If you like turtles and sharks, great drop offs and reefs to snorkel then you will love Sipadan. This island off the east coast of Malaysian Borneo used to boast the worlds best shore dive. About 10m/30ft from the beach the wall drops to 680m/2200ft. Since 2005 the island is a marine park and is protected from dynamite fishermen and over diving by the Malaysian Navy and Sabah Parks officials. Divers must stay on close by Mabul or take day trips from the coast town of Semporna.
For such a wonderful dive site you would expect premium prices, but Sipadan is surprisingly accessible for those on a shoestring budget. Get yourself to Kuala Lumpur or Singapore and follow the tips below for a unforgettable dive holiday without breaking the bank.
Book your international flight to Kuala Lumpur or Singapore and then get yourself to Semporna via Tawau.
How to get from Kuala Lumpur to Tawau
Book a flight from KL to Tawau with Air Asia for around RM200 plus taxes.
Air Asia leaves from the Kuala Lumpur LCCT which stands for Low Cost Carrier Terminal. Its about 10km from the main international terminals. Follow the signs from arrivals to the car park and you will find the bus station and a transfer bus for RM1.50. It takes around 15 mins but leave some time to spare.
Air Asia are very strict about excess baggage and its expensive but they are very friendly to scuba divers. Pack your gear separately and identify it when you check in and you will pay maximum of RM30.
How to get from Singapore to Tawau
Book a flight from Johor Bahru to Tawau with Air Asia for around RM200 plus taxes.
Johor Bahru is the Malaysian town across the causeway from Singapore. After you land, take the train into town and then a bus from Queen Street bus station to Malaysia! Total cost less than S$5. You will need to get a taxi to Johor Bahru airport (also called Senai airport) because the buses are difficult to find but this should only cost you RM20 or so.
How to get from Tawau to Semporna
All day boats to Sipadan and transfers to Mabul resorts start in Semporna, a fishing town 100km from Tawau. The diving day and resort transfers start early so it is better to go direct to Semporna when you arrive.
Leaving Tawau airport you have two options. The bus ticket counter will sell you a ticket to Tawau (RM10) and direct you to the bus behind the police station. Tawau town is 30km from the airport south. Semporna is 70km north. If you go to Tawau first you will have to retrace 30km on your second bus before getting closer to your destination.
So before you buy your ticket to Tawau, go and look behind the police station. You will likely find a mini bus going direct to Semporna and they charge only RM20. Save yourself two hours and RM20 and go direct!
If you are tired, late or fancy splashing out, a taxi costs around RM100 and will fit up to 3 tired divers and their gear!
You could save yourself all that hassle by booking diving ahead. Most dive resorts will come and collect you if you book ahead.
So, when you get to Semporna what are your options to dive on Sipadan? Surprisingly you can do day trips from Semporna or stay on an island resort for much the same price so you choose for other reasons.
If you want to enjoy the relative freedom of staying the mainland so you can go shopping and choose your restaurant in the evening then your cost is longer boat times to the days diving. If you want to get away and take advantage of unlimited diving and short boat trips then you must book several consecutive diving days and stay all-in on an island resort.
Staying in Semporna and having day trips
Scuba Junkies are probably the largest day tripper from Semporna (website offline at publication date). For smaller boat groups you might try Blue Sea Divers who opened this summer and are a couple of doors down the road.
Staying on the island resorts
Many of the resorts on Mabul and Kapalai are expensive but there are budget options. The cheapest is definitely Uncle Chang’s Sipadan Mabul Dive Lodge. It’s very basic, mattresses on the floor and shared bathing but you go to the islands for the diving and the resort for rum party evenings not to catch up on your sleep.
For a little more money you could try something totally different and take a room on the converted oil rig called SeaVentures. This offers you the opportunity for unlimited diving under the rig with your buddy which makes it all great value. You also have more chance of getting some sleep on the rig!
Staying in Semporna
Whether its one night before a resort transfer or several days and day trip diving, your best option in Semporna is Scuba Junkies backpackers lodge. They have beds for as little as RM20 per night and that includes breakfast.
You might be tempted to go a little upmarket to City Inn or Dragon Inn hotels where you will an ensuite room but watch out, these do not include breakfast nor offer any refreshment services at all.
Sipadan is not the only diving destination in Sabah. Why not spend a few days in the state capital and discover the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park just half an hour from the town jetty.
Kota Kinabalu is a very easy town to spend a few days in. There are many backpackers but for sure the classiest is Velvet which opened early 2007. The rooms are immaculate and they offer free use of the washing machine! You can go white water rafting, submerge yourself in sulphur baths or for the more adventurous you can climb the mountain.
T.A.R. marine park has a range of diving including several artificial reefs close to the islands which are very successful in attracting a range of fish. You can see some spectacular marine life even when the visibility is low when compared to Sipadan. While several dive centers operate in Kota Kinabalu, we found the customer service of Sabah Divers to be second to none and at a very good price.
You can see my dives in Sipadan and Abdul Rahman Marine park on theDiveBuzz
Author by dive buzz diver
The author is a passionate diver who loves travelling in South East Asia.
http://www.articlesbase.com
Sabtu, 14 Maret 2009
Where to Take a Padi Open Water Scuba Diving Course in Thailand
Ever wonder what it would be like to jump into the water and look around 40m below the surface? The underwater world is mysterious and yet inviting, the experience of diving it provides and addictive sense of zen. There’s no better place to have your first dive experience than Thailand – with good conditions year round.
Most dive shops in Thailand offer PADI certification but it’s also possible to find a few offering NAUI and SSI certifications. Beginners may be more comfortable diving in the calmer and shallower waters off the east coast of Thailand, with destinations such as Koh Tao, Koh Samui, Pattaya, Koh Samet or Koh Chang being the most popular on that side.
More advanced divers and those beginners who are confident in their abilities will have a better time diving around Phuket and the Similan Islands. Hotspots for diving around here include Phuket, Phi Phi and Khao Lak.
Phuket has the most upscale dive operations but if you are watching your budget, you might be more comfortable taking a course at Phi Phi or Khao Lak. Phi Phi is quite popular among the younger crowd but there are hotels catering to older couples and families, which also offer scuba diving courses. Khao Lak offers an excellent choice of dive shops and also has a good range of accommodation to suit most tastes. It is also the closest jumping off point to the Similan Islands.
The Similan Islands, technically located in Phang Nga province, provide some of the best dive sites in the world. Protected within a marine national park, the nine islands are still pristine and rich with wildlife above and below the water. Most dive operators will take you ashore at one of the islands, where you can enjoy the powder-white beaches and see exotic birds and monkeys.
Under the waves, the colourful reefs and boulder formations are teeming with coral and a variety of marine life. Sometimes whale sharks are even spotted in the waters, as well as rays and other sharks. Visibility is good, varying from 30-50m. The best way to see the Similans is by liveaboard, and most dive operators will allow you to do your Open Water dives from the boat if you’ve completed the paper and pool work ashore beforehand.
Much like Phi Phi, Koh Tao is a fun place for backpackers to learn how to scuba dive. This may well be the most affordable place in Thailand to take a PADI Open Water course and to build up your dive log. Unfortunately it’s not the best diving in Thailand – but it’s not yet the worst either. Koh Tao used to offer frequent whale shark sightings but they are relatively rare these days. It’s also conveniently close (2 hours by speed boat) to Samui. In fact you can do diving courses on Samui too.
The number of dive boats on a site is not restricted, so you may find there is too much company around peak dive times. You may find yourself surrounded by 50 to 100 divers at a time, with most of them being Open Water students or day trippers from Samui.
Needless to say, Koh Tao might be great for learning and for progressing to instructor – but it’s not all that great for just recreational diving. Many people come here specifically to advance through courses and proceed with PADI Advanced, Rescue Diver, Dive Master/Master Scuba Diver and Instructor courses.
There are so many choices on Koh Tao that you should look carefully at each dive shop and make sure they offer you the best value for money.
Not all dive instructors are the same, and some are downright scary. Likewise, equipment standards can vary, and you’ll want to make sure any shop you choose has quality equipment and maintains it properly and hygienically. You should also check into the insurance policy of the dive shop and enquire as to if you should purchase your own dive insurance for the hyperbaric chamber if you have an accident.
Most the dive operations in Thailand are run by foreigners, which is just as well since Thais have a rather different approach to safety and responsibility, but you’ll find yourself diving with plenty of Thai staff who are their usual friendly easy-going selves.
Author by Andy Burrows
Traveller and writer Andy Burrows has travelled many times to Thailand, he recommends these websites: Phuket">http://1stopphuket.com/what_to_do/diving/”">Phuket diving and
Samui">http://www.1stopsamui.com/what_to_do/diving/”">Samui diving
http://www.articlesbase.com
Most dive shops in Thailand offer PADI certification but it’s also possible to find a few offering NAUI and SSI certifications. Beginners may be more comfortable diving in the calmer and shallower waters off the east coast of Thailand, with destinations such as Koh Tao, Koh Samui, Pattaya, Koh Samet or Koh Chang being the most popular on that side.
More advanced divers and those beginners who are confident in their abilities will have a better time diving around Phuket and the Similan Islands. Hotspots for diving around here include Phuket, Phi Phi and Khao Lak.
Phuket has the most upscale dive operations but if you are watching your budget, you might be more comfortable taking a course at Phi Phi or Khao Lak. Phi Phi is quite popular among the younger crowd but there are hotels catering to older couples and families, which also offer scuba diving courses. Khao Lak offers an excellent choice of dive shops and also has a good range of accommodation to suit most tastes. It is also the closest jumping off point to the Similan Islands.
The Similan Islands, technically located in Phang Nga province, provide some of the best dive sites in the world. Protected within a marine national park, the nine islands are still pristine and rich with wildlife above and below the water. Most dive operators will take you ashore at one of the islands, where you can enjoy the powder-white beaches and see exotic birds and monkeys.
Under the waves, the colourful reefs and boulder formations are teeming with coral and a variety of marine life. Sometimes whale sharks are even spotted in the waters, as well as rays and other sharks. Visibility is good, varying from 30-50m. The best way to see the Similans is by liveaboard, and most dive operators will allow you to do your Open Water dives from the boat if you’ve completed the paper and pool work ashore beforehand.
Much like Phi Phi, Koh Tao is a fun place for backpackers to learn how to scuba dive. This may well be the most affordable place in Thailand to take a PADI Open Water course and to build up your dive log. Unfortunately it’s not the best diving in Thailand – but it’s not yet the worst either. Koh Tao used to offer frequent whale shark sightings but they are relatively rare these days. It’s also conveniently close (2 hours by speed boat) to Samui. In fact you can do diving courses on Samui too.
The number of dive boats on a site is not restricted, so you may find there is too much company around peak dive times. You may find yourself surrounded by 50 to 100 divers at a time, with most of them being Open Water students or day trippers from Samui.
Needless to say, Koh Tao might be great for learning and for progressing to instructor – but it’s not all that great for just recreational diving. Many people come here specifically to advance through courses and proceed with PADI Advanced, Rescue Diver, Dive Master/Master Scuba Diver and Instructor courses.
There are so many choices on Koh Tao that you should look carefully at each dive shop and make sure they offer you the best value for money.
Not all dive instructors are the same, and some are downright scary. Likewise, equipment standards can vary, and you’ll want to make sure any shop you choose has quality equipment and maintains it properly and hygienically. You should also check into the insurance policy of the dive shop and enquire as to if you should purchase your own dive insurance for the hyperbaric chamber if you have an accident.
Most the dive operations in Thailand are run by foreigners, which is just as well since Thais have a rather different approach to safety and responsibility, but you’ll find yourself diving with plenty of Thai staff who are their usual friendly easy-going selves.
Author by Andy Burrows
Traveller and writer Andy Burrows has travelled many times to Thailand, he recommends these websites: Phuket">http://1stopphuket.com/what_to_do/diving/”">Phuket diving and
Samui">http://www.1stopsamui.com/what_to_do/diving/”">Samui diving
http://www.articlesbase.com
Top 10 Reasons for Keeping a Dive Log
1. you have a countersigned record of dives for later training
Whether you are interested in technical diving or going pro some time in the future, you will need a dive log showing you have enough experience to move to the next level. Some resorts even insist on seeing dive logs before they will take you to some more advanced dive sites. In these days of increasing litigation it is good for them and for you to know that your fellow divers are experienced enough for the dive.
2. you can track how much you breathe and see it improve
We all want to spend as much time underwater as we can. Usually are limits are set by how fast we breathe our air. It is really nice to see how much we relax over time and our breathing slows to give us more time underwater.
3. its a journal of your diving adventures you can show and tell
You come back from your vacation buzzing with great stories of your dives. Pull out your dive log with your photos and you can answer all the ‘how deep/how long/how warm’ questions. When you get your buddy to sign your log book you can put names to faces on your group photos as well!
4. the quickest way to check the weights you need for different kit
If you dive throughout the year in different waters you will be snugged up on some and minimal on others. Why waste any time on your first day of your vacation testing for weight when you can look it up directly from last year?
5. its where you collect your shop chops
Some of them are funky, some plain. Shop chops (or stamps) are only available from the dive resort after a dive. How many do you have?
6. a great excuse to get that cute diving guide to share his/her email
No diver is going to refuse to sign your dive log and while you are standing there its easy to suggest you stay in contact. Need we say more?
7. your manta ray sighting is recorded for all time
You might want to frame it and put it on the wall (or record it on an online dive log for all to see) but you definitely want to record it for posterity!
8. helps you learn fish identification
Your dive log is the perfect place to keep notes and sketches of fish you could not identify underwater. It already contains information about the dive site and depth you were at, both of which help narrow down potential species. You never know when you will bump into a marine biologist and you can whip out your dive log and impress them with your drawing!
9. easy comparison of dive sites year on year
Do you have a favourite vacation destination? If you go back to the same dive sites often, just a few notes in your dive log will help you track changes in fish life and environmental changes.
10. its got all the stats of your favourite sport
How many? how deep? what countries? how often? Its all there with a dive log. With a paper log you have to add things up yourself but there are many software dive logs and online dive logs that will do it automatically for you. It’s not everyone’s bag, but well all love to compare and discuss so let some somewhere do it for you and you always have the information at hand.
Heard all the reasons for not keeping a dive log. Read the top 10 I have heard at top 10 reasons for not keeping a dive log
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Top 4 Dives In The Caribbean
There are lots of great dive sites in the Caribbean, but which ones make it to the top of the list? We'll give you our opinion. We've done lots of diving all over the Caribbean, but these sites are the ones we still remember and compare all other dives to.
Our list:
* Wreck of the Chikuzen, Tortola, British Virgin Islands
I loved this site. It was (and still is) the best wreck dive we have done.
The wreck of the Chikuzen is located off of Tortola's east end and 12 miles NW of virgin Gorda. This site is weather dependent so you may or may not be able to get out there. Luckily, the weather cooperated and we were able to dive the wreck (we were staying on Virgin Gorda).
When we descended the mooring line to wait for the other divers, we went straight into a huge school of barracuda. Now I'm used to seeing a lone barracuda, or a few together, but there had to be at least a hundred of them. And this was just at the bottom of the mooring line. It got better from there. Definitely one of our all time top dives in the Caribbean.
We saw black tip sharks, lots of stingrays, horse-eye jacks, pompano, spadefish and lots more. This is the place to come if you like big fish and lots of fish. And to top it all off, we heard whales singing at the end of the dive. And we haven't even mentioned the wreck. How could it not be one of our top dives?
* Pidgeon, Bequia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
This one is usually a surprise (and to us too because the rest of the diving we did in Bequia was good but not spectacular). However, this dive was wonderful. It was just my husband, myself and the divemaster (right there it is better than a lot of dives).
The water was crystal clear and the sun was shining on the coral, making the colors brilliant. There was a slight current so we could just drift along the reef with barely a kick. Lots of marine life to observe.
I remember thinking, "This is why I dive." It was just a fantastic, easy underwater sightseeing trip. Definitely one of the top dives we have done.
* Name Unknown, Bimini, Bahamas
I know, I'm sorry - but you'll be able to find it. We went over to Bimini from Florida in a boat and dove off our boat rather than with a dive shop. We tied up at a mooring buoy while we got ready. Then we jumped in. And that was the start of one great, fun drift dive.
We were flying! The formations and coral were beautiful and since it was a nice, sunny day, the colors were brilliant. Since the current was strong we couldn't stop and examine many things, but that was fine. It was one heck of a fun dive.
Along the way, we saw an underwater plaque dedicated to someone that had died. So between the mooring buoy and the plaque, one of the dive shops or a local will be able to tell you where we were (my brother-in-laws's GPS broke so we lost the coordinates). Next time we go to Bimini, we will find it again and I will post the update.
* Horseshoe, Cozumel, Mexico
Cozumel is pretty much a divers mecca and we've been there several times. You will find alot of great dive sites off of Cozumel but this one stands out and is one of my favorites.
This site has incredible formations with tunnels in and around the formations. We saw alot of marine life including eels, sharks, barracudas to name just a few. A cool dive and definitely on of the top dives in Cozumel.
So there you have it. Our list of 4 of the top dives we have done. If you dive these sites, we hope you enjoy them as much as we did. To read about our all time favorite top dive in the Caribbean, #1 on our list, visit our website.
Author by Dianne Rein
Dianne Rein runs a scuba diving website at www.scuba-diving-smiles.com. To find out her #1 dive in the Caribbean visit her page of top dives. You will also find a list of her best places to scuba dive in the Caribbean and much more dive info including gear guides and pages of scuba diving tips.
http://www.articlesbase.com
Our list:
* Wreck of the Chikuzen, Tortola, British Virgin Islands
I loved this site. It was (and still is) the best wreck dive we have done.
The wreck of the Chikuzen is located off of Tortola's east end and 12 miles NW of virgin Gorda. This site is weather dependent so you may or may not be able to get out there. Luckily, the weather cooperated and we were able to dive the wreck (we were staying on Virgin Gorda).
When we descended the mooring line to wait for the other divers, we went straight into a huge school of barracuda. Now I'm used to seeing a lone barracuda, or a few together, but there had to be at least a hundred of them. And this was just at the bottom of the mooring line. It got better from there. Definitely one of our all time top dives in the Caribbean.
We saw black tip sharks, lots of stingrays, horse-eye jacks, pompano, spadefish and lots more. This is the place to come if you like big fish and lots of fish. And to top it all off, we heard whales singing at the end of the dive. And we haven't even mentioned the wreck. How could it not be one of our top dives?
* Pidgeon, Bequia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
This one is usually a surprise (and to us too because the rest of the diving we did in Bequia was good but not spectacular). However, this dive was wonderful. It was just my husband, myself and the divemaster (right there it is better than a lot of dives).
The water was crystal clear and the sun was shining on the coral, making the colors brilliant. There was a slight current so we could just drift along the reef with barely a kick. Lots of marine life to observe.
I remember thinking, "This is why I dive." It was just a fantastic, easy underwater sightseeing trip. Definitely one of the top dives we have done.
* Name Unknown, Bimini, Bahamas
I know, I'm sorry - but you'll be able to find it. We went over to Bimini from Florida in a boat and dove off our boat rather than with a dive shop. We tied up at a mooring buoy while we got ready. Then we jumped in. And that was the start of one great, fun drift dive.
We were flying! The formations and coral were beautiful and since it was a nice, sunny day, the colors were brilliant. Since the current was strong we couldn't stop and examine many things, but that was fine. It was one heck of a fun dive.
Along the way, we saw an underwater plaque dedicated to someone that had died. So between the mooring buoy and the plaque, one of the dive shops or a local will be able to tell you where we were (my brother-in-laws's GPS broke so we lost the coordinates). Next time we go to Bimini, we will find it again and I will post the update.
* Horseshoe, Cozumel, Mexico
Cozumel is pretty much a divers mecca and we've been there several times. You will find alot of great dive sites off of Cozumel but this one stands out and is one of my favorites.
This site has incredible formations with tunnels in and around the formations. We saw alot of marine life including eels, sharks, barracudas to name just a few. A cool dive and definitely on of the top dives in Cozumel.
So there you have it. Our list of 4 of the top dives we have done. If you dive these sites, we hope you enjoy them as much as we did. To read about our all time favorite top dive in the Caribbean, #1 on our list, visit our website.
Author by Dianne Rein
Dianne Rein runs a scuba diving website at www.scuba-diving-smiles.com. To find out her #1 dive in the Caribbean visit her page of top dives. You will also find a list of her best places to scuba dive in the Caribbean and much more dive info including gear guides and pages of scuba diving tips.
http://www.articlesbase.com
Thumbs Up to Diving in Phi Phi, Thailand
Matt Butcher is thirty three years old and hails from Essex, UK. After quitting his job at London’s, Stansted International Airport, where he was employed as an operations controller for a handling company (a high stressed job with very little reward), Matt decided to leave England in search of a fresh challenge and to pursue his dream of becoming a diving instructor and it is in Thailand where he has been living and working for the last six years.
Matt first came on holiday to Thailand in 1993; he immediately fell in love with the country and its people vowing one day to return. Matt did return to Thailand in 2000, and it was on Phi Phi where he first leant to dive -Koh Phi Phi is situated in the Andaman Sea between Phuket and Koh Lanta. After discovering for himself the underwater delights that diving offered, he decided that he wanted to progress his dive skills and knowledge; and eventually after much studying became a full time Padi Open Water Diving Instructor.
Matt is one of the most famous Scuba divers in Thailand if not the whole of South East Asia, if only for his misfortune. Here in his very first interview; he tells us about living and working in Thailand, what it’s like to dive with huge Mantas Rays and Whalesharks, life as a videographer and his true love for Moray eels.
Hi Mat, why did you choose Phi Phi Island as the place where you would learn to dive, there must be closer places to home than Thailand?
I chose Phi because it is a great place to dive as well as a great holiday destination. The water temp is always around 30 degrees; there are lots to see like Sharks, Turtles, and other interesting stuff. Phi Phi is also a nice place to live and work, it’s has a small community where there is always something going on, it’s also a great place to party. I did my open water and advanced courses on Phi Phi, then travelled to Koh Tao for my rescue and Divemaster courses. As far as the quality of diving goes Phi Phi wins hands down, there is just much to see.
Have you ever dived in the UK? If not, why not?
No. The main reason, I guess, is that I’m not too keen on the idea of diving in cold water. I like coral reefs, colorful fish, good visibility, and being able to dive in just a pair of board shorts. I’ve never used a dry suit and don’t really fancy it. Saying that, maybe one day I wouldn’t mind trying some hardcore ice diving.
So, you really do not think you will be returning back to work in England any time soon then?
It’s very unlikely. Two weeks a year in the UK is enough for me. Thailand’s my home these days and I’m happy here; I live here with my Thai girlfriend and our young daughter.
What’s it like working on a paradise Island like Phi Phi, is that the place where the filmed the movie The Beach?
A4: Working on Phi Phi is great, everything is close by and everyone knows everyone. Workers get discounts in bars and restaurants, and life is generally good. I like the fact there are no roads, cars, or motorbikes. The downside about staying on Phi Phi is that it is getting quite expensive, especially when it comes to renting rooms and bungalows. For the monthly rent you pay on Phi Phi for a basic room with a bed and a fan, you could easily get a two or three bedroom house in Phuket, and Phuket isn’t exactly cheap. It was after The Beach was filmed that prices shot up, people just became too greedy.
Have you worked anywhere else in Thailand, if so where?
I am very lucky as my job takes me to the Similans islands and Phuket dive sites.
Phuket, wow, what’s the diving like there?
The diving is surprisingly good. I was pleasantly surprised when I first dived in Phuket after years on Phi Phi. The visibility is usually good, and we are always seeing cool stuff like Manta Rays at Racha Noi.
Have the recent problems at Bangkok airport affected tourism where you are?
Yes, it’s pretty quite at moment. I just hope they can sort out the political problems soon. It seems that which ever side is elected the other side cannot accept it and they throw their toys out of their cots and start causing trouble. It has to stop. If some people cannot accept a democratically elected government, elected by a majority, maybe they should take the privilege away, though where that may lead to is a scary thought.
You mentioned the Similan Islands before, where exactly are they?
They are about six hours north of Phuket by boat. Or like many do, you can travel by bus to Khao Lak (a beautiful beach resort 50 minutes north of Phuket International airport) from there you go to Tab la mo port and the journey is a bout 2 hours in a speed boat.
Apparently these are some of the best dive sites in the world; can you elaborate on them please?
The great thing about the Similans is that it’s a protected marine park. The visibility is usually excellent, and there are some pristine coral reefs which teem with fish. There’s also a huge variety of dive sites to choose from, some gently sloping coral reefs, some with massive boulder formations.
What is your favorite dive site and why?
I like a lot of them. Elephant Head Rock is cool, it’s easy to find Sharks there; well it is if you know where to look. Three Trees has some great corals and a lot of fish, but my favorite sites are just north of the Similans, like Koh Bon, I have had some wicked dives with Mantas Rays there, and Richelieu Rock (the most famous dive site in Thailand), as I’ve seen quite a few Whalesharks there.
So now you have become a videographer? You must have some amazing footage.
Yeah I’ve got a few external drives full of good stuff.
What is your favorite sea creature and why?
Probably Manta Rays, they always take my breath away when I see them gliding past they are just so graceful, the boat is always buzzing after a Manta sighting.
Everybody who comes to dive in Thailand wants to see a Whaleshark or Manta Ray how many have you seen?
I have seen more than 100 Manta Rays and seven or eight Whalesharks. I saw two Whalesharks on a single dive once at Hin Muang.
Is it true you once had a close encounter with a Moray Eel, what happened?
There used to be a famous Moray called Scarface at East of Eden in the Similans and a lot of instructors and dive guides would take food down for her, and feed her in front of their guests. I was careless one day, and wasn’t paying attention when I was removing food from a plastic bag. Scarface came around behind me, could smell the food, and accidentally latched onto my thumb. I tried to prize her jaws open and get her off me but it was no good. Within seconds there was a sickening popping sound and my thumb was bitten clean off. She swam away and that was the last I saw of my thumb. It was my fault, firstly for feeding a wild animal, and secondly for being careless. My dive buddy Bex was holding my camera and managed to get some footage of it happening.
You mean you have video footage of it? Can you tell us about the operation?
After several months when the wound healed and the Doctors were happy that there was no infection, I flew up to one of the best hospitals in Bangkok; where a specialist hand micro surgeon amputated one of my second toes and attached it to my hand. In an operation which lasted over six hours, he connected all the nerves, blood vessels, and tendons. Now I have a new thumb, which is almost as good as the old one. I can feel it, and move it like a real thumb.
Did it not put you off diving?
Not at all, I was back in the water less that a month after having the operation. Why would it put me off? It was an accident.
How do other people react when you tell them the story?
These days I don’t mention it, unless someone asks. They’re usually quite amazed at how normal my toe / thumb looks.
I heard this story in a dive shop in Koh Tao (another Thai Island) how do you deal with the fame?
It’s not something to be proud of really, and it’s not really fame. Not many people know it was me, and I like to keep it that way.
Would you feed Moray Eels again or have you learnt your lesson?
Well, I used to love feeding her, but no, I wouldn’t do it again. It’s not really a good idea to feed marine life, it’s not natural, and with animals like Morays and Sharks especially, they can start associating scuba divers with food. Accidents can happen.
When and where will your next dive be?
My next dives will be tomorrow at Koh Doc Mai and Anemone Reef near Phuket. I head up to the Similans in a few days for a week or so.
Well good luck Matt, take care and Thank you for talking to us!
Author by Jason Butler
Jason Butler is a free lance writer. He is currently residing in Thailand and enjoying life. Writing articles on Fishing and Steam engine models is a passion of his. He is also a scuba Diving Instructor with over ten years experience.
http://jason-stealinrubies.blogspot.com/
www.john-tom.com
www.scubadivingphuket.net
http://www.articlesbase.com
The Top 5 Dive Sites In Cuba
One of the most popular holiday types we sell at Captivating Cuba is the scuba diving holiday. Cuba attracts swarms of divers every year, attracted by its calm, warm waters, its stunning coral reefs, sunken shipwrecks and dazzling array of tropical fish. The waters boast an average annual temperature of over 24 degrees centigrade, and with an average visibility of 98 feet, allowing divers an excellent view of the underwater paradise the Cuban dive sites offer. The lack of strong currents and variety of dive sites available mean that the island is a perfect training ground for Cuba's diving virgins, as well as offering a challenge for those who were born in a wet suit!
So without further ado, here's a list of Captivating Cuba's top 5 Cuban diving sites:
Maria la Gorda
Located on the west of Cuba, local to Pinar del Rio, Maria la Gorda is a beautiful dive spot surrounded by nature - it's one of the least developed areas of the island. The dive site itself is found in the Guanahacabibes Peninsula, which is a world biosphere preserve and has two dives zones, with underwater sights including black coral walls, 18th century shipwrecks, flora and fauna. There are also caves around for those looking to experience cave and cavern diving, and possibly night diving trips if the demand is there. The site is a 4 hour transfer from Havana, but it is well worth the trip to experience what is one of the finest Cuba dive sites.
Cayo Levisa
If you're looking for something a little more accessible from the island's capital, then Cayo Levisa may be the answer. Located on the north west of the island, about an hour's trip from Havana, the Cuban dive site is home to sponges, black coral and some of the islands larger tropical fish. It's also home to some of the island's more memorable shipwrecks, with 17th and 18th century wrecks of archaeological interest free for divers to explore. If you want to make diving the focus of your holiday, the Hotel Cayo Levisa allows Cuba's divers to stay in one of its 40 rooms for the duration of their trip
Cayo Largo
Located on the southern side of the Cuba, Cayo Largo showcases virtually untouched beaches and coral reefs. The sea also includes mountains of coral reefs and a wide range of fish and chelonians - and because of the nearby coral reef, the Cuban dive spot is protected from strong currents making it ideal for beginners. Although this is around 177 kilometres from Havana, local domestic flights can be taken between the two locales and take around 45 minutes.
Playa Giron
Just east of the Bay of Pigs is Playa Giron. The international dive centre here deals mainly in shelf diving with additional trips out to local deep caves in the region. The main attractions of this Cuba dive site are the sheer drop offs near shore which are punctuated with swim throughs, making for memorable shore dives. The site has some shallow shore dives to initiate beginners, while more experienced divers will be enamoured by the inland cave dives available.
Because of the distance from Havana (a road transfer will take upwards of 4 hours), I would recommend staying in one of the Hotel Playa Giron's 290 rooms. It's certainly popular with Cuba's divers - indeed; in 1994 a ship was deliberately sunk for the benefit of the diving population.
Faro Luna
Last but not least on my list is Faro Luna, found in the Cienfuegos province on the south of the island. The city has received many accolades for maintaining the clean environment of the water - and as a result of this and the 28 dive sites in the region, it remains a popular area with Cuban diving enthusiasts. The Faro de Luna Diving Center has shipwrecks, marine life and coral formation barriers so high they are visible on the surface. The waters here are so clean and clear that the zone is highly recommended for Cuban divers who wish to engage in some underwater photography.
Those visiting Cuba to dive are in for a real treat. I've only namechecked 5 Cuban diving sites here that warranted extra special mention, but the clear, warm waters, tropical fish and stunning coral formations mean that wherever divers in Cuba go, they are unlikely to be disappointed.
Author by Emma Lelliott
Emma Lelliot is the general manager of Captivating Cuba, an independent Cuba holiday specialist. The company offer many packages that include diving in Cuba for novices and experts.
http://www.articlesbase.com
So without further ado, here's a list of Captivating Cuba's top 5 Cuban diving sites:
Maria la Gorda
Located on the west of Cuba, local to Pinar del Rio, Maria la Gorda is a beautiful dive spot surrounded by nature - it's one of the least developed areas of the island. The dive site itself is found in the Guanahacabibes Peninsula, which is a world biosphere preserve and has two dives zones, with underwater sights including black coral walls, 18th century shipwrecks, flora and fauna. There are also caves around for those looking to experience cave and cavern diving, and possibly night diving trips if the demand is there. The site is a 4 hour transfer from Havana, but it is well worth the trip to experience what is one of the finest Cuba dive sites.
Cayo Levisa
If you're looking for something a little more accessible from the island's capital, then Cayo Levisa may be the answer. Located on the north west of the island, about an hour's trip from Havana, the Cuban dive site is home to sponges, black coral and some of the islands larger tropical fish. It's also home to some of the island's more memorable shipwrecks, with 17th and 18th century wrecks of archaeological interest free for divers to explore. If you want to make diving the focus of your holiday, the Hotel Cayo Levisa allows Cuba's divers to stay in one of its 40 rooms for the duration of their trip
Cayo Largo
Located on the southern side of the Cuba, Cayo Largo showcases virtually untouched beaches and coral reefs. The sea also includes mountains of coral reefs and a wide range of fish and chelonians - and because of the nearby coral reef, the Cuban dive spot is protected from strong currents making it ideal for beginners. Although this is around 177 kilometres from Havana, local domestic flights can be taken between the two locales and take around 45 minutes.
Playa Giron
Just east of the Bay of Pigs is Playa Giron. The international dive centre here deals mainly in shelf diving with additional trips out to local deep caves in the region. The main attractions of this Cuba dive site are the sheer drop offs near shore which are punctuated with swim throughs, making for memorable shore dives. The site has some shallow shore dives to initiate beginners, while more experienced divers will be enamoured by the inland cave dives available.
Because of the distance from Havana (a road transfer will take upwards of 4 hours), I would recommend staying in one of the Hotel Playa Giron's 290 rooms. It's certainly popular with Cuba's divers - indeed; in 1994 a ship was deliberately sunk for the benefit of the diving population.
Faro Luna
Last but not least on my list is Faro Luna, found in the Cienfuegos province on the south of the island. The city has received many accolades for maintaining the clean environment of the water - and as a result of this and the 28 dive sites in the region, it remains a popular area with Cuban diving enthusiasts. The Faro de Luna Diving Center has shipwrecks, marine life and coral formation barriers so high they are visible on the surface. The waters here are so clean and clear that the zone is highly recommended for Cuban divers who wish to engage in some underwater photography.
Those visiting Cuba to dive are in for a real treat. I've only namechecked 5 Cuban diving sites here that warranted extra special mention, but the clear, warm waters, tropical fish and stunning coral formations mean that wherever divers in Cuba go, they are unlikely to be disappointed.
Author by Emma Lelliott
Emma Lelliot is the general manager of Captivating Cuba, an independent Cuba holiday specialist. The company offer many packages that include diving in Cuba for novices and experts.
http://www.articlesbase.com
Scuba Diving Thailand: Especially in Phuket
One of the most diverse aquatic habitats are present in Thailand with over 300 main reef groups around an area of more than 4500 sq. miles. From submerged rocks and pinnacles to sheer walls and coral gardens, scuba diving Thailand has a lot to offer to the scuba divers with all levels of expertise and experience. Due to this diverse marine and diving environment, Thailand has attracted diving lovers from throughout the world due to which it has become one of the most popular destinations for scuba diving. Located on its western coast is the wonderful island of Phuket, covering an area of 300 sq. miles.
For the last three decades, Phuket has been catering to a huge number of visitors from almost every part of the world out of which a large percent is of scuba divers looking out to dive in some of the finest diving sites in Asia. Today, scuba diving Thailand has become on of the biggest businesses and the island of Phuket offers many great diving centres and services from leisure dives to advanced courses in diving.
Scuba Diving destinations in Phuket:
One of the best diving sites in Phuket is the Racha Islands located off Thailand's southern coast. The small island of Racha Noi provides some overwhelming underwater scenic views and has been renowned for encounters with manta ray and whale shark. King Cruiser Wrecks and Shark Point also attract a large number of scuba diving enthusiasts to try their hands on.
The water around and in the Ao Phang-Nga has been notable for their marine life profusion offering access to diverse marine and coral life unrivalled anywhere else in Phuket. Diving in the destinations such as Mergui Archipelago, Burma Banks and Similan islands can be an awe-inspiring experience for the fans of scuba diving Thailand. Ko Phi Phi Lae and Ko Phi Phi Don are the regions characterised for stunning topography, amazing cliffs of limestone, many hard coral gardens and excellent soft corals, sea whips, black coral and orange sea fans.
Why and when scuba diving in Phuket:
While scuba diving, the divers can frequently see whale sharks, large pelagic fishes, manta rays and silver tip sharks. With its vast variety of tropical fishes variety, the place has impressed even the most seasoned divers. Scuba diving Thailand can be done all year through but the best time is during October to June when the waters are calm and you can have the ultimate scuba diving experience.
It will be impossible to talk about scuba diving Thailand without mentioning Phuket. Undoubtedly, diving in this area is of a high standard and the place is a host of many excellent diving sites. In fact, Phuket has managed to develop an entire tourism industry due to its scuba diving attractions and today, a large number of scuba divers visit the place every year. There are endless diving opportunities in Thailand and the place has been listed in the top ten scuba diving sites.
It is not surprising why a large number of people get attracted towards the place due to its world-class scuba diving Thailand sites, crystal clear water and white clean sandy beaches. It is just the ideal place for the adventure lovers.
Author by Weera Kunti
The article written by Weera Kunti, please visit the website for more information as it provides information about Phuket scuba diving or Thailand scuba diving
http://www.articlesbase.com
For the last three decades, Phuket has been catering to a huge number of visitors from almost every part of the world out of which a large percent is of scuba divers looking out to dive in some of the finest diving sites in Asia. Today, scuba diving Thailand has become on of the biggest businesses and the island of Phuket offers many great diving centres and services from leisure dives to advanced courses in diving.
Scuba Diving destinations in Phuket:
One of the best diving sites in Phuket is the Racha Islands located off Thailand's southern coast. The small island of Racha Noi provides some overwhelming underwater scenic views and has been renowned for encounters with manta ray and whale shark. King Cruiser Wrecks and Shark Point also attract a large number of scuba diving enthusiasts to try their hands on.
The water around and in the Ao Phang-Nga has been notable for their marine life profusion offering access to diverse marine and coral life unrivalled anywhere else in Phuket. Diving in the destinations such as Mergui Archipelago, Burma Banks and Similan islands can be an awe-inspiring experience for the fans of scuba diving Thailand. Ko Phi Phi Lae and Ko Phi Phi Don are the regions characterised for stunning topography, amazing cliffs of limestone, many hard coral gardens and excellent soft corals, sea whips, black coral and orange sea fans.
Why and when scuba diving in Phuket:
While scuba diving, the divers can frequently see whale sharks, large pelagic fishes, manta rays and silver tip sharks. With its vast variety of tropical fishes variety, the place has impressed even the most seasoned divers. Scuba diving Thailand can be done all year through but the best time is during October to June when the waters are calm and you can have the ultimate scuba diving experience.
It will be impossible to talk about scuba diving Thailand without mentioning Phuket. Undoubtedly, diving in this area is of a high standard and the place is a host of many excellent diving sites. In fact, Phuket has managed to develop an entire tourism industry due to its scuba diving attractions and today, a large number of scuba divers visit the place every year. There are endless diving opportunities in Thailand and the place has been listed in the top ten scuba diving sites.
It is not surprising why a large number of people get attracted towards the place due to its world-class scuba diving Thailand sites, crystal clear water and white clean sandy beaches. It is just the ideal place for the adventure lovers.
Author by Weera Kunti
The article written by Weera Kunti, please visit the website for more information as it provides information about Phuket scuba diving or Thailand scuba diving
http://www.articlesbase.com
Scuba Diving - is it Safe
Diving - Is it Safe?
Scuba Diving can be a dangerous sport if you do not take a 'be safe always' approach when entering the water. It has a lot to do with your personality at the end of the day. It will be as safe as you want it to be, even in times of extreme weather or water conditions. it is important to be always stay alert. Just like crossing the road, if you don't take precautions and follow the simple rules that you have learnt as a child, accidents can happen anytime anywhere!
Get certified by a professionally recognised centre
Many new divers do not check that the centre they are learning from, particularly when they visit more remote places in Asia, that their dive instruction is received from a professionally organised and run centre. There is often a presumption that all dive centres have gone through proper checks, controls and certification. Unfortunately, there are many who profess to be qualified to instruct, but to save costs, have not received authentication from professional bodies such as PADI or SDI which have strict rules and requirements for all dive operators. Don't miss this first check when you step in. Always ask to see proof of their certification.
Be medically certified to dive
See your doctor before you sign up for dive instruction. No one else should care as much about your safety as you! And no one else will be as sorry as you if there are accidents or problems when you dive. Get physically checked and if necessary, obtain a letter from your doctor authorising you to learn to dive.
Be aware of the conditions and your own diving competency level
Sometimes, it is best to follow your instinct. If you feel the currents are too strong, or you are not feeling well, stop your dive by informing your buddy straightaway and ascend together. Do not try to attempt a dive if you are uncomfortable. We have seen many experienced divers abandon dives due to strong currents, and that has saved them and their dive group a lot of trouble.
Never dive in terrain or environments you are not certified for
In order to dive caves, do night dives or penetrate wrecks, you should have received proper training and certification before you attempt them. There are techniques that you must learn in order to be safe for such specialty dives. Choose from the wide range of the Specialty Courses that krabidivers.com conducts regularly which is of interest to you, and you will find that you will be much more confident whenever you dive the next wreck or cave.
Be prepared to say "No" to a dive
If you find yourself uncomfortable or unsure, even after you have started to descend or are in the middle of a dive, it is OK to cancel that dive and come back another day when the conditions are more favourable. It does not mean that you are not a good diver - infact very often, it is the smart diver who knows himself best - and knows when to say "No thanks, I will sit out this one."
Never dive alone
Regardless of experience levels, you should never dive alone. If you lose your buddy during a dive, look around for no more than one to two minutes. If you still cannot find your buddy, you should end your dive and make your way up to the surface. Not only will it be safer for you, it will also give comfort to your buddy that you are watching out for him too.
Prepare for a dive well
The night before a dive trip, you should always rest well, and hydrate yourself by drinking lot of water. And, you should not have a heavy night's drinking as alcohol causes dehydration. Dehydration contributes to many diving-related illnesses.
Always check your dive gear before each dive (especially for rental gear!)
Before you go on each dive, always check all your dive gear again. Make sure that your regulator and hoses are working well without leaks, your BCD inflates well and your tank has the right level of air. Do not assume that just because you have returned from one dive safe and sound, using the same set of dive gear will not cause any problems on the next dive. Many shops have rental gear which may not have been serviced well or for a long time. You should check all gear, rental or your own, well before every single dive.
Choose a buddy who dives like you
While choosing a buddy who dives like you may not be an option many of the times, it is always good to get to know your buddy before you start diving together. Ask simple questions such as how many times he has dived, where he has dived, when his last dive was, and how good he is at air usage. This will help you to also anticipate problems your buddy may have during the dive. The most enjoyable dives are sometimes when you have a good buddy, who shares with you the sights he comes across and paces well with you throughout the dive.
Drink plenty of water
Diving can be a very dehydrating sport. Make sure that before every dive, you have plenty of water. I always make it a point to drink a cup of water just before I jump into the water. This has always helped me to stay well hydrated throughout the dive for the next 45 to 60 minutes.
Pay attention during your pre-dive briefing
Dive briefings are important to help you understand what to expect when in the water. Your dive guide will explain about the terrain, what you should expect to see as well as how to best navigate yourself around the dive site for a most enjoyable dive. It will also help you to anticipate changes in the terrain so that there are no surprises.
Be aware of sympthoms of hypothermia, heat exhaustion and dehydration
Watch out for all the sympthoms as you are your best judge of whether your dive will cause any problems. It is always best to be safe and not sorry, so look out for tingling sensations, nausea, giddiness, numbness and any other sensations that makes you uncomfortable. Inform your dive buddy and/or your dive guide about it, and stop the dive and start your ascend to the surface.
Respect marine life
All marine life needs to be respected, not just the big stuff. Be very aware of your surroundings and the fish and coral life around you. Do not touch anything as far as possible, especially if you are unsure if it will be poisonous. Remember, the ocean belongs to the marine life and we're the visitors!
Diving is as safe as any other sport. As divers, we have a responsibility to the environment, to other divers and most of all, to ourselves to ensure safety and preservation. Safe diving is practiced if you choose the right partner to dive with, so make sure you find out about the dive centre, instructors and guides, and feel very comfortable that they practise the prescribed safety standards diligently and conscientiously.
Author by KrabiDivers
This article was contributed by one of the staff members at www.KrabiDivers.com, , the premier dive centre at Krabi Thailand. At our dive centre, all our instructors, guides and crew faithfully follow diving safety standards. We also conduct all levels of dive courses and have the philosophy of small-groups for instruction, to ensure our customers are given our full attention. To find out more, visit us at www.krabidivers.com.
http://www.articlesbase.com
Scuba Diving can be a dangerous sport if you do not take a 'be safe always' approach when entering the water. It has a lot to do with your personality at the end of the day. It will be as safe as you want it to be, even in times of extreme weather or water conditions. it is important to be always stay alert. Just like crossing the road, if you don't take precautions and follow the simple rules that you have learnt as a child, accidents can happen anytime anywhere!
Get certified by a professionally recognised centre
Many new divers do not check that the centre they are learning from, particularly when they visit more remote places in Asia, that their dive instruction is received from a professionally organised and run centre. There is often a presumption that all dive centres have gone through proper checks, controls and certification. Unfortunately, there are many who profess to be qualified to instruct, but to save costs, have not received authentication from professional bodies such as PADI or SDI which have strict rules and requirements for all dive operators. Don't miss this first check when you step in. Always ask to see proof of their certification.
Be medically certified to dive
See your doctor before you sign up for dive instruction. No one else should care as much about your safety as you! And no one else will be as sorry as you if there are accidents or problems when you dive. Get physically checked and if necessary, obtain a letter from your doctor authorising you to learn to dive.
Be aware of the conditions and your own diving competency level
Sometimes, it is best to follow your instinct. If you feel the currents are too strong, or you are not feeling well, stop your dive by informing your buddy straightaway and ascend together. Do not try to attempt a dive if you are uncomfortable. We have seen many experienced divers abandon dives due to strong currents, and that has saved them and their dive group a lot of trouble.
Never dive in terrain or environments you are not certified for
In order to dive caves, do night dives or penetrate wrecks, you should have received proper training and certification before you attempt them. There are techniques that you must learn in order to be safe for such specialty dives. Choose from the wide range of the Specialty Courses that krabidivers.com conducts regularly which is of interest to you, and you will find that you will be much more confident whenever you dive the next wreck or cave.
Be prepared to say "No" to a dive
If you find yourself uncomfortable or unsure, even after you have started to descend or are in the middle of a dive, it is OK to cancel that dive and come back another day when the conditions are more favourable. It does not mean that you are not a good diver - infact very often, it is the smart diver who knows himself best - and knows when to say "No thanks, I will sit out this one."
Never dive alone
Regardless of experience levels, you should never dive alone. If you lose your buddy during a dive, look around for no more than one to two minutes. If you still cannot find your buddy, you should end your dive and make your way up to the surface. Not only will it be safer for you, it will also give comfort to your buddy that you are watching out for him too.
Prepare for a dive well
The night before a dive trip, you should always rest well, and hydrate yourself by drinking lot of water. And, you should not have a heavy night's drinking as alcohol causes dehydration. Dehydration contributes to many diving-related illnesses.
Always check your dive gear before each dive (especially for rental gear!)
Before you go on each dive, always check all your dive gear again. Make sure that your regulator and hoses are working well without leaks, your BCD inflates well and your tank has the right level of air. Do not assume that just because you have returned from one dive safe and sound, using the same set of dive gear will not cause any problems on the next dive. Many shops have rental gear which may not have been serviced well or for a long time. You should check all gear, rental or your own, well before every single dive.
Choose a buddy who dives like you
While choosing a buddy who dives like you may not be an option many of the times, it is always good to get to know your buddy before you start diving together. Ask simple questions such as how many times he has dived, where he has dived, when his last dive was, and how good he is at air usage. This will help you to also anticipate problems your buddy may have during the dive. The most enjoyable dives are sometimes when you have a good buddy, who shares with you the sights he comes across and paces well with you throughout the dive.
Drink plenty of water
Diving can be a very dehydrating sport. Make sure that before every dive, you have plenty of water. I always make it a point to drink a cup of water just before I jump into the water. This has always helped me to stay well hydrated throughout the dive for the next 45 to 60 minutes.
Pay attention during your pre-dive briefing
Dive briefings are important to help you understand what to expect when in the water. Your dive guide will explain about the terrain, what you should expect to see as well as how to best navigate yourself around the dive site for a most enjoyable dive. It will also help you to anticipate changes in the terrain so that there are no surprises.
Be aware of sympthoms of hypothermia, heat exhaustion and dehydration
Watch out for all the sympthoms as you are your best judge of whether your dive will cause any problems. It is always best to be safe and not sorry, so look out for tingling sensations, nausea, giddiness, numbness and any other sensations that makes you uncomfortable. Inform your dive buddy and/or your dive guide about it, and stop the dive and start your ascend to the surface.
Respect marine life
All marine life needs to be respected, not just the big stuff. Be very aware of your surroundings and the fish and coral life around you. Do not touch anything as far as possible, especially if you are unsure if it will be poisonous. Remember, the ocean belongs to the marine life and we're the visitors!
Diving is as safe as any other sport. As divers, we have a responsibility to the environment, to other divers and most of all, to ourselves to ensure safety and preservation. Safe diving is practiced if you choose the right partner to dive with, so make sure you find out about the dive centre, instructors and guides, and feel very comfortable that they practise the prescribed safety standards diligently and conscientiously.
Author by KrabiDivers
This article was contributed by one of the staff members at www.KrabiDivers.com, , the premier dive centre at Krabi Thailand. At our dive centre, all our instructors, guides and crew faithfully follow diving safety standards. We also conduct all levels of dive courses and have the philosophy of small-groups for instruction, to ensure our customers are given our full attention. To find out more, visit us at www.krabidivers.com.
http://www.articlesbase.com
Scuba Diving in the Maldives – Thila’s, Atolls and so Much More!
Many of the worlds top diving destinations claim to offer a truly unique form of diving, however few are able to substantiate it as easily as the Maldives. From the moment you first enter the water in the Maldives, you are surrounded by an almost magical underwater kingdom. A myriad of colourful reef fish, incredible corals exist alongside a wide variety of larger marine life including manta rays, whale sharks and many, many others. In fact, it is estimated that over 26 different types of shark can be found in the dive sites in the Maldives including the whale shark, the tiger shark and the hammerhead shark.
It is the unique geography of the Maldives that allows it to offer such incredible diving. The tops of an ancient submerged mountain range, the coral reefs and atolls of the Maldives now stretch across some 500 miles of the Indian Ocean from north to south.
The scuba diving in the Maldives tends to fall into two distinct categories, kandu diving and thila diving. Thila diving tends to focus around large coral formations or reefs which top out just under the surface of the water. These thilas allow divers the opportunity to dive or drift with the currents across and around these large reefs, often providing spectacular views of the prolific marine life and coral formations just below the surface. There are a number of excellent dive sites in the Maldives, which offer this thila type of diving. Some of the better known thila dives include Maaya Thila on North Ari Atoll, and Okobe Thila, together with its resident population of huge Napoleon wrasse.
The second type of diving for which the Maldives is well known is kandu diving, where divers can drift with the currents along the channels between the islands or reefs. In a typical kandu dive, the divers will enter the water just outside of the lagoon, allowing the currents to carry them into the calmer waters to be found inside of the atoll. With these currents drawing nutrient rich water into these channels from the open ocean, these kandu dives often provide the best opportunities to spot the various species of rays, sharks and other pelagic marine life which can be found throughout the waters of the Maldives.
Marine life throughout the Maldives is prolific, with an incredible array of tropical reef fish to be found throughout the region. Bannerfish, parrotfish, butterflyfish and surgeonfish mingle easily with the larger Napoleon wrasse and triggerfish which can be found here. Fans of the larger marine life will also find rich pickings in the waters surrounding the Maldives, and a wide variety of sharks and rays can be found throughout the hundreds of beautiful dive sites in the Maldives.
The climate in the Maldives does vary slightly between the north and the south atolls, with the Northern regions experiencing more extreme temperatures, and the southern atolls experiencing a slightly heavier average rainfall throughout the year. Water temperatures in the Maldives tend to remain consistent, ranging from 27 degrees to as warm as 30 degrees. The region experiences two monsoon seasons, which run from December to March, when the Maldives experience the warmer prevailing winds, and the wetter monsoon season which runs from May through to November.
If you are considering diving in the Maldives, it is highly likely that your resort will have an affiliated dive centre on the island. Recent years have seen an increase in the reputation of the region as one of the worlds best dive sites, and today there is a highly developed and extensive network of dive centres in the Maldives.
Author by Scubaworld
Mark Burns is Director of Scubaworld.tv, a large scuba diving site specializing in scuba diving in the Maldives and a leading provider of information on Maldives liveaboards.http://www.articlesbase.com
Scuba Diving in Thailand - the Secrets of One of the Worlds Most Popular Diving Destinations
Thailand has one of the world’s most diverse marine habitats, with more than 300 major reef groups covering an area of over 4,500 square miles. From pinnacles and submerged rocks, through to stunning coral gardens and sheer walls, the scuba diving in Thailand has something to offer scuba divers of all levels of experience. It is this diversity in marine habitats and diving environments which attracts so many divers to the waters around Thailand every year, and today the region is one of the world’s most popular scuba diving destinations.
There are a number of major diving destinations in Thailand, all offering a wide selection of diverse dive sites. Throughout all of these major destinations is a network of well equipped, knowledgeable and experienced dive centres, offering a range of diving from leisure dives through to a selection of scuba diving courses.
It would be impossible to discuss Thailand, without looking at the scuba diving in Phuket and the surrounding areas. Without doubt, the diving in Phuket is of the highest standard, and the waters surrounding the ‘island’ host a number of excellent dive sites. However, the real underwater treasures of Phuket lie slightly further afield. Dive sites such as the Burma Banks, The Similan Islands and the Mergui Archipelago are often found high on the wish list of many discerning scuba diver and offer some of South East Asia’s finest dive sites.
The scuba diving on the Western Gulf of Thailand sees a different emphasis, and the small islands found here have become one of the world’s most popular areas to learn to scuba dive. In fact, the island of Koh Tao has developed a complete tourist industry from scuba diving, and today large numbers of would be scuba divers travel to Koh Tao every day to begin their diving education. Other islands within the Western Gulf of Thailand are also home to developed scuba diving industries, and destinations such as Koh Samui and Ko Pha-Ngan are both home to a large number of dive centres and excellent dive sites.
Throughout Thailand there are a number of exceptional dive sites, and sites such as the Richelieu Rock and Chumpon Pinnacle are widely acknowledged as being world class dive sites. However it is the sheer volume of excellent dive sites that makes Thailand such a popular destination. Destinations such as Pattaya, Krabi, Ko Chang and the Surin Islands are all home to a number of exceptional dive sites and dive centres.
Today, Thailand is one of the world’s most popular scuba diving destinations, and large numbers of scuba divers travel long distances to dive in the waters surrounding this stunning country. The sheer diversity of the diving on offer here ensures that there is something to cater for all tastes and levels of experience. From vertical wrecks, through to submerged pinnacles, from the largest sharks, through to the smallest nudibranches, the diving in Thailand has something for everyone.
Author by Scubaworld
Mark Burns is Director of Scubaworld.tv, a large scuba diving site specialising in scuba diving in Thailand and a leading provider of information on Scuba diving in Phuket.
http://www.articlesbase.com
There are a number of major diving destinations in Thailand, all offering a wide selection of diverse dive sites. Throughout all of these major destinations is a network of well equipped, knowledgeable and experienced dive centres, offering a range of diving from leisure dives through to a selection of scuba diving courses.
It would be impossible to discuss Thailand, without looking at the scuba diving in Phuket and the surrounding areas. Without doubt, the diving in Phuket is of the highest standard, and the waters surrounding the ‘island’ host a number of excellent dive sites. However, the real underwater treasures of Phuket lie slightly further afield. Dive sites such as the Burma Banks, The Similan Islands and the Mergui Archipelago are often found high on the wish list of many discerning scuba diver and offer some of South East Asia’s finest dive sites.
The scuba diving on the Western Gulf of Thailand sees a different emphasis, and the small islands found here have become one of the world’s most popular areas to learn to scuba dive. In fact, the island of Koh Tao has developed a complete tourist industry from scuba diving, and today large numbers of would be scuba divers travel to Koh Tao every day to begin their diving education. Other islands within the Western Gulf of Thailand are also home to developed scuba diving industries, and destinations such as Koh Samui and Ko Pha-Ngan are both home to a large number of dive centres and excellent dive sites.
Throughout Thailand there are a number of exceptional dive sites, and sites such as the Richelieu Rock and Chumpon Pinnacle are widely acknowledged as being world class dive sites. However it is the sheer volume of excellent dive sites that makes Thailand such a popular destination. Destinations such as Pattaya, Krabi, Ko Chang and the Surin Islands are all home to a number of exceptional dive sites and dive centres.
Today, Thailand is one of the world’s most popular scuba diving destinations, and large numbers of scuba divers travel long distances to dive in the waters surrounding this stunning country. The sheer diversity of the diving on offer here ensures that there is something to cater for all tastes and levels of experience. From vertical wrecks, through to submerged pinnacles, from the largest sharks, through to the smallest nudibranches, the diving in Thailand has something for everyone.
Author by Scubaworld
Mark Burns is Director of Scubaworld.tv, a large scuba diving site specialising in scuba diving in Thailand and a leading provider of information on Scuba diving in Phuket.
http://www.articlesbase.com
Scuba Diving in Mauritius
Mauritius. This tropical Indian Ocean Paradise. “A drop in the ocean” Is only a dot in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Mauritius has a well-developed infrastructure and tourism industry. It hosts visiting tourist from all over the world in luxury hotels, apartments and bungalows. Besides the beautiful long white beaches and crystal clear tropical lagoons, scuba diving is one of the main attractions for tourists.
The excellent sea conditions and beautiful coral reefs make Mauritius a perfect place to learn to dive.
So both beginners and certified divers can be sure to have safe enjoyable dives in these perfect conditions. Especially on the north east coast where the lagoons and sea are protected from the trade winds, the Grand Bay and Trou aux Biches areas host the best tropical fish life and coral reefs. Usually all are boat dives to dive sites outside the barrier reefs. This is because the barrier reefs run almost completely around the Island with breaks or passes in the reef through which boats can pass to get into the open sea. The lagoons inside the barrier reefs are shallow and not suitable for diving. The sites in crystal clear water outside the barrier reef are very specifically located and easily accessible by boat. To get the best out of your diving experience in Mauritius it is advisable to dive with one of the accredited dive centers that will take you to all the best sites and ensure that you have a safe comfortable scuba diving Mauritius experience.
The Tourism Authority in Mauritius controls all registered dive centers and issues licenses to the boat skippers and dive operator that meet the require standards. All internationally recognized diving certifications are accepted and Mauritius has become a training ground for beginner divers because of the extremely easy diving conditions.
Unlike the reefs in Seychelles and the Maledives islands the coral reefs have not been bleached or affected by the warming of the ocean. The crystal clear water, the abundance of fish life and colorful reefs provide magnificent backdrops for underwater photography and filming. In the Trou aux Biches and Grand bay areas artificial reefs have been create by sinking wrecks at specific points. These wrecks, usually old Japanese fishing trawlers host an abundance of fish and coral life creating exciting dive sites and interesting backdrops for underwater photo and film. There are no real wall dives in Mauritius. In most areas the seabed slopes away gradually becoming deeper as you move away from the barrier reefs. Therefore most dive sites have a bottom at a reasonable depth making diving for beginners and experienced diver safer and less stressful. There are however small drops like ledges on some of the sites creating very interesting giant rock structure hosting larger fish life, gorgonian fan coral, some soft corals and in some spots black coral.
All round Mauritius is really a very safe and interesting location for a diving holiday. There is something for everyone.
Looking for quality diving holiday on a “paradise island”, come Diving in Mauritius.Author by Kevin Cock
Kevin Cock is NAUI INSTRUCTOR, Founder and owner of Prodive Limited a South African with 23 years tourism and diving experience in Mauritius Prodive Limited is a professional scuba diving company at the Casuarinas Hotel at Trou aux Biches, Mauritius. They offer easy diving courses, full certification courses (PADI), diving excursions, private dives and exclusive dive charters. For more info visit http://prodivemauritius.com
http://www.articlesbase.ocm
Scuba Diving In Cuba
Why Go?
Scuba diving in Cuba has become hugely popular in recent years, and it's easy to see why. The water is warm and crystal clear, and the vibrant underwater wildlife and excellently preserved coral reefs make it a key destination for avid scuba divers.
The sheer number of great dive sites in Cuba is staggering, far too many to explore in a single Cuba diving holiday. Many keen scuba divers return to the island year on year to explore some of the more out of the way places. The sites also present a good variation in their level of difficulty, so diving in Cuba is suitable for both beginners and veteran divers.
Scuba diving in Cuba is a big business and there are plenty of companies to choose from, especially around the most popular dive sites. Note that if you have dived before, you must bring your certification card with you. If you are a beginner, many companies run courses that will get you certified in a few hours.
When Should I Go?
The rainy season runs from May to October; the most popular (and expensive) time to go diving in Cuba is between November and May. Plenty of good diving can still be done all year round - the average water temperature is a balmy 24 degrees Celsius. Be aware that once every two years or so Cuba experiences a hurricane between August and September along its east coast, so it is worth researching if a hurricane is expected to hit before you book your holiday!
Where Should I Go?
There are great dive sites suitable for Cuba diving holidays around the entire coast of the island, but the resort of Cayo Coco is a particular highlight. Located on the north of the island, a magnificent coral reef is half a mile from the coast and this particular part of the Cuban coast is teeming with tropical fish, giving divers plenty to see underwater. Out of the water, Cayo Coco features the finest beaches in Cuba, and the numerous hotels and dive companies that are set up at this resort mean that you'll have little trouble finding places to stay and companies to dive with.
Maria la Gorda is equally popular, and is regarded as one of the best sites for scuba diving in Cuba. Situated in the midst of a national park, Maria la Gorda provides a more secluded experience than Cayo Coco - there's little here except for natural beauty, a few apartments and restaurants, the dive centre and some of the best diving on the island. The dive sites are characterised by steep drops, and sheer walls that are riddled with caves and tunnels to explore.
If you'd prefer to go diving amidst ship wrecks rather than coral reefs, then Santiago de Cuba is the place to go, as there are a number of well preserved wrecks that are safe to explore.
How Much Will It Cost?
Naturally, the cost of scuba diving in Cuba will vary depending on the season you visit and the company that you go with. Single dives typically cost between $25 - $50 US, with discounts available if you buy several dives at the same time. Many companies now offer Cuba diving holiday packages, including flights, accommodation and diving costs, which can offer good value and save you the hassle of putting everything together separately.
Author by Emma Lelliott
Emma Lelliott is the general manager of Captivating Cuba, an independent Cuba holiday specialist. With offices in Havana and the UK, Captivating Cuba are experts in putting together the very best Cuba diving holidays.
http://www.articlesbase.com
Scuba diving in Cuba has become hugely popular in recent years, and it's easy to see why. The water is warm and crystal clear, and the vibrant underwater wildlife and excellently preserved coral reefs make it a key destination for avid scuba divers.
The sheer number of great dive sites in Cuba is staggering, far too many to explore in a single Cuba diving holiday. Many keen scuba divers return to the island year on year to explore some of the more out of the way places. The sites also present a good variation in their level of difficulty, so diving in Cuba is suitable for both beginners and veteran divers.
Scuba diving in Cuba is a big business and there are plenty of companies to choose from, especially around the most popular dive sites. Note that if you have dived before, you must bring your certification card with you. If you are a beginner, many companies run courses that will get you certified in a few hours.
When Should I Go?
The rainy season runs from May to October; the most popular (and expensive) time to go diving in Cuba is between November and May. Plenty of good diving can still be done all year round - the average water temperature is a balmy 24 degrees Celsius. Be aware that once every two years or so Cuba experiences a hurricane between August and September along its east coast, so it is worth researching if a hurricane is expected to hit before you book your holiday!
Where Should I Go?
There are great dive sites suitable for Cuba diving holidays around the entire coast of the island, but the resort of Cayo Coco is a particular highlight. Located on the north of the island, a magnificent coral reef is half a mile from the coast and this particular part of the Cuban coast is teeming with tropical fish, giving divers plenty to see underwater. Out of the water, Cayo Coco features the finest beaches in Cuba, and the numerous hotels and dive companies that are set up at this resort mean that you'll have little trouble finding places to stay and companies to dive with.
Maria la Gorda is equally popular, and is regarded as one of the best sites for scuba diving in Cuba. Situated in the midst of a national park, Maria la Gorda provides a more secluded experience than Cayo Coco - there's little here except for natural beauty, a few apartments and restaurants, the dive centre and some of the best diving on the island. The dive sites are characterised by steep drops, and sheer walls that are riddled with caves and tunnels to explore.
If you'd prefer to go diving amidst ship wrecks rather than coral reefs, then Santiago de Cuba is the place to go, as there are a number of well preserved wrecks that are safe to explore.
How Much Will It Cost?
Naturally, the cost of scuba diving in Cuba will vary depending on the season you visit and the company that you go with. Single dives typically cost between $25 - $50 US, with discounts available if you buy several dives at the same time. Many companies now offer Cuba diving holiday packages, including flights, accommodation and diving costs, which can offer good value and save you the hassle of putting everything together separately.
Author by Emma Lelliott
Emma Lelliott is the general manager of Captivating Cuba, an independent Cuba holiday specialist. With offices in Havana and the UK, Captivating Cuba are experts in putting together the very best Cuba diving holidays.
http://www.articlesbase.com
Scuba Diving Computers Required
More and more dive operators are making them mandatory. Some even include a wrist dive computer as part of the gear provided to their customers. This is especially true for live-aboard dive boat operations.
Of course that only makes sense for these "dive your brains out" deals. You're doing a ton of diving, spending serious time underwater, and a computer not only makes it easier, but helps avoid compromising safety.
And don't misunderstand, live-aboards are great. It doesn't get much better than five or so dives a day, and merely rolling out of bed to get to the site. Put that together with great food, pristine reefs off the beaten path, & falling asleep under the stars, and it's a super vacation recipe.
Aside from their obvious usefulness in the live-aboard world, dive computers make sense for most all diving situations. In fact, anyone serious about the sport shouldn't make another dive without one. From maximizing bottom time to calculating complex dive plans without compromising safety, these wrist computers are invaluable.
Even the dive operators who don't make them mandatory, will separate the computer divers from the non-computer divers, requiring those without personal dive computers to follow a much more conservative profile, which most often results in a shorter dive.
Now there's nothing wrong with being conservative, but not to the extent of cutting a dive needlessly short. And that's the whole point behind using a computer. It allows more time at depth and/or underwater while still helping you stay within safe limits.
There may be a handful of very experienced scuba divers who are so skilled with the dive tables, they can recalculate complex dive plans on the fly during their dive with some proficiency. But even they can't beat a computer in terms of speed and accuracy. And most, if not all those guys, still use a computer simply because they prefer to get the most from their diving.
Whether you need the full functionality of variable gas mixtures, extensive dive logging, complicated multi-level dive profiles, deep or decompression dives, etc., or just want to stay safe while allowing for slight changes to your dive plan, a good dive computer is an excellent investment.
They really should be considered required equipment. Prices have come down so far that cost just isn't an excuse anymore, especially when thinking about safety. Get the most out of your diving by making a wrist computer an integral part of your dive gear.
Author by J Allen
Learn more about getting a wrist dive computer, along with other articles by John Allen on scuba gear and diving, at his website which sells dive computers and watches at www.mydivewatch.com
http://www.articlesbase.com
Of course that only makes sense for these "dive your brains out" deals. You're doing a ton of diving, spending serious time underwater, and a computer not only makes it easier, but helps avoid compromising safety.
And don't misunderstand, live-aboards are great. It doesn't get much better than five or so dives a day, and merely rolling out of bed to get to the site. Put that together with great food, pristine reefs off the beaten path, & falling asleep under the stars, and it's a super vacation recipe.
Aside from their obvious usefulness in the live-aboard world, dive computers make sense for most all diving situations. In fact, anyone serious about the sport shouldn't make another dive without one. From maximizing bottom time to calculating complex dive plans without compromising safety, these wrist computers are invaluable.
Even the dive operators who don't make them mandatory, will separate the computer divers from the non-computer divers, requiring those without personal dive computers to follow a much more conservative profile, which most often results in a shorter dive.
Now there's nothing wrong with being conservative, but not to the extent of cutting a dive needlessly short. And that's the whole point behind using a computer. It allows more time at depth and/or underwater while still helping you stay within safe limits.
There may be a handful of very experienced scuba divers who are so skilled with the dive tables, they can recalculate complex dive plans on the fly during their dive with some proficiency. But even they can't beat a computer in terms of speed and accuracy. And most, if not all those guys, still use a computer simply because they prefer to get the most from their diving.
Whether you need the full functionality of variable gas mixtures, extensive dive logging, complicated multi-level dive profiles, deep or decompression dives, etc., or just want to stay safe while allowing for slight changes to your dive plan, a good dive computer is an excellent investment.
They really should be considered required equipment. Prices have come down so far that cost just isn't an excuse anymore, especially when thinking about safety. Get the most out of your diving by making a wrist computer an integral part of your dive gear.
Author by J Allen
Learn more about getting a wrist dive computer, along with other articles by John Allen on scuba gear and diving, at his website which sells dive computers and watches at www.mydivewatch.com
http://www.articlesbase.com
Scuba Diving Certification: What You Need to Do Before You Go Looking For Nemo
So you are thinking about getting your scuba diving certification but aren't sure what it entails? We'll go through the details here.
Scuba diving is a wonderful sport and you will be able to enjoy it for many years to come. There's nothing like floating effortlessly underwater and seeing all the beautiful fish, coral, wrecks, etc. Certification will open up a whole new world for you.
First, let's start with the basics. What exactly is scuba diving certification?
In order to go scuba diving with any reputable dive shop, you must have a certification card (more commonly known as a c-card). You obtain this card by taking and passing a dive certification course. Once you pass this course, you receive your c-card and you are good to go.
The two main certification agencies are PADI and NAUI. Other agencies, such as YMCA and SSI, also offer scuba diving certification but NAUI and PADI are the most widely recognized.
The dive shop (or other entity) that you take your training from will be affiliated with one of these agencies. That is who you will receive your card from.
The most common scuba diving certification for recreational divers is the open water diver. Once you finish this course and pass the tests and dives, you receive your c-card. Once you receive your card, you are certified for life. There is no other mandatory training. There is other optional training you can do, but nothing more is required before you can start diving.
What are the requirements for taking a certification course?
As far as age goes, for PADI you must be 10 or older to take the course. Students younger than 15 will receive the PADI Junior Open Water Diver certification. It can then be upgraded to PADI Open Water Diver certification upon reaching 15. For Naui, you must be 12 or older to take the course.
Basically you should be in good physical shape and be comfortable in the water. A clearance from your doctor would be a good idea if you have any doubts.
During the course you will have to be able to swim 200 yards. However, you can use any stroke and there is no time limit on how long it takes. You also have to tread water or float for 10 minutes. Again, you can use any methods you want.
The course itself can be broken into 4 major segments:
1. Book work
2. Exams
3. Pool training
4. Open water dives
The amount of time it takes to get our scuba diving certification depends on what avenue you take. There are intensive weekend courses where you can do all your book work and pool work in one weekend. This option usually involves advance reading. I think this could be a bit overwhelming if you have no prior experience but many people opt for this route.
At the opposite end are the options where you meet over the course of several weeks to do your book and pool work. This is the option I chose. The class met once a week for 6 weeks. The first part of the night involved the classroom (about 1 1/4 hours) followed by pool work (about 1 1/2 hours).
A recent introduction are the on-line certification courses which allows you to do the book portion of your scuba diving certification from anywhere.
You get a referral to do your open water dives after you successfully complete the book and pool work. Your open water dives are usually done in a lake, quarry or ocean. You typically do these dives over the course of 2 days. Certification usually requires 4 or 5 successful open water dives. You also have to do your open water dives within a certain amount of time of receiving your referral.
During your open water dives, you will perform the skills you learned in class for the instructor. This involves such skills as clearing your mask, buddy breathing, etc. Once you successfully pass the open water dives, you will receive your c-card.
As far as the cost of certification, prices for the course and pool work portion can range anywhere from around $150 to several hundred. I think $200-$250 is probably about average. If you take book portion online through PADI, the course currently costs $120 (you still have to pay for your in water training and open water dive portions).
Adding in the cost of your open water dives, the total cost of dive certification will probably be about $350-$450.
Hopefully I have answered most of your questions about getting certified. Give it a try, you won't regret it!
Author by Dianne Rein
Dianne Rein runs a scuba diving website at http://www.scuba-diving-smiles.com. You can find more information about scuba diving basics, necessary scuba gear, scuba diving tips and much more on her website.
http://www.articlesbase.com
Scuba diving is a wonderful sport and you will be able to enjoy it for many years to come. There's nothing like floating effortlessly underwater and seeing all the beautiful fish, coral, wrecks, etc. Certification will open up a whole new world for you.
First, let's start with the basics. What exactly is scuba diving certification?
In order to go scuba diving with any reputable dive shop, you must have a certification card (more commonly known as a c-card). You obtain this card by taking and passing a dive certification course. Once you pass this course, you receive your c-card and you are good to go.
The two main certification agencies are PADI and NAUI. Other agencies, such as YMCA and SSI, also offer scuba diving certification but NAUI and PADI are the most widely recognized.
The dive shop (or other entity) that you take your training from will be affiliated with one of these agencies. That is who you will receive your card from.
The most common scuba diving certification for recreational divers is the open water diver. Once you finish this course and pass the tests and dives, you receive your c-card. Once you receive your card, you are certified for life. There is no other mandatory training. There is other optional training you can do, but nothing more is required before you can start diving.
What are the requirements for taking a certification course?
As far as age goes, for PADI you must be 10 or older to take the course. Students younger than 15 will receive the PADI Junior Open Water Diver certification. It can then be upgraded to PADI Open Water Diver certification upon reaching 15. For Naui, you must be 12 or older to take the course.
Basically you should be in good physical shape and be comfortable in the water. A clearance from your doctor would be a good idea if you have any doubts.
During the course you will have to be able to swim 200 yards. However, you can use any stroke and there is no time limit on how long it takes. You also have to tread water or float for 10 minutes. Again, you can use any methods you want.
The course itself can be broken into 4 major segments:
1. Book work
2. Exams
3. Pool training
4. Open water dives
The amount of time it takes to get our scuba diving certification depends on what avenue you take. There are intensive weekend courses where you can do all your book work and pool work in one weekend. This option usually involves advance reading. I think this could be a bit overwhelming if you have no prior experience but many people opt for this route.
At the opposite end are the options where you meet over the course of several weeks to do your book and pool work. This is the option I chose. The class met once a week for 6 weeks. The first part of the night involved the classroom (about 1 1/4 hours) followed by pool work (about 1 1/2 hours).
A recent introduction are the on-line certification courses which allows you to do the book portion of your scuba diving certification from anywhere.
You get a referral to do your open water dives after you successfully complete the book and pool work. Your open water dives are usually done in a lake, quarry or ocean. You typically do these dives over the course of 2 days. Certification usually requires 4 or 5 successful open water dives. You also have to do your open water dives within a certain amount of time of receiving your referral.
During your open water dives, you will perform the skills you learned in class for the instructor. This involves such skills as clearing your mask, buddy breathing, etc. Once you successfully pass the open water dives, you will receive your c-card.
As far as the cost of certification, prices for the course and pool work portion can range anywhere from around $150 to several hundred. I think $200-$250 is probably about average. If you take book portion online through PADI, the course currently costs $120 (you still have to pay for your in water training and open water dive portions).
Adding in the cost of your open water dives, the total cost of dive certification will probably be about $350-$450.
Hopefully I have answered most of your questions about getting certified. Give it a try, you won't regret it!
Author by Dianne Rein
Dianne Rein runs a scuba diving website at http://www.scuba-diving-smiles.com. You can find more information about scuba diving basics, necessary scuba gear, scuba diving tips and much more on her website.
http://www.articlesbase.com
Scuba Diving Bali
Despite a series of terrorist bomb attacks in 2002 and 2005 killing hundreds of tourists and locals hitting the tourism industry hard for short periods, the tropical Indonesian island of Bali is still attracting many vacationing tourists.
Tourists are attracted by the island's rustic charms, mystical culture and tradition, spectacular tropical sceneries and beautiful white sandy beaches. Many of these tourists are also scuba divers and are in Bali for scuba diving. After all, Bali was voted by several scuba diving magazines as one of the top ten dive location in the world.
Bali have many scuba diving locations where awesome underwater landscape and marine creatures abound. Let's take a tour of some of Bali's diving destinations.
Sanur and Nusa Dua - These 2 dive spots are located just 5 minutes away from the shore and therefore are very accessible. Beginners and novice divers will enjoy diving here because of the very gentle current. Visibility depending on seasons is low to moderate. Although hard corals are scarce, the many species of colorful fishes made up for the shortfall. Soft corals and sponges can also be found thriving on the reefs.
Nusa Penida and Lembongan Islands - Drop off reef diving is the main attraction on these islands. It is a 45 minute speedboat ride to the islands. Water visibility is rated as good because the islands are further away from the coast and therefore less polluted. The current here is very strong and experienced divers can enjoy drift diving. Sometimes the current may get too strong and dives may be abandoned.
There is a very good variety of hard corals, colorful sea gorgonian fans and many huge pelagic fishes to see. Highlights of diving here are sightings of huge schools of sweet lips fish, huge hawksbill turtles, sharks and giant manta rays.
Amed and Jemeluk Beach - These dive spots are one and half hour from Denpasar, a popular tourist town. Only experienced divers can dive here because of the strong current. The dives here can be very spectacular because of the long coastal reef, reef slopes and wall diving. Water visibility is moderate to good. This diving location is reputed to be the home of the best hard coral community in Bali.
The Padang Bay - This dive scuba diving location in Bali have a flat bottom seabed and is made up mixed reef and sandy bottom. Because of its close proximity to the shore, the water visibility is rated at best to be moderate. The attractions here are frequent sightings of large triggerfish and blue-spotted stingrays.
Tulamben Wreck Dive - For those who enjoy shipwreck diving, then this is the dive site in Bali that you must not missed. Water visibility here is fair to good and the current is generally gentle. Night dive on this wreck is described by many divers as spectacular.
The wreck was the USS Liberty, sunk in World War 2 by Japanese submarine torpedoes 1942. Since the wreck is so near the beach, scuba divers can simply swim to the wreck from the beach.
These are merely some of the many scuba diving destinations in Bali. For more excellent diving sites, you can check out with the many scuba diving operators when you are in Bali.
Author by Chris Chew
Chris Chew has been diving for 3 decades.Diving in bali and Hawaii cruise holiday
http://www.articlesbase.com
Tourists are attracted by the island's rustic charms, mystical culture and tradition, spectacular tropical sceneries and beautiful white sandy beaches. Many of these tourists are also scuba divers and are in Bali for scuba diving. After all, Bali was voted by several scuba diving magazines as one of the top ten dive location in the world.
Bali have many scuba diving locations where awesome underwater landscape and marine creatures abound. Let's take a tour of some of Bali's diving destinations.
Sanur and Nusa Dua - These 2 dive spots are located just 5 minutes away from the shore and therefore are very accessible. Beginners and novice divers will enjoy diving here because of the very gentle current. Visibility depending on seasons is low to moderate. Although hard corals are scarce, the many species of colorful fishes made up for the shortfall. Soft corals and sponges can also be found thriving on the reefs.
Nusa Penida and Lembongan Islands - Drop off reef diving is the main attraction on these islands. It is a 45 minute speedboat ride to the islands. Water visibility is rated as good because the islands are further away from the coast and therefore less polluted. The current here is very strong and experienced divers can enjoy drift diving. Sometimes the current may get too strong and dives may be abandoned.
There is a very good variety of hard corals, colorful sea gorgonian fans and many huge pelagic fishes to see. Highlights of diving here are sightings of huge schools of sweet lips fish, huge hawksbill turtles, sharks and giant manta rays.
Amed and Jemeluk Beach - These dive spots are one and half hour from Denpasar, a popular tourist town. Only experienced divers can dive here because of the strong current. The dives here can be very spectacular because of the long coastal reef, reef slopes and wall diving. Water visibility is moderate to good. This diving location is reputed to be the home of the best hard coral community in Bali.
The Padang Bay - This dive scuba diving location in Bali have a flat bottom seabed and is made up mixed reef and sandy bottom. Because of its close proximity to the shore, the water visibility is rated at best to be moderate. The attractions here are frequent sightings of large triggerfish and blue-spotted stingrays.
Tulamben Wreck Dive - For those who enjoy shipwreck diving, then this is the dive site in Bali that you must not missed. Water visibility here is fair to good and the current is generally gentle. Night dive on this wreck is described by many divers as spectacular.
The wreck was the USS Liberty, sunk in World War 2 by Japanese submarine torpedoes 1942. Since the wreck is so near the beach, scuba divers can simply swim to the wreck from the beach.
These are merely some of the many scuba diving destinations in Bali. For more excellent diving sites, you can check out with the many scuba diving operators when you are in Bali.
Author by Chris Chew
Chris Chew has been diving for 3 decades.Diving in bali and Hawaii cruise holiday
http://www.articlesbase.com
Scuba Diving Around The World
Scuba diving is the use of independent breathing equipment to stay under the water for long periods of time. This equipment is used both for recreational and professional diving. Scuba diving is not just a fun way of staying fit, but provides sights and experiences which are simply unique. Perhaps the more widespread availability of equipment and certified instructors would induce more people to explore underwater, plus thanks to the internet you can get cheap scuba gear easily.
Scuba diving is not only a popular activity all over the world, but an experience that will be etched in your heart forever. Scuba diving is fun, and we like to see turtles, sharks, coral, fish, invertebrates, nudibranchs, crabs, mollusks, molluscs, eels, sting rays, manta rays, and shrimp. Along with this, we take video and photographs of reefs, reef, fishes, fish, inverts, invertebrates, lobsters, octopus, octopuses, octopi, and coral. SCUBA diving is great fun and can open the way for you to discover the diversity of the amazing underwater world. Scuba diving is a sport that is unparalleled. It's a great work out, but generally considered a lazy man's sport (you're floating 98% of the time).
Scuba diving is greatly different from other sports and recreations in this necessity. In other sports, there is little necessity of belonging to or registering with a certain organization. Scuba diving is popular in Cancun, though it's not as spectacular as in Cozumel. Look for a scuba company that will give you lots of personal attention: smaller companies are often better at this than larger ones. Scuba Diving is a relaxing, action-packed and exciting sport that can be enjoyed by everybody. Evidence shows that people have been diving for thousands of years, either to hunt for food, seek out treasure, in the art of war or to simply observe the world beneath the waves.
Scuba diving is practiced as a recreational sport as well as a means of conducting military and scientific research. Scuba diving is clearly one of the most exciting hobbies to take. This activity takes you to depths, literally and figuratively. SCUBA diving is a fantastic way of learning about the seas on which we, the human race, rely to support the world's eco-system. Australia is very fortunate to be surrounded by some of the most diverse marine biological eco-systems in the world. Scuba diving is safe and very inexpensive compared to other excursions offered at resorts. Scuba Diving is one of the most popular water sport activity in the country - a diver's paradise, a marine jewel rich in sealife and astonishing underwater scenery. Some of my favorite destinations is Scuba Diving in Australia and Scuba Diving in Thailand.
Cabilao Island is one of the best dive place in the Philippines and it is the perfect dive spot for beginners and experienced divers. Scuba diving is an equipment intensive sport. If we are to become good at it, we must be using the same equipment each time we do it.
So my advice is you are thinking about in learning or not about the amazing sport of scuba diving is: go for it... for sure you will love it and you will become an avid scuba diver.
Author by Joaquin Costa
Joaquin created the first Cheap Scuba Gear website that includes used scuba gear products.
http://www.articlesbase.com
Scuba diving is not only a popular activity all over the world, but an experience that will be etched in your heart forever. Scuba diving is fun, and we like to see turtles, sharks, coral, fish, invertebrates, nudibranchs, crabs, mollusks, molluscs, eels, sting rays, manta rays, and shrimp. Along with this, we take video and photographs of reefs, reef, fishes, fish, inverts, invertebrates, lobsters, octopus, octopuses, octopi, and coral. SCUBA diving is great fun and can open the way for you to discover the diversity of the amazing underwater world. Scuba diving is a sport that is unparalleled. It's a great work out, but generally considered a lazy man's sport (you're floating 98% of the time).
Scuba diving is greatly different from other sports and recreations in this necessity. In other sports, there is little necessity of belonging to or registering with a certain organization. Scuba diving is popular in Cancun, though it's not as spectacular as in Cozumel. Look for a scuba company that will give you lots of personal attention: smaller companies are often better at this than larger ones. Scuba Diving is a relaxing, action-packed and exciting sport that can be enjoyed by everybody. Evidence shows that people have been diving for thousands of years, either to hunt for food, seek out treasure, in the art of war or to simply observe the world beneath the waves.
Scuba diving is practiced as a recreational sport as well as a means of conducting military and scientific research. Scuba diving is clearly one of the most exciting hobbies to take. This activity takes you to depths, literally and figuratively. SCUBA diving is a fantastic way of learning about the seas on which we, the human race, rely to support the world's eco-system. Australia is very fortunate to be surrounded by some of the most diverse marine biological eco-systems in the world. Scuba diving is safe and very inexpensive compared to other excursions offered at resorts. Scuba Diving is one of the most popular water sport activity in the country - a diver's paradise, a marine jewel rich in sealife and astonishing underwater scenery. Some of my favorite destinations is Scuba Diving in Australia and Scuba Diving in Thailand.
Cabilao Island is one of the best dive place in the Philippines and it is the perfect dive spot for beginners and experienced divers. Scuba diving is an equipment intensive sport. If we are to become good at it, we must be using the same equipment each time we do it.
So my advice is you are thinking about in learning or not about the amazing sport of scuba diving is: go for it... for sure you will love it and you will become an avid scuba diver.
Author by Joaquin Costa
Joaquin created the first Cheap Scuba Gear website that includes used scuba gear products.
http://www.articlesbase.com
Scuba Diving – an Alternative to Classical Summer Vacations
At the summertime when everything around you seems to be melting down, there’s nothing more appropriate than bathing. But wouldn’t you like to try something different this year? How about scuba diving?
Scuba diving refers to swimming underwater while using breathing equipment which is self-contained. Other swimming underwater activities such as free-diving or snorkeling use breath-holding techniques. Scuba diving implies having a compressed air source, which means that the scuba diver can remain submerged for a longer period of time and he/she is not hindered to a remote air source. Scuba diving is swimming underwater with fins which are attached to the diver’s feet. However, there are other options for scuba divers to move around, such as the diver propulsion vehicle or sleds pulled by a boat. The latter are surface tethered devices.
The term ‘SCUBA’ is the acronym for “self contained underwater breathing apparatus”. However, the term now refers to ‘scuba apparatus’ or ‘scuba equipment’. The term goes back to World War II when it arose to refer to the oxygen rebreathers used by US combat frogman in underwater warfare.
It’s worth mentioning that there are persons who confuse scuba diving for an extreme sport, and this false impression will be changed as soon as get to actually practice scuba diving. The divers wears a diving suit at all times, in addition to his/her breathing apparatus. This diver suit helps avoid skin cuts that could be caused corals, marine animals or underwater objects. They also prevent the loss of body heat. Scuba diving doesn’t require a substantial physical effort on the part of the diver. Therefore, we could say that anyone who can walk a few miles can successfully complete a scuba diving session. Although it’s underwater, scuba diving does not require swimming abilities, but some certified scuba divers may be asked to have swimming skills, just to check the extent to which candidates can adapt to water.
There are many reasons why number of people engrossed in this sport is constantly increasing. Here are some of the reasons why people go scuba diving. First of all, those interested in marine life can be close to it. The variety of underwater wildlife, coral reefs and the numerous species of colorful fish leave the scuba diver with a wonderful experience. Secondly, there’s something different and unusual about each dive because of the numerous diving variations and the variety of marine life. Then, studies, researches and investigations are truly feasible with scuba diving. Marine biology, for instance, has experienced great improvement with the help of scuba diving. Not to mention that scuba diving is a relaxing activity, as it shows a soothing environment. This outdoor activity is also very educational, as the scuba diver combines fun with learning about marine life during a dive.
The terms scuba diving refer to various diving activities, such as recreational diving, technical diving, public safety diving, commercial diving, military diving and scientific diving. Technical diving includes cave and cavern diving, wreck diving, deep diving and ice diving. However, these are not the only categories that scuba diving is limited to, because it is still evolving.
For more resources about scuba or even about diving please review the following page http://forum.scubish.com
Author by Groshan Fabiola
For more resources about scuba or even about diving please review the following page http://forum.scubish.com
http://www.articlesbase.com
Scuba diving refers to swimming underwater while using breathing equipment which is self-contained. Other swimming underwater activities such as free-diving or snorkeling use breath-holding techniques. Scuba diving implies having a compressed air source, which means that the scuba diver can remain submerged for a longer period of time and he/she is not hindered to a remote air source. Scuba diving is swimming underwater with fins which are attached to the diver’s feet. However, there are other options for scuba divers to move around, such as the diver propulsion vehicle or sleds pulled by a boat. The latter are surface tethered devices.
The term ‘SCUBA’ is the acronym for “self contained underwater breathing apparatus”. However, the term now refers to ‘scuba apparatus’ or ‘scuba equipment’. The term goes back to World War II when it arose to refer to the oxygen rebreathers used by US combat frogman in underwater warfare.
It’s worth mentioning that there are persons who confuse scuba diving for an extreme sport, and this false impression will be changed as soon as get to actually practice scuba diving. The divers wears a diving suit at all times, in addition to his/her breathing apparatus. This diver suit helps avoid skin cuts that could be caused corals, marine animals or underwater objects. They also prevent the loss of body heat. Scuba diving doesn’t require a substantial physical effort on the part of the diver. Therefore, we could say that anyone who can walk a few miles can successfully complete a scuba diving session. Although it’s underwater, scuba diving does not require swimming abilities, but some certified scuba divers may be asked to have swimming skills, just to check the extent to which candidates can adapt to water.
There are many reasons why number of people engrossed in this sport is constantly increasing. Here are some of the reasons why people go scuba diving. First of all, those interested in marine life can be close to it. The variety of underwater wildlife, coral reefs and the numerous species of colorful fish leave the scuba diver with a wonderful experience. Secondly, there’s something different and unusual about each dive because of the numerous diving variations and the variety of marine life. Then, studies, researches and investigations are truly feasible with scuba diving. Marine biology, for instance, has experienced great improvement with the help of scuba diving. Not to mention that scuba diving is a relaxing activity, as it shows a soothing environment. This outdoor activity is also very educational, as the scuba diver combines fun with learning about marine life during a dive.
The terms scuba diving refer to various diving activities, such as recreational diving, technical diving, public safety diving, commercial diving, military diving and scientific diving. Technical diving includes cave and cavern diving, wreck diving, deep diving and ice diving. However, these are not the only categories that scuba diving is limited to, because it is still evolving.
For more resources about scuba or even about diving please review the following page http://forum.scubish.com
Author by Groshan Fabiola
For more resources about scuba or even about diving please review the following page http://forum.scubish.com
http://www.articlesbase.com
Scuba Dive Vacations - Get Immersed in the Pleasure!
Some say that the choicest scuba dive vacations can be found in the Caribbean. Now we're not going to agree or disagree with this idea. We will leave it up to you to tell us what you think and where your best scuba dive locations are - if you want to share the secret?
Of course the Caribbean is well noted for its excellent underwater visibility, warm water temperatures and an abundance of marine life and dive sites that appeal to both beginners and seasoned divers alike.
If you went to the Caribbean scuba diving for solely the underwater creatures you are surely missing out on the most impressive range of treasures to be found there: from shipwrecks of old, drop-off wall sites to make you blink more than once, drift dives galore, cave adventures of an underwater kind you didn't expect, as well as shore and boat diving.
Preservation is extremely import to the Caribbean diving community and they are devoted to ensuring that the underwater environment is more than adequately preserved. Not only does the Caribbean have protected marine parks with thriving aquatic life, but the scuba dive vacation areas offers the most varied examples of tropical marine life imaginable, including angelfish, barracuda, crabs, dancing eels, goat fish, grouper, lobster, octopus, parrot fish, seahorses, sea turtles, sharks, snappers, spiny puffers, and stingrays.
If your are a complete scuba dive beginner, don't worry. All scuba dive vacations have dive facilities that appeal to beginners, who probably don't know a regulator from a wet suit. But that doesn't mean that the experience scuba diver and certified divers are not catered for as well.
We're sure you'll find a variety of dives to suit every notion you've had about scuba diving, and you can most definitely be assured that trained professional staff divers at the scuba dive vacation places will lead all dives. They will also provide instructions, high-quality Cressi SUB equipment, as well as courses for non-certified divers, and PADI (Professional Association of Dive instructors) or NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors) certification courses. That about covers what to expect whether you are a beginner or advanced scuba diver.
Author by Peter Robson
Peter Robson is the author of articles on topics such as gas moped scooters, bicycle insurance, fishing in the Kawarthas, visiting the highlands of Scotland, PC Security, Caribbean dive vacations and more. Some can be found at http://www.basic-bicycles.topic.ca and http://scuba-snorkelling.com
http://www.articlesbase.com
Of course the Caribbean is well noted for its excellent underwater visibility, warm water temperatures and an abundance of marine life and dive sites that appeal to both beginners and seasoned divers alike.
If you went to the Caribbean scuba diving for solely the underwater creatures you are surely missing out on the most impressive range of treasures to be found there: from shipwrecks of old, drop-off wall sites to make you blink more than once, drift dives galore, cave adventures of an underwater kind you didn't expect, as well as shore and boat diving.
Preservation is extremely import to the Caribbean diving community and they are devoted to ensuring that the underwater environment is more than adequately preserved. Not only does the Caribbean have protected marine parks with thriving aquatic life, but the scuba dive vacation areas offers the most varied examples of tropical marine life imaginable, including angelfish, barracuda, crabs, dancing eels, goat fish, grouper, lobster, octopus, parrot fish, seahorses, sea turtles, sharks, snappers, spiny puffers, and stingrays.
If your are a complete scuba dive beginner, don't worry. All scuba dive vacations have dive facilities that appeal to beginners, who probably don't know a regulator from a wet suit. But that doesn't mean that the experience scuba diver and certified divers are not catered for as well.
We're sure you'll find a variety of dives to suit every notion you've had about scuba diving, and you can most definitely be assured that trained professional staff divers at the scuba dive vacation places will lead all dives. They will also provide instructions, high-quality Cressi SUB equipment, as well as courses for non-certified divers, and PADI (Professional Association of Dive instructors) or NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors) certification courses. That about covers what to expect whether you are a beginner or advanced scuba diver.
Author by Peter Robson
Peter Robson is the author of articles on topics such as gas moped scooters, bicycle insurance, fishing in the Kawarthas, visiting the highlands of Scotland, PC Security, Caribbean dive vacations and more. Some can be found at http://www.basic-bicycles.topic.ca and http://scuba-snorkelling.com
http://www.articlesbase.com
Romantic Bahamas Diving
There are some wonderful diving locations for great vacations in United States. You can enjoy diving vacations in locations like Diving San Diego, Diving Hawaii and others. Bahamas Diving is another such wonderful location for an enthralling vacation full of adventure and sportsmanship.
The sea life of Bahamas has a total impression on you as you go out for diving in the close waters. The island makes a perfect divers dream come true with remarkable sea life and reef corals. The clear water and current of the water appeal to you for a great dive in Bahamas.
Like sailing and other water sport, diving too requires some skills. It is not required that you have to hone the professional skill of Bahamas diving, but you can give some effort to learn them. The local dive operators and other divers who are on the shores of Bahamas diving locations offer some classes and diving guides to those who are not used to diving.
Once you take the classes of Bahamas diving do whatever you like- either dive to search for some old sunken wrecks of ships or dive into the water at night to find the nocturnal fauna of Bahamas emerging out from the deep waters. Your diving in Bahamas would be a romantic encounter with the diverse marine life.
Experience the most unique and life board diving in Bahamas. There are hundreds of Bahamas diving locations where you can get the ultimate experience of life. You can visit the wild dolphins, spectacular coral reefs, the sharks at their ferocious best, colorful fish lives, some exotic turtles, and other marine lives.
Choose a Bahamas diving service which has least number of participants. Large group doesn’t give the pleasure you look forward for a diving. It’s best to keep it to 10-12 members. The use of boats, safety measures and diving guides are some other areas where you need to pay a little attention when you go for Bahamas diving.
Take help of the web to find some wonderful Bahamas diving locations and the attractions of the place. Take tips and ideas how to make your Bahamas diving trips memorable ever. It would be a lifetime experience for you to go for share the underwater experience in the coral reefs among the varied colorful flora and fauna of the Bahamas waters. The best services can give you uncompromising experience of diving in the blue-green waters. To learn more on Bahamas diving and diving vacation visit sites such as www.realadventures.com
Author by Kumari Patel
Kumari Patel is an independent writer who loves to write on the topics like Bahamas Diving, Hawaii Scuba Diving & Deep Sea Diving.
http://www.articlesbase.com
The sea life of Bahamas has a total impression on you as you go out for diving in the close waters. The island makes a perfect divers dream come true with remarkable sea life and reef corals. The clear water and current of the water appeal to you for a great dive in Bahamas.
Like sailing and other water sport, diving too requires some skills. It is not required that you have to hone the professional skill of Bahamas diving, but you can give some effort to learn them. The local dive operators and other divers who are on the shores of Bahamas diving locations offer some classes and diving guides to those who are not used to diving.
Once you take the classes of Bahamas diving do whatever you like- either dive to search for some old sunken wrecks of ships or dive into the water at night to find the nocturnal fauna of Bahamas emerging out from the deep waters. Your diving in Bahamas would be a romantic encounter with the diverse marine life.
Experience the most unique and life board diving in Bahamas. There are hundreds of Bahamas diving locations where you can get the ultimate experience of life. You can visit the wild dolphins, spectacular coral reefs, the sharks at their ferocious best, colorful fish lives, some exotic turtles, and other marine lives.
Choose a Bahamas diving service which has least number of participants. Large group doesn’t give the pleasure you look forward for a diving. It’s best to keep it to 10-12 members. The use of boats, safety measures and diving guides are some other areas where you need to pay a little attention when you go for Bahamas diving.
Take help of the web to find some wonderful Bahamas diving locations and the attractions of the place. Take tips and ideas how to make your Bahamas diving trips memorable ever. It would be a lifetime experience for you to go for share the underwater experience in the coral reefs among the varied colorful flora and fauna of the Bahamas waters. The best services can give you uncompromising experience of diving in the blue-green waters. To learn more on Bahamas diving and diving vacation visit sites such as www.realadventures.com
Author by Kumari Patel
Kumari Patel is an independent writer who loves to write on the topics like Bahamas Diving, Hawaii Scuba Diving & Deep Sea Diving.
http://www.articlesbase.com
Padi Course London: the No.1 Diving Course London With Great Training
Diving is one of the more exhilarating things to experience. But you don’t rush into it without the proper training. It may put your life in danger if you don’t know the right and proper way to dive. But only when you take diving course London that the risk of diving might be minimized or stamped out. It is in learning how to do things properly can you handle the risk factor. London Diving is one of the leading providers of PADI course London.
London Diving offers a wide range of diving lessons. From start up to full blown training, you can be assured that qualified experts from the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) will teach you. PADI is an organization of seasoned and highly rated divers in the world. They can instruct, teach, and guide you with patience until they are sure you have the confidence to be on your own.
The wide selection of PADI course London at London Diving does not only include beginners’ courses but also specialty courses for individual requirements. Diving starts with the first steps then onto advanced courses for qualification to become an instructor. The rating system is not based on pass or fail. You are given the nod only when the PADI instructors see you fit. For advanced divers, you can get as high as a Master Scuba Diver rating.
Diving course London from London Diving can be a little extraordinary. There are PADI tech courses for the daring and diving enthusiasts. You can be assured of good training since the PADI instructors of London Diving are seasoned, responsive, and tolerant. Lest you forget, PADI is the most distinguished diver training association in the world. Successfully completing a PADI course London is based on how well you carry out the dive, and not on how long you have been underwater.
Technical courses can bring you farther into the deep. There are levels to be followed until you have learned to dive on mixed gases. This is not for the faint of heart. But London Diving can take you there if you want to explore and experience something extraordinary. However, you cannot move on to the more advanced courses until you have learned the nuts and bolts of diving course London.
Diving is not for everyone. But with the proper drive and motivation London Diving can safely propel you into the deep and explore the natural beauty of the sea. It is not just about diving head first into the sea. It is about exploration. Diving with the right gear and training can be an accomplishment in itself. Let the PADI course London at London Diving provide you with the necessary know-how. The training courses are guaranteed. The qualified experts will make that possible.
At London Diving you can either hone your diving skills or learn some diving skills. From snorkeling to deep sea diving the opportunity for new challenges is provided. Be it recreational or professional, diving courses at London Diving have the same high levels of quality of training throughout. Every step and every course is given due professionalism. You are never short changed. You get your money’s worth. At London Diving the student is valuable. You are taken cared of and patiently handled.
Author by Hall Andrew
For that well worth diving course London, make it a PADI course London at London Diving.http://www.articlesbase.com
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