any depth. The pinnacle is covered in beautiful dense corals and drops dramatically on its Western side. The abundance of fish on this reef makes it a superb dive, one of the best - with or without the coveted manta ray. Circling the pinnacle you can watch the behaviour of large jack fish, schools of surgeonfish and fusiliers, the occasional reef shark and turtle.

The Gauntlet

This exilherating dive at Fundu Gap is best on an incoming tide dropping into the water at the top end of the reef at around 10 m where we can find a series of pretty coral bommies to swim over and down to 25 m where you will find yourself on top of the wall and being swept into the Gap and across the Gauntlet. This can be extremely quick so sit back and enjoy the ride. Interesting overhangs and rock formations caused by deep fissures into the cliff face are a spectacle.

Mandela Wall

The top of Mandela Wall is between 8 to 15 m deep and drops dramatically to 200 m + in some parts. The vertical drop is adorned with gorgonian sea fans and whip corals. Keep eyes peeled for large pelagics and also for the beautiful manta ray passing by.

Njao Gap

Njao Gap North is a beautiful coral garden starting at 5 m and sloping down to 18 m before dropping away into the deep blue of the wall. Resident green and hawksbill turtles are a common sighting and the currents can be strong and exhilerating. Njao Gap South is best dived using the Northerly current to sweep you inside. Drift dive this reef with large Nepoleon Wrasse and look out for more turtles in the cabbage corals which abound. As you enter the gap look out for Manta Rays as the bottom again drops away to form a breathtaking immense vertical wall reaching undiveable depths.

DIVING HOT SPOTS BRAZIL

2009-03-09T10:20:00.000-07:00

More and more divers and lovers of other aquatic sports are traveling to Brazil to enjoy its 8000km of coast, tropical climate and rich marine fauna and flora. The tropical climate, warm waters and welcoming people, create a perfect atmosphere for those who want to enjoy the beauties of the deep world.

The country offers different options of diving tours, for beginners or to most experienced divers. Volcanic islands, long coral reefs, marine national parks, sub aquatic caves etc. In Brazilyou can find it all .

From the crystal clear waters in Fernando de Noronha National Park to the most spectacular caves in Bonito, Brazil is everything divers always dreamed.

Please find below some of the best diving sites in Brazil.
Each one has its own characteristics, but they have one thing in common: they are extremely beautiful and well preserved.

Fernando de Noronha: considered by many specialized magazines one of the best places in the world for diving, due to the clear and warm waters of the sea, rich marine fauna and the innumerous ship-wrecks in the area.

Abrolhos: Located about 70 km from the coast the Archipelago of Abrolhos is a National Park compounded by five islands of volcanic origin. The water is warm and crystalline, varying between 24C and 28C degrees. The park hides great diversity of species of corals, some of them endemic.

Bonito: the natural beauties in Bonito include caverns with deep azure lakes inside, incredibly clear rivers that work as natural aquariums, waterfalls and much more. More recently Bonito became the mecca of cave divers. The Mimoso Grotto and the Anhumas Abyss are among best caverns in the world for diving.

Angra dos Reis is a big bay area with green and calm waters, full of small islands and surrounded by mountain range covered by a rich and wonderful forest. It is considered one of the best diving sites in the Brazil for diving, due to tens of shipwrecks and rich sea life.

Paraty: colonial town located in the south end part of Ilha Grande Bay, the same one of Angra dos Reis. The sea has the same characteristicas as Angra with green and clear water.

DIVING HOT SPOTS IN SICILY ITALY

2009-03-09T10:07:00.000-07:00

Dive Holidays in Sicily

Since very few people know about diving in Sicily, from this moment on you can be one of those lucky divers to experience the Mediterranean in its best expression!

Hundreds of km of coastal line, 13 islands spread from east to west, from north to the very south, closer to Africa!

A real paradise for people searching for nature and breathtaking scenaries, relaxation and strong emotions, fellowship with local people, culture and traditions.. ..

The underwater world of the Mediterranean around Sicily has nothing to envy to tropical waters, because of its various characteristics.

Rocky or sandy, volcanic or (calcareo), grottoes, walls, reefs, wrecks and archaeological sites, as well as colourful sessile life and pelagic species.... and not to forget mild temperature or the clear waters.

Mare Nostrvm Diving Centre is located in Palermo, but has chosen other two holiday spots to offer the best of Mediterrean diving: Ustica and Linosa, two volcanic islands plunged in a sea of colours.

We have a diving centre on both islands, which offers dive excursions and training, as well as accommodation on the island. We are also at our clients' disposal in arranging the trip: travelling by itself in Sicily might become an adventure if you don't manage well as a globetrotter!

Linosa

When you choose Linosa for your dive holiday, you're in one of the most incontaminated places in Mediterranean, far from crowd and stress!

From June to September, Mare Nostrvm will arrange your stay on this precious island of the Pelagies.

Ustica

Famous for its Natural Marine Reserve and known by the most demanding divers, Mare Nostrvm suggests an alternative vacation to show you the island in its authenticity: week stays on a DiveBoat for groups and individuals, away from noises and crowdy people.

Palermo

Mare Nostrvm Headquarters is open in spring, summer and autumn with recreational and technical dive training and recreational shore diving . Dive vacations are offered mainly to groups, but individuals may also enjoy a holiday between diving and sightseeing on land.

DIVING HOT SPOTS IN CLEARWATER BEACH FLORIDA

2009-01-25T15:28:00.000-08:00

THE BOAT: The Plunger VII was built just for SCUBA diving by Canaveral Custom Boats. She is 30 feet overall with a wide beam for stability. Down below in the Vee berth there is ample dry storage and a full size head (bathroom). The back deck has a fresh water shower for after-dive rinsing. The Plunger VII also carries an iced cooler for your food and drinks, a water cooler and cups, and a separate cooler for fish for the spearfisherman. Although she was originally build for 12 passengers, we only take up to 6 passengers and crew. All the latest electronics and safety gear, including oxygen, are onboard. When the Plunger VII was purchased, she only had a 240 hp motor. When it came time to replace the motor, Dive Clearwater decided to pack a 350 hp turbocharged diesel under the hatch! Not only can we get you to the dive site quickly and in comfort, we can spend more time doing what we do best ... have time to enjoy the water.

THE PLACE: The Gulf of Mexico offers some fantastic and diverse dive sites. Colorful reefs, fantastic wrecks, and abundant marine life are the earmark of Gulf diving. Most of the dive sites that we visit are located within an hour or two of the Clearwater Municipal Marina. During the brief travel times you can catch some rays on our sundeck or swap stories with the other divers. Some of our more popular dive sites are listed in the navigation menu to the left. Click on a site to see a more detailed description of the site and, soon, some photographs.

Spearfishing: The Plunger VII welcomes spearfishing. Dive Clearwater offers both inshore and offshore spearfishing trips. Dive Clearwater is federally licensed to possess reef and pelagic species. We do require that you have at least 1 year experience with a speargun and follow all rules and regulations ... NO EXCEPTIONS!

Wreck diving: "The Sheridan" is a tug that was sunk off the coast of Clearwater as part of Florida's Artifical Reef Program. The Sheridan was not blown apart to be sunk, instead it was sunk by opening tru-hull fittings and allowing the water to flow in. This non-destructive method of sinking the boat has kept this wreck in beautiful diving condition.

WEBSITE: http://www.diveclearwater.net/index.html

LABUAN DIVING HOT SPOTS

2008-11-28T14:13:00.000-08:00

Labuan offers ideal living conditions all year round for both professional and amateur divers. Sunken relics of World War II and postwar shipwrecks have made Labuan's waters the region's centre for wreck-diving. Diving expeditions can be arranged by your hotel to four major wrecks. American Wreck is located southwest of Pulau Rusukan Kecil and about 24 km from Labuan. Australian Wreck lies in 21 metres of water about 23 km from Labuan and southeast of Pulau Rusukan Besar. Sunk in 30 metres of water, Cement wreck is 21 km from Labuan and east of Pulau Kuraman. Blue Water Wreck is 34 km offshore from Labuan and northwest of Kuraman Island.

http://www.tourism.gov.my/

SIMILANS DIVING

2008-10-22T01:34:00.000-07:00

Without question, Similan Islands diving is the best that Thailand has to offer. No other region offers such a number of excellent sites and such wonderful diving as can be found in this protected national park. The Similans are a scattering of tiny verdant islands fringed with white sand beaches and surrounded by some of the area's richest waters. Cruise around this picturesque scene stopping at the choicest sites to allow divers to explore at their leisure all the marine life that abounds: leopard sharks, white tip and black tip reef sharks, batfish, moray eels, snappers, barracudas, triggerfish, surgeonfish and unicornfish.
Huge granite boulders rest mightily on the sea bed and provide an imposing backdrop to all the fish action as well as being the canvas upon which is painted a riot of colourful soft corals and sponges. Hard corals are also present in big numbers with impressive table corals and staghorn corals being the most prevalent.
Given the diversity and convenience of such wonderful dive sites it is little wonder that the Similans continue to be a popular choice for discerning divers, many of whom return year after year.

Christmas Point - This is a dive site which in many ways typifies Similan scuba diving since it is dominated by the enormous granite boulders, arches and swim-throughs that make diving here unlike anywhere else. Using the walls as substrate, soft corals and huge sea fans proliferate and act as the backdrop to the passing sharks, jacks and fusiliers. A dive site with impressive and unique topography, there are plenty of reasons to look forward to Christmas Point.

Elephant Head Rock - Named after the rock that sits out of the water and, to the imaginative mind, resembles a Pachydermal cranium, this is another Similan dive site where the stunning topography is the chief feature - with more penetrable holes than a Swiss cheese factory. Around this inspiring underwater scene you can check out all the resident sea-life including groupers, turtles, trevallies and reef sharks. Sometimes a little bit tricky with current but always exciting, Elephant Head Rock is another 'must do' site when diving the Similans.

Koh Bon - Although not a Similan island, Koh Bon is part of the national park and is only an hour or so away so it is worth special mention as one of the best dives sites in Thailand for manta rays. In addition to mantas there are also frequent appearances by leopard sharks, eagle rays and black tip reef sharks. The Koh Bon area is not, however, only about pelagics since critters are numerous and varied which makes night diving here exceptional.

http://www.dive-the-world.com/diving-sites-thailand-similan-islands.php

ANDAMAN DIVING HOT SPOTS

2008-10-22T01:23:00.000-07:00

A part of India, the Andaman Islands are one of the world's newest diving destinations and have yet to be properly explored for diving. After a 60 year period of virtual isolation from the outside world the Indian government has made a decision to allow limited, environmentally conscious tourism development in the islands.
The Andaman's modern history began as a British penal colony for Indian radical elements. During WWII it was occupied by a small Japanese force. Once India gained its independence from Britain, India initiated a limited colonization program and at the same time, committed itself to protecting the island's aboriginal population and its natural environment.
On the surrounding islands live some of the last stone-age peoples on the earth. One tribe, the Sentinelese, are isolated on their own tiny tropical island, North Sentinel, and no visitors are allowed; no camera crews, no journalists, no scientists, and no researchers. Contact has been attempted only a few times by the Indian government and the locals have made it rather clear-by throwing primitive spears and shooting arrows at the party-that they do not want to be disturbed.
The islands have no modern fishing fleet and commercial fishing licenses are granted to foreign operators only on an extremely limited basis. Thus, the waters surrounding the islands are simply full of fish that have never been disturbed by modern man. And, since the islands only opened recently, most of the offshore diving areas have been dived by less than 50 people.
Although in many of the near shore areas the visibility is limited, the offshore islands such as Passage Island, Barren Island, and Narcondam are rich in marine life-huge fish, sharks, manta rays, unbelievable coral growth-and are blessed with crystal-clear water.
About 70 kilometers to the south of Port Blair, the capital and main port of the Andamans, Passage Island features an offshore pinnacle-appropriately named Fish Rock-where two-meter long dog-toothed tuna compete with sharks for food. Groupers larger than most men cruise the reef unafraid of divers. Large eagle rays patrol the plankton rich waters completely at ease in the strong currents.
The active volcano Barren Island, almost 100 nautical miles cruising northeast of Port Blair, last erupted in January of 1994. The eruption covered almost everything underwater and above with a thick layer of black sand, creating an unusual landscape to explore. Although most of the coral was killed by this layer of sand, tunas and sharks swim along its black walls, which plunge to over 500 meters. Hammerhead sharks have been seen here. Visibility can exceed 50 meters, and even though there is not much coral left, the contrasting vivid colors of bright fish against the jet-black walls is almost psychedelic.
The most fantastic spot in the Andaman Sea is an extinct volcano located another 160 kilometers north of Barren Island. Walls drop to over 500 meters here as well-just off the shoreline-but the difference is that here everything is alive and healthy. This is truly a diver's paradise.
Imagine four-meter tall barrel sponges. Fans twice as large as they are in the Similan Islands. Monstrous dog-toothed tuna-one animal we saw was almost three meters long. The best part of our first trip to the area was the herds of manta rays that visited us on every dive-both in shallow and deep water. In four days we saw at least 50 mantas-no kidding, and we snorkeled with three groups of 12 feeding animals for over two hours our first day there.
The Andamans are certainly not for everyone. It requires spending long periods of time on the boat and traveling almost every night in order to get to the best spots. However, for those interested in the best of frontier diving, this is it.

http://www.siamdivers.com/sites/andaman.htm

PROVO (TURKS AND CAICOS) DIVING HOT SPOTS

2008-09-24T10:04:00.000-07:00

Sharks: Caribbean reef sharks are frequently seen cruising the depths off the walls at North West Point and West Caicos, but do not discount Grace Bay which often produces a shark fest all of its own. While Caribbean reef sharks are by far the most common blacktips, tiger sharks, and hammerheads are often spotted.

Horse-eyed jacks: Perhaps the signature fish of Northwest Point; spend an enchanting safety stop watching their hypnotic circling as you hang under the boat.

Turtles: Always a crowd pleaser these pre-historic creatures, although endangered in many areas, are seen quite commonly on our dives. The very pretty Hawksbill Turtles are most commonly sighted.

Bottlenose Dolphin: Sometimes seen underwater on dives, but more often enjoyed as they play in the wake of the boats traveling to and from the dive sites. Perhaps the best known denizen of the Provo sea is "Jojo," a bottlenose dolphin who has frequented the area since the 1980s. Jojo is wild, but frequently visits divers and seems to enjoy human company.

Spotted Eagle Rays: Sightings of these magnificent creatures seems cyclical. Usually seen in ones and twos cruising the edge of the barrier reef, this year has produced huge schools of eagle rays, especially at the southern sites. Imagine flying along the edge of the wall amongst 15 or 16 eagle rays.

Eels: Easily swum over, just take a close look at the reef to see large green moray or tiny golden spotted eels.

Whales: Humpback whales are frequently seen in January through March when they are migrating to the Silver Banks off the Dominican Republic to mate and calf.

Grouper: Provo is also home many large groupers which can be seen regularly at cleaning stations on the reef. Nassau Groupers are particularly friendly with "Scratch" in Grace Bay, and "Nick" at the Boneyards, an area located in Grace Bay, openly welcoming interaction with divers.

Grunts: Large schools of brightly coloured grunts, ideal subjects for photography, are seen at many dive sites. Look for them in abundance amongst the staghorn coral at the Boneyards in Grace Bay.

PINE CAY AREA:

Pine Cay is a small island located 40-50 minutes by boat, northeast of Turtle Cove marina. The dive sites off the Cay are submerged seamounts that rise to within 50' of the surface and are known for consistently good visibility -- even at times when the visibility is down at other north side sites.

1. Football Field -- The Football Field dive site is a good example of the ocean floor topography in this area where the mooring pin is in 50fsw at the top of a steeply sloping wall. Divers can expect this area to be teeming with schools of juvenile barracudas, jacks, Bermuda chub, and groupers. Swimming away from the wall brings the diver to a large area of sand in 70' of water, home to many lobsters.

2. Eagle Ray Pass -- Another site in this area is Eagle Ray Pass. A sand gulley leading off from under the mooring takes the diver out to the top of a sloping wall. This site has a tremendous selection of corals down to a sand bottom at 100fsw.

GRACE BAY AREA:

Grace Bay is a short 15-20 minute boat trip from Turtle Cove and is protected by a 14 mile barrier reef. Prolific marine life such as groupers, barracudas, turtles, sharks and the occasional manta ray inhabit this area.

3. Coral Gables -- A gentle slope to the wall allows divers to pick their depth. Sand chutes stop just below the top of the wall and give way to large stacks of coral, home to grunts, snappers and groupers.

4. Graceland -- This site has a large sand chute under the dive boat and a swim-through leading to the wall at 50fsw. The wall has many buttresses and indentations with a good possibility of reef sharks swimming in the depths off the wall.

5. Grouper Hole -- The mooring is by a deep sandy grotto, the Grouper Hole, with a large coral head in the middle of a sand chute that leads divers to a gently sloping wall. In the days before the formation of the marine park in Provo this was a spot that grouper feeding took place.

6. Aquarium -- Enormous schools of grunts and snappers form an almost continuous school on top of the wall at the Aquarium. The wall is an exaggerated spur and groove type formation with some spectacular sand chutes that run on down through the reef to a depth of around 100fsw.

NORTH WEST POINT AREA:

The vertical walls of Northwest Point begin at 35 feet and are famous for a variety of formations including gold and purple tube sponges. Dramatic dive sites are the rule here where large fish and elephant ear sponges are frequently encountered.

7. Shark Hotel -- At the top of the Shark Hotel wall, divers find schools of grunts, snappers, and goatfish. The wall begins in about 45fsw and drops straight down to 80 to 100fsw where a plateau juts out and forms a shelf before plunging into the depths. As the name suggests, this site is a good place to spot small reef sharks. Close to the mooring is a huge stand of pillar coral, some of the largest to be seen in the Turks and Caicos.

8. Amphitheater -- There are large pillar coral under the boat and an abundance of horse eyed jacks. The wall drops vertically to an amphitheater formation that is undercut 10-15 feet to a sandy bottom in 85 feet. One prominent feature of this site is a large elephant ear sponge with black coral along the top lip of the undercut, and some rare orange rope sponges at about 90fsw. In front of the amphitheater is a buttress with some beautiful examples of plate corals.

9. The Crack -- This site's name comes from the deep crevice that cuts down the wall from a depth of 50 to about 100fsw. Large grouper and snapper tend to hang out in the crack among black coral and deep water gorgonian. There is always a good chance to spot sharks and spotted eagle rays at this site.

10. The Hole in the Wall -- This is a crack or hole that drops vertically from 55fsw and emerges from the face of the wall at 95fsw. Space is limited to one diver in the hole at a time, but the sensation of emerging into the blue water is an incredible one. Extensive sheet coral formations are also found here.

Sandbore Channel: The area between sites # 10 and # 11 is the Sandbore Channel, a deep navigable channel that lies between Providenciales and West Caicos. Leaving from the south shore of Provo you travel across the shallow Caicos banks and join the channel where pale turquoise water turns deep iridescent blue. This is one of he most spectacularly beautiful sights you will ever see. Diving here is also breathtaking with deep water sponges and large pelagics, but must be dived when tide and weather are just right.

WEST CAICOS AND BEYOND:

11. Highway to Heaven -- Located at the north end of West Caicos, the dive begins in 50fsw with a large colony of garden eels in the sand flat. The site is also popular because of the many stingrays that play in the sand. This is one of the deeper dives out at West Caicos with coral arches and swim throughs around 80-100fsw. Lot's of large marine life and frequent shark sightings.

12. Elephant Ear Canyon -- Divers know they are at this site when they see the elephant ear sponge 11 feet in diameter. The reef at the top of the wall is about 50fsw split into sections by sand chutes. Under the boat at the end of the dive, divers can see garden eels, stingrays, and tilefish.

13. Gulley -- The wall begins in about 50fsw and the top lip of the wall is a dense coral reef with many cleaning stations. The gulley gets it's name from the cut in the reef that forms two distinct sections before dropping off vertically. The vertical wall here has many undercuts covered in sponges and black corals.

14. Driveway -- Under the boat in about 40 feet of water lies a sand area with scattered coral heads leading into a sand chute that extends down through the reef from 50fsw to a ledge at around 80-100fsw where the wall drops vertically to the depths. Marine life includes sharks, groupers, black durgons, and the ledge area features some excellent growth of plate and star corals. As with many of the sites at West Caicos all along the wall divers will find black coral and purple tube sponges.

15. Whiteface -- The name of this dive site has nothing to do with the underwater topography, but comes from the steep white cliffs along the shoreline. Along the top of the wall is particularly profuse reef with some impressive stands of pillar coral. The fish population includes barracuda, parrot fish French angelfish and Nassau grouper. Just north of the mooring is a crack in the wall with a large anchor embedded at 70 feet. The wall is well undercut to a depth of about 100fsw.

16. South West Reef -- This reef has a deeper wall starting in 50-70fsw. The wall is vertical with enormous barrel sponges, deep water gorgonians and frequent sightings of sharks and eagle rays. Currents are frequently encountered at this spot.

17. Molasses Reef -- This reef on the edge of the shallow banks and the wall appears as the boat approaches as a line of waves and a golden brown color from the coral reef breaking the surface. This reef is the site of several historic shipwrecks, however, the dive takes place on the deep water side along the wall. Spotted eagle rays and sharks are common over the top of the wall, with Nassau groupers and jacks abundant under the boat.

18. Double D -- Located just offshore from the bird sanctuary on deserted French Cay, Double D's name comes from two large pinnacles rising from the ocean floor. The wall here is a fairly gradual slope with a profuse carpet of corals along it's entire length. The area around the Double D pinnacles and the boat mooring is home to large numbers of jack, black durgon, and grouper.

19. Half Mile Reef -- As the name suggests, this reef is roughly half a mile long and lies to the east of French Cay. A popular section of the reef is located in a large bowl on the wall which tends to eliminate the effects of currents encountered elsewhere on the reef. Large schools of barracuda and mahogany snappers are always present and two large (7-8 feet across) elephant ear sponges are found twenty feet apart at the 85fsw contour.

20. West Sand Spit -- About 27 miles southeast of Provo the West Sand Spit is an area of sand in the open ocean which has about 50 feet of sand exposed and dry at low tide. The wall starts in 60fsw and drops to about 150fsw. Large schools of goatfish call this area home, as well as many other species. The REEF Survey completed in 1996 identified more than 120 different types of fish at this site, including three Jewfish. The sand area is also home to four 5ft+ stingrays. During the year, seasonal visitors to the Sand Spit include Sargassum Triggers, Ocean Triggers, and a variety of pelagics. Frequent currents combined with it's remote location make this a healthy vibrant reef.

http://www.diveprovo.com/dive_provo.html

PANAMA DIVING HOT SPOTS

2008-09-24T09:54:00.000-07:00

Located in the Southwestern Caribbean, on the coast of Panama, Caribbean Jimmy's is perfectly located for world-class diving. Start your dive adventure at our front door with outstanding unlimited shore dives. Take a guided tour with one of our dive masters through exciting caverns of reefs that took down many a Pirate ship in days gone by. Just a short boat ride from our docks you can dive Isla Grande, Isla Mamey, Nombre de Dios, Viento Frio, Palenque, Stanta Isabel, Galera, El Porvenir and San Blas. All of these breathtaking locations have virgin reefs, not yet named. You'll be diving the crystal clear Caribbean Sea, where three-quarters of the world's types of corals and more than half of its tropical fish species thrive on shallow and varied fringing reefs at Caribbean Jimmy's doorsteps! You will appreciate the great diversity of coral reefs (over 50 coral species) and other organisms associated to corals, the ideal scenario for the underwater photographer. Vibrant reefs abound at every dive location with opportunities to see tarpon, barracuda, jacks, yellow-fin snapper, angels, parrotfish, trunkfish, damselfish, rainbow bass, mojarra, vieja, machaca, drum, alligator gar, kingfish, sierra, tripletail, cubera, grouper, Goliath Grouper and Sea Turtles within three to five miles from our resort. For the hardy divers there is plenty of blue water diving on submerged deep water reefs starting at 40' and going into the abyss, again only a short 30 minute boat ride. See Atlantic sailfish, dorado, wahoo, tuna coming in at over 100 pounds, black & white tip reef sharks, hammerheads and even a blue marlin.Caribbean Jimmy's will take you diving on the best 100 miles of Panama's 425 miles of Caribbean coast. Our experienced staff will allow you to dive to your dive level once your dive experience is validated.

http://www.caribbeanjimmysdiveresort.com/index.php

LOS ROQUES DIVING HOT SPOTS

2008-09-24T09:46:00.000-07:00

Boca del Medio.
Depth: 30-70 feet.Skill level: Intermediate.
With many different diving spots to go and the most incredible encounters with vivid corals, all kind of fauna, big schools of Barracudas, rays and Nurse sharks makes a visit to this part of the park something to remember.

Francisqui:
Depth: 45-70 feet.Skill level: Novice.
Easy diving in shallow waters up to 30 feet deep.

Dos Mosquises.
Depth: 45-180 feet.Skill level: Advanced.
Features splendid reefs, Turtles, and is the site of the biological research station.

Nordisqui.
Depth: 20-70 feet.Skill level: Intermediate.
Has formations of coral stones and canals with a few shipwrecks. Just north of Gran Roque you find some of the most fantastic caves ever seen under water, enjoy big Groupers and Rays.

La Guaza
Depth: 30 to 140 feet.

Skill level: Intermediate.The rock spire tops out at 30 feet, dropping to 60 feet on the inner side, and sloping to 140 on the open-ocean side. Covered with cup corals, encrusting sponges and sea rods, it's a gathering point for fish as diverse as queen angels and red lipped blennies, smooth trunkfish and black grouper.
Rock formation with a can see the most wide selection of Groupers, and big Pelagic fauna on a crystal clear water at only few minutes from Gran Roque.

Piedra Ahogada.
Depth: 60-140 feet.Skill level: Intermediate.
Similar to La Guaza, beautiful at night, often visited for big Barracudas, Turtles, Eagle Rays etc.

La Buceadora.
Depth: 45-80 feet.Skill level: Intermediate.
Close to the other two but different for the kind of fauna and flora, and here you find big schools of Tarpons.

Madrisqui.
Depth: 45-70 feet.Skill level: Novice.
Ideal for a discovery dive or taking those fantastic photos of the beautiful soft and hard corals with its very rich fauna of every species.

Solapa de Rabusqui.

Depth: 30 -70 feet.Skill level: Intermediate.
After a 15 minutes ride by boat from Gran Roque you find this underwater cave formation with the most amazing surprises. Big fishes like giant groupers and some sharks can be seen in only 30 feet of water.

Cayo Sal
Depth: 150 feet.Skill level: Intermediate.All three sites are located at the west end of Cayo Sal. They include a current-swept mini-wall from 60 to 150 feet and a series of small caves at 90 to 100. There are fish aplenty from clouds of tiny fairy bass lets to big cubera snapper. Spotted eagle rays on the steep reef slope are always to be seen.

Boca de Cote
Depth: 45-70 feet.Skill level: Intermediate.The reef between two small islands stretches like a net to catch the nutrients and juvenile fish flowing out from the lagoon. This explains the presence of so many fish including orange-spotted filefish, several varieties of blennies and massive schools of snapper. The area has some of the best dives spots and a 2 immersions dive is done with a lunch break in between.

Boca de Sebastopol
Depth: 30-140 feet.Skill level: Intermediate.An opening in the reef to the south east. It is rarely visited but an arrangement can be made with the dive master and guide. The area has some of the best dives spots and sharks are often frequented here. See sharks mating in the month of June, a fantastic site.
Los Roques Reef Profile.
The lagoon acts as a nursery for all manner of fish life and is home to abundant (Bututo) conch. Tidal changes and current wash nutrients and juvenile fish out into open water, attracting manta rays and eagle rays, and fueling the growth of big gorgonians.

Outside the ring of islands there is a narrow ledge of shallow reef filled with Stag horn and Elk horn corals that breach the surface at low tide. The drop-off begins anywhere from 25 to 45 feet with sloping reefs of brain and star corals. The reef slope can be anywhere from 45 to 70 degrees, and as it goes deeper, the slope is dominated by plate corals, orange elephant ear sponges and black corals. On many sites, you will also find mini-walls, small reef caves or reef-crest pinnacles. In the summer months in the summer months of August to October there a days with absolute calms and a fantastic dive can be done on the barrier reef to the east. ask the dive master.
The slopes can be swept by brisk currents or none at all, depending on time, day and conditions. If there is current, just ride with it. The dive boat follows the bubble trail and picks divers up when they surface.

http://www.explore-yachts.com/charter/scubadiving-losroques.htm

ARUBA DIVING HOT SPOTS

2008-09-24T09:43:00.000-07:00

There is plenty of wonderful diving to be enjoyed on Aruba, particularly along its sheltered southwestern coastline. A large number of outstanding dive sites, some of which are listed below, have been charted, and there are several very good dive operators on the island. Aruba is currently working to preserve the ecological health of its many stunning reefs. The island's leading ecological groups have begun a number of preservation and educational programs, including the installation of dozens of mooring buoys, a popular reef clean-up program (in which divers are welcome to participate), and has established a protected underwater park.

California Wreck (30'-45')
The fascinating wreck of the California is located at a depth that is ideal for underwater photography. The wreck is surrounded by large coral formations and by an abundance of tropical fish. Because it is located in the dangerously choppy water and strong currents of the island's windward side, the wreck of the California is only for advanced divers. The California made history as the ship that received, but failed to respond to, the S.O.S. signals sent from the doomed Titanic. The California is almost 100 years old.
Cudaredo Rocks
Huge waves crash around the rocks at the northernmost point of the island. On calm days, divers and snorkelers will encounter a multitude of fish here.
Arashi (35'-40')
Arashi is a fascinating reef for novice divers. An abundance of brain coral, huge star corals, and sea fans are surrounded by parrot and angel fish.
Antilla Wreck (60')
Referred to locally as the ghost ship, the Antilla is a German freighter that was scuttled by the Germans in 1945. The Antilla is the largest wreck in the Caribbean (400' long) and was sunk when it was brand new. The wreck is excellent for penetrations because of its large compartments. Covered by giant tube sponges and coral formations, the Antilla is surrounded by lobsters and many kinds of tropical fish (mainly angel fish and yellow tails). It is a great place for night diving.
Malmok Reef (70')
Paths of wildly spread leaf and brain corals abound at this bottom reef. Malmok is noted for its huge lobsters as well as for the unusual number of sting rays that take their daily siesta here, just waiting to be photographed. Giant barrel sponges--purple, orange, and green--cover the area.
Rum Runner Wreck
The Rum Runner was an old wooden fishing boat converted for tourist cruises. When it was no longer serviceable, the Rum Runner was sunk as a marine habitat. It is now a home for fish, lobsters, and turtles, with corals and beautiful anemones growing on the hull.
Pedernales Wreck (35')
The wreck of the Pedernales, an oil tanker torpedoed by a German submarine during the last World War, is a paradise for beginning divers. The wreck's several large pieces are spread out between coral formations, making visible the complete wreck cabins, wash basins, lavatories, etc., as well as the tanker's pipeline system. The wreck of the Pedernales was cut into three pieces by the U.S. military during the war. The center piece, damaged by the torpedo, was left behind, and the two endpieces were towed to the U.S. and welded together into a smaller vessel. The new ship was a part of the Normandy invasion fleet. The area around the Pedernales wreck is known for its many types of groupers and its bounty of angel fish.
Harbour Reef (20'40')
Exciting barranca slopes with an abundance of plant life and soft coral formations. Giant brain coral heads, with surrounding orange, black, and blue sponges, make this another great dive for novices.
Tugboat Wreck (40'-90')
One of the best dives in Aruba. Dropping gradually through magnificent formations of brain, star, and sheet coral, you arrive at the wreck of an old tugboat that now serves as home to a pair of green morays. On occasion spotted eagle rays and sting rays can be seen very close by. This dive is a popular favorite and a great spot for photography.
Sonesta Reef (20'-60')
A sandy bottom with a wide range of brain corals. There are two sunken airplanes in the area, near the Sonesta Island.
Barcadera Reef (20'-80')
A sandy bottom with an abundance of brain corals and of a number of different species of huge sea fans. The fans oscillate hypnotically with the current, producing a remarkable sensation of movement.
Kantil Reef (40'-110')
Kantil Reef is a fascinating drop off, with gigantic boulders of brain and star coral, an abundance of massive formations of leaf and sheet corals, and plenty of huge sea fans and gorgoneas. There are incredible marine life encounters to be had here, with yellow tails, morays, groupers, and manta rays. Eagle rays can also be seen here. This is an excellent dive for photography and should definitely be logged.
Plonco Reef (20'-100')
Home of the green moray! Large green morays welcome you to the great underwater world. Large lobsters are found here scavenging the ocean floor. Giant coral formations contour the landscape.
Skalahein (15'-20')
Particularly fine coral formations sloping to great depth; well known for its large population of barracudas. Excellent for drift-diving. Great manta rays have been spotted here. This is a dive definitely to be logged.
Mike's Reef (25'-90')
Huge corals guide you into the homes of big barracudas and rainbow runners patrolling the coastline. Brain, mountain, star, and flower corals, as well as deep water gorgoneas and soft corals abound here. An excellent dive for macro photography.
Mangel Halt Reef (110')
A pronounced slope from 15' down to 110' gives you the opportunity to admire a myriad of coral combinations. You will see everything from grooved brain coral to deep water gorgonea, sea anemones, tube sponges, vase sponges, as well as all types of marine life--from octopus to sea horses and schools of yellow tails.
Porto Chiquito (20'-80')
A dive noted for its enormous diversity of sights. Giant star coral castles, as well as brain, star, pillar, flower, finger-leaf, and sheet coral proliferate. Big manta rays, as well as turtles, can be spotted here, and the site was once known as snapper city. Easily accessible by car. A dive not to be missed.
Jane Sea Freighter Wreck (30'-80')
At a depth of 80', the Jane Sea sloped so severely as to be nearly upright. The freighter is almost 200 feet long and is surrounded by some spectacular sea fans and brain corals.
Isla di Oro Reef (90')
A reef very similar to Mangel Halto. View moray eels, coral crabs, and schools of snappers playing around underwater coves formed of sheet coral and leaf coral. Sea rods and sea ships sway gently to the rhythm of the currents.
Commendeurs Reef (40'-90')
Sloping in the deep, formations of sheet and leaf coral decorate this dive. Extensive marine life includes snapper, groupers, grunts, french and queen angles, and runners and barracudas occasionally patrol the area.
Lago Reef (120')
One of the deepest of Aruba's dive locations. There are impressive coral formations here, as well as deep water gorgonea, sponges, sea anemones, and numerous marine life. All types of fish abound.
Baby Beach Reef (20'-60')
A unique opportunity for shore diving into the open sea. Large formations of elkhorn corals, combined with sheet coral, make it a perfect place for crabs, octopus, and lobsters.
Santana Reef (20'-50')
Elkhorn and staghorn corals are found everywhere here, making it an ideal spot for and abundance of marine life. Although entry is a little difficult, this very good dive is easily accessible by car.
Cabez Reef (50')
Because of rough seas with strong currents, this dive is for experienced divers only. It offers an exciting shore entry, where you come face to face with large schools of barracuda, amberjack, and rainbow runners. The location is also known for sting rays as well as for many different types of tropical fish. It is a virgin area.
Natural Bridge (20'-110')
Enormous, awe-inspiring boulders. Incredible formations of brain and star corals as well as plenty of fire corals. Black and soft coral also abound, and giant barrel sponges rise from the bottom to decorate the ocean floor. This dive site has rough waters and extremely strong currents at times. For advanced divers only.

http://www.geographia.com/aruba/diving.htm

FIJI DIVING HOT SPOTS

2008-09-24T09:35:00.000-07:00

Gotham City: Three pinnacles situated in a passage in the outer Barrier Reef where fish and corals are in incredible abundance. Famed for providing the unusual, Gothom City never disappoints. The soft corals are every colour of the rainbow.

Namotu Wall:The stunning Namotu coral cay stands perched on the edge of a 1000 metre plunge into the depths of the Pacific Ocean. Diving here on the outer reef slopes is spectacular. The prolific fish life, the visibility (normally 25-50 metres), reef sharks, turtles and schools of Barracuda are all in abundance.

The Big W's:Outside the Barrier Reef on the edge of the abyss, the 'Ws' provide the big fish action. Mantas and ocean going sharks cruise the reefs and occasionally the elusive whale shark makes an appearance.

Barrel Heads:A large pinnacle rising up from in excess of 60 metres. Excellent hard corals and sea fans are observed here, along with resident reef sharks and turtles. This site can produce the unexpected - large sharks, schools of Yellow Fin tuna and other pelagic species.

Castaway Passage:A gap in the outer Barrier Reef that allows large volumes of ocean water to enter the lagoon. Diving in this passage almost always produces fantastic visibility (30 metres plus). Like a number of our other dives, this site will frequently produce the unexpected. Manta Rays, Sharks, Marlin, and other pelagic species are frequently sited here.

Namotu Reef:This reef is situated in a passage on the Barrier Reef itself. As with all our Barrier Reef dives, you would expect great visibility - anywhere between 30 metres and 60 metres. Pristine corals, abundant tropical marine life and the possibility of Manta Rays, Hammerhead Sharks and Dolphin.

The Big Blue:There are several different sites in one of this location, ranging from the outer wall which drops into oblivion to the amazing coral canyons located on the inner section of the reef.

Wilky Wall:A drift dive over some of the most pristine coral in Fiji / the world. Lots of pelagic fish life including the chance to see Manta Rays and Sharks.

Wilkes Passage: An exciting drift dive with the current running through this passage. Schools of Barracuda and Trevally are common as well as beautiful corals.

Diving inside the Malolo Barrier Reef:

The Supermarket:just 10 kilometres away from the resorts is possibly the world's most famous shark encounter. Grey reef sharks, White tip reef sharks and black tip reef sharks keep the adrenaline pumping! Occasionally we feed the sharks some of which are in excess of 2 metres. This is one of our most exciting dives - you can guess where the staff dive on their days off! Watch a video clip of shark feeding!! Click Here

B26 Bomber:This American Bomber aeroplane crash landed only 1 1/2 kilometres from Beachcomber Island in 26 metres of water. Although the aeroplane is well broken up and strewn across the bottom of the ocean, most parts are still all there. We have connected them by a rope so they are easy to find. Entire wing sections, both engines, tail section, electronics, ammunition, the undercarriage, and in fact, the entire aircraft is on the seabed. Although there are no skeletons to be seen, we understand that all the crew were killed on impact.

Salamanda Shipwreck:The salamanda is a decommissioned, 40 metre cruise ship that we sank in 30 metres of water. Diving on a shipwreck is always an exciting dive. The vessel is now covered in soft corals and anemones. Shrimps and crabs in some of these anemones have produced a number of prize winning photographs.

Jackies Reef:For 35 years the resort has been fish feeding here from coral viewing boats and this has bought about a fish population of great diversity and abundance. Both large and small reef fish, both solo and in huge schools, allow a rare opportunity to see all these fish at one shallow, easy and close dive site.

Vomo Island:We have two separate dive sites here; Ronnies Reef (named after a famous New Zealand diver) never fails to please even the most discerning of scuba divers. Dramatic canyons and gullies along with great fish life, unusual and spectacular coral formations will be found here. The other site, known as Vomo Caves, consists of caverns and swim-throughs with shafting light breaking through crevices in the reef above makes this dive a very memorable experience.

Tui's Reef:An easy dive in 18 metres of water or less on a series of pinnacles close to Beachcomber Island. Often used for night diving where divers frequently observe Crayfish, Clams, Moray Eels and a multitude of other tropical marine life.

Stonehenge:This dive site is frequently used by Subsurface for training purposes. It's a series of pinnacles rising to within 5 metres of the surface. This dive is absolutely ideal for training divers because of its shallow depth and the inside arena that these pinnacles create.

Bird Rock:A dramatic sheer wall plunging in excess of 40 metres. This site is known for its swim-throughs and caves, soft corals and plentiful fish action.

The Circus:Superb hard corals adorn these 7 bommies. Acropora, Staghoms, giant plates in a kaleidoscope of colour.

Coral Gardens:A shallow reef dive with a mind-boggling variety of different corals and reef.

Pleasure Point & The CrossroadsNEW!!!!Two new stuning dive sites covered in soft corals with all the colors of the rainbow and an amzing variety of immaculate hard corals

The Pinnacles:This site is made up of three deep water pinnacles with swim- throughs, lots of large roaming fish, like Grey Reef Sharks, Barracuda, while the top is covered in a clown fish garden.

Sunflower Reef:A shallow coral reef with rainbow soft corals, cabbage corals, moray eels and an incredible abundance of fish life.

http://www.fijidiving.com/

CABO SAN LUCAS DIVING HOT SPOTS

2008-09-24T09:26:00.000-07:00

The Sea of Cortez is considered to be one of the most fertile bodies of water in the world. It supports over 800 species of fish, from cold-water California-related species to tropical fish and pelagics such as whale sharks, giant manta rays and hammerhead sharks. The Cabo San Lucas Bay provides excellent diving conditions. A deep submarine trench closely follows the bay and creates an unusual marine environment that attracts an abundance of marine life. Here the water is warm and the currents are gentle.All types of dive experiences can be satisfied here, from shallow to deep, night to wreck dives, from playful sea lions to the elusive sea horse. Large congregations of fish are seen on the rocky slopes covered with gorgonians and graceful sea fans. Sea lions, turtles, eels and huge gropers are common sights here.

GREAT LOCAL DIVE SITES

CHILENO BAY30' to 70'. A breath-taking bay know for its diving and snorkeling. A honeycombed maze of fingered-shaped reefs covered with coral trees, it is home to a large variety of schooling tropical fish, sea turtles and several species of moray eels. A colorful collection of invertabrates, starfish, seafans, sea urchins and sponges fill the nooks, crannies and sea floor.

SAND FALLSDiscovered by Jacques Costeau, the Sand Falls start at 90 feet and descends to 120 feet. Steep sand banks cascading into the canyon with many tropical fish.

SANTA MARIATo 40'. A sheltered cove great for snorkeling and diving. Colorful gorgonians and sea fans line the rock walls where colorful tropical reef fish are in abundance. Great dive for the photographer.

SEA LION COLONY30' - 70'. Join the sea lions in their own habitat. This dive gives even the novice diver an excellent opportunity to join and observe the sea lions.

LA ANEGADATo 80'. Following the edge of the Bahia San Lucas Bay is one of Baja's most spectacular submarine canyons. These steep, jagged canyon walls are softened by a colorful variety of gorgonian corals and sea fans, here vast amounts of tropical reef fish thrive along the canyon ledges. Tremendous schools of snappers, goatfish, porkfish, grunts and jacks gather in swirling masses to feed in the nutrient laden currents. This is one of Cabo's best and most versatile dive sites.

WHALES HEAD30' to 60'. With spectacular rock formations, this spot is known to be home to sea turtles, octopus and moray eels. Small nurse sharks and guitarfish sometimes inhabit this area.

DAY TRIPSCabo Pulmo - 30' to 80' beginning to advanced divers. A National Marine Sanctuary, Cabo Pulmo is the only true living coral reef in western North America. It is an expansive reef system consisting of eight long bars. There is a remarkable abundance of colorful tropical fish life to be seen here. Big groupers are often seen at El Bajo, off the point at 40' to 60'. This dive is a photographer's paradise. An enjoyable 2 hour drive from Cabo San Lucas. Due to the windy conditions on the East Cape December through May, we will make this trip June 1 through November 31 only.Cabo Pulmo trips are opperated by the Cabo Pulmo Dive Center.

http://www.divecabo.com/

JAMAICA DIVING HOT SPOTS

2008-01-17T03:24:00.000-08:00

Divers will enjoy balmy year round weather and warm clear waters averaging 78 to 85 degrees. Visibility is usually excellent, averaging 100 feet. Close-at-hand dive sites and a host of professional operators contribute to the island's advantage as a preferred dive destination. And, with the establishment of marine parks, fish populations are growing. Divers seeking a great dive vacation couldn't choose a better destination, especially if traveling with non divers. The diversity of topography and natural attractions is second to none. Imagine a great dive in the morning and river rafting in the afternoon. Now about climbing the famous Dunn's River Falls, or playing a round of golf before dinner?
As distinct as the island's people and topography are, the underwater world is usually diverse. Along the winding North Coast, the precipitous underwater wall hugs the shoreline closely. Toward Negril the terrain flattens, but the diving peaks.
Negril sets the standard for calm, protected warm waters. Along the solitude of Negril's seven miles of beach, the waters are protected from the wind. The sea is generally shallow near shore. Out on the reefs the visibility is often exceptional, from 60-80 feet to over 100 feet. Underwater terrain has excellent patches and spur-and-groove coral reefs which include caves and overhangs. Unique types of diving near Negril include huge "coral cottage" in depths of 60 feet or more.
Brightly colored tropical fish are inhabitants of the reef within Negril's Marine Park. Thick with stands of gorgonians and sponges, the reef is protected by an active mooring program. Large fish populations exist near deeper reefs. Nurse sharks can often be seen beneath coral over-hangs layered with bright red finger sponges.
Several close-to-shore wrecks include two coral encrusted Cessna planes and a 50-foot tugboat referred to as the Pete Wreck. Sitting upright in 90 feet of water, with barracuda hanging about. This wreck is intact and can be penetrated (recommended for advanced divers). A popular dive is Throne Room in 30-70 feet, where you dive through a crack in the reef and see corals, sponges, nurse sharks and cubera snapper. Another is Sands Club, 40-80 feet, where divers have close encounters with colorful and abundant fish. Treasure Reef, in 25-50 feet, has spotted moray eels, fairy basslets and large star coral heads.
Conservation efforts in Negril have paid off. Fish populations flourish. Divers (and snorklers) can see logger head turtles, rays and eels. Dolphins also frequent the waters. Doze of popular reefs to visit are more than any diver can see in one vacation. If you're just beginning scuba or want to become certified, Negril is a good place to start. It's one of the best areas in Jamaica to snorkel, either on the reef (less than 10 minutes by boat) or from shore along the cliffs.
At Montego Bay, the island's first Marine Park delights snorkelers and divers alike. The area is fringed by vibrant walls (many begin in only 35 feet) hosting bright sponges. The wall can be a mere 100 yards from shore. Dive sites include Widowmaker's Cave and Airport Reef, with huge caves penetrating the coral and exiting through a plunging wall. Expect to delight in seeing large schools of creole wrasse. The bay's principal attraction is its profusion of sponges in a rainbow of colors. Several dive sites are within the park.
Near Falmouth, walls start as shallow as 25 feet. Visibility averages 60 to over 100 feet. The top of the reef at sites like Chub Castle is covered with corals, gorgonians and sponges.
In Discovery Bay, the wall also comes close to shore. One of two recompression chambers is here. (The other is in Port Royal). In the same area is the University of the West Indies' Marine Laboratory. the most noted in the Caribbean. Students from throughout the world come to learn more of the underwater world.
At Runaway Bay, the reef is alive with brightly colored schools of tropical fish grouper, snapper and stingrays. Large green morays, barracuda, sharks and turtles also hang out. Coral is sometimes punctured with open-ended tunnels and chimneys lined with white, feathery soft corals and orange anemone colonies that fluoresce in the dark. Ricky's reef, Pocket's Reef, and the Reggae Queen are popular sites starting about 50-60 feet. Others include the Canyon, the Garden of Allah, the Nursery, Shipwreck Reef, Spanish Anchor and the Airplane Wreck. Not far from the airplane, divers will be flushed with excitement to discover the "Potty Dive." This toilet, sunk by Jamaque Dive Centre, is a favorite spot for photos.
Between Runaway Bay and Ocho Rios, the wall comes close to shore and drops from 60 feet to over 3,000 feet as the Cayman Trench nears the shoreline. Explore a shallow shelf of spur-and-groove corals with nurse sharks and caverns, then expect the quick drop-off. A popular dive includes the wreck of the Kathryn in 50 feet of water. This 140-foot-long World War II Canadian minesweeper is home to a profusion of fish that are fed by hand. Colorful yellowtail snapper, parrotfish, sergeant majors and goatfish can be seen at a shallow dive at Dickies' Reef, beginning in 22 feet of water.
Walls encrusted with hard and soft corals welcome divers exploring the relatively pristine waters of Port Antonio. At Alligator Head, in 80-90 feet, advanced divers encounter an array of sponges, corals, tropical and hawksbill turtles. Trident Wall is another popular site. The reef is not far from shore and ideal for snorkeling opportunities. Divers and snorkelers discover shallows around beautiful Kingston Cay, marveling at the natural world of uninhabited mangroves. Southeast of Port Royal is the Texas Wreck, an American naval ship that was sunk in 1944, now situated among an abundance of black coral. The wreck's gun placements are visible . Two steel-hulled wrecks, home to black tip sharks and huge jacks, have recently been discovered.
Excellent dive facilities are found islandwide. Few days are lost to inclement weather. All-inclusive and other resorts provide professional dive staffs and modern boats. Many resorts offer dive packages and they are reasonable priced.
Tanks are not available for hire except for use on guided dives. These dives are led by qualified guides. Groups are kept small and personalized; scuba instruction is offered at all levels. You must present a certification card. Remember, safety standards are strictly enforced. Dive depth is limited to a maximum of 100 feet. Cost of a one-tank dive averages about US$38 per day. Two tank is about US$65. Resort courses start at about US$75. Snorkeling equipment ranges from $15-$20 per day. Visitors are not to come into contact with the reef, or take starfish, conch shells, sea fans or coral.

website: http://www.jamaqua.com/Homepage.html

SUDAN DIVING HOT SPOTS

2008-01-17T03:16:00.000-08:00

The diving is Sudan is for relatively experienced divers only, we would recommend minimum 50 logged dives. There is no recompression chamber in easy reach and the dives can quite deep with current.
Having said that the rewards are immense, the diving here will take your breath away; it is simply the best !!! Lots of big stuff (hammerheads, big reef sharks, schooling barracuda, dolphins etc…) and beautiful pristine coral walls.

website: http://www.planetdive.co.uk/destinations/sudan/sudan.asp

HAWAII DIVING HOT SPOTS

2008-01-17T03:12:00.000-08:00

The Hawaiian island chain is made up of 132 islands, though we generally only think of the eight main islands, Ni'ihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, Kahoolawe and Hawaii. Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and located over 2400 miles from the nearest continent has created a unique underwater environment, in fact over 25% of marine is endemic to Hawaii. The four most visited islands are Oahu, Maui, Kauai and Hawaii, they each have their own unique characteristics and dive locations. Lanai, Molokai and Ni'ihau are dived less frequently and offer some unique dives and marine life, although generally recommended for intermediate to advanced divers. If you are interested in diving off Kahoolawe you will need to charter a dive boat.
When you are not beneath the waves there are plenty of activities to keep you busy, why not try skydiving, visit a luau, go to the world's most active volcano or kick back and relax on a nice secluded beach. Visit our activity page for some suggestions of activities to participate when you are not diving and to arrange a lei greeting for when you arrive into the islands.

website: http://www.hawaiiscubadiving.com/

AUSTRALIA DIVING HOT SPOTS

2008-01-17T03:08:00.000-08:00

Australia is undoubtedly unique. With over 35,000km's of magnificent coastline, we have superb diving in the tropical waters of the world renowned Great Barrier Reef and northern Western Australia, as well as brilliant temperate diving in the southern states and Tasmania. Both tropical and temperate marine life are found in the Solitary Islands off northern New South Wales, popular Byron Bay near the Queensland border, and the fabulous Abrolhos Islands on the west coast off Geraldton.

website: http://www.scubaaustralia.com.au/61/country.php/61

JAPANESE TOKYO DIVING HOT SPOTS

2008-01-17T03:05:00.000-08:00

The best diving near Tokyo and surrounding areas (Kanagawa, Saitama) is on the Izu Penninsula in Shizuoka prefecture, about 100 kilometers away from Tokyo. Since Izu is located close to Tokyo's 12 million-plus inhabitants (only about 40 minutes by bullet train), there can be large crowds on the weekends and in the summer during the public school holiday period.

The beauty of the Izu penninsula is that you could spend a month diving on the coast of Izu and not see the same site twice. Also, the outlaying seven Islands of Izu can be a memorable dive experience with slower island pace of life and scenery. Officially part of Tokyo, the islands are accessible via ferry departing from Takeshiba pier or Atami or Ito harbors. Ogasawara is the furthest island, over 26 hours away with no access via air. It requires dedication to get to this dive site, but the diver is well rewarded with its incredible diversity of marine life.

website: http://www.marscuba.com/diving.html

Sharm Diving

2008-01-17T02:52:00.000-08:00

We organise our 5-day programme to have the chance to see all the sites available from Sharm El Sheikh. We divide the coastline area into three sections each with 5 to 7 different diving sites, Local South, Local Middle and Local North, then there is Ras Mohamed and the Straits of Tiran, visiting each of these sections in any of the five days.

The first day's diving always begins with one of the Local areas where you have the opportunity to familiarise yourself with the local diving conditions, your equipment and our guiding. While mooring in these areas we will prepare you for the more exotic sites of Ras Mohamed and the Straits of Tiran, which are both more difficult sites requiring your best diving skills.

We follow an alternating programme, where you go from Local South, the Straits of Tiran, Local North, Ras Mohamed and finishing with Local Middle, for example. We can also offer within this programme a chance to visit the wreck of the Thistlegorm and night diving.

The whole week can be packed full of all kinds of diving, we offer a third dive in the day, night diving, wrecks, early morning, overnight and visiting the best areas on offer. Let us share our experience with your desires to make a memorable diving holiday in one of the world's best diving destinations.

website: http://www.dive-club.com/en/index.php3

Palau Diving

2007-12-15T08:26:00.000-08:00

ADVANCED LEVEL :: CAVERN DIVE / DEEP DIVE (MINIMUM 100 FEET)This is another interesting geological formation - and the biggest of Palau's blue holes. The dive is located between New Dropoff and Blue Corner. Very few dive shops dive this site, as it is most suitable for the more advanced diver. It is at its best around high tide, as the reef is too shallow to enter through the top at low tide.
The best way to describe this dive is that it is a combination of Blue Holes and Siaes Tunnel. It drops down vertically to 100 feet (30m), then exits out horizontally under the reef for a short swim. The hole itself is very wide and well lit (no flashilight necessary), and just looking up inside it is amazing. It's almost like being inside a cathedral. The time inside the hole is limited, due to the depth, so after a few minutes you will swim out to the exit, where you can swim up the soft coral covered wall to shallower water - which in itself is very interesing. Leopard sharks, ornate eagle rays and turtles hang around outside the tunnel. There are some unusual twists and turns in the reef, with some nice swim throughs.

infos: http://palaudive.com/index.htm

Bahamas Diving

2007-12-15T08:14:00.000-08:00

Meeting point: Old Bahama Bay Marina. Leave the dock for Tiger Beach. Travel time to the site is about 1 1/2 hours. Warm, shallow, clear waters and very big sharks make Tiger Beach a favorite spot of underwater photographers. Enter in a custom-built shark cage designed with photographers in mind. Diving without a cage is just not a good idea. Tiger sharks aren't picky about what they eat and will just as happily chow down on you as a sea turtle. (That's why you actually have a better chance of surviving a great white shark attack than a tiger shark attack. Great whites spit you out while tiger sharks chew you up.)

infos: http://www.incredible-adventures.com/sharks_bahamas.html