Sports and Recreation - Scuba Diving

Proper Scuba Mask Clearing

2008-09-04T04:27:00.000-07:00

By Nick Stanlow

It can be hard to enjoy scuba diving if you can’t see anything well enough, and it can also be dangerous. This includes when the mask fogs up or too much water gets into the mask.

Knowing about the methods of scuba mask clearing is essential for these reasons. By using the right scuba mask clearing techniques you will have a more enjoyable and safer scuba diving experience.

First of all you should understand how your scuba mask can become fogged up or retain water. During the scuba diving experience you can start sweating while underwater. The sweat droplets can come from the forehead and then condense onto the inside of the scuba mask.

Also, breathing warm air through the nose can cause the mask to become foggy. Also, when warm air hits the plate when it is cold the screen will become foggy due to the condensation of the warm air.

You’ll need to use good preventive care for scuba mask clearing. First, you should clean the inside of the mask and seal it with some material that can help dry up any sweat drops as they begin to form. For example, you can use anti-fogging spray to help prevent fogging from happening. There are several other methods that have been created by other divers over the years as well, and you can find more information about this online.

Another way of scuba mask clearing involves using shampoo. By rubbing some shampoo onto your fingers and spreading it around the inside of the mask and then rinsing it off you can help the mask to absorb any water molecules that may cause fogging. It is important that you use a tearless type of shampoo so that your eyes will not be irritated if you use this method of scuba mask clearing.

Sometimes when scuba diving water may seep into the inside of the mask through the skirt edge of the mask. Usually this involves a small amount of water, but it can grow over time if not taken care of. When you do see water get into the mask take a deep inhale through your mouth and breathe through your nose.

Also, at the same time you do exhale you should tilt the bottom part of the scuba mask. However, you will have to be sure that you exhale and tilt at the exact same time or else more water will come in. Try practicing this above water before trying it out for real. If the mask begins to fog during this scuba mask clearing process it should not be a problem, as that fog will disappear in a few seconds.

By knowing the right scuba mask clearing methods you will have a better scuba diving experience. Be sure to follow the methods exactly so that no additional water will be let into the mask. Also, by using preparation methods like rubbing shampoo around the mask and cleaning it you will be able to reduce the risk of water through condensation or sweating entering the mask.

For More Info, check out http://www.scubadivingfreak.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_Stanlow

Scuba Diving is Fun for Everyone

2008-08-21T03:27:00.000-07:00

Dive, Dive, Dive! Scuba Diving is Fun for Everyone
By: Stephen Dolan

Everybody knows what scuba diving is; it is the diver with the air tank on his back and a mouthpiece. The basic scuba set-up is a tank of compressed oxygen on the diver's back, with a line to a mouth piece. The oxygen is delivered through a mouth piece, allowing the diver to breath.

Your carbon dioxide is then either released into the water, or, in self-contained systems or rebreathers, back into the tank.

Few people actually know that scuba stands for something, however. The word scuba is actually an acronym for Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus.

Scuba diving is, of course, different from unassisted diving. The history of scuba is quite recent. The biggest advance on the path to scuba diving came in the 16th century, when people started using diving bells to pump air from the surface to people underwater.

Needless to say, things have advanced a fair bit since then, although the diving bell remained an important method for centuries. Scuba diving as we know it really came together during and after World War II.

Why is scuba diving such a popular sport?

It is hard to think of a sport or hobby more exciting or rewarding than scuba diving. First off, scuba diving gives you access to underwater life in a way nothing else can.

The vast majority of the world is underwater and waiting to be explored! When you scuba dive, you become one of the few people to have ever ventured into this exotic world to any degree. The world's seas and oceans are some of the last few undiscovered places on our planet - that is why scuba diving is so awesome.

There is also the fact that it can be absolutely beautiful under the water. If you have ever had the opportunity to go scuba diving off the coast of Australia along the Great Barrier Reef, you will know how amazingly gorgeous life under the sea can be. Scuba diving can even give you the chance to search for buried gold and treasure.

From the Caribbean to the Mediterranean to the Great Lakes to the English Channel, there are countless shipwrecks waiting to be explored.

Risks associated with scuba diving

It should be noted that, despite being an amazing hobby or sport, scuba diving can be dangerous; after all, you are putting yourself under water and hooking your lungs up to a tube of air. If something goes wrong with your air or you become trapped, then you will experience obvious difficulties.

The most common injury related to scuba diving is a result of changes in air pressure. As you go deeper underwater, the pressure around you increases. If the pressure becomes too much, you can rupture your eardrums or damage your sinuses. And if you come up from underwater too quickly, you can also get the bends, also known as decompression sickness.

How to become a scuba diver

Before getting into the water, it is important that you receive the proper certification from your national certification board to be a scuba diver. Indeed, many rental agencies will not rent you equipment without proof of certification. Across the world PADI is the best recognized certiication.

Article Source: http://www.articleblender.com

Steve Dolan is a PADI certified scuba diver who loves to dive all over the world. Find out how to join in at Scuba Diving and Snorkelling. Need a cheap flight to get there? Cheap Tickets and Cheap Travel

Scuba diving with dolphins

Don't Go In The Water Without A Quality Dive Watch

2008-08-21T03:26:00.000-07:00

Don't Go In The Water Without Being Equipped With A Quality Dive Watch
By: Gregg Hall

i am bookwise
Beneath the ocean or seawater lies a whole new world. Brilliantly colored fishes, plants, and additional creatures can bring divers to a new realm. With this in mind, it is easy to forget that it is imperative to check gauges, depths, and directions regularly. Here is where scuba diving watches become all important tools.

It is easy to forget time while underwater. This can be troublesome as your oxygen is limited, usually to an hour or two tops. One of the greatest inventions has to be scuba diving watches. These handy devices can help keep you informed to your surroundings, depths, and many come with an alarm that cannot be missed. Scuba diving watches often come with temperature gauges, depth readings, compasses, timers, ascent rate alarms, calendars, decompression alarms, and more. Each of these functions can help an active diver avoid the dangers that can escape you while you are gazing at an ocean or sea's beauty.

Citizen, Invicta, Luminox, Seiko, and Suunto happen to hold the top seven positions for best selling diving watches. Their stylish appearance suits each brand name, but the range of functions is what sets them apart as the creme de la creme. These watches are amazing!

Citizen has two contenders in the top seven. The Promaster Aqualand's stainless steel construction makes this a classy choice. The Eco-Drive is the company's titanium offering. Both watches feature storage for diving depths, current water temperature, present depth, ascent rate alarms, and are water resistant to 660 feet.

Invicta's Pro Diver Automatic is another stainless steel option. Waterproof to 660 feet, it is one of the better selections for more adventurous divers. Invicta's Pro Diver requires no batteries, has an anti-scratch watch face, and has luminescent watch hands. The screened markers ensure you will not get lost.

Luminox's Navy Seal Dive Watch is the most popular scuba diving watch brand chosen by the United States Navy. This watch offers many top features including compass, diving depths, date, and time.

Seiko offers the Dive Collection watch. With up to 650 feet of water resistance, glowing hands, stainless steel construction, a depth gauge, and luminescent date display, the Dive Collection watch is a stunning and functional selection.

Suunto also offers two watches. The Mosquito Pro Dive has a resin band, calendar, alarms, and digital displays. This watch only offers a little over 325 feet of waterproof protection, however, so it may not be suitable for deeper dives. The D6 are computerized scuba diving watches that offer excellent storage for diving records, decompression rates, and a built in compass keeps you from getting lost.

Ultimately, the watch you select should be one that fits your needs. Compare features on scuba diving watches to ensure you select a watch that meets or exceeds your qualifications.

Article Source: http://www.articleblender.com

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about this as well as diamond watches at www.only-watches.com

Online Dive Classes: A Safe Way to Start

2008-08-21T03:23:00.000-07:00

By: Trevor Mulholland

Out to get a diving certificate, but don't know where to start? As with many things, the Internet is always a good launchpad. Online dive classes can help you get a leg up on your goal.

There are now online courses on pretty much everything. There are law enforcement courses, real estate courses, even college and high school courses for that elusive diploma. Accredited online schools can offer a variety of certificates, though you may need to "attend" certain classes in ordert to qualify. Online dive classes for a diving certificate are no exception.

Economy is always a driver for getting online classes of any sort. Sometimes, it's just too expensive to go to the kind of school we want - you have to spend for gas or bus fare, food allowance, photocopies, the works! Some of us who are strapped for cash may have problems continuing their education, or pursuing a certificate in the discipline they desire. Online courses are able to fill the gap in their education.

Online courses are by no means easier than courses you take inside the classroom - you must devote time, energy and dedication to understanding all the concepts, so that you will be able to perform well when the time for practical examination comes.

For certification courses like diving, online education has another benefit: proximity. Not all localities offer diving schools. You may have to drive so many miles just to get to the nearest diving school, and besides the gas you spend, you will also be spending a lot of time on the trip. It's a tiring thing, and it's an ordeal you can easily spare yourself.

Best of all, it's safe! You can try out the concepts proposed in the classes in the safety of your favorite diving location, or just sit back and keep learning, until you're finally ready to give it a real go. Diving is in itself a dangerous activity, if you don't know what you're doing. Learn all about diving in your certification course first!

You might wonder about the benefits of getting online classes on a subject such as diving. Diving requires practice, and how will you get that online? By playing a game called "virtual diver"? Of course not! You won't be online forever! Online dive classes are simply there to help you get to know the basics, like the physics of diving and the basic do's and don'ts.

Article Source: http://www.articleblender.com

Bestwebschool.com provides you with information on where you can get the best online dive classes, from real estate to college classes. Come take a look at www.bestwebschool.com/

The Breast Implant Scuba Diving Connection

2008-08-21T03:22:00.000-07:00

By: Dane Stanton

Affordable Dental Care from DentalPlans.com
Although it may seem harmless at first, there is much danger to be had when speaking of the breast implants scuba diving connection. Many people don't immediately recognize the danger of breast implants when placed deep within water with hundreds of pounds of pressure applied to them however, they have the potential to cause severe harm. If you are interested in diving but have breast implants, it is imperative that you study and completely understand what the connections between breast implant dangers and scuba diving may be and what precautions, if any, you can take to protect yourself and ensure a healthy and enjoyable dive!

Breast Implant Scuba Diving Study

There have been several tests conducted to show the potential hazards of the breast implant scuba diving connection however, the type of materials used in breast implants can range vastly and the study that is spoken of here is strictly pertaining to the silicone, saline/silicone implants only.

With that said, the breast implant scuba diving study began by acquiring several breast implants and inserting them in a hyperbaric chamber to observe the results. However, before disclosing the results of this specific test it is imperative to recognize that these were conducted outside of a living body and there is quite a difference between being out in the open and being within a body that is sustaining many pounds of pressure from the water directly over the head.

The first major observation in the breast implants scuba diving study and connection was that the bubbles in the implants grew considerably, in fact up to four per cent! However, they did not grow large enough to rupture the breast implants and the bubbles worked themselves out after a period of time in the hyperbaric chamber.

Most people don't realize when understanding the breast implant scuba diving connection that silicone is heavier than water and when implanted within the walls of a human being and can potentially cause an alteration in buoyancy. It goes without saying that the larger the breast implants are, the more of a factor they play in the breast implant scuba diving connection.

In closing it is imperative to note that if you have breast implants and are contemplating taking up diving, it is essential that you visit your doctor and get professional guidance as to how you may be able to overcome these issues to ensure a safe dive.

Article Source: http://www.articleblender.com

If you want to learn more about Scuba Diving Courses please visit our site which is free to the public. You'll find the best tips on everything to do with Scuba Diving Equipment

Scuba Diving In Texas

2008-08-21T03:18:00.000-07:00

Scuba Diving In Texas Can Open A Whole New World
By: Pat Carpenter

Affordable Dental Care from DentalPlans.com
While some might say there's quite enough excitement above the surface of the water, Texas residents might want to consider a whole new world that beckons.

It's the world of scuba diving -- strapping on a tank and equipping yourself with the proper diving equipment to explore all that the world of underwater has to offer.

For those living in the cities of Dallas, Houston and Austin, exploring the world of scuba diving may mean traveling to the coast of Texas, along the Gulf of Mexico. But there are also numerous opportunities inland, with training facilities, including one in Athens, southeast of Dallas, available for training and recreation.

Those choosing to take up scuba diving will have lots of company, with an estimated 3 million Americans now certified scuba divers, many of them Texas residents.

While there are scuba diving possibilities in and around Texas, including the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, many scuba enthusiasts head to the warm waters of the eastern and western Caribbean, where coral reefs and marine life are aplenty. Some opt to stay at one or more of the hundreds of land-based resorts from which they can dive -- or learn to dive -- but many divers will want to stay on a boat, either crewed charter boats (in the eastern Caribbean) or live-aboard dive vessels (in the western area).

On a dive boat the crews are diving professionals, many being instructors who can help with a new diver getting certified or checked out if it's been awhile since a person's last dive. Charter captains know the most popular dive spots and have a few not-so-well-known favorites of their own. All of the boats have dive equipment on board and most have compressors to keep the dive tanks full.

Land-based vacationers may have to travel in a small open boat for an hour or more to get to a dive site, but those on a charter or dive boat are already there. Plus, they aren't limited to one area; they can dive from one island one day and another the next. Indeed, on a live-aboard dive boat in the western Caribbean, a vacationer can travel more than 100 miles over the water during a typical seven-day trip.

It's also often less expensive to charter -- with food and drinks included -- than to stay in a hotel or resort. Extras that hotels may tack on to a bill - - like rental fees for equipment -- are almost always included in the charter fee.

There are many options for learning how to scuba. Open Water certification, which includes classroom sessions, a pool dive where you learn to use the scuba equipment, and four open-water dives, can be obtained in as little as four or five days. An increasingly popular certification method is to take the classroom portion and pool instruction at home, and then have your instructor write a letter of referral to a dive instructor in the Caribbean.

In the eastern Caribbean, especially the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, there are at least 40 yachts available with a certified diving instructor so you can learn right on board. The kinds of boats available range from 80-foot motor yachts and sprawling catamarans to smaller sailboats that cater to couples. Each boat and crew is different, but they all want their clients to have a great time.

If scuba diving isn't exactly what you want, but you still want to check things out, snorkeling can be a wonderful way to get a window on what's below. In St. John, USVI, as an example, there is a marked snorkeling trail in Trunk Bay maintained by the U.S. National Park Service.

Another benefit of crewed charters is the ability to dive after the sun goes down. Some 80% of all marine life emerge only at night, but with underwater flashlights, a diver is all set.

Live-aboard dive vessel operators say a diver is four times more likely to see large marine animals like manta rays, dolphins and whales than they are staying at a land-based resort.

If you want more information on scuba diving, you don't have to go too deep. For a start, check out the NAUI, PADI and YMCA Web sites at www.naui.org, www.padi.com, and www.ymcascuba.org. Learn about Divers Alert Network (DAN), an insurance and medical program for divers, at www.diversalertnetwork.org. An excellent site for all-around information on scuba diving is www.scubadiving.com.[MSOffice1]

Scuba diving is one of those lifestyle activities that can energize those who try it. What can also be energizing is knowing you're looking after your long term health.

Article Source: http://www.articleblender.com

Pat Carpenter writes for Precedent Insurance Company. Precedent puts a new spin on health insurance. Learn more at Precedent.com

The Importance Of The Steel Scuba Diving Tank

2008-08-21T01:26:00.000-07:00

Provided By: www.scubadivinglesson.net

The low pressure steel scuba diving tank is a lot easier to fill though they are larger when taking into account the volume of air that they can hold. The High Pressure steel scuba diving tank comes in two models – the HP 100 and the slightly smaller AL80.

The Differences

There is difference between pressure and volume, and it may be mentioned in particular that the pressure of a tank does not indicate the measurement of size or volume of the tank. Pressure is basically that of the amount of compression that the air holds and is measured in pounds per square inch and steel scuba diving tanks come in combinations of volumes as well as fill pressures and cubic foot volume is the unit of measure that tells how much air the tank actually holds.

To release or stop the flow of air one usually has a valve do this operation and there is the K-Valve which is most used in low pressure steel scuba diving tanks as well as the DIN valve which are used on high pressure steel scuba diving tanks and the pressure would necessarily have to be 3300 PSI and more. The regulators that are used on high pressure tanks need that the regulator be converted to DIN.

The XS Scuba High Pressure Steel 100 tank is a next generation technology high pressure steel scuba diving tank that is compatible with any regulator and includes Pro Valve Standard Yoke and is DIN compatible. It is also Nitrox ready up to 40%, which is the limit for recreational scuba diving and has pressure of 3442 PSI and includes a self-draining tank boot.

As well, it is made from Chromemoly Steel, which is the same alloy that is very rugged and is also used in aircraft frames and provides maximum strength-to-weight resilience and the steel scuba diving tank has a diameter of 7.25 inches and is also 24 inches in length.

It weighs 33 pounds when empty and is -10 pounds when buoyancy full and only -2.5 pounds when buoyancy empty. In addition, the steel in the steel scuba diving tank provides improved and superior characteristics when compared to aluminum and also allows the diver to shed some pounds of lead from the weight system.

Suunto Gekko Scuba Diving Computer

2008-08-21T01:24:00.000-07:00

By: james h smith

The Suunto Gekko is one of the most popular scuba diving computers in the UK, especially among newly qualified scuba divers. This is because it offers all a basic scuba diver needs and is fairly cheap.

Gekko On Screen Display
When scuba diving the Suunto Gekko shows you all the vital information you need - by default the Gekko shows your current depth, maximum depth for the dive, current temperature and the remaining no-deco time - the time you can continue to dive for without needing to do a deco stop. These are displayed numerically and are very easy to read. You also see the ascent rate as a color-coded bar up the side of the screen which is handy for beginners.

Alarms and Lighting on Suunto Gekko
The Suunto Gekko does not come with a backlight, but rather has a phosphorescent display which can be charged using a dive torch to brighten up the screen during a dark dive - this saves on the battery drain a backlight would have, but also requires you to have a dive torch (although on a dark dive you should have one anyway). As far as alarms go, the Gekko has visual and audible alarms when needed, and also allows you to enable max depth and max time alarms if you want to.

Stored Dive Information & PC Interface
Unlike a lot of scuba diving computers these days the Suunto Gekko does not offer a PC interface to download dive information. It does however, store 50 hours of dive profile data including dive start time & date, total dive time, maximum depth and the temperature at the maximum depth - this is all you need to fill in your log book. As an added extra it also stores some other information in more succinct format - for example your maximum ever depth is also stored.

Nitrox on the Gekko
The Suunto Gekko does support Nitrox in the same way as most other scuba diving computers do; by treating air as 21% nitrox. The Gekko uses the Suunto RGBM - a state of the art algorithm for managing both dissolved gas and free-gas in all its stages in the tissues and blood of the diver - in plain English it is safe and you can trust it! To switch to Nitrox is very easy - the Gekko has two modes (air/Nitrox) which can be switched easily.

Ease of Use of the Gekko
Perhaps the main reason the Suunto Gekko is so popular is that it is very easy to use - you can basically forget about how to use it and concentrate on actually using it. Suunto have equipped the Gekko with user-replaceable batteries which saves you sending your Gekko back and forth every now and then. The batteries are very easy to change - you just have to unscrew a cover, then replace an O-ring and the battery then screw the cover back on - see a video showing how to change a Suunto Gekko battery.

Suunto Gekko - Summing Up
The Suunto Gekko is ideal for any scuba diver that does not require a PC-Interface or dive simulation features. You can buy the Suunto Gekko in wrist model or console mounted with a Suunto console. It is aimed squarely at recreational scuba divers who may intend to use Nitrox but don't want to pay extra for gas switching computers - most scuba divers in fact could save a lot of money by choosing the Suunto Gekko!

Article by:

Suunto Gekko Dive Computer was written by Dave Huscroft, contributer to One Stop Dive - a website dedicated to providing all the information you need when choosing scuba diving equipment

Dive Computers: Types and Styles

2008-08-21T01:16:00.000-07:00

By: Dianne Rein

A scuba diving computer can be a divers best friend. It will allow you to stay down longer than if you were diving off of tables. There are many types and/or styles of dive computers you can choose from. Which one is best is really personal preference and is suited to the way you dive. The following are some of the choices you will have when purchasing your dive computer.

Console Dive Computer

A console dive computer is attached to the rest of the equipment via a hose. The console dive computers typically come with a pressure gauge. The readouts are typically larger than on a wrist dive computer so they can also be easier on the eyes.

There are also options for a scuba dive computer to be mounted on your hose (this is the type we currently use) or clip onto your BC. Choose whichever is more comfortable for you and fits into your price range.

Wrist Dive Computer

The wrist dive computer is very popular. These types of computers look like large watches and are worn on the wrist. They will tell you all you need to know at a glance. Some wrist dive computers are also able to be mounted in a console.

Sometimes the faces may be a bit small for all the information the computer can display, so make sure you will be able to read it underwater.

Unless they are air integrated and wireless (see below) wrist dive computers usually do not come with a pressure gauge. One small disadvantage here is that these can be pretty easy to misplace/lose.

Air Integrated Dive Computer

Air integrated dive computers are becoming more commonplace. An air integrated computer measures the tank pressure and then calculates how much more time you have left at the current rate of air consumpetion. The air integrated dive computer will tell you how much time you can spend at any exertion level.

An air integrated computer replaces the need for a submersible pressure gauge (SPG). One downside of an air integrated computer is that if it fails, you lose information on how much air you have left in your tank. Dive over.

Nitrox Dive Computer

With nitrox diving becoming more and more common, so are computers that are nitrox compatible. Even if you aren't diving with nitrox now, if you are even thinking of diving with nitrox in the future, it is probably worth it to purchase a nitrox dive computer. This will save you the expense of buying a whole new computer in the future. However, if don't think you will ever dive with nitrox, then there is no reason to pay for this feature. A standard air computer is probably $100+ less than its nitrox counterpart.

Hoseless Dive Computer

The hoseless dive computer consists of the receiver (typically worn on the wrist or mounted on the BC) and a transmitor. The transmitor attaches to the high pressure port of the regulator first stage and then sends your air information, wirelessly, to the receiver. The receiver looks the same as normal dive computers.

This setup cuts down on the number of hoses you need. There are now even hoseless dive computers that can accept signal from multiple transmitors - so you can even keep an eye on your buddies air consumption. Of course, this capability is really for the more advanced technical divers who may use different tanks on one dive. And, of course, we are talking some pretty high price tags here.

So just think about how you dive and what capabilities you need. The right dive computer for one person can be completely wrong for another person. Choose one that you are comfortable with and one that is right for you wallet.

About the Author
Dianne Rein runs a scuba diving website at http://www.scuba-diving-smiles.com. You can read her complete guide to scuba diving computers as well as other scuba gear on her website.

Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=266014&ca=Recreation

Scuba Diving in Ambergris Caye, Belize

2008-08-21T01:15:00.000-07:00

By: Dianne Rein

If you've never been to Belize, a great spot to start is Ambergris Caye. It offers great diving and interesting topside attractions to keep you busy during those surface intervals.

Ambergris Caye is the most popular spot in Belize for scuba diving. It offers a variety of diving such as reefs, walls, blue holes and more. If you've never been to Belize before, Ambergris Caye is a great place to start.

Geography

Ambergris Caye is the largest island of Belize and is about 25 miles long and 1 mile wide. So it's a small island and easy to explore. The town on Amergris Caye is San Pedro and lies near the southern tip.

San Pedro has 3 main roads that run parallel to the beach and reef. They have more tourist oriented names now but many of the locals still call them by their old names. The 3 main streets are Barrier Reef Drive (Front Street), Pescador Drive (Middle Street) and Angel Coral Drive (Back Street).

The barrier reef lies just offshore from Ambergris. It is about a half mile east from the shore so boat rides to most dive sites are short.

Location

Belize itself is situated on the Caribbean coast. It is bordered by Mexico in the north, Guatemala to the south and west and the Caribbean on the east.

Ambergris Caye is located about 35 miles northeast of Belize City and 11 miles north of it's sister island Caye Caulker.

There is airport on the island with several flights a day from Belize City (Maya Island Air and Tropic Air). The flight is short, about 20 minutes, but beautiful. You can also reach Ambergris via water taxi from Belize City (or Caye Caulker). The ride from Belize City is about 75 minutes and is a fun way to get the island.

Weather

The average daytime temperature during the summer months is typically around the mid to high 80's F with temperatures in the 90's F not that uncommon. Things cool off a bit in the winter months with average temperatures closer to around 80F.

Belize and Ambergris Caye have a rainy season from June to November with the most rainfall occurring in the September-November timeframe. The island does get hit by hurricanes during the hurricane season (June-November also).

Reefs and Rides

Ambergris Caye Belize sits right off the second largest barrier reef in the world (the reef runs for 185 miles). The reef is only about a half mile offshore from the island so boat rides can be short. The visibility is typically in the 50-100 foot range.

If you go out to the reef, some dive sights are less than a 10 minute ride away. One of the most popular spots for diving is within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve which lies less than 5 miles from San Pedro. This is also the area where the popular Shark Ray Alley is located. Although it is a snorkel spot, it is fun and worth doing.

There is alot of variety in Ambergris Caye diving. You can do canyons, tunnels, wrecks, blue hole, etc. Since it is the most popular tourist spot and dive destination in Belize, there are alot of dive operators to choose from. Most hotels usually have or are affiliated with/recommend a particular outfit.

So if you're looking for a spot with great diving and interesting topside attractions, Belize and Ambergris Caye may be for you.

About the Author
Dianne Rein runs a scuba diving website at www.scuba-diving-smiles.com. You can read her full report on scuba diving in Ambergris Caye as well as a report on scuba diving in Caye Caulker, Belize on her website.

Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=276163&ca=Recreation

Aruba Scuba Diving - King of the Wrecks

2008-08-21T01:13:00.000-07:00

Submitted By: Dianne Rein

While Arbua may be better known for its beaches and casinos, it is also a good destination for the scuba diver. In fact, Aruba was voted the second best wreck diving in the Caribbean by Rodale's Scuba Diving Magazine in 2006. So if you like wrecks, you may want to consider a trip to Aruba. Plus, you can always check out those casinos and beaches in-between dives!

Location

Aruba is situated 15 miles off the coast of Venezuela and is about a 2 1/2 hour flight from Miami. Given its popularity with tourists, this is an easy island to get to with many direct flights from the US.

Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao, all located off the coast of Venezuela, form the ABC islands. Aruba seceded from the Netherlands Antilles in 1986 and is now a separate, autonomous member of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Geography

Aruba is easy to explore at just 20 miles long and 6 miles wide. Like it's sister island, Curacao, its landscape is dotted with divi divi trees and cacti.

The highest elevation on the island is Yamanota Hill at just 617 feet. It's located near the center of the island and you can visit it by car. The northeast coast is rugged with cliffs and pounding surf.

The real draw here is the southwest coast and its beautiful beaches. Of the 3 ABC islands, Aruba has the best beaches. The most famous is arguably Palm Beach and Eagle Beach, which together stretch for seven miles. It's home to the majority of hotels on the island. When you see its beautiful powdery white sand, you'll know why. It's also where you'll leave from for most of your Aruba diving.

Reefs and Rides

Most of the dive sites in Aruba are best accessed by boat. The vast majority of Aruba scuba diving sites are along the southwest coast of the island. The reef is located on the south end with many of the wrecks on the north end. Boat rides from shore to the sites are normally less than 15 minutes.

If you are staying toward the middle of the island and want to dive the north end, you may want to (have to) take a short van ride to the boat. This is what we did when we were staying at the Tarmarijn and dove the Antilla and Pedernales.

Diving

The best Aruba diving is wreck diving. While there are walls and reefs, they are generally not as good as those on its sister islands. On many of the dives you can check out both a wreck and a reef for the best of both worlds.

Aruba is currently working to preserve its reefs and to maintain the quality of Aruba diving. Preservation and educational programs have been started, including a reef clean-up program. Dozens of mooring buoys have been installed to protect the reefs and a marine park has also been established.

So go and have some fun exploring the wrecks galore. Depending on what you look for on an island, you may fall in love with Aruba. I know many people that have and you may be the next.

About the Author
Dianne Rein runs a scuba diving website at www.scuba-diving-smiles.com. You can read her entire article on Aruba scuba diving on her website as well as reviews of diving on Curacao, Aruba's sister island. You'll also find lots of other info including gear guides, destination reviews, diving tips and much more.

Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=286208&ca=Recreation

Scuba Diving Rules For a Safe Dive

2008-08-21T01:10:00.000-07:00

Follow These 8 Scuba Diving Rules For a Safe Dive
Submitted By: Dianne Rein

Diving is a fun and popular sport. However, there are some steps every diver should follow to ensure he has a safe dive.

Scuba Diving Safety Rules:

Get proper training

Being comfortable underwater will go a long way towards having a safe dive. Proper training is one key to being comfortable underwater. The beginning of proper training is to get your open water certification. If you go diving in caves, caverns, wrecks, etc., you should also have the proper training for this type of dive. Don't dive beyond your ability.

Never dive alone

Always dive with a buddy no matter where you are. This is key. When you do dive with a buddy, keep an eye on him/her to make sure everything is OK (and hopefully they are doing the same). If something happens, that buddy can be the difference between life and death. Never violate this rule. Also do a pre-dive equipment check with your buddy.

Be in good physical shape

You don't have to be a triathlete but you should be able to swim and take the stress of diving. A physical exam is a good idea before diving.

Don't hold your breath

Remember to always breathe slowly and in a relaxed manner and to exhale fully. Don't take short, shallow breathes and never hold your breath. Holding your breath underwater can lead to lung injuries and worse, in the extreme case.

Ascend slowly and with control

As you ascend you are ridding your body of nitrogen in your tissues and bloodstream. If you ascend too quickly, you risk decompression sickness. Always do a safety stop at 15 feet for at least 3 minutes after deeper dives. After your safety stop, do not propel yourself to the surface either. Ascend that last 15 feet very slowly also.

Check your equipment

Checking equipment is especially important if you are renting. If you own your regulator and haven't dove in a while, it should also be serviced to make sure it is working properly. Do a check of the regulator hoses also.

Relax

Being relaxed and comfortable underwater is key to a successful dive. If something happens, stop, breathe, think and act. Do not panic and rush to the surface. But observing this safety rule could be key to a safe dive.

Plan your dive and dive your plan

You will hear this in your training (or you should) and you should follow this advice. Prior to going under, you and your buddy should know the max depth you will go, the amount of bottom time you'll have and how much air you will start to ascend with. Check your air supply often. You should also agree on the hand signals you will use to communicate underwater.

This is just the beginning of scuba diving safety rules. However, if you follow the above list you increase your chances of a safe dive. For more essential rules, check my website. Have fun!

About the Author
Dianne Rein runs a scuba diving website at www.scuba-diving-smiles.com. You can find her full article on scuba diving safety on her website. You will also find information on scuba diving certification on her site as well as gear guides, destination reviews and much more.

Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=280795&ca=Recreation

Scuba Diving with Club Med in Turks and Caicos

2008-08-21T01:03:00.000-07:00

by: Clint Leung

One scuba diving vacation option for divers is with the Club Med resorts that offer intensive dive programs. These particular Club Med locations have full service scuba diving centers staffed by PADI and NAUI certified instructors as well as full equipment rentals. Club Med has locations with dive intensive programs in the Caribbean and the South Pacific. One such resort is the Club Med Turkoise in the Turks and Caicos islands located southeast of the Bahamas. While these islands are not the lushest in the Caribbean, they do have excellent coral reef systems making it a top scuba diving destination in the region.

For those scuba divers who do not want to be bothered with transit between hotels, restaurants and dive boats, Club Meds are a wonderful option since everything is on site. Like other high end all-inclusive resorts, Club Meds have excellent dining, decent rooms plus great facilities for water and land sports. A bonus feature of Club Meds is the inclusion of instruction for many activities such as sailing and water skiing as well as the nightly entertainment on stage.

As for the scuba diving programs which are offered at additional cost, they usually offer standard five day packages which include a two tank trip every morning plus a weekly night dive. There are optional single tank dives in the afternoon as well. In my estimation, the Club Med Turkoise location I went to had 50% divers and 50% non-divers. It was kind of funny to see that the guests who go to bed the earliest in the evenings and show up in the dining room first thing in the mornings are the scuba divers. Many divers I met were repeat guests. This proves that the Club Med is able to attract a loyal following among some scuba divers. The resort is ideal for couples where one spouse is a diver and the other is not. There are plenty of other activities on site for the non-diving spouse to do while the other is out diving. Later in the afternoon, couples or friends could get back together to do other activities or simply relax. I went to this Club Med as a single traveler and had no problems fitting in. The dining room staff usually asks guests whether they would like to sit with a singles table or one with couples. The advantage of this Club Med setup is that it is very easy to meet other guests on a social level. I ended up socializing and diving with people from Europe as well as North America.

The Club Med dive boats are huge. These boats have rows along each side and another row in the center. They are ‘cattle’ boats for sure as there can be as much as 40 divers for each trip. However, they are nice ‘cattle’ boats with two ladders in the back platform and a large upper deck for the boat ride. A very nice feature of these boats is that there are two safety stop bars below the boat at the 15 feet mark. These bars are excellent for beginner scuba divers who still have problems remaining at a level 15 feet for their safety stops. All they have to do is hold on to the safety stop bar and wait for the 3 minutes. On each bar, there is also a regulator for those who are low on air. Scuba divers can dive in either guided groups led by a divemaster or in their own buddy groups. Either way, there is an adequate briefing before each dive. The guided groups are particularly good for divers who do not want to worry about navigation.

The diving at Turks and Caicos is wonderful with steep walls during the first part of each dive. The return portion of each dive will generally be over a reef system with lots of small to medium size marine life. One resident barracuda nicknamed Charlie is often seen and likes to hang out between the safety stop bars checking out the divers. In general, the diving is similar to that in the Bahamas but you won’t find crowds of dive boats out in the water here since Turks and Caicos are not as saturated with dive operators and tourists yet. For an extra charge, it is possible for the resort to arrange a 3 tank day trip with an outside scuba operator to dive some sites further out that have larger marine life. Some divers took this option and returned with very positive reviews of multiple shark sightings.

If scuba divers are interested in going to a Club Med, it is important to verify which locations currently offer the intensive dive programs. Different Club Meds also have different atmospheres. Some are livelier with a party scene and some are quieter. Consulting a travel agent familiar with Club Meds will be useful. Club Med does have a good scuba diving program with very professional staff and is an option worth checking out if one doesn’t mind being on dive trips with relatively large numbers of divers.

About The Author

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.

Deep-sea Diving

2008-08-21T01:02:00.000-07:00

The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition | Date: 2008

deep-sea diving act of descending into deep water, generally with some form of breathing apparatus, and remaining there for an extended period. It is used in fishing for sponges, coral, and pearls; in work on the underwater parts of bridges, docks, and other structures; in examining and repairing the underwater parts of ships; in recovering valuables from sunken ships; in raising sunken ships to the surface; and in certain military operations, including reconnaissance and sabotage.

Modern Deep-Sea Diving

Helmet Diving Suits

Modern helmet diving suits usually consist of a waterproof one-piece suit made of canvas and rubber that entirely covers the wearer except for the head and hands. Heavy rubber bands seal the suit at the wrists, leaving the hands free. On the feet the diver wears leaded boots weighing about 40 lb (18 kg), and lead weights are fastened to the chest to maintain equilibrium. A metal helmet with side and front windows covers the head. A noncollapsible pipe connects the helmet to an air supply. An attached lifeline hauls the diver to the surface. Too rapid an ascent from great depths causes the diver to suffer decompression sickness . To prevent this, deep-sea divers either use an all-steel, armored diving suit or breathe a special mixture of nine gases developed by the Swiss mathematician Hannes Keller.

Scuba Diving

Helmet diving has the disadvantage of restricting the diver's lateral movement because of the connection to the surface. This fact led to the development of scuba (an acronym for self-contained underwater breathing apparatus). Scuba delivers air to the diver (from tanks of compressed air) at the same pressure as that exerted by the surrounding water. In this way the diver is able to descend to great depths without feeling the ill effects of high pressure (see skin diving ). A skilled scuba diver with good equipment can descend as deeply as a helmet suit diver.

Record-setting dives of over 300 ft (91 m) have been made with scuba gear, although careful scuba divers do not go below about 130 ft (40 m). Beyond this depth a condition known as nitrogen narcosis (popularly called "raptures of the deep" ) tends to set in. Caused by the narcotic effects of the air's nitrogen at high pressure, the condition is marked by a loss of judgment that often causes the diver to discard equipment or engage in other dangerously foolish behavior. Nitrogen narcosis also affects helmet suit divers, but not until a depth of about 200 ft (61 m).

History

Early Diving

The ancient Greeks practiced commercial and military diving, usually with little or no equipment. In the Iliad, Homer describes the use of divers in the Trojan Wars; Greek laws regulating those who dived for sunken treasure are found as early as the 3d cent. BC Before the introduction of modern apparatus, divers submerged with the aid of a rope and a stone weight; using the rope as a guide for position, the naked diver quickly scooped up whatever commodity was being sought.

The Development of Diving Equipment

Inventors as early as the 17th cent. sought means whereby divers could stay underwater for extended periods. At that time, various types of diving dress and underwater armor attempted to supply fresh air through a surface pipe kept above the water by a float. Augustus Siebe devised the first practical diving equipment early in the 19th cent. in England. His first suit was of the open type, consisting of a helmet attached to a jacket made of waterproof material. Air was pumped to the helmet through a pipe from the surface—air pressure serving to keep the water level below the diver's head and the air finally escaping through open vents at the bottom of the jacket. The diver had to maintain a generally upright position; a fall could result in drowning because the air in the suit was likely to rush out through the vents. To correct this difficulty, Siebe later developed the closed type of diving suit that, with improvements, is still in general use. Instead of the earlier open vents, the closed type of suit had valves that let air out without letting water in, regardless of the diver's position. The limitations imposed on the helmet diver's lateral movement (because of the connection to the surface) led to early interest in alternative equipment that would permit freer movement, but the scuba apparatus was not developed by Jacques Yves Cousteau and Emil Gagnan until well into the 20th cent. In 1943 successful tests were made of the new compressed-air breathing apparatus, and it has been widely used since.

Development of Diving Vessels

Several types of large metallic structures have been used as underwater diving vessels since early times. Aristotle, as early as 360 BC, mentions sponge divers using primitive vessels. Otis Barton's bathysphere—a hollow, globular steel structure built to withstand tremendous pressure—was used in undersea exploration in the 1930s, but an attached steel cable and winch limited its mobility. The first free and self-contained diving craft was Auguste Piccard 's bathyscaphe. His craft, the Trieste, descended (1960) to 35,000 ft (10,668 m), the deepest known point in the ocean.

See also submarine , submersible .

Bibliography

See H. E. Larson, A History of Self-Contained Diving and Underwater Swimming (1959); J. S. Potter, The Treasure Diver's Guide (rev. ed. 1972); T. Griffiths, Sport SCUBA Diving in Depth (1991).

Author not available, DIVING, DEEP-SEA., The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition 2008

The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. Copyright 2008 Columbia University Press

Features Of A Dry Suit

2008-08-03T09:46:00.000-07:00

Scuba Diving. Features Of A Dry Suit
by: John Hewitt

A suit to use in cold conditions is a major investment for most divers. You are not just investing in keeping dry but also in keeping warm. To do this it must fit well with seals that are efficient at the neck and wrists.

Dry suits can be split into two main categories:-Neoprene and membrane. The former keeps you warm due to the thickness of the foam although the foam does compress during descent becoming thinner the deeper you go. As it becomes thinner it also becomes less buoyant so air needs to be put into the suit to compensate for this.. A membrane suit is usually made from a trilaminate material and is purely for keeping the water out so an undersuit has to be worn for warmth. As you descend, the air in your suit becomes compressed and seems to shrink -this is known as suit squeeze- so air needs to be put in to maintain neutral buoyancy and also to prevent "squeeze". The air added to the suit warms up by body heat and acts as an extra insulation layer, this effect is reduced the more the suit is compressed

Bear in mind that with a neoprene suit you need to counteract the effect of squeeze AND the material compressing.

There are a couple of types of material that blur the boundaries between membrane and neoprene;- crushed and compressed neoprene. These have the toughness of neoprene but without the tendency for the suit material to alter it’s buoyancy during the dive . Usually more expensive than standard neoprene or trilaminate suits.

Seals. These can be made of neoprene or latex rubber. Latex tends to be more watertight but also more fragile while neoprene tends to be robust and warmer on the wrists but often leaves a bit of a damp wrist. If you have sinewy or particularly thin wrists then latex seals are probably your best choice. Latex are usually fitted to membrane suits and neoprene to neoprene though vice versa is possible.

Valves:- You need valves in a dry suit to maintain constant volume and so control your neutral buoyancy.

Inflator valves are usually a simple push button type located at a convenient place on the suit, mid chest being the most popular position. These have a direct feed hose commonly from the diver’s main supply cylinder though some divers carry a small cylinder dedicated to suit inflation.

Deflation or dump valves come in two types;- manual and auto. The manual is a simple flap valve and is usually situated on the wrist with a simple raise of the hand to dump. The auto or to give it it’s Sunday name the constant volume dump is a spring loaded adjustable valve usually located on the upper arm or shoulder.

Zips. The entry to most dry suits is closed by a waterproof zip commonly across the shoulders but, sometimes diagonally across the chest. The latter allowing you to don the suit and seal it yourself.

A growing feature now in dry suits is a pair of braces. This allows the suit to be a bit longer in the body to allow for movement yet reduces the low hanging crotch so often seen on older style dry suits.

Most dry suit manufacturers will make a made to measure for the same price as an off the peg so make sure your suit fits as this represents a major investment in your diving comfort.

About The Author
John Hewitt is a Padi and BS-AC instuctor, one of the founding members of Selby Aquanauts and CEO of Red Hat Diving a BCD and weight systems manufacturer. email john@divertrainingservices.co.uk and web site http://www.redhatdiving.com

Prior To Scuba Diving

2008-08-03T09:45:00.000-07:00

What You Need To Know Prior To Scuba Diving
by: Clive Jenkins

Scuba diving can be a great pastime for you if you love the water. In the summer it's a great water sport where you can cool off while keeping physically fit! However there are aspects that you will want to consider first. These will indeed help you better decide if it's for you, and make it very enjoyable as well.

Diver Requirements

Before beginning any new physical activity, you should always be sure you can handle what it requires. If you have any conditions that preclude you from other activities such as heart conditions, diabetes, high blood pressure, breathing problems and definitely anything that would make you more susceptible to drowning, you will need to consult a physician to be sure you are able to dive! This is recommended for anyone else as well.

You are also required to complete a form to guarantee you are fit to dive. To find out what is required on the form in preparation, you can find it online at Divers Alert Network. Like any sport, you need to be in a condition to endure times of physical exertion. These include carrying a heavy oxygen tank above water, as well as times when you might need to swim faster. The diving gear adds extra strength demand to some degree as well.

You will need to be at least 15 years old for adult Scuba diving, or at least 10 for junior diving instructions and limited privilege. Certification will involve a Scuba Diving Test which will prove you know what is needed to dive safely.

The Right Equipment

As with nearly any sport, there is some gear required. Though when it comes to scuba diving, having the right equipment, and knowing well how to use it can turn out to be a matter of life and death under extreme circumstances.

Of course the most important scuba diving equipment is your breathing apparatus. It can be heavy, and there are important aspects of it that you need to be sure of each time you use different equipment.

Beyond these, you also need a wetsuit, fins, and other items that will help protect you from the underwater environment where you might need to keep warmer, as well as protected from sharp objects and certain water life.

For the sake of good experienced maintenance, as well as the price, many opt to rent their gear. Often this will be from a sport shop where you scuba dive. You can also buy your own gear, though that will leave much of the burden of keeping it fit on you, as it is yours.

Why Many Scuba Dive

While the majority of scuba diving is recreation, there are those that do it for a living as well. Scientific exploration and research is another area with a lot of scuba diving demand. They spend a lot of time in the water watching sea life cycles, and how microorganisms/coral fit the whole underwater environment. There are also others that work in constructing underwater platforms that are often used for research as well as offshore oil.

Scuba diving can be a usually relaxing form of exercise that still keeps you fit. If you love the water, are interested what happens under it, and looking for a change of scenery, scuba diving is probably for you.

With that, you will need to find a course for certification in scuba diving. This is required to teach you what you know to enjoy, and stay safe while enjoying this inspiring sport. It teaches you how to avoid accidents and other mistakes when you dive that can have dangerous impact on the rest of your life. Then when you dive you will be able to enjoy this potentially addicting experience.

About The Author
If you're a Scuba Diving enthusiast or simply want to learn more facts about Scuba Diving, then be sure to visit the Scuba Diving Certification Site. Clive thoroughly recommends this site so check it out today here: - http://www.bestscubadivingcertification.com. For excellent and helpful Scuba Diving advice.

The Advantages Of Underwater Fishing Cameras

2008-08-01T08:28:00.000-07:00

By: Jason Gluckman

Want to see what's really going on under the water or ice? You can eliminate some of the mystery beneath the water or ice and expand your knowledge by using an underwater fishing camera. An underwater fishing camera can be a wonderful tool and great fun too. An underwater camera can show you many things about your fishing techniques. It can be your eye underwater and you won't even get wet.

See more fish, catch more fish, and have more fun fishing with an underwater fishing camera. You can put yourself eye to eye with the fish in their natural environment. You will be able to identify different species and how they react to your bait presentation. With an underwater fishing camera, the ice angler easily can determine the size and species of fish. (Fish can be detected with sonar, but it cannot identify what kind they are.)

What is the lake bottom like? Sonar can tell you whether the lake bottom is relatively hard or soft, but it's difficult to tell whether the lake bottom is sand, gravel, or small rock. The camera shows the bottom easily and can help avoid problems.

The underwater fishing camera is also great for entertainment. You can watch fish and their reactions, even if they aren't biting. It is also great to just record your fishing adventure so you can bring it home and show all your friends and family.

There are different models of underwater fishing camera and video mechanisms for you to choose from. Use an underwater camera for fishing or diving purposes, or as a supplemental piece of equipment used for ice fishing.

You should be able to see under water from about two feet up to 50 feet. Average viewing distance in fresh water is five to ten feet. In saltwater, the average is seven to fifteen feet.

You can easily attach the underwater fishing camera to a standard down rigger. Using a standard release clip in reverse the camera is attached to the cable just above the cannon ball. The current will make the camera look backwards at your bait while you fish.

For high-speed fishing your underwater fishing camera can be towed through the water on the HST (high-speed tow) accessory. With the HST accessory you can tow the camera up to 12 knots and have your lures drag directly behind the camera to catch any and all strikes on video.

The camera can look straight down or to the side, and even look slightly back up towards the surface. They are fully adjustable and versatile.

There are several options for controlling the camera while in the water. There's a stabilizer fin for high current areas and a camera rotation handle for low current areas. By turning the cable with the handle the camera head will rotate with the cable.

Some underwater fishing cameras have the ability drop cameras with as much as 1000 feet of cable. Beyond 500 feet you have to add special video amplifiers which add cost to the system.

A submersible, waterproof video camera will mount to any standard camera tripod and work just as well above the water for surveillance, sport activities, wild life viewing, swimming pools, and even for security around homes and businesses.

About the Author
Underwater Cameras provides detailed information on underwater cameras, including underwater digital cameras, underwater video cameras, and underwater fishing cameras, as well as underwater camera housing and cases. For more information go to http://www.e-underwatercamera.com and/or visit http://www.e-disposablecameras.com.

Underwater Cameras

2008-08-01T08:25:00.000-07:00

Underwater Cameras – Taking You To New Depths
By: Lucy Bartlett

Do you know that Nikon and Rolleimarin are the pioneers who designed the ideal underwater cameras and their high quality housing which was tested on site by explorer and photographer Hans Hass. They laid the foundation for an ideal underwater camera.

Are you ready for underwater photography? Decide the type of photographs you will be shooting. This is an essential point prior to selecting a suitable underwater camera. Different categories need different camera configuration, lens and flash. The underwater camera should be cost effective, reliable, and easy to use and need very low maintenance. Select a camera which is tough enough to withstand the inevitable knocks underwater. The depth of the site to be photographed also plays a role in the result you get.

If you are an enthusiastic diver interested in underwater photography then opt for a camera which can give a good result up to a depth of 164 feet and not need a large number of batteries and also should use regular 35 MM film. The most important features needed in an underwater camera are the wide angle lens, sports viewfinder, a large lever to operate the shutter and auto winding. Check the availability of other special features such as film advance, automatic & manual flash activation, pressure sensor, rubber armored grip design, For more info visit http://www.underwaterfun.info

In this age of computers and digital media, one wonders why the underwater camera took such a long time to move ahead from their basic models. Present day digital cameras come with excellent resolutions and colour sensitivity. They nicely balance and filter colors along with many special features. However digital cameras with their small housings do not meet the basic requirements for underwater use.

Another option is the multi purpose digital underwater camera, which can be used underwater and on land. This type of dual purpose digital camera gives clear and vivid images underwater and on land. Check whether the underwater camera has special features to capture fast moving creatures such as fish. The camera should also have feature to overcome the low light conditions prevailing under the sea.

The problem with digital camera is once you fill your memory stick then you have to download the captured digital images to a computer and erase the images from the stick for reuse. It is better to carry additional memory sticks for underwater photography.

When it comes to the question of servicing the underwater cameras it should be noted that there are very few service centres and many of the underwater camera manufacturers insists on preventive maintenance to keep alive the warranty for their products.

The Best Place to Shop in the Caribbean

2008-08-01T08:24:00.000-07:00

St. Thomas: The Best Place to Shop in the Caribbean
Copyright © 2006-2008 Marriott, Inc.
Written by: Justin Burch

Beautiful beaches and lavish accommodations aside, St. Thomas is widely regarded as the Caribbean's premier shopping destination. With over one million cruise ship passengers and overnight Caribbean resort guests visiting St. Thomas each year, the island's ports have long been bustling centers of commerce and trade. Much of the finest duty-free shopping is concentrated near the waterfront of the island's historic capital, Charlotte Amalie. At discounts of 40-60% off American mainland prices on goods such as jewelry, fine china, crystal, electronics, perfume, clothing and liquor, the bargains are seemingly endless. Adding to the allure is the fact that U.S. citizens are allowed a duty-free shopping allowance of $1,600, twice the amount of any other island in the Caribbean and three times that of European nations.

Visitors to St. Thomas should begin their shopping tour in Charlotte Amalie's downtown and waterfront areas. The historic Dutch provincial warehouses along Main, Back and Waterfront Streets, beautifully restored to host a plethora of unique shops, allow visitors to shop and sightsee simultaneously. In the alleys surrounding the Main Street area (Royal Dane Mall, Palm Passage, Riise Alley and many others), shoppers will find smaller boutiques specializing in unique local products and Caribbean oddities. Inviting restaurants and entertaining bars are located amongst these stores, ideal for lunch or an island cocktail. Most shops in this exclusive shopping district are open Monday through Saturday; including holidays from 9am to 5pm. Shops in the downtown and waterfront areas are typically closed on Sundays, unless a cruise ship is in port. The shops at larger St. Thomas hotels usually remain open on Sundays, however.

The Havensight district is another concentrated collection of shops catering to St. Thomas' visitors. Located near the primary cruise ship dock, this shopping area is comprised of The Havensight Shopping Center, The Buccaneer Mall and The Port of Sale. Featuring over 60 distinctive stores within the waterfront warehouses, the Havensight district is another great option for cruise ship passengers with limited time and overnight tourists alike. Like the shops on and around Main Street, tourists will find great prices on jewelry, clothing, perfume, liquor, electronics, music, sunglasses and assorted souvenirs. Also, Havensight is another great location for lunch, featuring a number of friendly cafes. Shops in the Havensight district are generally open from 9am to 5pm, 7 days a week when cruise ships are in port. Yet, during high season some cruise ships stay in port later into the evening. On such days, the shops in the Havensight will remain open until 7pm.

Also in Charlotte Amalie, across from Emancipation Park and Fort Christian, is the Vendors' Plaza, an assortment of small booths, tables and tents displaying a vast assortment of souvenirs. Here, in addition to the luxury goods found in other shopping districts, you will also find many locally produced products and unique regional food items. Vendors' Plaza is generally open Monday through Saturday from about 7:30am, when the vendors start setting up, until 5:00pm. On Sundays, fewer vendors set up, though the Vendors' Plaza is still worth a visit when one or more cruise ships are in port.

Directly across the street from the Vendors' Plaza is The Native Arts and Crafts Cooperative. Run by local artists, the Cooperative features a plethora of Caribbean artwork not available in any mall or shopping center.

For the more adventurous tourist, smaller shopping areas catering principally to residents are located throughout the island. Such shopping centers as American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook, Lockhart Gardens, Tutu Park Mall and Nisky Center offer visitors distinctive cultural opportunities in addition to essentials like grocery stores, pharmacies and clothing stores. Tillett Gardens is a charming local haven for pottery, silk-screened fabrics, candles, paintings and handcrafted jewelry. The Mountain Top and Paradise Point centers are also interesting options because shopping is accompanied by captivating, hilltop views. In Frenchtown, travelers can find some of the best cuisine the Caribbean has to offer.

As the heart of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Thomas continues to astonish travelers with its refined pleasures. Combining a relaxed Caribbean atmosphere with the vibrancy of city streets, St. Thomas may just be the best of both worlds.

About The Author:
This article was written by Justin Burch. Justin writes select pieces about travel in St. Thomas and other Caribbean resort areas for Marriott Resorts. http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/STTFR

Caribbean Island of St Thomas

2008-08-01T08:14:00.000-07:00

By Brenda Trout

Introduction

St Thomas one of the US Virgin Islands. St. Thomas with its lush tropical gardens, beautiful beaches, friendly people and interesting history. St Thomas is but a two hour flight from the city of Miami. Of the four US Virgin Islands St Thomas is the second largest and out of the four US Virgin Islands St. Thomas attracts the most tourist.

Beach

There are wonder and spectacular beach for swimming, sun and fun. Some of the world's most beautiful beaches are found on the island of St. Thomas. A 32 square mile island of magnificent white sand beaches, through the middle of the island runs the beautiful running east to west with lush tropical vegetation and some of the most beautiful harbors in the Virgin Island. Dazzling white sand beaches and lush tropical gardens stretch as far. The St Thomas Island is consistently one of the top ten ranked beaches anywhere in the world. Some of the beach activities you will find on St. Thomas are: swimming, boating, snorkeling, scuba diving, and sunbathing.

Caribbean

St. Thomas is an exotic Caribbean getaway. This 32 square-mile island is the home of the US Virgin Island capital and is one of the most popular cruise ship destinations in the Caribbean. With some of the Caribbean's best beaches, hotels, and resorts it is one the great places in the Caribbean for vacationers who love the ocean, shopping, studying history or taking photos. St. Thomas is the US Caribbean's major cruise port of call and best of all duty-free shopping destinations. In all of the Caribbean Islands St. Thomas is known as one of the safest.. It is one of the most beautiful places you will ever see in the Caribbeans. If you are thinking about going on a Caribbean cruise, definitely the island of St. Thomas is one you would not want to miss. To best enjoy your St. Thomas Caribbean Island vacation is by taking in as much local culture as possible, plan on taking in local events, trying the local foods or listening to some of the local bands. With the some of the topped ranked beaches, the best shopping, great sports activities and wonderful dining this Caribbean Island of St. Thomas was made for.

Shopping

The shopping one St. Thomas is duty free, it has a duty-free shopping limit of $1200 with no sales tax. It is the highest in the Virgin Island. St. Thomas is home of some of the best shopping, it is one of the main attraction for many visitors to the island. The shopping areas here, are both very popular with the cruise ship passengers and vacationers. Exquisite dining, spectacular nightlife, and the finest duty-free shopping in the world are abundant in Charlotte Amalie. St. Thomas has a reputation as being the shopping capital of the Caribbean. Thousands of visitors go to St. Thomas yearly from the Caribbean’s region and throughout other parts of the world. The Island of St. Thomas has been a shopping paradise since the late 1600s and the early 1700s, the island was a refuge for many notorious pirates. Charlotte Amalie had become one of the busiest ports and trading centers in the Caribbean by the late 1800s. In Charlotte Amalie there is a wonderful nightlife, fantastic dining and of course the duty-free shopping. There are old warehouses that once stored pirate treasures, but now store the treasures of shoppers from around the world. Some of these stores are laid out like a shopping malls and are usually are packed with cruisers and vacationers.

Resorts

Lodging on St. Thomas can range from quaint inns and bed and breakfasts, luxurious private oceanfront villas to large Caribbean casino resorts. For a romantic getaway destination it is very popular, because of the many beach resorts that can be found on this Caribbean Island. There are many resorts which are designed for individuals of any age, but there are others that are designed for adults only. Many of the St. Thomas resorts offer amenities to help make your Caribbean Island vacation an experience to remember such as: tennis courts are available at most island resorts, jet skis and kayak are available in both single and double riders they can be often rented out by the hour at local beach front resorts, and provide an invigorating way to explore the beach and coastline.

On the island of St. Thomas you have an unlimited number of resorts, hotels, and other accommodations to choose from.

Some of those accommodations maybe the Sapphire Beach Resort, the Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort or the Morningstar Beach Resort plus many others.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a great vacation try the Caribbean Island of St. Thomas.

Hide Out in a Caribbean Vacation Rental

2008-08-01T08:08:00.000-07:00

Author: Caitlin Moore

If something has been missing from your life, something like sweet ocean air, the feeling of sand beneath your toes, or the distant beat of a steel drum, then it might be about time to take a Caribbean vacation. This is a vast area with many choices, but there's one that's just right for you, so start looking.

The Caribbean is the region of islands that includes the Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, Barbados, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Aruba, and several others. No single place stands out as the most beautiful or accommodating, but everyone has their favorite. Soon you will too, so start perusing the options at hand.

Not that every Caribbean beach is interchangeable, but it is highly likely that you'll be pleased with whichever island you choose to stay on, so long as the accommodations meet your standards, that is. By picking out a vacation rental that suits your personality and vision of a dream trip, you'll be setting yourself up for success.

Perhaps you've been planning to sweep your partner away for a few romantic days alone. A St. Maarten condo located on an acre of tropical gardens with a view of the Atlantic Ocean might be just what you're looking for. You'll be close to the beach, where snorkeling, scuba diving, and suntanning will fill your day. Out of the water, you'll find a butterfly farm, horseback riding, duty-free shopping, and many fine dining options to fulfill the requisite candlelight dinner.

Make yourself at home in the fully-equipped kitchen and whip up some hors d'oeuvres, to be enjoyed with rum cocktails out on the private deck, of course. Take a soak in the whirlpool tub before snuggling into the king-size bed, and then enjoy the best sleep you've had in years. Your beloved will feel pampered, and you'll feel proud of yourself for being the one to initiate such a pleasing experience.

If the Cayman Islands strike your fancy, then snatch up a villa on the famous Seven-Mile Beach. Again, you'll have every opportunity to frolic in the ocean and easy access to more civilized pursuits as well. Stores and restaurants are just down the road, as well as water sports shops that will rent equipment and instruct you in your under-the-sea adventures. If golfing is your passion, then you probably know that the Cayman Islands are the home of the Links at Safe Haven, an 18-hole course that many consider to be the best in the Caribbean.

Your villa will be, amazingly, just across the street from this golfer's paradise, so don't worry about paying for transportation. At the end of your most scenic round ever, you'll be happy to stroll back "home" for a snack and a shower before heading back out for a night of island entertainment. Never before have you felt so taken care of; it's almost as if this vacation home was tailor-made just for you.

Visiting the Caribbean should be all about taking it easy, putting responsibility on hold, and savoring the simplest of pleasures. Enjoying the comforts of a vacation rental fits nicely into this design, so investigate the possibilities before you make your way to Jamaica, St. Lucia, or wherever the trade winds set you down.

Go online to locate the Caribbean Vacation Rental that will bring out the best in you and your ultimate island getaway.

Tips For Traveling To The Caribbean

2008-08-01T08:02:00.000-07:00

Author: Justin Burch

The Caribbean has long been a favorite destination for American travelers. Treasured for its scenery and family-friendly atmosphere, the Caribbean is one of the safest travel destinations for millions of American tourists each year.

Yet, like anywhere else in the world, some travelers occasionally experience travel headaches. More often than not, these travel troubles are the result of poor planning by tourists. Hence, the key to a successful Caribbean vacation is preparation, from passports and choosing the right resort to learning important details about your destination and knowing how to pack.

To make sure that your Caribbean vacation is a success, here are some travel tips to consider while planning your getaway:

Apply for passports as soon as possible. As all Caribbean destinations - with exception of St. Thomas and the U.S. Virgin Islands - require passports for air travel, every member of your family will need to apply. Being the first year of the new passport regulations, delays have increased (with some estimates placing completed application at 10 weeks). Since you don't want to miss your vacation because of passports that haven't arrived, complete this step before arranging the details of your vacation.

Do some research before you travel. Try to learn about the culture of your destination and the locations of point of interest. Check reviews for hotels, restaurants and activities. Once you learn a bit about your Caribbean destination, you will be able to make informed decisions regarding resorts and activities.

Since the Caribbean has plenty of great family activities, try to get your kids involved in the planning process. Your children will be happy to know they had a role in your family vacation and you won't have to worry about disappointments.

Try to book a resort near your points of interest that offers helpful services. Throughout the Caribbean, reliable resorts will often offer shuttle transportation, activity packages and might even have exclusive opportunities for guests. Also, try to take advantage of your resort's local connections. It is possible to plan everything from car rentals to scuba diving tours directly through your resort.

If you plan to visit the Caribbean during the high season (generally December to mid-April), make your hotel reservations about 2-3 months in advance. During the off-season (June to November), reservations at popular resorts are a bit easier to come by and also more affordable.

Depending on where you plan to travel in the Caribbean, you may not need to exchange currency as many islands accept U.S. currency in addition to local currencies. However, in many cases, it is advantageous to carry the official currency of your destination - especially when traveling outside of areas frequented by tourists. If you are unsure whether or not you need to exchange currency, check with the concierge of your resort. Your concierge can also direct you to a reliable point of exchange.

Throughout the Caribbean, food and drinking water are generally safe for your whole family. Yet, if you spend time exploring outside the major tourist areas - like the unique desert coast of Western Aruba - make sure you pack some bottled water.

Wear sunscreen. Far and away, the most common health concern for tourists in the Caribbean is overexposure to sunlight. However, this hazard is also the easiest to avoid. Simply pack some good sunscreen and cover-up clothing for use on the beach or while playing outside.

If for any reason you have any difficulties while on vacation in the Caribbean, contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Nearly all of the islands in the region have an office offering helpful travel information and personnel able to resolve many common travel headaches.

The U.S. State Department also offers detailed Consular Information Sheets for all the Caribbean nations. These information packets can help you understand entry and exit requirements, currency exchange, the location of consulates and embassies throughout the region and plenty of other local issues. Use the information of the U.S. State Department in conjunction with your travel guides to prepare for your vacation and avoid the unnecessary stress associated with international travel.

Look into travel insurance programs before finalizing the details of your vacation. Travel insurance can protect you (and your money) in case you need to cancel your vacation, experience delays while traveling or have any medical issues. Review your existing homeowner's and medical insurance plans to see if any of these conditions are covered before you travel.

Following these simple tips as you plan your vacation to the Caribbean will not only help you avoid common travel headaches, but also grant you and your family a perfect vacation.

Caribbean is the Perfect Honeymoon Destination

2008-08-01T07:59:00.000-07:00

Why the Caribbean is the Perfect Honeymoon Destination
Author: Fred Mallery Author

Are you in the process of planning a wedding? If so, there will come a point in time when you will need to make your honeymoon plans. When doing so, you will have an unlimited number of destinations to choose from. With that said, you should place a good percentage of your focus on the Caribbean. Why? Because the Caribbean is the perfect place to honeymoon.

As nice as it is to hear that the Caribbean is a great place to honeymoon, you may be looking for more information. After all, honeymoons are supposed to be perfect, so it is only natural for you to have a number of questions. As it was previously stated, you have an unlimited number of destinations to choose from. So, what is it that makes the Caribbean such as great choice? Continue reading on to find out.

Destinations

The destination choices that you have is just one reason why Caribbean honeymoons are popular. The Caribbean encompasses a number of different islands and locations. Almost all are the perfect place to sit back, relax, and enjoy a little bit of romance. Although you do have a number of different options, the Bahamas, Jamaica, Aruba, and the Dominican Republic are popular choices among honeymooners, just like yourself.

All-Inclusive Resorts

Perhaps, the greatest reason why your honeymoon should be a Caribbean honeymoon is because of all-inclusive resorts. They are easy to find in the Caribbean. All-inclusive resorts are nice, as the overall cost of your stay includes a number of your vacation expenses. Depending on the resort in question and the travel package offered, your overall cost may include your airline reservations, overnight accommodations, food, drinks, snacks, tips, and entertainment. Having most of your vacation expenses prepaid gives you the opportunity to enjoy your honeymoon to its fullest extent, with no worries.

Adult Resorts

While on your honeymoon, you want the mood set for romance. One of the best ways to do so is to stay at an adult resort. Adult resorts have age requirements, which often prohibit those under the age of fourteen from staying onsite. What does this mean? It means you are more likely to find peace, quietness, and privacy. The good news is that most Caribbean adult resorts also double as all-inclusive resorts.

Amazing Beaches

An important component of having a successful honeymoon is romance. What is more romantic that white sandy beaches? As nice as it may be to spend your honeymoon basking in the sun along the beach, you may also wish for fun and adventure. The good news is that the beach can give you that as well. There are an unlimited number of activities for you to choose from. Popular activities include swimming, sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, waterskiing, kayaking, and windsurfing. If you book your vacation in the form of a super-inclusive travel package, many of these activities may be included in the cost of your stay.

Beautiful Weather

Gaining access to amazing beaches is a great plus for anyone on a honeymoon, but combine that with the weather and the mood will definitely be set for romance. The weather of the Caribbean is a dream come true for many. With beautiful tropical weather all year round, what more could you ask for? Even if you travel outside of the peak travel dates, the tropical weather will still be there to greet you.

Destination Weddings

If you are in the middle of planning your wedding, you may have other arrangements already set for your wedding ceremony. If not, you will want to consider having a Caribbean destination wedding. In fact, when you book your honeymoon at an all-inclusive resort, did you know that you may get a free wedding? Many resorts offer these weddings as long as you stay a set number of days, such as three, five, or seven.

If you like what a Caribbean honeymoon can give you, start examining all-inclusive travel packages today. You can do so with SuperClubs.com. When examining your options or making your travel arrangements, there are a number of points to remember. Beachfront resorts, those that are classified as adult resorts, and a honeymoon suite can help to make your honeymoon feel like a fairy tale.

A Cruise in the Caribbean

2008-08-01T07:57:00.000-07:00

A Cruise in the Caribbean - Once in a Lifetime Opportunity
Author: James Penn

Going on a Caribbean cruise is certainly one of the finest ways of spending ones holidays. But it is always a good idea to have some knowledge of the places you intend to visit beforehand when you go on a Caribbean cruise. It goes without saying that the on-board activities would keep you busy and would never let you get bored of sailing but in addition to it, you must also keep in mind the ways you are going to spend time when you stop at different stops. Let us have a look at some of the best islands where you would land while on your Caribbean cruise.

St. Croix

It is on the Eastern side of the Caribbean. St. Croix is located in the Virgin Islands and for people with sporty tastes, it is virtually a paradise. You can go kayaking here. And yes, if you want to feel some history playing in front of you, have a look at the place where Christopher Columbus landed.

St. Thomas

When you are in the Virgin Island, how can you miss visiting St. Thomas? It is by far the best place to go for snorkeling at the Cinnamon Bay National Park. And why should you do that. Well for the simple reason that nature has kept the surrounding waters of St. Thomas very shallow and you can easily see all types of marine creatures here. And that is some experience to have.

Grenada

This is some island to visit no doubt. The hurricane Ivan completely devastated this island in the year 2004, yet it is still the place to be when you are on a Caribbean cruise. For the ones who live some underwater adventure, you can't get a better place for scuba diving. The place is full of great under-water sights. The presence of a number of underwater volcanoes as well as a lot of myriad colored tropical fish make the day of scuba divers.

Jamaica

Jamaica is also one such great places to be during your Caribbean cruise. See to it that you don't miss a visit to Jamaica at any cost. Bustling markets of Jamaica is a well known sight here. For adventure seekers, there is Bamboo rafting to pump the adrenaline.

Puerto Rico

You must have heard of Conado Beach. It is perhaps one of the most famous beaches in the world. Puerto Rico is certainly worth a visit for all you on Caribbean cruise.

Aruba

Aruba is certainly a place worth visiting. Even though it is a small island in the Dutch Antilles, yet it boasts of over one year worth of beaches, 365 beaches. So, even if you have to spend a year here, you would find one new beach to relax and take in sun, every day. Not without reason, Aruba is considered the paradise island.

Caribbean Beach Vacations: Top 10 Destinations

2008-08-01T07:54:00.000-07:00

Author: Ryan Burden

Looking for the best Caribbean beach vacation? Hey, I love sharing the highlights of all the places I visit and learn about. Below you'll find my top 10 picks for a great beach vacation with examples of what's special about them. Then you can decide which one you think would be the best beach vacation in the Caribbean for your trip!

Aruba:

This place is for those that like a non-stop vacation with lots of restaurants, bars casinos. The beaches are gorgeous, the water is wonderful and it hardly ever rains. The scuba diving is awesome with great opportunities for photography. The fishing is pretty good too.

Barbados:

Your troubles will simply wash away in the soft island serenity of this great beach vacation destination. Brighton Beach is a great place to stay for your Caribbean beach vacation and the most popular here. If you want a little more privacy you can get secluded villas around the island. Taking that horseback ride on the beach will feel as if you’re in a movie and I would highly recommend trying it. Probably my second favorite beach vacation overall.

Turks and Caicos Islands:

Like long beach walks? At 12 miles long, Grace Bay is simply a phenomenal stretch of soft white sand with smaller luxury resorts, spas and great restaurants perfect for a beach honeymoon vacation. And the water color is the most vibrant translucent turquoise... I love it! Seems that many movie stars and rock stars like it too with several owning homes and vacationing here on some of the 8 secluded islands all with fantastic beaches. Turks & Caicos has long been a diver's paradise with great deep-sea and bone fishing too! Taking the kids? Well, Beaches Resort consistently gets high marks as one of the world's best family beach vacation spots.

Bahamas:

Technically not in the Caribbean, but with so many beautiful beaches I had to add it to the best beach vacation list... it's close enough. Paradise Island is great fun especially swimming with the dolphins, which is an experience of a lifetime. The diving here is fantastic because of the calm waters and enjoying the nightlife is all kinds of fun. For a secluded romantic get-a-way try the pink sand beach on Harbor Island.

British Virgin Islands & U.S. Virgin Islands:

Both make great beach vacations, especially for island hopping. Having a chance to easily enjoy not 1, 2, but potentially 3 islands or more each with it's own charm make for one of the best beach vacation spots. Trunk Bay on St. John is particularly gorgeous and popular with calm waters and an underwater snorkeling "trail."

Cayman Islands:

A very entertaining destination with odd things like feeding iguanas grapes while dining at a restaurant. Definitely worth it for the pictures! Three islands in all, its another great place to island hop and enjoy waterfall climbing, extensive shark diving, and swimming with the stingrays and shopping, shopping, shopping.

Dominican Republic:

Here is a place you can go for a cheap beach vacation and still enjoy all the splendid beauty of a Caribbean island. Have a great time scuba diving, swimming with dolphins, deep sea fishing and hiking. Fabulous beaches too!

Anguilla:

A fun Caribbean beach vacation to tell your friends about. It's the only area known in the Caribbean to have beautiful white sandy beaches deserted during peak season, which makes this a great place for couples to enjoy. Especially with activities that include windsurfing, scuba diving, and snorkeling. Oh, and if you love seafood, all I can say is, "The best chefs in the Caribbean!"

St. Lucia:

A honeymooners delight. Think jazz music, small island, secluded and intimate and that is St. Lucia. Beautiful beaches, lush tropical foilage, scenic mountains, spectacular sunsets and typically many great all-inclusive packages are offered. It all makes for a very seductive beach honeymoon vacation.

Hey, I could add a couple more since the Caribbean is full of beautiful and interesting places. Some may offer a little better snorkeling or fishing, larger or smaller hotels, more seclusion or more nightlife, but all are wonderful in their own way. You really can't go wrong with these when planning and dreaming of your next Caribbean beach vacation!