Photo Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Heather Titus

Think every beach is the same? Been there, done that? Not necessarily. Beaches are almost as unique in their experiences as the tropical treasures travelers might discover.

There are many sources to rank top beaches. Below are the latest results by TripAdvisor.com naming its top 10 U.S. beaches, based on popularity. Hawaii and Florida top this list with the most popular beaches.

1. Fort De Soto Park, Tierra Verde, Florida - Beloved for its pure white sand and clear water, the park’s North Beach is a wide, family-friendly stretch of beach that is both naturally beautiful and convenient, with picnic tables, grills, and bathrooms nearby.

2. Bahia Honda State Park and Beach, Big Pine Key, Florida - An exquisite spot for snorkeling, the park draws both those who want to experience gentle, lapping waves and soft sand, as well as those seeking the beauty of the park’s flora and fauna.

3. St. Andrews State Park, Panama City, Florida - With abundant wildlife and more than a mile and a half of beach, the park invites visitors to enjoy the exquisite waters of the Gulf of Mexico in a variety of ways, from swimming to kayaking to snorkeling.

4. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Oahu, Hawaii - With a focus on preserving the precious natural ecosystem of the area, the preserve is ideal for swimming and observing coral, fish, turtles, stingrays and other marine life.

5. Kailua Beach Park, Oahu, Hawaii - The beach’s stunning scenery and turquoise water make it an unforgettable Hawaiian destination, and visitors can enjoy it while swimming, kayaking, or simply taking in the view from the soft sand.

6. La Jolla Cove, La Jolla, California - Known for its breathtaking beauty, the cove’s small stretch of beach, and deep, clear water is perfect for swimming and sightseeing alike. Ideal picnicking nearby lets visitors continue to enjoy the views even after leaving the water.

7. Green Sand Beach, Hawi, Hawaii - Located on the southernmost point of the United States, the olive-colored sand alone is well worth the bumpy trek there, not to mention the extraordinary views and blue-green water of this legendary destination.

Photo Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson

8. Tunnels Beach, Kauai, Hawaii - Travelers rave about the exquisite snorkeling, but even from ashore the beach is stunningly picturesque, with its aqua water meeting golden sands, surrounded by the lush, hilly greens of Kauai.

9. Honeymoon Island State Park, Dunedin, Florida - What sets this beach apart is its undisturbed natural beauty. Not your typical “beachgoer’s beach,” it lets visitors interact with the scenic natural environment of the area, from swimming to seashells to sunsets.

10. Edisto Beach State Park, Edisto Island, South Carolina - This uncrowded beach draws visitors to its scenic shores, while the park itself is a perfect camping destination, with a bike trail that makes it easy to explore the quiet beauty of the area.

When planning a tropical escape, consider a new beach locale for a new vacation experience. There is a beach for everyone!

Photo Credit: U.S. State Department

A tightening of the belt for passport requirements went into effect on June 1^st, 2009 for U.S. travelers.   The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) now requires valid passports for land and sea travel with the continued exception for “closed-loop” cruises.  These are cruises that originate and terminate at the same U.S. port.  This leniency applies only to cruises and many of the cruise lines are strongly recommending to their passengers to travel with a valid passport, one that is valid for at least 6 months beyond completion of travel.

According to the U.S. State Department, travelers by air will be required to present a passport book to enter or re-enter the United States. Sea travelers may also use the passport booklet or the passport card and now the continued option of birth certificate and photo ID. 

Qualifying cruise passengers opting to take advantage of this leniency will be required to show proof of citizenship such as a original or certified copy of a birth certificate and a government issued photo ID i.e. driver’s license.  Children under the age of 16 will also be required to show a birth certificate as proof of citizenship.

All air travel and cruises that begin and end in different U.S. ports or foreign ports will still require a valid passport or other recognized WHTI compliant document.  Lynn Torrent, senior VP of sales and guest services with Carnival Cruise Lines says, “We’d like to take this opportunity to remind all our guests that proof of citizenship is required in order to travel and failure to present a valid document at check in will result in denied boarding and no refund will be issued.”

Future travelers struggling with the dilemma of “do I or don’t I need a passport?” will be better served by visiting the U.S. State Department WHTI requirements Web site.  This site offers explanations of terms and requirements as well as tips for living abroad and overseas Citizen’s services.  Applications for passport booklets and passport cards are available for printing as well as locations to apply in person and the frequently asked questions section offers a broad spectrum of answers to possible issues. 

There has been much confusion surrounding the WHTI and its requirements along with implementation dates and who is affected by the initiative. Cruise travelers have been fortunate to have the effective dates of the requirements pushed back a number of times.

However, when planning for the dreaded “what if” scenario, even travel insurance may not protect a traveler when trying to re-enter the U.S. from a foreign port if they need to return to the U.S. due to an emergency.

Bill Thomas, CEO of Tropical Latitudes Travel, explains “Since the passport card is not valid for air travel, the continued leniency policy for closed-loop cruises does present some concerns for travelers without a valid passport. Should an emergency arise and cruisers need to disembark in a foreign port and fly back to the U.S., they might face delays in admittance back to the U.S..”

The best protection? “Have a valid passport,” Thomas says.

In 2007, 18.4 million U.S. passports were issued, according to U.S. State Department spokesperson Adriana Gallegos. From 2008 through 2009, 7.1 million have been issued. “The demand has been lower than expected,” Gallegos says. “We attribute this to a delay in the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative and the current economic conditions.”

The Atlantic is calm at start of Hurricane Season. Photo Credit: NOAA

Today, June 1, 2009 launches the official start of Hurricane Season. While the 2009 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Forecast predicts nine to 14 named storms (which is a less active season compared to 2008’s predictions), it only takes one to cause catastrophic damage. NOAA forecasts four to seven hurricanes, and one to three category 3+ hurricanes for this year’s hurricane season which goes through November 30.

“Tropical systems acquire a name - the first for 2009 will be Ana - upon reaching tropical storm strength with sustained winds of at least 39 mph,” according to the NOAA Web site. “Tropical storms become hurricanes when winds reach 74 mph, and become major hurricanes when winds increase to 111 mph. An average season has 11 named storms, including six hurricanes with two becoming major hurricanes.”

Author of Smooth Landings and owner of MacNair Travel Management Michael MacNair explains that are steps travelers can employ to ensure smooth sailing throughout hurricane designated months.

“Whether you are taking a cruise or visiting an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean during hurricane season, a traveler’s two best defenses are to purchase travel insurance and to align with a travel partner,” MacNair says. “Travel agents know how to maneuver issues travelers’ face due to hurricane weather issues including airline and resort conditions.”

A GOES-12 visible image of Hurricane Katrina shortly after landfall on August 29, 2005 at 1415z. Photo Credit: NOAA

Following are seven recommended travel strategies MacNair recommends to help prepare for the onset of hurricane season:

1. Use a travel agent. Purchasing vacation packages through a travel agency will give travelers the peace of mind in knowing that travel professionals are their advocates and ready to help them through difficult travel scenarios. If a vacation is booked online, a vacationer may find they are on their own and it may be difficult to get through to one of their representatives.

2. Purchase travel insurance. Be sure to read the hurricane clauses of travel insurance policies or ask the travel agent for guidance. Depending on policy purchased, a pre-planned trip can be completely altered and rescheduled with no penalties. Travel insurance can also protect the traveler who lives in a hurricane zone and needs to return to their home after a hurricane hit area.

3. Do not make assumptions. Just because a storm or hurricane is spinning or went through the destination a consumer is traveling to, do not assume flights are cancelled or that a resort sustained damage. Always check with travel professional to check on status.

4. Be one step ahead. Always call the airport early to check on the status of your flights. Many airlines allow online check-in up to 24-hours prior to departure. Check the weather at your destination a few days before your trip. Knowing in advance what the expected weather pattern is going to be will help a vacationer to prepare and take necessary steps prior to their trip.

5. Sailing around the storm. If taking a cruise vacation, there is a good chance that a vacation will not be ruined by a hurricane. The cruise industry has state-of-the-art technology on all of their ships and they can alter their itineraries to avoid oncoming hurricanes. Be flexible when cruising during hurricane season and if the route is altered, look at is as a travel adventure.

6. Charged technology gadgets. Accessing the Internet on wireless devices, gives travelers up-to-the-minute storm tracking information. Be sure to carry a fully charged cell phone and have the travel agent’s number and after-hours emergency assistance number in hand in case alternate travel arrangements need to be made. Even while waiting in line at the airport, traveler should call the travel agent as they might be able to resolve the issue before reaching counter.

7. Take an extra day. Particularly when cruising out of southern ports such as Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa, Miami and San Juan, consider spending a pre-night prior to cruise in the departure city. This has multiple benefits including a day to unwind and get into vacation mode and gives a cushion in case of delayed flights due to inclement weather.

Wellness expert and author Asha Praver explains “Take a holiday at home — nothing special there. But make this also a vacation from both speed and noise.”

During this vacation, Praver advises to spend all your time — physically, psychically, and telecommunication-wise — right where you are. Talk only to those people who are physically with you. Pay attention only to events that happen right where you are.

Living in a vacation spot, I am victim to often not taking advantage of taking time to rejuvenate at home. Not to mention the pile of “snowy” day projects (I don’t think I’ll have a snow day in southern Florida). In this economy, it is not a bad idea to make your home your tropical escape. How often when we go on vacation do we look forward to coming home? There is something in the saying, “home is where the heart is.”

Following are eight of Praver’s top tips to taking a Naycation this year. 

1. Operate at the speed of foot-power. Don’t move faster than your body can propel itself. In addition to the obvious walking or running, this includes foot-powered devices like skates, bikes, or scooters.
2. Get in synch with your children and your pets. Set no appointments, schedule, or deadlines. Give your children and animals as much of your complete attention as they will accept from you. This will naturally slow you down and bring you to a focus right where you are.
3. Play games. Not electronic games or anything that makes noise on its own. Play board games, conversation games, Pictionary, Charades, things that people of all ages can enjoy together.
4. Read. Not just thrillers or popular romances, but great, interesting, classic literature, for children or adults. Read out loud to each other. Try Shakespeare. Or, if your vacation is long enough, start, and finish something really ambitious like Lord of the Rings, or a popular version of The Mahabharata.
5. Cook your own food. Don’t go out, or order in. Food prepared by others brings with it their vibrations, which you ingest. This is a time to get in tune with yourself and with those you love. Involve friends and family, including children, in food preparation. Then sit down together and enjoy what you’ve created. Cook from scratch as much as possible.
6. Sleep outside.  If your neighborhood is safe, quiet, free from biting insects and inclement weather, move your bed outside, or set up the equivalent with a comfortable mattress, sheets, pillows, and blankets. Don’t try to sleep on the hard ground or use a tent. Fall asleep looking at the moon and stars, wake up in the early light in the fresh dawn air. It will do amazing things for your health and your perspective.
7. Talk to the people around you. Invite friends over to spend time in conversation, or in doing together all those things listed above. Be with one another without having your attention drawn off to times, places, and events brought in via electronic media.
8. Be creative. Knit, sew, paint, garden, carve, write poetry, anything that engages your creative artistic self.

Praver advises if you stick with these tips, you’ll find yourself resting and renewing on a level you didn’t know was possible. “It could turn out to be the cheapest, and the best vacation you’ve ever had,” she says.

Use this recession to reconnect with your family, tackle your “someday” list, and explore passions. Which of these tips are most appealing to creating a rejuvenating naycation?

Squaremouth.com’s CEO Chris Harvey warns that this is not the case. As of Friday, April 24, 2009, swine flu is now considered a “foreseen” event and any policies purchased on that day and after will not cover any travel-related incidents to swine flu.

As health authorities scramble to contain a dangerous new strain of swine flu sweeping through parts of Mexico, North America and Europe, Harvey advises travelers it is too late to buy travel insurance if you are concerned about swine flu.

“The bottom line is this: Don’t rush today to buy travel insurance in hopes of being covered during the swine flu crisis,” warned Harvey.

Think about it like hurricane insurance. “If you don’t buy travel insurance before a storm receives its official name, you aren’t covered for losses relating to that storm,” Harvey added. Similarly, for most companies, Friday, April 24, 2009, was the date the swine flu outbreak became what the industry calls a “foreseen” or “known event” because of widespread media attention.

That means policies bought before April 24, when the outbreak was considered “unforeseen,” may well be honored. “After that date, forget it: the swine flu was already deemed a “known event,” so claims related directly or indirectly to outbreaks in Mexico or anywhere else will be denied,” Harvey explained.

Moreover, even if you think your policy covers “unforeseen circumstances,” there may be language in a General Exclusions section exempting claims “arising directly or indirectly from epidemics or pandemics.”

“Always check the fine print to see what protections apply to you,” Harvey said. In addition, be sure to check with any travel supplier to see what options they are providing, if any, to make changes to existing reservations.

The only way to ensure cover for swine flu is by adding on the optional “Cancel for any Reason” benefit available on some policies. This allows the traveler to simply cancel the trip without needing a covered reason. “There are drawbacks,” Harvey warns, “you can only cancel up to 48 hours before you leave and you may not get 100% of your money back. Make sure you check the fine print before you buy.”

For your convenience, Squaremouth has posted travel insurance information relating to the swine flu outbreak on our home page at Squaremouth.com. “We’re compiling official swine flu position statements from insurers and posting the updates at www.squaremouth.com/travel-advice/swine-flu-outbreak,” he said.

“We’re available toll-free at 800-240-0369 to discuss your concerns about the outbreak and how it affects travel insurance. It’s all part of our commitment as an advocate on behalf of our customers.”

For now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not classified the swine flu outbreak as a pandemic. Travelers can keep up with the latest briefings on the CDC website: www.cdc.gov/swineflu. Or check the CDC Twitter link: http://twitter.com/CDCemergency

According to USAirways’ official baggage policy, carry-on baggage size requirements are as follows: Up to 45 in/115 cm (14 x 9 x 22 in or 36 x 23 x 56 cm); and up to 40 lbs/18 kg

Just because your bag fits in the above seat compartment, does not mean that it falls within size restrictions. On a round trip USAirways flight to Las Vegas last week, both mine and my husband’s bags were allowed as carry-on luggage; however, on the return flight both of our bags, along with about 50 other passengers’ bags were hijacked at the gate. Mine, exceeds the width dimension technically by 2 inches, so I can see why they asked me to check it at the gate through my final destination. But, my husband’s fell within the size requirements, along with many other passengers, and the gate attendant arbitrarily decided which bags to pull and which to not.

We were even told during boarding that since this USAirways flight was a full flight, there was no overhead room. Yet, upon boarding, nearly a quarter of the overhead bins were completely empty. At least we were not forced to pay the $15 fee.

It is no wonder that a recent TripAdvisor survey revealed that 54% of respondents consider checked bags the most annoying airline fee. Other poignant survey results reveal that 36% have been surprised by the cost of checked baggage fees at the airport and 19% said they always carry-on a bag to avoid additional fees, while 39% often do.

“It’s apparent that travelers are frustrated about checked bag charges and are looking for more clarity when it comes to domestic airline fees,” said Michele Perry, vice president of global communications for TripAdvisor.

Checked baggage fees range in price for first and second pieces, as well as for oversized luggage. Be sure to check your airline policy so no surprises happen at check in. Often, airlines will offer a discount if you pay in advance online for checking bags. This includes USAirways and Spirit Airlines. USAirways recently announced that it will charge $15 for the first checked bag if paid for online and $25 for the second; however, if a traveler waits to pay this fee at the airport upon check in, a $5 service fee will be imposed. “If you booked your flight before April 23, 2009, fees will stay the same for you,” according to USAirways Web site. “And remember, Dividend Miles Preferred members are exempt from checked bag fees.”

Those traveling transatlantic, military/active duty, unaccompanied minors, confirmed first class passengers often will have checked baggage fees waived as well.

During today’s air travel the best travel advice to avoid extra baggage fees and having your bags taken from you at the gate is to travel light and pack well. Ensure you have a piece of travel luggage that falls under the maximum size requirements to avoid any confusion. Be sure to check dimensions as many baggage pieces are sold as carry-on, but fail to meet size requirements.

Photo Courtesy of Trump International Beach Resort

“So bring me two pina coladas. One for each hand. Let’s set sail with Captain Morgan, and never leave dry land.” 

These Garth Brook lyrics set the mood for any tropical adventure. But, how about 12 pina coladas? On a recent quest to the Trump International Beach Resort (just North of Miami Beach, Florida), to my surprise I found more flavors of my favorite tropical drink, the pina colada than I could enjoy in a weekend. However, with the help of Trump’s entertaining bartender Geno, I sampled my way through a dozen heavenly tropical concoctions.

Imagine sitting in a tiki style bar overlooking the Atlantic Ocean nearing sunset listening to a great poolside and beachside musician preparing for dinner that evening. Tempting? Well, what started off as a simple order turned out to be a complete surprise and delight to so many variations on a popular vacation beverage…the coconut and rum based pina colada.

Served up with a “clap clap” and an extra flavor surprise, Geno’s unique take on this traditional frozen specialty leaves you quenching for more! I was more than willing to take a moment to sample just a few of Geno’s combinations. From a raspberry explosion to a dirty banana colada, I have to say my favorite beyond the traditional pina colada version was the mango colada. Although, the guava colada ran a close second.

The tiki bar at Trump International Beach Resort is a tropical excursion not to miss during a visit to Miami. This resort is beyond luxurious in its accommodations, service, amenities and location! Not to mention, it’s tropical tasty!

Photo courtesy of Malibu Beach Inn

In times of economic turmoil and increased stresses, a romantic getaway might be just what the stimulus package is missing and the doctor ordered. In fact, a recent Trip Advisor survey reveals that 77 percent of travelers plan to take a romantic trip with their significant other in 2009.

Paris tops the list for romantic couple destinations, according to the TripAdvisor survey. Hawaii, Bora Bora, Aruba and Jamaica also are featured in top tropical romantic escapes.

“Bolstered by seaside hammocks and tasty umbrella drinks, 49 percent of travelers said the beach is the best setting for a romantic trip with their sweetheart,” according to the TripAdvisor survey.

The second most popular setting for romance was a city, according to 16 percent of respondents.  Cities featured in the top 10 list include New York City, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Rome.

A romantic trip does not always come with a luxury price tag. TripAdvisor’s top 10 bargain romantic U.S. hotels include*:

Cedar Cove Resort & Cottages, Holmes Beach, Florida, $199 average nightly rate

Red Cliffs Lodge, Moab, Utah, $159 average nightly rate

Old Ranch Inn, Palm Springs, California, $134 average nightly rate

Casa Malibu Inn on the Beach, Malibu, California, $159 average nightly rate

Desert Pearl Inn, Springdale, Utah, $153 average nightly rate

Inn at Sonoma, Sonoma, California, $197 average nightly rate

Overleaf Lodge & Spa, Yachats, Oregon, $177 average nightly rate

Lake Opechee Inn & Spa, Lakeport, New Hampshire, $199 average nightly rate

Hotel Rehoboth, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, $184 average nightly rate

Island Bay Resort, Tavernier, Florida, $163 average nightly rate

*NOTE: Travel Advocate does not guarantee these rates as they were supplied by TripAdvisor.

These romantic properties not only provide the ambiance required, according to Alan Goldschneider, managing director, Malibu Beach Inn.  Value is a key amenity travelers realize. “If a guest has a wonderful stay and it exceeds their expectations, when they go and check-out and can see the value. It seals the deal,” he adds.

Photo courtesy of YourNovel.com

If the economy has couples not being able to take some time away to re-connect together, another virtual romantic vacation option exists. YourNovel.com gives couples the opportunity to become characters aboard a historical cruise journey, experience passion on a tropical island, embrace romance in the Outer Banks and other romantic, customized journeys.

There are 25 romantic adventures to choose from and several e-books where a couple can escape, even if it is in the depth of a romance novel, as a unique way to experience a romantic getaway. You can opt for either a paperback or a hardback version and can even add your photo for further increased personalization.

Following is one of the book descriptions, Sea Double: A Cruise Romance, available at YourNovel.com:

Sea Double: A Cruise Romance is a personalized novel where our starring couple ply warm, blue Caribbean waters aboard a luxury cruise ship. Our heroine is called upon to switch places with a rock mega-star; our hero takes on the role of her bodyguard. Both find themselves playing at exotic ports-of-call like St. Lucia, Curacao and St. Martin, and basking in first-class comfort, only to find that along with celebrity comes a price.

After selecting your destination, you then enter a series of fields to allow for customization including pet names, number of years together, favorite music and more.  You have the opportunity to see an excerpt to see how the information flows together and you can make any applicable changes if needed. The entire process takes less than 15 minutes. The hardest part is selecting the romantic escape you want you and your significant other to appear in! There are so many great stories that are sure to tempt you to travel to one of these steamy destinations for real. In the meantime, armchair travel is a great prelude!

In the day and age where economic woes, foreclosures, and travel cutbacks are the news headlines, it is quite the relief for those who are still traveling, whether for work or pleasure, to encounter blue ribbon level service. Jet Blue could not be named more appropriately as this airline in the midst of airlines cutting back on capacity, increasing fees and eliminating once-free amenities, this airline is still true blue.

On a recent trip to New York City (JFK International airport), I experienced a long delay for the outbound flight from South Florida as the plane was coming from Boston, which was suffering a large snowstorm that morning. Thanks to Jet Blue’s up-to-the-minute Web site I knew of the lengthy delay before arriving at the airport and was able to adjust plans accordingly. Furthermore, once the packed plane was loaded with passengers, the Jet Blue Captain himself came out in front of everyone to personally explain why the delay had occurred. Never in all of my years of travel have I seen the Captain make this up-close and personal type of address.

Jet Blue’s flight crew’s humor was on top of their game, despite the long day they had already. They kept the passengers entertained. The free inflight entertainment system offered by Jet Blue is unbeatable by any other competitor. On our flight the majority of passengers were tuned into American Idol! Yes, the earphones are now $1, but you can bring your own. From an amenity perspective, they still offer complimentary beverages and a wide variety of free snacks.

Most airlines are now charging for checked baggage, but again, here is an area where Jet Blue sets itself apart from its competitors by not charging for the first checked bag.

For those who have lost their job or might become unemployed, Jet Blue offers the Jet Blue Promise and has created a program in place to refund airfare (program details are available online). This is just another example of Jet Blue stepping up for the blue ribbon in customer service.

The Jet Blue experience does not end when landing at JFK. This new terminal is something other airports should model. It’s bright, fresh and complete with unique store and food and beverage offerings including the largest Cibo Express I have seen (I had a hard time selecting my dinner as there were so many healthy and unique offerings) and a very hip and luxurious European style pharmacy, Harmony. Plus, there’s a large children’s play area by Fisher Price and free wireless is available.

Jet Blue is a true blue winner in the travel industry today.

To begin, these underwater exploration users must visit, http://earth.google.com/and download Google Earth 5.0 to their computers. Travelers need to ensure their computers meet the minimum requirements and both PC and Mac downloads are available. Google provides a host of support articles and forums for those whom may experience any issues or have questions before downloading. 

As users begin their explorations they can select from a variety of layers to be displayed on the screen. By selecting Shipwrecks, one can view locations of wrecks.  Many of these sites offer even more detail of the wreck with YouTube video or hyperlinks to Shipwreckcentral.com for the latest information.  Animal Tracking is another unique option that allows users to see where creatures such as great white sharks, whales or sea lions have been located, and their routes of travel.  Further details provide the type of tag used on the animal and facts such as range and habitat. 

Contour of the oceans bottom can be viewed with high resolution detail of underwater mountains, valleys, plateaus and trenches. Sea surface temperature can also be selected; this option provides a colorized overlay of the oceans indicating the average temperature of the surface water. This information is provided by the U.S. Navy using date from NOAA, NASA and European weather satellites. Ocean observations can be enhanced to show real-time date of factors such as air temperature, water temperature and wind direction for sites around the world. 

Conservationist will find tools that provide information on the state of health of the oceans.  Options provide information on local sea life that is harvested for human consumption as well as dead zones.  These area areas do not have enough oxygen to sustain marine life, users can obtain more information from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science via these icons.  A global map showing the impacts of humans on marine ecosystems can be overlaid.  This information shows the cumulative impact of 17 different stressors associated with human activities.  These activities range from fishing to pollution and their impact on 20 different marine ecosystems. 

According to the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) as outlined in the Google announcement, 41% of the world’s oceans are heavily impacted and no single spot on the planet is untouched by human activities.

No longer are the mysteries of the oceans reserved for the scientist and researchers of the deep.  Today Google has provided a tool for arm chair marine explorers to venture to the depths of the planets oceans and explore our world beneath the waves.  Our oceans our one of our most valuable resources and the conservation of its bounty is everyone’s responsibility.