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Friday, August 29, 2008

Snorkeling And Diving In Curacao

Home to over 80 miles of pristine coral reef, myriad tropical fish, sponges, sea turtles, seahorses, eels and dolphins, the waters surrounding Curacao beg to be enjoyed and photographed. Besides boasting the clearest water in the Caribbean, with average visibility between 80-140 feet, year-round water temperatures of 78-83°F allow the ocean to be enjoyed regardless of season. Whether you want to snorkel or scuba dive, there are plenty of experienced dive operators providing daily boat trips and tours to all the best locations. From quiet coves with shallow reefs perfect for snorkelers and beginning divers, to coral walls with strong currents for experienced drift divers, there are sites in Curacao for everyone. In addition to being recognized as the best snorkeling and scuba diving location in the Caribbean, Curacao was also named the “3rd Best Destination in the World” by Scuba Diving Magazine. With over 80 unique dive and snorkel sites to be explored, this article will merely scratch the surface of what Curacao has to offer.

Porto Marie is a wonderful site for all levels of divers and snorkelers with a quiet, scenic beach to relax before and after your dive. Currents and swells here are light and the visibility averages 80 feet. Porto Marie offers a unique double reef dive, with a 100-foot wide, 50-foot deep sandy valley separating the inner and outer reefs.

Klein Curacao is a tiny, idyllic island southeast of Curacao. Day trips are available from a number of dive shops and charter companies. The island offers a serene day away from civilization with a long stretch of powdery sand, shallow snorkeling areas, an old scenic lighthouse and the wreck of the Maria Bianca Guidesman tanker resting against the rocks. Additionally, visibility is usually over 100 feet, allowing divers the opportunity to observe sea turtles and dolphins.

The Superior Producer is a fantastic wreck dive located near the Mega Pier where cruise ship passengers disembark for daytrips into Willemstad, the island’s capital. The currents are strong here, so the site is limited to experienced divers. Roughly 200 feet long, you’ll find this wreck sitting upright on a sand plateau between two reefs in about 100 feet of water. After 27 years beneath the surface, the ship is completely encrusted with tube sponges, cup coral and patches of black coral, producing a colorful garden complete with snails, rays, eels and darting fish. Also, the bridge has recently been opened up and is safe to swim through.

The incredibly popular Tugboat is a wreck that can be enjoyed by snorkelers and divers alike. Sitting upright in just 20 feet of water, the 30-foot vessel is accessible from shore or by boat. After three decades beneath the sea, it is fully encrusted with elaborate formations of brain coral, star coral, sponges and Christmas tree worms. The area is also teeming with such photogenic fish as sergeant majors and parrotfish.

Watamula lies off the coast of a national park at the northwestern corner of the island. The reef starts at 30 feet and runs down to a sandy shelf at 100 feet. Sea turtles favor this area, with a huge resident logger head, the barnacle-encrusted "Crush,” regularly spotted resting between 30 and 60 feet.

The Mushroom Forest, regularly cited as one the Caribbean’s premier dives, is also located on the sparsely populated northwest side of Curacao. The Forest starts close to shoreline cliffs in 40 feet of water and runs several hundred yards out into the sea, reaching a depth of 60 feet. The site earns its name from the giant mushroom-shaped coral formations sprouting from the seafloor. Formed over many decades as the bottoms of Great Star and Plate Corals were undermined by fish, sponges and clams, some have grown to over ten feet in diameter.

Oswaldo’s Drop Off, another of Curacao’s celebrated sites, is suitable for all levels of divers with great snorkeling on a shallow terrace. The drop off is only 100 yards from shore with the reef wall starting in 30 feet of water, gradually plunging to a depth of 130 feet. The remains of the Car Pile, an artificial reef created in the 1960s, also rests in this area.

Playa Kalki, also known as Alice in Wonderland, is a fantastic site located on the west side of the island. Sheltered from the wind with minimal surf, this is a great place to rent a diveyak, an inflatable kayak that can hold all your gear.

Playa Jeremi offers a quiet sandy beach with an easy dive entry. The sheltered bay is ideal for beginning divers and snorkelers, with plenty of coral at depths of 3-20 feet. For experienced divers, the outer reef offers a fantastic variety of unspoiled corals and abundant fish populations.

About the Author
This article was written by Justin Burch. Justin writes select pieces about travel in the Caribbean for the CuraƧao Marriott Beach Resort & Emerald Casino. - http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/CURMC

Snorkeling In Galapagos

Famous for being the part of the studies Charles Darwin conducted, the Galapagos Islands has come to be known as the “living laboratory of evolution”. The archipelago is comprised of thirteen volcanic islands, six small islands and one hundred and seven rocky islets. It is considered to be the first islands formed due to continental drift five million years or more ago.

The Galapagos Islands are home to a vast amount of wildlife and fauna. Aside from this, tourists are attracted by the numerous snorkeling sites. The following three locations are great examples of what is available on the islands.

* Floreana Island

This is the sixth largest island in the archipelago. It has three visitor sites for snorkeling on the northern coast. The first is Post Office Bay. This bay has a small beach full of white sands. There is a makeshift barrel set up there with rustic and international appeal. Near by are the remains of a canning factory, a swimming pool, a soccer field and a larva tunnel.

The second visitor site is called Punta Cormorant. The bay has a brown sand bed with a green tint. This green color is from the olivine crystals located in the area. Punta Cormanant is home to several sea lions, and crabs. It has a view of a flamingo lagoon. Devil’s crown makes the last visitor site. This is made of the remains of a volcanic cone partially submerged. There are plenty of turtles, rays and white tipped sharks to be seen in this area.

* Genovesa Island

This island is not usually on the tourist’s itinerary but if you want to experience great snorkeling sessions this is a place to spend some time. There are two destinations on this island: the Prince Philip Steps and Darwin Bay. To get to Darwin bay, there is a trail that last three fourths of a kilometer towards the mangrove patches.

The patches are a main destination for many land birds such as the Nazca Boobies and the swallow-tailed gulls. They are also home to a number of sea lions. The Prince Philip Steps are a one kilometer trek inland through Palo Santo vegetation. Here you will find endemic swallows and doves. It is also a nesting place for numerous seabirds and the short eared owls.

* San Cristobel Island

Unlike the other islands, San Cristobel Island allows a visitor to see how the environment and its inhabitants interact. There plenty of examples of colonial architecture and plantation to visit. Located on the southeast coast of the Galapagos Islands with a freshwater lagoon and extensive beach, it is another wonderful place to go snorkeling. The capital is Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and you can reach this island by boat from Puerto Ayora or by plane from Baltra.

About the Author
Anne Morris writes articles about travel. Discover more information about travel at adventurekick.com and snorkelcentral.com.

Kauai Snorkeling: An Amazing Underwater Adventure

Hawaii, particularly the island of Kauai, is most well-known for its beautiful coasts and amazing beaches. These coast lines make for some of the world’s best snorkeling adventures. If you are in the process of scheduling a vacation to the Hawaiian Island of Kauai, you will want to examine snorkeling. If you are currently unfamiliar with it, you may be surprised just how fun, exciting, educational, or romantic it can be.

Snorkeling involves swimming near the surface of water with the use of special equipment. That equipment may include a diving mask, swim fins, and a snorkel. Additional equipment, such as a wet suit, may be needed. The equipment used will all depend on where you are snorkeling and the water temperature. When it comes to snorkeling, there are many who enjoy it on a regular basis. These individuals are likely to live around or frequently visit a tropic area because that is where the waters are most ideal for snorkeling.

There are many individuals, yourself included, who already know that they would like to take part in this amazing underwater adventure, but others are not so sure. If you are interested in taking a guided snorkeling tour, but you are unsure as to whether or not it will be worth it, you are encouraged to familiarize yourself with Kauai snorkeling. Focusing specifically on Kauai snorkeling is important because what you will find, see, and do may be different than snorkeling adventures in other areas of the world.

In Kauai, you will find that there are a number of different coastal regions that are ideal for snorkeling and other underwater activities. Despite the fact that most of the coast is ideal for snorkeling, you may find that the Na Pali coast has the most to offer. The Na Pali coast is located along the northern shore of Kauai. Its rugged terrain makes it only accessible by boats. That is one of the many reasons why the Na Pali coast is ideal for snorkeling. The limited amount of traffic makes for calm ocean waters, which in turn may create an inviting environment for nearby marine life.

What you will see and learn, while on a Kauai snorkeling tour, will all depend on where you are snorkeling and who your tour guide is. It is hard to pinpoint exactly what you will discover while on a Kauai snorkeling tour. If you make the decision to book a Na Pali coast tour, it is likely that you will be able to see coral reefs, sea turtles, and dolphins. Additional ocean life, may include, but should not be limited to, fish, mollusks, sea urchins, jellyfish, and kelp.

While what you will see and learn on a snorkeling tour is important, it is also important to understand who can go on these tours. Unfortunately, there are many individuals who are misinformed when it comes to snorkeling. Many believe that, because they have never snorkeled before, they are unqualified to take part in a guided tour. This simply is not true. When on a Kauai vacation, you will find that you and just about everyone else you are traveling with may be able to take part in this fun underwater activity.

The first step in determining if you qualify for Na Pali coast snorkeling is to make reservations with an experienced tour guide or company that offers expeditions. Once you book a reservation with one of these individuals or companies, you may be required to take a small swimming test. This test may help to determine whether or not it will be safe for you to swim in the deep water. Additional training is provided by many tour guides and companies. This means that if you are not qualified to participate in a snorkeling tour, you very well may be at the end of training.

In a way, snorkeling is often referred to as a relaxing and romantic activity. This is often because the views below the water and along the Na Pali coast are literally breath taking. In addition to being considered romantic, snorkeling is also ideal for those vacationing as a family. In most cases, you will find that children as young as four or five can participate in this amazing and unforgettable adventure.

About the Author
Kauai snorkeling can be quite an adventure on your next Kauai vacation. Find the biggest attractions on this beautiful island by visiting our site.

Scuba Diving And Snorkeling In The Caribbean: The Best Places To Dive In St Kitts

Many experienced travelers consider St. Kitts to be a well kept secret, this small tropical island boasts some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the Caribbean. With a wealth of virtually untouched dive and snorkel sites, there are unique opportunities for divers and snorkelers of all skill levels.

The western side of the island features placid waters, visibility in the range of 60-100 feet and reefs that are known throughout diving communities as some of the most immaculately preserved in the world. Adding to the allure, most of the finest dive locations are an easy boat trip from the shore.

As a travel tip, it is recommended to enlist a tour guide for your diving and snorkeling adventures. There are several dive operators on St. Kitts, all with the supplies you’ll need to snorkel or scuba dive, but don’t forget to bring your underwater camera.

Though this article will only scratch the surface of what St. Kitts has to offer, it will bring into focus some of the most ideal dive sites in Caribbean.

Our first stop is Sandy Point Bay, a favorite site of Caribbean snorkelers and scuba divers alike. A unique reef with finger-shaped coral formations, the reef is rumored to rest atop a sunken battleship, as this area of the Caribbean Sea was site of numerous sea battles. Divers still find anchors, plates and bottles dating to the 1700s within the swim-through canyons and undercut shelves.

Black Coral Reef is the place for snorkelers and divers to spot the most elusive of coral at depths of 40-70 feet. Ask your divemaster or tour guide to point out the black coral, as it is rather difficult to recognize underwater. Also for the explorer, Blood Bay Reef and the small caves in its vicinity are home to several varieties of coral, purple sea anemones, yellow sea fans and rust-colored bristle worms.

Coconut Tree Reef is one of the largest reefs in the area and offers a unique challenge for both novice and expert divers, as the reef begins at a depth of 40 feet and plunges below 200 feet. As with most sites surrounding St. Kitts, the reef is in excellent condition and teeming with spotted drums, queen triggerfish and large filefish.

Also off the western coast of St. Kitts, rests the Monkey Reef, an intriguing flat formation of both soft and hard coral. Visibility here is superb and the edge of the reef is home to lobster, passive nurse sharks and lizard fish.

For experienced scuba divers, Nags Head is a dramatic, plunging reef in strong waters where the Atlantic meets the Caribbean. Here, the waves are home to stingrays, sea turtles, squirrel fish, sea urchins and several species of large reef fish.

In the channel that separates St. Kitts and its sister island Nevis, divers and snorkelers can find the Grid Iron undersea shelf that rises within 25 feet of the surface. It contains a multitude of shallow water corals, sea fans, sponges and large numbers of angelfish.

According to records, more than 400 ships sank off the coast of St. Kitts between 1493 and 1825, yet only about a dozen have been identified to date. There is perhaps no finer testament to the fact that there remain plenty of sites to explore and secrets to uncover on St. Kitts.

Among the known ships, The River Taw Wreck, a 144 foot long vessel, sank in the waters surrounding St. Kitts only 10 years ago. Both the ship and the developing coral reef are in pristine condition, resting at a depth of 50 feet. This is another great site to photograph a seemingly endless variety of tropical fish and sea creatures. The Beached Tug Boat and Brassball wrecks offer excellent opportunities for both novice scuba divers and snorkelers. As each wreck lies in only 20-25 feet of water, the underwater visibility at these sights is unmatched. Lastly, the M.V. Talata freighter wreck may be a more technical dive than the aforementioned wrecks, but the opportunity to swim with an unparalleled assortment of reef fish is certainly worth the effort.

About the Author
This article was written by Justin Burch. Justin writes select pieces about travel in Caribbean for the St. Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach Casino.

Scuba Diving And Snorkeling Vacation In Hawaii

Millions of vacation tourists visit Hawaii every year. Most of them came to explore the beautiful Hawaiian Islands and volcanoes while some came with the intention to scuba dive in the tropical seas and to explore Hawaii's magnificent underwater world. According to Rodale's scuba diver magazine, Hawaii is one of the world's top ten diving destination for scuba divers.

Hawaii's marine life is very diverse so much so that there are more than a hundred endemic species found no where else on earth. You can explore Hawaii's myriads of underwater caverns, reefs, drop off walls, canyons, gulleys and swim with turtles and seals in clear crystal waters. If you are not a scuba diver, you can take scuba diving lessons and then can plunge into Hawaii's beautiful seas almost immediately.

If you want to go scuba diving, it is best to go in the morning as strong winds often rough up the sea in the afternoons. This is especially so on the island of Maui and that is the reason why dive operators often take divers out to sea early in the morning and terminate the dives around noon or early afternoons.

One of the big attractions in Hawaii is snorkeling. Almost anyone can go snorkeling since all you need is a face mask, a snorkel tube and a pair of swimming fins. If you have never snorkeled before, most resorts and dive operators can give you snorkelling lessons and rent you snorkeling gear. However, if you can swim, you really do not need any formal training as snorkeling is quite easy.

The most popular spot for snorkeling in Hawaii, especially for the beginner is the Hanauma Bay, on the island of Oahu. Other popular snorkeling sites in Hawaii are the Kee Beach on Kauai island, Hulopoe Bay in Lanai, Kahaluu Beach on the Big island and Kapalua Bay on Maui.

Although great snorkeling can be gotten at all the islands in Hawaii, snorkeling and scuba diving on the Big Island is recommended because of its volcanic activities and lava formation resulting from that. There are magnificent and spectacular drop offs with awesome underwater scenery to watch and admire. Some of the great snorkeling locations there are Molokini Crater and the Kealakekua Bay.

Whether you are snorkelling or scuba diving in Hawaii or anywhere else, always snorkel or dive with a buddy for safety reason and companion sake. Do look up now and then to check that you are not getting carried away by drift current too far away from shore and also to check for boat traffic. Do not touch anything as some corals and sea creatures in Hawaii can pack very painful and venomous stings.

About the Author
Chris Chew have been diving for 28 years. Read his blogs at Hawaii Cruise Vacation and Diving With Sharks

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