Snorkeling in Caribbean
Snorkeling in Caribbean
Perfect snorkeling requires good sunshine, clear waters and lots flora and fauna to see and the Caribbean has all these
It’s no wonder when people just flock to the Caribbean for snorkeling. Perfect snorkeling requires good sunshine, warm and clear waters to support visibility, and lots of under water flora and fauna to see. Because the Caribbean has all these, snorkeling in Caribbean is nothing short of perfect.
The Caribbean Islands are classified as one of Conservation International’s biodiversity hotspots because they support exceptionally diverse ecosystems, aquatic and non aquatic. On land, the Caribbean boasts one of the most naturally formed and exceptional tropical forest. These remarkable forests are celebrated for the diminutive nature of much of its fauna, boasting the world’s smallest bird and smallest snake. On sea it is much the same. The Caribbean Islands have more than a 100 species of fish, some of them are endemic to its waters. Some non endemic sea critters also frequent the area. Dolphins and porpoises, whales, seals, sharks and manta rays are generally wanderers that often frequented the area.
As in other island hotspots, fully grown coral reef dots every Caribbean island shore. This reef is home to millions of microorganisms which are staple food for bigger sea creatures which also are in turn sustenance for yet a bigger species of creatures.
All in all there is just so much to see by snorkeling in the Caribbean. Plus coupled by warm sunshine all through out the year, white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, it is enough to beckon any swimmer for some snorkeling in Caribbean.
Most of the Caribbean snorkeling stations like one in St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands have marked the underwater trails so that snorkelers can find their way underwater. Signage are erected on some stationary attractions to describe the array of marine life situated there and to point out special places along the way so underwater explorers can learn about this underwater haven. And depending on the hotels you’re staying or the package you’re paying for, some offer snorkeling instruction and equipment or directions for vendors you can seek out. Also along most beaches are local vendors supplying to every needs of a snorkeler.
Snorkeling in the Caribbean are catered by these Islands:
Aruba, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Curacao, Grenada, Puerto Rico, St. Barts, St. Croix, St. John, St. Kitts %26 Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Marteen, St. Thomas, Tobago, Tortola, Turks %26 Caicos, Virgin Gorda
Probably the best Caribbean snorkeling can be found in the British Virgin Islands which include the islands of St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas. The British Virgin Islands boasts some of the most impressive wrecks, lagoons and reefs in the entire ocean.
Snorkeling in Faver Dykes State Park
Snorkeling in Faver Dykes State Park
Located 15 miles south of Saint Augustine that borders Pellicer Creek down to the Matanzas River is a designated canoe trail in Florida. Faver- Dykes State Park is a popular site for bird- watching, nature tripping, summer camping and outdoor picnic.
Aside from all of those activities, it is also as great snorkeling in Faver- Dykes. It has such a pristine condition with an aquatic preserve where you can see the abundance of marine life. Both saltwater and freshwater species can be caught like the red drum, black drum, sheepshead, spotted seatrout and common snook. There are also huge mouth bass and bream that comes closer to the headwaters of the creek.
After snorkeling in Faver- Dykes, you can trek the one half mile loop. One trail begins nearby the picnic location and heads along the pine flatwoods into the scrub. Another is set in the camping ground where it leads to the hardwood hammock. There are also park boundary and back wood roads that you can choose for hiking. However, you need to make arrangements with the staff for you to enter.
You can also opt to see the flying animals because the park has more than one hundred bird species especially during the spring and fall migrations. There are songbirds, wood warblers, eagles and falcons that return to their nests each year. Wading egrets, wood storks, white ibis and kingly herons feed in the tidal marshes.
This Florida state park is also an abode to deer, turkeys, hawks, bobcats, foxes and river otters. It is such an interesting place to visit where there is even an abundance of trees, shrubs and wildflowers. When you travel down the unpaved park drives under a canopy of live oaks, there is a covered resurrection of fern and green- fly orchid. Some rare plants grow including the Indian pipe, spring coralroot ad Florida coontie.
If snorkeling in Faver- Dykes is not much of your thing, you can choose to go canoeing. The tributaries offer a charming venue to observe the flora and fauna wildlife. They can be rented even for advanced reservations.
Picnicking is also an alternative for those who are not into snorkeling in Faver- Dykes. It has all the facilities that you need to complement with those al fresco plans. There two covered pavilions with other tables and grills that are located all throughout. The site has a close proximity to the creek that affords a short- walk to the fishing dock. It is located under a canopy of huge, old with long- leaf pine trees which create a soft- ground cover of pine needles and great amount of shade as you enjoy the clean breeze.
Welcome to the best California Snorkeling
Welcome to the best California Snorkeling
Snorkeling across the waters of Catalina is the best California snorkeling experience
Snorkeling across the waters of Catalina is indeed the best California snorkeling experience. Those who have come across Catalina’s beautiful underwater paradise always vouch for this. The warm tropical waters native to the country and the freezing cold waters from the arctic come together at the Channel Islands to form a unique underwater habitat where more than 1,000 plant and animal species thrive. Swim a couple of yards from the shore and see the superb diversity of sea life, and that’s just in the first 60 ft. of depth. Add that to the fact that lowest visibility averages around 50 ft (normally it is higher than 50ft), and you’ll start to understand why divers and snorkelers make regular pilgrimages to Catalina Islands.
Santa Catalina Island is part of the eight island chain called the Channel Islands of California or also called the Santa Barbara Island. The Channel Islands is located in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Southern California along the Santa Barbara Channel in the United States. In the last decade, five of the islands were made into the Channel Islands National Park, with the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary encompassing 60% of its enclosure. Santa Catalina Island is the only one of the eight islands with a significant permanent civilian settlement—the resort city of Avalon, California.
Lover’s Cove is a short walk east from Avalon. This protected marine preserve is an excellent area for snorkeling. Some glass bottom boats cruise there to feed the fish, making the Lover’s Cove resident fishes unnaturally tame. So tame are the fishes there that you could actually pat them and feed them by hand. Within easy swimming distance of the Cove, snorkelers can get great views of sea urchins, sea stars and shimmering schools of garibaldi fish that hover close to shore. You can also expect occasional visits from playful California sea lions that swim up from the Southeast Sea Lion Rookery. In the summer snorkels and fins can be rented, and fish food purchased, at the Cove Cooler. Descanso Beach is also a good snorkeling area. They also cater to food, drinks and equipment needs.
Snorkeling Catalina is a mainstay in guided tours for California snorkeling. They offer a 2 hour snorkeling trip package aboard their custom built 20 foot Caribe. This exciting snorkeling adventure leaves daily at 9:00 am, 11:15 am, 1:45 pm, and 4:00 pm and is limited to only six passengers. This California snorkeling package will include Masks, Fins, Snorkel, Wet Suit and some instructions. Prices for adults are estimated around $47.50, $42.50 for children under 13, and $30 for accompanying riders.
Website: http://www.snorkelingcatalina.com/trips.htm
For reservations you may call (877) 510-3175 Toll Free or make an online reservation at snorkelingcatalina@yahoo.com
Banderas Bay Snorkeling
Banderas Bay Snorkeling
Banderas Bay snorkeling features two underwater marine parks which are Los Arcos and Tres Marietas.
Banderas Bay measures nearly 20 miles across with over 40 miles of coastline and is considered one of the deepest bays in the world with depths of up to two miles. The waters of Bahia de Banderas are protected from the inclement weather of the open seas because it faces west and is framed by the Sierra Madre mountain range. That’s why lots of magnificent beaches surround Banderas Bay. With waters fed from the Pacific Ocean, just snorkeling in its warm and clear waters is enough to make you feel refreshed, and Banderas Bay has these warm waters all year round.
But Banderas Bay snorkeling is not only about the water. There are many things to see within the canopy of its waters. Explore the hidden treasures of its sea while snorkeling or diving in the refreshing waters around Puerto Vallarta. Let one of Banderas Bay Snorkeling Guides take you to secluded coves to view the abundant colorful sea life that lives just below the surface of its crystal waters.
Banderas Bay snorkeling features two underwater marine parks: one of which is the Los Arcos which translates as ‘The Arches’. The Arches are basically three underwater rocks that form the small islands. They have a natural tunnel through their centers that has been etched by the tides to form perfect arches over the ocean. These rocks emerge from the ocean’s surface just off the small cove of Mismaloya. Thus Los Arcos became a perfect protection for the thousands of marine wildlife, its shelter an abundant ecosystem that aquatic and non aquatic harmoniously exist.
Expect to see gorgeously colorful fishes and coral reefs that thrive in the warm Pacific waters. Enjoy the company of angelfish, parrotfish, blowfish, snapper and even those dangerous but reclusive moray eels. Los Arcos makes for a unique experience because it goes from a depth of 20 ft. on one side of the rocks to over 2000ft. on the other side of the rocks.
Ever ride on the backs of manta rays? You can only do that in Tres Marietas. It is also one of Banderas Bay Snorkeling spots. Tres Marietas mark the entrance between Banderas Bay and the Pacific Ocean. These are a part of an underwater mountain range which peaks above the ocean’s surface about 20 miles of the coast of Puerto Vallarta. Because it is the nearest to the mouth of the pacific, expect to meet those aquatic creatures you always see on TV. Manta rays, porpoise, whales and turtles, Tres Marietas provides a perfect sanctuary for these creatures.
The Banderas Bay was comprehensively documented by Jacque Cousteau as he studied the migrating humpback whales that migrate during each winter. These islands provide a perfect sanctuary for the whales and sea turtles that come here to mate and have their babies. In the protected coves of the islands, you can dive into the shallows to snorkel with the masses of tropical fish and coral reefs. If you’re lucky, you may even be able to catch a ride on one of the friendly, giant manta rays that frequent the area!
The Best Scuba Diving Locations
The “Best” Scuba Diving Locations
The world is full of dive sites so trying to determine the “best” scuba diving locations is hard. We conducted in-depth research to identify some of the preferred sites by beginner, intermediate, and advanced divers to share with you. All of these locations offer something unique and exciting. Therefore, whether looking to dive from shore or from a boat, or with a friend or family, you will find all of these choices to be exceptional.
Mexico (Baja California Sur and Cabo San Lucas) – Swimming with scalloped hammerhead, moray, and balloon fish is just one of the exciting aspects of this dive site. These adjoining waters offer an ecological crossroads where mammals and big fish come together in the shallow Cabo waters. For divers, there are areas around the Anegada Rock where there is beautiful black coral. Although magnificent all year round, the best time to dive in these waters for visibility is from late summer to early fall.
British Virgin Islands – With incredible shipwrecks and the opportunity to swim around sharks and barracudas, you do not want to pass up a chance to visit the British Virgin Islands. With famous wrecks such as the RMS Rhone, which was featured in the movie “The Deep” and the Chikuzen, among others, you will find diving there an amazing experience.
Bonaire Netherlands Antilles – Known as a diver’s paradise, the underwater exploration there is like none other. The sites are prime for colorful invertebrates, unspoiled coral systems, soft coral, and all types of tropical fish. With water temperatures hovering around 80 degrees all year round, you will have a fabulous time diving no matter when you go.
Turks and Caicos – There, be prepared to see humpback whales, sea turtles, eagle rays, and more while diving. Because the traffic to these islands is low, you will find the diving exceptional on unspoiled beaches. The environment is pure and clean and feeding is discouraged so marine life is preserved. The overall experience for diving is different from other areas in that it is all so natural and untouched, leaving you with a special diving memory.
Belize – The horse-eye jacks, manta rays, sea turtles, and coral are the favorite things for divers in these waters. However, the biggest draw is the barrier reef, the second in size only to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. This reef stretches 185 miles long, providing divers a chance to venture through tunnels through connecting pieces of large coral formations. The Hot Chan Marine Preserve is one of the greatest dive spots for all skill levels, whether diving in the day or at night.
The Bahamas – With more than 700 islands and 2,500 small cays, divers come from around the world to experience the Bahamas. There, you can dive and penetrate shipwrecks or swim around sharks and dolphins. In Andros, you will discover over 400 blue holes, which is the home to sea turtles, sharks, and rays or you can hit the prime season from December to May where water temperatures average 74 degrees.
Can Scuba Diving Equipment Rentals be the Answer
Can Scuba Diving Equipment Rentals be the Answer?
Scuba diving equipment rentals can make travel to far away dive destinations easy and simple. By not having to carry large packages of heavy equipment – it sure seems light in the water but not on land – you can justify the expense even if you own quality dive equipment.
Scuba diving equipment rentals can also be the answer for the novice diver who isn’t certain that they will be completely enamored with the sport. Rather than invest money into an expensive set of dive equipment, you can simple rent equipment until you determine if the investment is worthwhile for you. You may find that you love to dive and want to dive as often as possible, in which case, the investment will pay itself off over time. But if you find that you only want to dive occasionally or infrequently, renting scuba equipment is the practical answer for you.
Scuba diving equipment rentals provide you with well maintained quality equipment at a cost that is not outrageous. Many, in fact most, of the dive charter boats offer the option of renting equipment that you need, whether it involves a partial set of equipment or everything required for a safe and successful dive. However, if you happen to require customized face masks that include vision correction, you will want to purchase and take along your own dive mask so that you can see properly. Almost not dive equipment rental will have this type of mask available for you to rent short-term. The purchase of the custom face mask, provided you do not have to have your mask ground to your own prescription is not prohibitively expensive, costing about twice the price of a normal face mask.
If you are building a set of equipment over time because of budget constraints, you’ll want to use scuba diving equipment rentals to cover the balance of your diving needs. You may choose to begin by purchasing those items that are more “personal” in nature like face mask, fins and buoyancy vest. The rest of the gear can be rented. Then, as you build your equipment piece by piece, you can reduce the items you have to rent until, one day, you no longer have to rent any equipment at all.
Keep in mind that no scuba diving equipment rentals can be obtained unless you carry your PADI dive card with you. They will not rent equipment to anyone who may not be dive certified and you have to prove it, every single time you rent. It doesn’t matter if you have rented from the same place dozens of times and they know you well, they are supposed to request to see your card on each rental without exception. This ensures that your certifications are current that you have the abilities, knowledge and skills to safely use the equipment they are providing for your dive.
Planning a PADI Scuba Dive Trip
Planning a PADI Scuba Dive Trip
If you love PADI scuba diving and want to plan a dive trip, there are simple and easy ways to make your planning painless. Because the PADI Travel Network has more than 200 resorts as partners in over 90 destinations world-wide you will know that you will find the level of service you want in the hottest dive destinations in the world.
PADI has developed a network that can be joined by lodging providers and resorts as well as dive centers and facilities that provide recreation. Similar to the ’star’ rating used for hotel, this rating system works so that the PADI scuba diver will know they will find a quality dive experience and lodging in a location that will cater to the needs of the underwater sportsperson.
Even if you choose to plan your PADI scuba dive trip on your own, you’ll find lots of help fro PADI because their network members display in their advertising and brochures the emblems they have earned from PADI, assuring you of the quality experience you can expect from these resorts, dive centers and recreational facilities.
When you see the PADI Resort symbol, you’ll know that you are in contact with one of over 3,000 members of the network. These resorts specialize in serving scuba divers, snorkel enthusiasts and others that love water sports. These resorts commonly offer instruction in both scuba and snorkeling, have equipment maintenance and rental facilities associated with them and can help you book a dive tour or interesting excursion.
However, only those establishments that display the PADI Gold Palm Resort emblem have earned the very highest rating from PADI. These exception resorts have rated high in customer service and satisfaction, environmental awareness, concern for diver safety and much more. These, the very finest of the PADI scuba dive resort network, are located all around the world in popular dive destination and very exotic places. You’ll find a great dive experience when you choose to stay at one of the many Gold Palm Resorts.
PADI Dive Centers are retail locations that sell scuba diving equipment to the dive enthusiast. They may also include rental and repair of equipment, compressed air, dive and snorkeling activities and opportunities to reserve transportation on dive trips. These centers have been certified by PADI and offer PADI certification training courses. Located in more than 175 countries, you’ll find a center in the location you wish to visit, ensuring you that you’ll enjoy the quality services PADI provides at your local dive center near your home.
PADI 5 Star Dive Centers, however, have excelled in providing what the scuba diver needs and wants in both educational programs and equipment. These 5 star centers must also actively be involved in environmental awareness. These dive centers have gone above and beyond the requirements to qualify as a PADI dive center, taking the extra steps to ensure the highest level of safety and services.
If you see the symbol for a PADI Career Development Center (CDC), you’ll know that this dive center is a 5 star dive center but also provides instructor-level training. These centers help the leaders in the dive industry meet their goals in education and career paths.
During your planning, you might encounter an emblem for a PADI Recreational Facility. This indicates that you have located a business that has a body of water used by divers and snorkel enthusiasts. The members of this network provide for the needs of PADI scuba divers at their facility. These services include safety features, oxygen and first aid equipment, emergency response information as well as facilities such as rest rooms and changing areas. You’ll probably find an area for renting and repairing dive equipment, compressed air services, as well as underwater platforms used in diver training. A PADI Recreational Facility often has picnic and camping areas. These facilities are places to practice your skills, learn about new dive venues and have some fun before, during and after your dive
PADI scuba dive trip planning is so easy when you understand the meaning of the symbols displayed by various establishments that you may want to visit. Lodging at a PADI resort means you’ll find other divers there and make friends quickly. By looking for PADI Dive Centers, you’ll know that safety comes first and you’ll find the service you have come to love.
Getting The Proper Fly Fishing Equipment
Getting The Proper Fly Fishing Equipment
In fly fishing, it is very important to an angler’s success that he starts with the proper equipment. Such as owning the proper fly tying supplies and fly fishing flies. You may purchase or own the finest equipment in the world, but when it is assembled and put into use, it may prove to be a very decided handicap.
To guard against this, it is important that the individual items of tackle be properly balanced one with the other. Unbalanced equipment has been responsible for more difficulties and failures of beginners than any other single factor. Dont forget to purchase a good fly fishing vests as they will come in handy as it will help to keep all the vital equipment close to you.
If you seeking a good outdoor trip then maybe going montana fly fishing would be a good idea. There are also a number of training dvd’s out there that will help you to improve your fishing skills. The most popular fly fishing dvd would have to be the fly tying dvd which helps the fisher master their fly tying skills.
Fishing Rod
To fish with a good rod is to really enjoy fishing. It is much easier to learn with a good rod than with one of an inferior quality. This is no commercial plug to encourage the sale of expensive rods, but just a word of warning to prevent any possible or unnecessary discouragement because of using a rod that would be decided handicap to a competent caster.
Fishing Lines
This item of fishing gear must be selected with some careful considerations if anglers are expecting to enjoy fishing or casting.
This is because the size and weight of fishing lines made by various manufacturers are not entirely uniform, that is, the diameter of the line by one manufacturer may be slightly larger or smaller than a line by another manufacturer even though both bear the same size marking.
The Leader
The leader is also a very important item, and unless it is selected with care and consideration in comparison with the size of the line, the caster will have trouble in making it extend straight out from the line when casting.
The chief function of the leader is to serve as an invisible connection between the line and the lure.
Fishing Flies or Lures
The flies may range in size, from the tiniest used, which might be number 18 or 20, up to flies tied on number-2 hooks or larger. The heavier flies or lures create; more wind is needed. It also requires the use of heavier equipment or more power on the part of the caster during the back cast and forward cast.
Reels
The reel may be automatic or single action, but in any event, it should be larger enough to hold the usual 30 yards of fishing line without crowding it on the reel spool.
The reel should weigh from 1 ¼ to 1 ½ as much as the bare rod. The reel itself is of no specific use in casting or fishing except as a storage place for the line.
Consequently, the entire equipment should always be in good condition. Other wise, achieving success in fishing is impossible.
New Line of Scuba Diving Activewear Clothing Launched
New Line of Scuba Diving Activewear Clothing Launched by Canadian Scuba Diver
Montreal, Quebec, Canada – January 25, 2006 – Clint Leung, a scuba diver based in Montreal, has created a new line of scuba diving clothing starting with t-shirts and tank tops. This new line is being launched through his new company, Free Spirit Activewear.
Leung, who is a certified Master Scuba Diver through the scuba dive training certification agency NAUI, says, “Scuba divers are modern day adventurers who explore the undersea world. These people are true free spirits who are not afraid to show the rest of the world of their chosen underwater activity.” In fact, these free spirited individuals influenced the name of Leung’s company. Leung further adds, “I’m a free spirit who is creating designs for other free spirits.”
The initial design for Free Spirit Activewear’s scuba diving line immediately identifies the wearer as a scuba diver. This design is called ‘Scuba Dive Adventurer’ which reflects the adventurous spirits of all scuba divers. The design features a compass with the four directions. Within the compass is the red and white scuba diving flag with a scuba diver in the center. This new scuba design is available in t-shirts and tank tops in regular adult sizes as well as in ladies fitted sizes. The ladies fitted sizes acknowledge the fact that many female scuba divers want a tighter, sexier fit compared to that of a regular t-shirt. There is also a choice of four different shirt colors.
So far, Leung’s scuba diving designs are available exclusively through the Free Spirit Activewear website.
For additional information, see www.FreeSpiritActivewear.com.
About Free Spirit Activewear:
Free Spirit Activewear is an online retailer specializing in premium activewear with specialty sports themes including scuba diving and martial arts. Free Spirit Activewear has numerous information resource articles on specialty sports and is based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Contact Information:
Clint Leung
Free Spirit Activewear
514-421-1124
http://www.FreeSpiritActivewear.com
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Clint Leung is a NAUI certified Master and Rescue Scuba Diver. He is also owner of Free Spirit Activewear (http://www.FreeSpiritActivewear.com) , an online retailer/designer specializing in premium quality scuba diving activewear. Free Spirit Activewear has numerous information resource articles on scuba diving as well as free eCards.
How do I choose a scuba and snorkeling mask?
How do I choose a scuba and snorkeling mask?
Your basic scuba masks consist of a silicon seal that acts as a suction on your face preventing water from entering.
What are the MOST IMPORTANT things look for in buying a scuba mask or snorkeling mask?
The mask is a long term investment. With the right maintenance and care, it can last a long time.
Quality
We are not talking about cheap mask that you buy for $10.00 that will continually leak on you. A good quality mask will run anywhere from $40.00 to $150.00 depending if there are any special features or not. We will talk more about the special features later in this article.
However, your basic mask MUST cover the following.
When you buy a mask there are several extremely important features to look at. The first feature is the seal to you face. Most masks have a good quality silicon rubber seal. The mask should fit snuggly on your face. A good test to test fit is to hold the mask up to your face and suck in the air through your nose. This will remove the air in the mask creating suction to your face. Hold your breath and do not let any air back into the mask through your nose. While holding you breathe, try to pull the mask off of your face. The mask should pop off sounding off a popping noise. This tells you that there is a good seal. If the mask falls off very easily, the mask is probably slightly to large for you. The last thing you want while diving or snorkeling is a leaky mask.
The second feature that you should look at is the accessibility to your nose. While the mask is on, try to pinch your nose. By pinching your nose we mean that both your nostrils can be closed. This is essential if you are scuba diving as you need to pinch your nose to equalize the air pressure as you are descending deep into the waters.
If you have difficulties pinching your nose or can not even reach your nose at all, that mask will not work for you.
Another thing to look for but may not be as important is the visibility. You should have adequate peripheral vision and not tunnel vision with the mask. A good method of checking your peripheral vision is the following:
With your mask on, point your arm straight out in front of you with the palm of your hands together as if you’re about to diving into a swimming pool. At this point you should see your hands.
Next, while looking straight ahead, slowly open your hands and arms apart moving them away from each other. Keep going until you no longer see the hands and arms. That angle in which you can no longer see your arms is the angle of peripheral vision.
A good range is between 100 degrees and up. Normally your peripheral vision without the mask is close to 180 degrees.
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