ScubaSiteFull

When Dog Bites Shark (Video)

fikse@yahoo.com (Administrator) — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 23:03:59 +0000

Sometimes nature turns on its head. Watch these two dogs swimming just off the shoreline with a pack of sharks, before the dogs start attacking them!

Amazing Whale Thank You Dance - California

fikse@yahoo.com (Administrator) — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 19:28:53 +0000

A humpback whale spared from almost certain death by three men off the coast of California seemed to repay the favour to its rescuers with a fabulous display of breaches and dives.

Huge Crystal Cave Discovered in Russian Waters

fikse@yahoo.com (Administrator) — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 21:55:47 +0000

Russian divers working on Orda Cave Awareness Project have revealed a set of unseen pictures of the world's longest underwater cave.

Submerge Camera Announces Special Edition Turtle HD Underwater Video Housing

info@thescubasite.com (Mark Cook) — Mon, 02 May 2011 09:06:59 +0000

In a unique partnership with respected video housing manufacturer Submerge Camera releases its own "Turtle" underwater video housing. "Basically we took an already great idea and just expanded on it by adding a second handle for balance, softening up the push button electronic controls for divers that are primarily using the unit above 110ft (33m) and adding a new professional color scheme all for under $1200.00/USD. It is really quite amazing if you look at the units sitting below or at that price point now and how it really is the absolute best value in the industry for shooting HD video underwater," states TJ Mansfield owner of Submerge Camera and long time industry professional.

For $1199.95/USD Diver's receive:

* Light weight (under 10lbs) aluminum housing
* Digital LCD monitor back
* Electronic soft-touch controls that feature one button white balance
* A Housing that accepts over 15 existing Sony HD Models with Canon and more to come
* 330ft (100m) depth rating
* Upgradeable -- as newer cameras are released
* Expandable ? ability to change the front plate and then add wide angle ports
* USA Sales and Service Center
* FREE USA Shipping
* Submerge Camera Video Team T-shirt

TJ Mansfield explains, "It's really quite amazing the flexibility of this housing, currently it houses about 15 existing Sony HD Camera models with this year's new Sony and Canon select models available for shipping in late May early June. The life of the housing is virtually unlimited; if you purchase this housing today for the Sony CX550 and in 2 years your camera dies you simply just purchase a new compatible camera tray for the latest camera model and you are good to go. You don't have to ship your housing back to the manufacturer; you simply just order a new tray. There is no reason you can't do that every couple of years to stay up on the latest technology while stretching this minimal investment in a quality housing. At Submerge Camera we are very excited about this partnership and see the Turtle available for a long time with hopes of accommodating JVC and Panasonic in the future as well."

Submerge Camera is located in Kalamazoo, Michigan and features underwater photo and video housings from only the most respected lines; Ikelite, Sea & Sea, Light & Motion, Gates, Fantasea, SeaLife, Bonica, GoPro and many others for SCUBA Divers, snorkelers and all outdoor water enthusiasts.

For more information on the Submerge Camera "Special Edition" Turtle housing or the other fine products sold worldwide by Submerge Camera contact them directly at sales@submergecamera.com.

Web Site: http://www.submergecamera.com

This is a paid press release.

SC Turtle Inside and Tray

SC Turtle Lt Side

SC Turtle Rear

SC Turtle Rt Side

SC Turtle with ProV8 and Locline arm

Become A Divemaster For Free - Again!!

fikse@yahoo.com (Administrator) — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 15:05:33 +0000

As with previous years the fantastic people people at Blue Islands Diving are offering an amazing opportunity for someone with any level of diving experience. For 3 months over the summer, they will provide you with an internship and free training to the level of PADI Divemaster!

Divers Having Fun WIth Sharks Despite Media Hype

fikse@yahoo.com (Administrator) — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 16:16:52 +0000

Despite the stories last month of shark attacks in Sharm El Sheikh, divers around Egypt are still proving this beasts are not the savage killers the media makes them out to be.

Check out this excellent video, shot at Elphinstone reef of divers interacting with a oceanic white tip shark.

Official CDWS Statement On Sharm Shark Attacks

fikse@yahoo.com (Administrator) — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 22:39:36 +0000

The Egyptian Chamber Of Diving And Watersports have compiled and released a statement on the recent shark attacks in Sharm El Sheikh.

Egypt Claim Shark Was Sent By Mossad Spies

fikse@yahoo.com (Administrator) — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 21:53:10 +0000

In a rather strange twist, an Egyptian official has claimed the shark responsible for recent attacks in Sharm El Sheikh could have been sent by Mossad, the Israeli Institute for Intelligence and Special Operations.

Fatal Shark Attack In Egypt Caused By Dumping Animal Bodies

fikse@yahoo.com (Administrator) — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 17:59:29 +0000

There has been a fourth shark attack at the tourist resort of Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.

Shark Attack in Sharm El Sheikh - Egypt

fikse@yahoo.com (Administrator) — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 22:23:25 +0000

There are confirmed reports of a non-fatal shark attack on 3 tourists in the tourist area of Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. Unfortunately this attack has come with all of the usual media scare-mongering.

Scuba Mask Removal and Replacement

fikse@yahoo.com (Administrator) — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 13:40:49 +0000

One of the basic skills you have will to cover when learning to scuba dive is mask removal and replacement. It is an absolutely essential skill to learn, as it will teach you to stay calm and be confident replacing your mask should it come off for any reason.

The Plastic Debris Problem [VIDEO]

fikse@yahoo.com (Administrator) — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 12:07:19 +0000

Plastic debris poses a huge threat to our oceans and all kinds of life - not just that in the seas. In this short video, Charles Moore, the man who discovered "The Great Pacific Garbage Patch" explains why plastics are such a problem for the environment.

Underwater Light Properties - Adjusting Photos

fikse@yahoo.com (Administrator) — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 22:34:47 +0000

This article is the start of an ongoing series of underwater photography guides. This guide was written by resident expert Paul Dymon from hd20.tv.

Coral reefs display the most impressive color combinations in the natural world. Photos and video bring it's rich variety of colors and textures to the human imagination. I was shocked to hear that only two percent of the world population will see a coral reef. So video is important bringing the experience to the masses.

The Hazards of Cave Diving [Video]

fikse@yahoo.com (Administrator) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 15:05:45 +0000

An excellent video presented by Lamar Hires, chairman of the National Speleological Society Cave Diving Section. Lamar goes over the common hazards of cave diving and why you need the correct training, experience and equipment to cave dive.

Scuba Diving Health Requirements

fikse@yahoo.com (Administrator) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 01:10:28 +0000

One of the most common questions asked by would-be divers is, "how fit do you have to be to scuba dive?" or "what are the health requirements for scuba diving?".

Underwater Breath Holding

fikse@yahoo.com (Administrator) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 19:57:22 +0000

With the recent breath holding world record set at a new high of over 19 minutes, a lot of people are wondering how it is that a human can go without oxygen for so long. Our guide will give you a quick-start into the world of breath holding.

Where Shark Attacks Happen

fikse@yahoo.com (Administrator) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 22:00:27 +0000

This compiled data from 1990-2008 shows the frequency of shark attacks by area of the world, broken down into fatal and non-fatal attacks.

Ear Pressure Equalisation

fikse@yahoo.com (Administrator) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 23:59:15 +0000

When you're diving, the air in the closed spaces inside your ears is compressed which gives you a "squeezing" feeling. It is necessary to prevent ear damage to "equalise" the pressure. We've compiled some tips to help you do this, including a video.

Choosing A Liveaboard: 10 Tips

fikse@yahoo.com (Administrator) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 21:37:57 +0000

It's every diver's dream. A live-aboard lifestyle, getting up from your bed, an ocean view right from your window with a breathe-taking sunrise, and take a walk onto the dive deck where there's yet another day for unlimited diving. It's the nature of these trips that makes them so attractive, remote destinations, plying the open ocean, perpetually located at the dive site rather than in the heart of civilization. You do however, need to think how you're going to plan your trip. From choosing your boat to packing your dive bag.

Scuba Diving Accident Statistics

fikse@yahoo.com (Administrator) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:54:21 +0000

What causes most scuba diving accidents? We've got our hands on some research into scuba diving accidents.

Scuba Diving in Cornwall

fikse@yahoo.com (Administrator) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 16:15:11 +0000

It is not uncommon for Britains instead of scuba diving in the UK to go abroad to seek warmer waters, one place that tends to get overlooked is Cornwall - sometimes more famed for its surfing than scuba diving. There are actually some fantastic diving opportunities in Cornwall, you may even see dolphins, turtles and seals on your dives (surprised?) with suprisingly good visibility and waters warmed by the gulf stream.

Scuba Diving in Aruba

fikse@yahoo.com (Administrator) — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 21:59:28 +0000

Aruba is one of the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao), located in the southern Carribean and offer year-round warm and clear diving conditions.

Scuba Diving in the UK

fikse@yahoo.com (Administrator) — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 02:32:20 +0000

When people generally think about wonderful scuba diving opportunities, they do not usually think of the waters of the UK as containing the optimum diving conditions. However, they would be wrong in this assumption. One thing you may not know about the waters off the British shore is that they contain more shipwrecks than any other single area on the globe. These wrecks offer divers the chance to travel through the layers of time as they dive through the waters to look at the sunken bulkhead of a ship that has lain undisturbed on the ocean floor for years.

Scuba Diving in Tenerife

fikse@yahoo.com (Administrator) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 22:48:17 +0000

Guide written by local expert, Tim Smith

It is hardly surprising that Tenerife is starting to become such a popular diving destination! The fantastic year round climate and huge abundance of marine life, ship wrecks and volcanic rock formations means that there is simply no excuse not to visit Tenerife and uncover the amazing underwater secrets for yourself!

Tenerife is the largest of the seven islands that make up the Canary Islands. The Canary Islands are located off the west coast of Africa, approximately 200 miles from the Sahara dessert. Formed from volcanic eruptions, (the last eruption being in 1909) the landscapes both above and below the water are absolutely stunning.

Types of Marine Life in Tenerife

With Tenerife;s amazing underwater landscape and the subtropical climate, a huge variety of marine life are attracted to the waters surrounding the island. Pilot Whales and Dolphins inhabit the waters year round and are often seen breaking the waters surface! Groupers, Barracuda, Angel Sharks, Grunts, Sea Bream, Cardinal Fish, Turtles, Octopus, Cuttlefish, Stonefish, Trumpet Fish, many varieties of Eels and Rays to name just a few, are common sights on dives.

Angel Shark

Eagle Ray

Tenerife Diving Guide

Scuba diving in Tenerife is conducted by either boat or shore so you can rest assured of interacting with outstanding scenery and marine life. With scuba diving available to suit every level of diver from the beginner to the advanced, there is something for everyone! The majority of the dive centres are located in the south of the island around the resorts of Costa Del Silencio, Los Cristianos, Playa De Las Americas and Los Gigantes.

Wrecks to Dive in Tenerife

There are a number of wrecks to dive in Tenerife. Probably the most popular wreck site is that of the Condesito, situated off the Punta Rasca, a protected national park located in the south of Tenerife. This cargo ship sank some 30 years ago after running aground, one Christmas. At the time she was carrying bags of cement which are still visible. Over the years the sea has taken its toll on the ship. The amidships to the bow has collapsed which has made a fantastic habitat for marine life. The depth of this wreck is between 10 and 25 metres.

The Condesito Wreck

There is also the fascinating wreck of the Meridian, situated off the coast of Palm Mar in the south of the Tenerife. She was purposely sunk a few years ago after many years of working as a whale and dolphin excursion boat, prior to this she was a German naval minesweeper. The Meridian sits upright on sand with a maximum depth of 30 metres. Entry is possible into the wheelhouse and a trip up the mast to the crows nest always makes for a fantastic photo opportunity!

The wreck of El Raton is situated in Tabaiba, in the north of the island, just before Santa Cruz. This is solely a shore dive. This boat is a decommissioned tug boat and was purposefully sunk in 2006; she sits at a maximum depth of 30 metres. The typography of the coast in this area causes some big drop off points close to shore; this dive is therefore only a 2 minute swim out! Penetration is possible into the engine room and wheelhouse as all doors and obstacles have been removed. Even though she was only sunk a short while ago, a wide variety of marine life have set up home here making it well worth a visit.

Dive Sites and Dive Resorts in Tenerife

The dive site known as Palm Mar Cave is another superb site, well worth fitting into your dive schedule! It is situated just off the small community of Palm Mar, located in the south of Tenerife. This boat dive has a maximum depth of 32 meters where a statue of Virgin del Carmen resides. When heading towards the cave, notice the rock walls, they are particularly stunning. Penetration of the cave is not permitted however, living in the rocks around the entrance of the cave are Moray Eels and Tiger Moray Eels. It is very common for a Ray or two to appear, gracefully gliding across the sand!

The resort of Playa Paraisso on the west coast of the island plays host to another fantastic dive site. It can be reached by both shore and boat. This dive site is a must for seeing a large variety of Rays, including Atlantic Rays, Eagle Rays and Bull Rays. With depths between 18 and 25 metres, this makes a great dive for most certified divers. Following sandy bays with rocky walls, you will pass a large anchor (which a ship has lost at some point) and you will discover a spectacular swim through.

El Puertito is situated on the south west coast of Tenerife and it is the one dive that everyone should do! It is a typical Canarian fishing village with a sandy beach which can disappear under water at high tide. The dive site is a small nature reserve managed by the University of La Laguna in Santa Cruz. All the Sea Urchins have been removed and the rubbish has been cleared. Greenback Turtles were introduced a couple of years ago, they stayed and successfully mated and now there are five turtles that can be seen, the babies (born late 2008) are a little more elusive! The adult turtles are very inquisitive when it comes to divers and love to come over and investigate. They do like to have their shells scratched by the divers and have been known to find a comfortable resting spot between the legs of a diver kneeling on the sandy sea bed! With a maximum depth of only 12 metres, this dive is a must for everyone, from Discover Scuba Diving to the most advanced diver.

These dive sites are just a tiny example of what Tenerife has to offer! There are over 35 dive sites around the island to choose from. Dive centres vary in size and offer diver training and guided dives. They can be found in most resort areas in the south although there are far fewer dive centres in the north. Most also offer accommodation for customers at very reasonable rates. Dive centres are closely monitored and controlled by local authorities to ensure they meet local laws and diver insurance is strictly managed. If you plan on travelling to Tenerife for a diving holiday then please ensure you have comprehensive diving insurance, however all reputable dive centres on the island can arrange this for you.

Tenerife Diving Fact Sheet

Average air temperature: 19C - 28C

Average water temperature: 17C - 24C

Recommended exposure protection: From a 3mm suit in the summer to a 7mm suit in the winter.

Average visibility: 20 to 30 metres.

Coldest times: December to March.

Hottest times: May to October.

Best times to dive: All year round, winter/spring is the best times to see Angel Sharks.

Worst times to dive: The weather does not affect the diving too much in the south of the island. If the wind is affecting one side of the island then the diving is simply switched to opposite side. Neap tides can cause some very strong currents, so on these occasions some dive sites may be unavailable.

Getting here: Flights operate daily from most major European airports. There has also recently been the introduction of a weekly flight direct from Miami, USA with Air Europa. Flight times from the UK are 4-4.5 hours.

Other information: It is not necessary to bring your own kit as all dive centres rent equipment or include it in the price of your dive. Currency is the Euro. Time zone is the same as the UK.

When looking to choose a dive centre for your diving it is well worth considering one that offers both shore and boat diving. This gives you to opportunity to enjoy the widest range of diving around the island.

Diving in Tenerife Video

About the author

Tim Smith runs Sol Scuba Divers in Tenerife, a knowledgeable and friendly guide.

Scuba Diving in Kenya

fikse@yahoo.com (Administrator) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 18:18:43 +0000

Kenya lies across the equator on the eastern coast of Africa, covering an area of about 586,600km sq, which may not seem vast to some, however within the borders of this single country, you will not only find savannahs rich with big game, majestic snow capped mountains, timeless cultures unchanged by the modern world and equatorial forests but pristine beaches and a breathtaking under water world teeming with stunning fish and marine life.

Diving Ambergris Caye

fikse@yahoo.com (Administrator) — Wed, 06 May 2009 22:46:12 +0000

Diving Ambergris Caye can be an exhilarating experience when you Dive the islands best dive sites.

This small article will educate you on what dives you will want to be sure to Dive when you dive Belize, I will list some of the very best dives and some of my own personal favorites that you should include when you visit and dive the island of Ambergris Caye.

No matter where you stay on the island you should be able to dive all the dive sites I list here.

Ambergris Caye Dive Sites

The Amigo's Barge

The Amigo's Barge Can’t really be called a wreck as it is an old flat top barge but its still one of my favorite sites, and fantastic for photography, it is located in 70ft of water in front of Shark Ray Alley. It was sunk by Amigo’s Del Mar, a local dive operator and is named after them.

As you descend, you are literally surrounded by big groupers, lots and lots of Snappers and GUARANTEED Nurse Sharks. Unlike Shark Ray Alley, where it is only 8ft deep, at the wreck you will be able to get a shark silhouette shot and some great close-ups guaranteed, plus some amazing eye to eye encounters with some big groupers. It’s amazing that this barge has so much abundant marine life and is showing signs of coral growth.

This is definitely one of Ambergris Caye’s best dives. The Wreck is now located in the marine reserve we ask that you conform to the marine reserve guidelines on all dives conducted in the waters of Belize to preserve and protect our resources for future visitor

Experience required: Intermediate

Depth: 60-80ft

Location: South Ambergris Caye

Type of Dive: Boat

Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Eagle Ray Canyons

This site although not new has recently become known for regular sightings of spotted Eagle Rays. I recently dove this spot with some friends from Rodales Magazine. Steve, one of the dive masters, was guiding the dive and during his briefing guaranteed that we were going to see Eagle Rays, and was quite adamant about it. I asked him if he was sure because we now had some excited divers aboard who were expecting to see Eagle Rays and they would be disappointed if they didn’t. Steve assured me and down we went, sure enough after 15 minutes we saw our first 3 Eagle Rays, 5 minutes later we saw an additional 5 a lot closer this time. In addition to the Eagle Rays, lots of coral formations, spur and groove formation and the usual congregation of juveniles.

This is a Marine Reserve so nothing may be touched or taken, we ask that you are careful with your fins and avoid accidentally touching the reef.

Experience required: Intermediate

Depth: 60-80ft

Location: South Ambergris Caye

Type of Dive: Boat

Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Hol Chan Cut

Another great site, this is a cut that allows passage through the Belize barrier reef to the open sea. Starting at 8ft and sloping down to a maximum of 25ft, this is an underwater wonderland with literally thousands of fish, including huge groupers and the biggest snappers you have ever seen.

As you enter the cut there are a variety of small caves which hide huge Moray Eels over 6ft in length. Because this park is in a protected area the animal life is abundant. At the buoy, which marks the maximum you may enter into the channel, there is a small swim through cave which usually has a giant Dog Snapper lurking in the back part of the swim, though he casually watches as you swim through. He is a very scary looking fellow showing his big teeth, but the slightest movement toward him and he’s off.

This site is used as our primary night dive spot. At night it is totally different: lobsters, giant spider crabs, Stingrays, and on many occasions the odd lemon Shark has passed through. All in all this is one of the best sites for marine life found anywhere in the Caribbean.

Experience required: Intermediate due to strong current

Depth: 30ft

Location: South Ambergris Caye

Type of Dive: Boat

Hol Chan Marine Reserve

Pillar Corals

Hol-Chan Marine Reserve 7.5 square miles of protected habitat, makes for some great diving. One of our favorites is Pillar Coral, a 60ft dive with some wonderful Pillar coral formations, great for photography as during this dive there are resident grouper and Snappers that will follow you throughout the dive. It’s easy to position them around the Pillar corals giving the opportunity for some great pictures.

The site is protected and nothing dead or alive may be removed, gloves are not allowed to be worn in the marine reserve and there is an entrance fee to the park which is used to maintain the buoys and fund the ongoing research conducted at Hol-Chan marine reserve.

Experience required: Novice/Intermediate

Depth: 60-80ft

Location: South Ambergris Caye

Type of Dive: Boat

Cypress Gardens

An excellent site for all types of coral species, such as huge Pillar Corals, Elkhorn, Stag horn and very abundant with small reef fish and critters. Located in 50ft of water, this has long been one of my favorite sites for the sheer quality of the coral formations and the superb Macro photo opportunities. This site focuses on smaller marine life associated with coral reef and is sure to be a hit with visiting divers.

Experience required: Novice

Depth: 40-80ft

Location: South Ambergris Caye

Type of Dive: Boat

M&M Caverns

Located north of San Pedro town lie’s M & M Caverns one of Ambergris Caye’s best cavern dives. The underwater topography is deep spur and groove formations formed by the wave action over thousands of year’s, it is literally riddled with swim through and tunnels.

As you descend down to 90ft you see a small entrance going up through the reef as you enter you see a small light at the end of the tunnel about 40ft away, it is an awesome feeling as you swim literally through the reef to come out at 60ft then enter another, a totally different dive that’s always a hit with our visiting divers.

Experience required: Advanced

Depth: 80ft-120ft

Location: North Ambergris Caye

Type of Dive: Boat

Love Tunnels

This site is located north of San Pedro and the site got its name as a couple got married in the mouth of this huge tunnel. At a depth of 60ft we swim through the tunnel that comes out on the edge of the drop off at approx. 90ft, due to the unseen approach we have spotted many large pelagic cruising the drop-off, as we exit the tunnel.

As we swim along the drop off you see many varieties of hard and soft corals and the usual juveniles and groupers that are abundant in these waters.

At all times you can see the surface as we swim through the caverns and it is quite safe for all levels of experience, as we near the end of our dive we enter another small cavern that takes us to our exit point, a real exciting dive that ’s a favorite with our visitors.

Experience required: Intermediate/Advanced

Depth: 70-100ft

Location: North Ambergris Caye

Type of Dive: Boat

Happy Hours Reef

Because this Belize site is a little out of the way of most dive operators it gets dived very seldom, which means lots of fish life and no signs of damage caused by divers. We particularly like this site as it has a lot of barrel sponges and is wonderful for macro photography due to the abundant small critters found at this site. Another observation we made at this site is at a certain time of the year we have noticed the coral spawning. This site is currently being studied by Professors from Texas AM University and is part of ongoing studied for the year of the reef.

Experience required: Novice/Intermediate

Depth: 60-80ft

Location: North Ambergris Caye

Type of Dive: Boat

Shark Ray Alley

This is not a Dive Site but I thought I would include it as it is unique and usually included as a surface interval stop so you can snorkel with the sharks and rays. The picture was taken in 1991 when we first discovered this site and diving was allowed.

This is an unbelievable snorkel site similar to Caymans Stingray City except we have in addition to the resident Stingrays, 15 to 20 Nurse Sharks which means double the action. Located south of Hol-Chan Marine reserve, in only 8ft of water, this spectacular site is the only site in the world where you can interact with both Stingrays and Nurse Sharks.

So unique is this site it attracted the attention of Jean Michel Cousteau and Skindiver magazine, who have featured it on the cover page of Skindiver in 2 issues. Jean Michel told me that they are all female juveniles and it is most likely a nursing ground and kept in the area from years of fishermen cleaning their catch and discarding the scraps to the sharks.

Most dive operators offer a complimentary stop at Shark Alley during surface interval the opportunity for photography is endless.

The Nurse Sharks and Stingrays steal the show but the coral formations and other fish life is worth a mention. I visited Shark Ray Alley many times before I discovered the superb coral formations and dense fish populations. Remember to check them out when you visit Shark Ray Alley.

Experience required: Novice

Depth: 8ft

Location: South Ambergris Caye

Type of Dive: Boat Snorkel ONLY

I hope this short article will give you an idea of some of the excellent dives on offer when you dive Ambergris Caye. Be sure to visit my website for additional articles on Diving Belize and Travel Tips.

Dive Safe

Gaz Cooper

www.DiveBelize.com

Scuba Diving the Medes Islands Marine Reserve

fikse@yahoo.com (Administrator) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 18:46:13 +0000

This article was submitted by Evodiver

Medes Islands Marine Reserve, Mediterranean Sea

Despite its clarity, which creates the blue colour and good visibility that we divers enjoy, the Mediterranean sea has a very rich biodiversity, with a total of 10,000 to 12,000 recorded marine species, and new species still being discovered. The coastal zones supporting marine seagrasses like Posidonia oceanica are particularly productive as they are the breeding habitats for many important species.

Medes Islands Map

The Medes Islands Protected Zone, with its 65,000 annual dives, is a model of good management. All the underwater environments to be found in the Mediterranean are represented in the seabed around the Medes Islands, making this little archipelago an area of exceptional ecological value.

Medes Islands Marine Reserve

Did you know that Jacques Cousteau visited the Medes Islands in his marine research vessel Calypso back in 1955? He drew attention to the need to research, record and preserve the rich ecosystems that he found whilst diving there. Over 1,345 different marine species have been recorded there since that time and the Medes Islands ecosystem is deservedly classified as the best natural reserve in the western Mediterranean. There are 10 buoyed dive sites, providing diving all year around.

One of the most famous sites is Dolphin Cave, named after a statue at the southern entrance. The ?cave? is actually a tunnel, running 50 metres through a corner of the island at a depth of 8 to 12 metres, which is wide enough to drive a bus through. Inside is a resting place for some large groupers, brown meagres and shoals of silvery two banded bream. Along the reef outside divers glide through shoals of bream and clouds of anthias whilst looking into the blue for cruising eagle rays and visiting sunfish and dolphins. On the reef colourful wrasse fight over territory and construct algae nests, nudibranchs lay their eggs winding strands like wool amongst the algae, while large silver-blue dentex and groupers hunt out tasty octopus.

Dolphin Cave

There is a second cave system nearby with its share of groupers, always ready to pose for photographs, and the most beautiful yellow, blue and red gorgonian corals illuminated by a vast funnel. Yellow cup corals cover the walls, scorpionfish perch camouflaged on ledges and moray and conger eels live in crevices. From here there is another, little known, tunnel that leads back through the island and out onto the reef again.

Dusky Grouper

Protection of the islands began in 1983 with an Order of the Government of Catalonia, and in 1990 the protection was increased to the seabed flora and fauna, encouraging a spectacular recovery of the natural marine heritage and turning the area into a sanctuary for numerous species in danger of extinction. Some of the large Dusky groupers here are more than 25 years old. They are so used to divers that they have become very friendly and readily pose for photographs.

On 14 November 2008 a further decree was published approving a four year plan governing the use and management of the Medes Islands Protected Area. The Medes Islands Protected Zone covers an area of 93,2 hectares with another protected 418 hectare area stretching around the islands and up to the Montgri coast. A new Natural Park has just been declared by the Catalan Government to include the coast northward from the Montgri Massif all the way to Cala Montgo, L'Escala.

Scuba Diving at Medes Islands Marine Reserve

A range of depths provides dives for all levels from professional divers to absolute beginners and everyone can enjoy the colourful spectacle of underwater marine life of the Medes Islands. In the shallow areas we can explore a dense mantle of brightly lit seaweeds with over a hundred species hosting shoals of silvery bream, colourful wrasse, and exquisite nudibranchs. Below 10-15 meters we discover light-deprived algae and pretty pink fairy basslet, large predatory dentex, eagle rays, moray eels, octopus, lobster and big, friendly groupers. Below 20 meters we enter an area of beautiful gorgonian corals inhabited by over 600 species of fauna.

Caves at Medes Islands Marine Reserve

The numerous tunnels and caves indicate that this limestone archipelago was attached to the Montgri Massif over ten thousand years ago. Today caves around the Medes Islands and up the Montgri coast towards L'Escala provide outstanding opportunities for divers to experience (with a dive guide) the distinctive species that prefer to live in semi-darkness.

Wrecks at Medes Islands Marine Reserve

Along the coast from L?Escala lies the Reggio Messina, the largest ship that divers can visit on the Costa Brava, which was sunk deliberately in 1991. The Avenire, also known as the Marmoler due to the cargo of marble in its hold, sank in a storm off Cala Montgo near L'Escala in 1971. It is the only intact ship wreck in the area and sits upright on the seabed at 44 meters. The Constantine also lies near L?Escala. Due to its shallow position the wreck had to broken up and only the boilers remain intact.

A Painted Wrasse

Diving with autonomous breathing equipment

specific licence must be taken out for all diving to be undertaken at the Medes Islands . There is a charge of ?3.50 per dive. Vessels must be moored to the yellow buoys reserved for this activity.

For users who have their own boat:

The licence must be requested at the office of the Medes Islands Protected Area before diving, providing the following documentation:

? Diving qualification of 2nd class or higher, or international equivalent.

? Initiation-level qualified persons must be accompanied by a monitor with higher qualifications.

? Federation licence or private insurance.

? Vessel?s documentation (crew list).

Medes Island Marine Reserve Contact Details

Office of the Medes Islands Protected Area

Pg. del Port, s/n - Espigo de Llevant

17258 L?Estartit

Tel: 972 75 17 01

Fax: 972 75 20 04

www.parcsdecatalunya.net

rmillesmedes.dma@gencat.net

Diving at Medes Islands Video

Scuba Diving in Sudan

fikse@yahoo.com (Administrator) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:54:55 +0000

While the diving in Sudan is among some of the best in the world, it is really not a place that many people think of when they decide to go on a pleasant holiday to relax and take in some of nature’s beauty. The combination of genocide, political unrest, and the problems with violence and possible terrorism has made Sudan an unlikely holiday spot. However, the waters in this area are interesting and ripe for exploration, and because of the low numbers of holiday makers in the area it means there are fewer tourists to contend with. This can be a valuable scuba diving destination for those who are dedicated to exploration of the waters and are willing to go to the area despite its problems.

Diving Map of Sudan

Another thing that has long attracted divers to Sudan, despite its ongoing problems is the wealth of marine life and interesting diving locations that are available. These waters are definitely something that should not be overlooked by serious divers who are truly interested in diving in some of the most appealing waters in the area. Plus, depending on the time of year you go, you will have the chance to see the amazing sights of hammerhead sharks and manta rays. There are diving locations available for every experience level, so it doesn’t matter if you are a novice diver who just wants to explore somewhere new and interesting, or an experienced diver who is looking for the latest adventure, you will surely find something that fits the bill in Sudan.

Diving Wrecks in Sudan

One of the most famous wrecks in the world to explore is found in Sudan. is a ship that was originally used as a freighter after being built in 1912. During the Second World War the ship was being used by the Italians to transport bombs and other war-time munitions. The British realised the ship was probably being used to transport weaponry so decided to impound the Umbria, but when they ordered its surrender the Italians decided instead to sink the ship rather than let it fall into the hands of the British. The weapons (and all other cargo) remained onboard when it sank, and this includes an estimated three hundred and fifty thousand bombs. The ship can be easily explored in a single dive, but there is enough in the area to keep you busy for hours. One of the most interesting things about the Umbria is the way in which it has become an integral part of the sea life in the area. It has been called one of the best ship dives in the entire world, and it is definitely worthy of this title.

The Umbria Wreck

Another interesting dive in the area is the Blue Belt cargo ship. The Blue Belt sank in 1977 while carrying a load of cars, tractors, trucks, and other various assembly parts for Toyota, and now lies upside down. That is why this wreck is also known by some as the “Toyota Wreck.” The ship sank because it was trying to fit through a gap in a reef that was too small for such a large cargo ship. It’s rumoured that this happened because the crew of the ship were smuggling other goods, but the true cause of the reef passage may never be known. The cargo was removed and scattered around the ship in order to try to refloat the vessel, but this attempt ultimately met with failure. However, the one thing that it did do by removing the cargo was to make the wreck that much more interesting. You can also penetrate the wreck through an opening that can be found in the hull. This will allow you to swim through the wreck until you emerge around the bow of the ship. In total, this dive has all of the intriguing aspects of a wreck dive and attracts many serious divers each year.

The Blue Belt Wreck

Best Time to Dive in Sudan

You can dive in Sudan all year round, so temperature factors aren’t really an issue. Since it’s not a big tourist destination you don’t have to worry about trying to avoid large groups of people. One of the things that you can base your diving time around is the migration patterns of certain marine animals that you might wish to see during your dive times. If you want to see manta rays, then you can visit Sudan in August and October but if you are more interested in hammerheads then you should go around January and April.

Best Places to Dive in Sudan

Fasima Suedi is an exciting dive location which can be found in a gap in the Sha’ab Suedi reef. It offers divers of all experience the chance to swim in between the different reef pinnacles that are in the area with an abundance of interesting fish. One interesting draw to the dive site is the fact that a lot of people prefer to dive at night while the coral is alive with crabs and shrimp.

Merlo is a diving location in Sudan that has two very distinct sites to dive in. The southern ledge is a very steep reef dive. There are a lot of different fish in this area and it is the perfect spot for beginners to get into the water and gain a little experience. You are likely to see moray eels, triggerfish, trevally, and possibly even some blue spotted stingrays. The northern side is a plateau which offers those there the chance to see corals and fusiliers. You might get the chance to see barracuda, turtles, one eyed jacks, and even grey reef sharks.

If you want to visit a circular reef with steep drop offs and a spectacular view, the Qita el Banna is the perfect location for your diving adventures in Sudan. Not only is the view wonderful, but you will also have the chance to see some wonderful marine life. It is recommended for novice to intermediate divers, but experienced divers might also enjoy the serene beauty of the reef. Keep an eye out as you have the chance to see manta and hammerhead during this dive.

One of the highest praised reefs in Sudan is the Sha’ab Rumi. This reef is next to an underwater wall and on top of a plateau. This dive is an excellent option for families that consist of different levels of diving experience as you can stay on the plateau and swim through the reef, taking in the sights or you can go over the edge into the slightly darker waters to try and find a few reef sharks. If you follow the connecting reef wall, you will also be in for quite a few interesting sites including barracuda, jacks, parrotfish, Maori wrasse, white snapper, acropora, and even large anemones.

An interesting dive in Sudan that is not to be missed is the Precontinent II. This area was used by Jacques Cousteau for many of his underwater experiments and diving locations. This area is known for the relics that Cousteau left behind and the area is a spectacular marvel and is a good way to illustrate the advances that were made because of pioneers like Cousteau, and their willingness to explore new and unfamiliar underwater territories. In fact, many divers who swim through this area often compare it to a sort of spectacular underwater museum where the history of diving and exploration is on display for all to see. All ages and levels of experience can dive this site and it is definitely a must see for all.

Types of Marine Life in Sudan

Coral, bumphead parrotfish, acropora, table cora, sweetlips, barracuda, one-eyed jacks, reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, grey tipped sharks, white snapper, anemones, trevally, tuna, manta rays, moray eels, reef fish, sea turtles, and many other types of fish.

Sudan Diving Fact Sheet:

Average Air Temperature: 29°C – 32°C

Average Water Temperature: 26°C – 30°C

Recommended Exposure Protection: A 3mm – 5 mm wetsuit is recommended for most dives.

Average Visibility: 10 – 30 metres

Coldest Times: December to April

Hottest Times: August to October

Best Times to Dive: If you want to see hammerhead sharks, then you should go from January to April as that is when they are most abundant, and if you want to see manta rays, then you should go in August to October as that is when they tend to be at their best.

Worst Times to Dive: There really isn’t a particularly bad time to dive in Sudan as the political climate tends to keep away larger groups of tourists and the area is warm enough to swim in all year round.

Diving in Sudan Video:

Scuba Diving in Sodwana Bay

fikse@yahoo.com (Administrator) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 23:10:25 +0000

Sodwana Bay is located in South Africa and is an ideal diving location if you are interested in a large variety of marine life and ocean topography options. The bay itself is located in a protected marine reserve that is known as the Greater St. Lucia Wetlands Park, so you are going to be sure of seeing a lot of well preserved reef areas as well as abundant marine life. Plus, the visibility is outstanding in the area, so you don’t have to worry about not being able to see everything that you want to see while you are scubas diving.

South Africa Diving - Sodwana Bay

You do not have to worry about whether or not you will be able to dive, as this location is perfect for both novice and experienced divers. You will be able to dive in any location with the hopes of discovering newfound underwater treasures and seeing some of the best reefs around. Another amazing thing that you will have the chance to experience when you are scuba diving in Sodwana Bay is the possible sighting of a whale or a whale shark. Many people go to this area of South Africa specifically for the hope they will be able to witness this.

Best Time to Dive Sodwana Bay

The waters can go down to 19°C from July to October, so most people who are interested in swimming in the more tropical climates, often opt to go in February and March when the waters are generally around 24°C. However, if you go during the slightly cooler months, you have the chance to have a better scuba diving experience as it is not likely that there will be as many tourists crowding the waters.

Notable Dive Locations in Sodwana Bay

A diving location that is perfect for less experienced divers is a small reef that goes by the name Anton’s Reef (although it is also sometimes called Two Mile Reef). One of the reasons that this area is so popular is that it is a shallower reef and it has exceptional visibility of more than fifteen metres. This combination works to help demonstrate the wonderful coral and marine life that are found in the region. You can really get a feel for this underwater environment when you explore the submerged overhanging areas which are home to interesting schools of tropical fish.

Nine Mile Reef is an area in Sodwana Bay that often attracts a lot of the more serious divers. One good thing about this reef is that it is not as easily accessible as many of the other diving regions, so it does not get the large groups of divers that a lot of the other areas attract. With fewer people around to cause underwater congestion problems, it has helped to preserve the integrity of the dive site and is also a lot easier to move around and get a good look at the exciting topography of the region. There are large drop offs, gorgeous pinnacles, and even large coral tree growth to explore and look through. It has also been said that this region houses the largest collection of differing marine life in Sodwana Bay, so it is highly unlikely that you will run out of things to see and explore.

If you are looking to explore an interesting and fragile ecosystem, then you should check out Five Mile Reef. This area is home to a flat landscape that is covered in a wide variety of coral, many of which are considered to be exceptionally delicate; however, it has managed to remain intact so you don’t have to worry about seeing large portions of damaged or dying coral when you dive. The large schools of tropical fish that swim in and around the coral also provide for some interesting underwater exploration opportunities. Many of the divers who have visited this region have said that diving at Five Mile Reef in Sodwana Bay is like working their way through an aquarium because of the combination of the pristine waters and the fish and coral.

If you are more interested in exploring a range of underwater topography options, then the Seven Mile Reef is the perfect choice for you. This area has been praised for its interesting pinnacles with their mushroom tops and the wonderful drop offs that offer spectacular scenes. Just like Five Mile Reef, there are also quite a few delicate coral formations that are in pristine condition and are perfect for exploring. The wealth of marine life in the area can give you a wide range of viewing options, and you might even be able to see a few manta rays, bottle-nosed dolphins, and turtles.

Types of Marine Life in Sodwana Bay

There is a great diversity of marine life that can be seen up and down the coastal region of South Africa. Here are just some of those types of life you might encounter in your diving location: ragged tooth sharks, humpback whales, turtles, mantas, eels, Zambezi sharks, coral, sponges, hammerhead sharks, rays, grouper, tuna, southern right whales, sardines, whale sharks, tiger sharks, and a wide range of tropical and reef fish as well as schools of pelagic fish.

Sodwana Bay Diving Fact Sheet:

Average Air Temperature: 25°C – 29°C

Average Water Temperature: 19°C – 24°C

Recommended Exposure Protection: Depending on what time of year you plan on diving you will need a 3 mm – 7 mm suit.

Average Visibility: Around 15-20 metres.

Coldest Times: July to October

Hottest Times: February to March

Best Times to Dive: Many people try to dive in the warmer months of February and March when the water is around 24°C. However, there is a lot to be said for cold water dives, and if you don’t mind wearing a full wetsuit then you can dive in the colder months and you don’t have to worry about as many tourists.

Worst Times to Dive: There really isn’t a bad time to dive.

Sodwana Bay Diving Video

Scuba Diving in South Africa

fikse@yahoo.com (Administrator) — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 12:29:10 +0000

People often go to South Africa to go scuba diving because of the diverse conditions and variety of life that the coastal regions of the country offer. The coastline is extremely long and there are spots all along where you can readily dive and have a wonderful experience. Many of the coastal areas are considered to be some of the best diving sites in the world. In fact, Aliwal Shoal was even chosen as one of the top ten must-do dive sites by Diver Magazine. The coral growth and sponges in this area are gorgeous as are the other marine life which is amazing.

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