With the Maldives’ 1,192 coral islands and atolls spread over roughly 90,000 square kilometers (almost 56,000 square miles), there’s no shortage of dive sites here. In fact, it’s a very hard feat to dive even a fraction of the dive sites available. Scuba liveaboard trips are the best way to get a taste of the three distinct types of diving that the Maldives have to offer: inside the atolls, outside the atolls and along the channels. Here’s a closer look at the different atolls and the popular dive sites to take note of if you’re planning a scuba diving trip to the Maldives:

North Male Atoll

Male is the capital city and the dive sites in and around this atoll are perhaps the best known and explored of all the other islands. The north side of this region is characterized by caves and reefs with steep drop offs. Popular for attracting large pelagics, divers flock here to spot whale sharks and mantas. As a shipping route once cut through one of the atolls channels, there are a few wrecks in the region. Strong currents are common in the North Male region, so it’s advisable to plan a dive with an experienced dive operator who knows how to get on the correct side of the reef. ‘Manta Point’, a cleaning station on the south east of the atoll is hugely popular for obvious reasons, manta rays! At about 18 meters there’s a ledge which drops down to around 40 meters, where divers perch and hang on as the current pulls you. What you can witness is groups of mantas that ‘fly’ all around, swooping down, shooting up and circling the area all within arms reach. As if that doesn’t make a great dive site already, while hovering over the reef wall you could be lucky to spot Napoleon wrasses, hawksbill turtles and other reefies. You should even keep an eye out into the blue for jacks, barracudas and other schools of larger fish. Visit this site once and you’ll be asking to do a second dive at the same place again. The Banana Reef, Girifushi Thila, Hans Haas Place, Lion’s Head and Okobe Thila are other reef dive sites of the north.

South Male Atoll

In the South Male Atoll, the channels which are known in the local language as Kandu’s are a major feature. There are 6 channels on the eastern reef wall through which nutrient rich waters gushes, attracting lots of marine life. Unlike in the north where the corals aren’t in the best of shape, the south offers plenty of soft coral in every color you can imagine. The ‘Cocoa Thila’ is one of the best dive sites of this area. It is a large deep water pinnacle that slopes down to a drop-off at 30 meters. It features overhangs and ravines which make for good spots to take shelter from the currents which usually dominate this dive site. However, if there’s no current, it usually means there won’t be much to see. The currents are responsible for bringing in the schools of fish like tuna, jacks and travellies along with grey reef sharks. Once again, it’s important to plan this dive with an experienced operator as the ripping currents here sometimes can surprise even the most experienced divers. The Kuda Giri Wreck, Medhu Faru and Vadhoo Caves are other sites worth a mention in the South Male Atoll.

Ari Atoll

Considered one of the best spots to dive in the Maldives, the Ari Atoll consists of a lot of submerged pinnacles where all the action is instead of the usual long stretches of barrier reef that the other atolls have. The thilas as they are known, both inside and outside the atoll lagoons attract the marine life of the area to aggregate around it. It’s also popular for pelagic fish, especially the whale shark which makes an appearance here quite regularly. Among it’s big fish encounters, the Ari Atoll sees schooling hammerhead sharks at the dive site named Hammerhead Point. Maaya Thila, Broken Rock, Fish Head, Halaveli Wreck and Kudarah Thila all worth a visit.

Baa Atoll

The Baa Atolls, situated on the west of the Maldives atoll chain, consists of 75 islands, 13 of which are inhabited. This atoll is divided by a 3km wide channel, with big drop offs into deep waters and is rapidly gaining recognition as a new dive spot for enthusiasts keen to escape the crowds of the better known dive sites in the Maldives. But what makes this atoll so special is the bay of Hanifaru running from the southeastern edge of a small island and large sand flat cay called Hanifaruhuraa. The bay funnels inward, gradually from a depth of 25m to a slope that tables out at 2m and continues over a shallow, rocky reef before opening up to a deep-water channel. A large coral block in the middle of the channel teaming with small fish and invertebrates makes up a ‘cleaning station’ for manta rays who visit the area periodically. For most of the year, there isn’t much action in the quiet bay, but come the southwest monsoons during May- July, an upwelling current from the deep waters to the east brings a superabundance of plankton drawing dozens of Manta Rays at a time. Hanifaru Bay of the Baa Atoll is “The” dive site for a manta ray experience you’ll never forget. However, just like most marine encounters, you’ve got to have luck on your side. On some days when there is no food in the lagoon, no mantas show up, while on other days, 20 to 50 are a common sighting. The largest recorded number in one single day is 240 individuals all distinctly identified because of their markings.

The Maldives are as varied as they are exotic. In our opinion, it’s one destination that should rank highly on a scuba divers wish list. You won’t regret it.

*image credits: photos by sarnau, Simone Carletti and Nautilus Cruises (Maldives) on flickr

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Featured in the list of New Natural Wonders of the World, the Maldives is a very well-known tropical island destination, the stuff glossy travel magazines and honeymoon dreams are made off. Their abundant white sand islands popping out of crystal azure waters are famous for housing  luxury resorts that languish the very essence of idyll living. With none of it’s 1,192 coral islands & atolls measuring more than 1.8 meters (6 feet) above sea level, even from land you can see the thousands of fish and abundant marine life swimming around the vivid coral just a few feet from your toes. With it’s thriving marine life, year-round sunny days and perpetual warm waters, it’s no wonder the Maldives finds itself a favorite scuba destination to divers around the World.

The 1,190 odd Islands of the Maldives form an archipelago of 26 major atolls (groups of neighboring coral islands) and extend to 820 kms (510 miles) from north to south and stretches 120 kms (75 miles) east to west. With that much water to cover and literally hundreds of reefs and dive spots on the map, you could do several scuba trips to the Maldives and never visit the same dive site twice.

To get the best scuba diving experience out of the diversity and wide range of dive sites on offer in the Maldives, a liveaboard is the best way to go. The liveaboard safaris here take you inside and outside the atoll lagoons and in through the channels and passages in between where the currents sweep through rich with nutrients, and bring with them vast numbers of fish and pelagics like manta rays, eagle rays and whale sharks enjoying the passing feast. However, day trips from most islands are also available and though they may cover only a part of the archipelago they are still great dives. It’s not a bad option if you are holidaying with non-divers or aren’t up for a liveaboard trip as it allows you to do other things apart from diving. But now back to the diving…

A good number of dive sites in the Maldives can be rather challenging thanks to strong currents. Liveaboards require divers to have at least 20 logged dives and a good grasp of basic scuba skills like buoyancy control.  Dive sites situated near thilas (pinnacles of rock vaulting up almost to the surface) and in the channels between reefs usually have currents, but are fun to experience as drift dives. It’s important to note though, that it’s a good idea that all divers carry an SMB (Surface Marker Buoy) and pay attention to their depth when on such dives.

Although the 1996-1998 El Nino rise in water temperature caused significant coral bleaching, the reefs here are bouncing back with a quick recovery and the life on the reefs has not altered the diving here. In fact, many believe that the marine life has increased to more than their former glory days. The crystal clear waters, exceptionally good visibility and abundant sunshine that pierces the waters is an ideal set up for underwater photography. So photographers, don’t forget to take your camera along!

In terms of marine life, you can expect to see almost all species of tropical fish native to the Indian Ocean. That includes an impressive array of reef fish like parrotfish, sweetlips, butterflyfish, batfish, clownfish, angelfish, stonefish, lionfish, snappers, moorish idols, triggerfish, napoleon wrasses and so on, to jacks, barracuda, tuna, travallies and a variety of sharks like the zebra shark, hammerheads, white tip & black tip reef sharks, nurse sharks. Manta rays, eagle rays, moray eels, whale sharks, dolphins and turtles are also very common in a lot of Maldivian dive sites. The Maldives is truly a diving haven and underwater photographer’s dream destination.

Click Here for more on The Different Diving Regions and Dive Sites Of The Maldives

*Image credits: photos by nicadlr, jumer and msuga on flickr

© Aquaviews - SCUBA Blog, 2011. | Diving In The Maldives: An Overlook is an original article from Aquaviews.net | Be the first to comment!

With summer around the corner, it’s that time of the year again to scope out those tropical scuba diving destinations for that unforgettable dive vacation. Here’s a look at the Top 10 Summer Diving Destinations around the world:

1. Cozumel, Mexico

Ranked no. 1 by PADI as a top dive destination and featuring on almost every divers must-dive destination list, the island of Cozumel off the Mayan Coast of Mexico is a feast for any divers eyes. Famous for its drift diving, Cozumel is a lazy diver’s paradise with currents that range from gentle 1/2 knots near some dive sites to fast, strong currents only for experienced and adventurous drift divers. The island is a mere 28 miles / 45 kilometers/ km long and 10 miles / 16 kilometers/ km wide and is surrounded by gorgeous reefs and pristine clear waters. Cozumel is actually a conglomeration of many different coral formations and personalities, as a series of separate reefs make up the over 20 highly popular diving areas of Cozumel, including a labyrinth of tunnels, dramatic swim through’s and canyons lying amidst the towering coral plateaus teeming with marine life. (For more read:Paradise Reefs: Diving in Cozumel, Mexico)

Click here for Cozumel Scuba Packages

2. Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles

Bonaire of the Dutch Antilles located in the southern Caribbean near Aruba is world renowned for its excellent scuba diving and is consistently rated among the best diving and locations in the world. The island itself is actually the peak of a submerged mountain, so deep sloping reefs surround most of the island. Just a walk down the beach and you can plunge into any one of the 86 spots and find spectacular coral within a few hundred yards. The Bonaire Marine Park protect the environment from the high water mark to a depth of 200 feet maintaining this reef’s integrity. (For more read:Bonaire – A Divers Paradise)

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3. Cayman Islands, Caribbean

Rated by many publications as the best place to dive in the Caribbean, the Grand Cayman a part of the Cayman Islands is also ranks 3rd on PADI Network’s list of favorite Scuba destinations. Diving conditions in the Caymans is second to none, with it’s astonishingly clear underwater visibility usually ranging from 150′ to 200′. It’s renowned primarily for their abundant Wall and Wreck Diving sites. This world class dive destination has sites such as the Strawberry Sponge Wall, Snapper Reef and the MV Capt. Keith Tibbetts Wreck in Cayman Brac, Little Cayman’s Bloody Bay Wall ranked as one of the top five dive sites in the world and so many more. It’s quite popular for non-diver sites too like Stingray City, where you can float through shallow waters and come face-to-face with stingrays the size of table tops. (For more read: Dive Cayman Brac the Caribbean’s Wall Diving Capital & Diving With The Rays at Stingray City, Grand Caymans)

Click here for Cayman Island Scuba Packages

4. Belize, Caribbean

At the mention Belize Scuba diving and as a diving destination everyone talks about the Blue Hole Diving, but there’s a lot more to this diving hotspot that just that. The Barrier Reef around Belize is 185 meandering miles (298 km) of unspoiled beauty. It varies from 8 to 16 miles (13-26 km) from the mainland to less than one mile (1.6 km) offshore from Ambergris Caye. Belize even has three atolls with more than 160 miles of walls and reefs suitable for diving. With divers flocking to the blue hole’s Lighthouse reef, the rest are secluded unspoiled and untouched, a far cry from the major dive centers and other popular marine life destinations of the Caribbean and our pick for no.4. (For more read: There Is More To Diving In Belize Than Just The Blue Hole)

Click here for Belize Scuba Packages

5. Sipadan, Malaysia

Sipadan island, off the coast of Sabah, Malaysia is simply unbeatable in its beauty and wealth of marine life that inhabit this coral island, formed by living coral growing on top of an extinct volcanic cone in the heart if the indo-pacific basin. The island itself is a pinnacle rising from 600 meters from the seabed in the Celebes Sea. Home to some of the best dive sites in the world, Sipadan is most renowned for Barracuda Point which regularly features among the top 5 dive sites in the world. (For more read: Worlds Amazing Dive Sites: Barracuda Point Sipadan)

Click here for Malaysia Scuba Packages

Top 10 Summer Scuba Diving Destinations Contd.

*Image credits: photos by Scubaben, TropicalSnorkeling.com, joeduty, Brianz & Dave Bluck on flickr

© Aquaviews - SCUBA Blog, 2011. | Top 10 Summer Scuba Diving Destinations is an original article from Aquaviews.net | 2 comments

Deerfield Beach is a city in Broward County, Florida, and was named for the numerous deer that once roamed the area. Today Deerfield is known amongst Scuba Divers as a great dive destination.

Scuba Diving in the Deerfield Beach area arguably offers some of the best diving in North America. Situated very close to an ocean inlet, which gives quick access by boat to the stunning reef and several wrecks laying just a mile off shore Deerfield also offers a great climate. The water here is warm and clear. Most of the dive sites are within 15 minutes of the inlet. Weather-wise the area has a Tropical monsoon climate with hot summer days, frequent thunderstorms in the summer, with rain less frequent in the fall, and the occasional cold front during winters.

Deerfield is highly popular with Scuba Divers because there is something here for almost every kind of diver, from shallow protected reefs for beginners to ripping drift diving in the Gulfstream’s currents. There are also wrecks aplenty that should keep even the most diehard wreck divers satisfied. The Gulf Stream comes closest to Florida’s shoreline here. It causes an average current of about one knot running parallel to the reef line.  Most divers & snorkelers travel to Pompano Beach to access Deerfield Beach dive sites from the Hillsboro Inlet.

Some of the popular dive-site in the area include:

North Rocks
Deerfield Beach North Rocks has a maximum diving depth of around 6.7 m / 22 ft and is suitable for all divers. This is a great beach dive for beginners and those learning to scuba dive as it is easy to get to and easy to dive when there is a low to mid range current. The average visibility is 10-20 meters and access to the dive site is a short distance from the shore and so shore diving from the beach is the best way in. The site comprises of the reef that runs parallel to the shore, and has a wide variety of marine life inhabiting the reef which makes this a great site for underwater photography as well.

Angels Reef
Angels Reef also known as Separated Rocks is another popular dive site off Deerfield Beach. This reef is a series of coral islands with two submerged angel statues commemorating fallen divers.  The site is Located south of Deerfield Beach and can be accessed by Boat.  The maximum depth is 15.2 m / 49.9 ft, and visibility is good ( 10 – 30 m), mostly a 1 knot current in the area so drift diving is recommended. The main attractions apart from the sectioned reef are the Angel statues that are both spectacular to behold and strangely out of place in the depths.

Ancient Mariner – Wreck
This is a beautiful wreck dive off the Miami, Ft. Lauderdale coast of Florida. It’s worth diving because it is a recreational dive and contains plenty of coral and fish.  The Ancient Mariner was sunk in 1991 as an artificial reef.  Max depth on this site is 21.9 m / 71.9 ft and visibility is fairly good. The wreck is located In front of Hillsboro Beach and is Accessible only by boat.

Sea Emperor – Wreck
Approx one mile SE of the Boca Raton Inlet the Sea Emperor is a hopper barge 171′  long and 45′ wide which has settled on the sea bed upside down. Inside the wreck and to the east lie 1600 tons of concrete drainage culverts which were its cargo. The barge is also home to Goliath Groupers, eels, stingrays, nurse sharks and hundreds of other fish. Max depth at this site is 21.9 m / 71.9 ft ,and current is often quite strong ( > 2 knots)

United Caribbean – Wreck
The Caribbean is a steel cargo ship 147′ long which rests at 50 feet. The residents of the wreck are the same as those of the Sea Emperor, lots of Groupers, eels and tiny fish. The was a part of the Palm Beach Artificial Reef Program and was deliberately sunk on August 22, 2000, and so it makes a great wreck to dive.

photos from flickr by: hherbzilla, Harvey S. Cohen, andrewl04

© Aquaviews - SCUBA Blog, 2011. | Scuba Diving at Florida’s Deerfield Beach is an original article from Aquaviews.net | One comment

One of Europe’s hottest holiday destinations, the Canary Islands is definitely one of the best scuba diving spots of the continent. Located off the coast of Morocco, the volcanic Spanish Islands offer a host of beautiful scenes both above water and below. But, it’s the below water we’re more concerned about.

The volcanic nature of the Canary Islands is responsible for some very impressive rock formations underwater and an array of dive sites including, reefs, drop offs, swim throughs and caves rich in both plant and animal life. Many say it puts diving in the Mediterranean to shame. Of the 7 islands that make up the Canaries, Gran Canaria and Tenerife are the most popular scuba diving destinations, however each island has dive sites of their own, worth diving too.

Gran Canaria
Most of this island is surrounded by a shelf at about 20-24m deep and offers a number dive sites accessible from the shore. On the east coast of the island is the Arinaga Marine Reserve better known as ‘El Cabrón’, where divers most dive shops and divers are found. This area has earned the reputation of having the best diving of the islands because of the variety and sheer quantity of marine life it has on offer. The abundance of marine life that includes schools of barracuda, sardines, damselfish, wrasses, parrotfish, rays and gorgonias is accompanied by the stunning seascapes which include natural arches, tunnels, swim throughs and cliffs.

The dives at the reserve are relatively easy at depths of around 15-20 meters (50-65 feet) and visibility also good throughout the year. However, it’s best to plan ahead as there aren’t any facilities (toilets, water, cafes etc.) at the access points to the water which is quite literally a off a dusty track.

Boat accessible dive sites are scattered all around the island. Las Palmas, in the North East has one of the best wreck diving of the region. The Pasito Blanco natural & artificial reefs are 2-5 kms from shore off the southern point of the island. A thriving reef rich marine life is always a pleasure to dive. The artificial reef has been created on a sandy sea bed by dropping several artificial structures including blocks, tubes and concrete ‘skeletons’, but shows promise with fish like roncadors, barracudas and species of rays moving in already. The Arguineguín Reef is another place to spot schooling fish in their perfect formations swimming around and sometimes even surrounding you.

La Catedral Lying just outside Las Palmas is a cavern dive down that descends to an amazing 45m, with light streaming in through entry points above in the roof. A truly spectacular site, for the more experienced ofcourse as they can often be a swell running through.

Tenerife
The largest of the Canary islands and the most popular, Tenerife also happens to be very impressive diving destination. From wrecks, caves, rolling walls, drop off reefs, this island has it all and never disappoints. Most dive sites are a short 15-20 minute boat ride from shore, and cater to all levels of divers visiting. From the Condesito shipwreck which is intact and in good condition, teaming with life to ‘Step’ or Los Escolones a wall dive which your tropical reef fare, the marine life is rich, visibility clear and photo ops plentiful, making it a divers delight.

The Rays or Los Chuchos is a must visit site when in Tenerife with its crisp blue waters that descends to a rich golden sandy floor teeming with 5 different species of Ray, and a small wreck at the center of the site.

*Photo credits: photos by Philippe Guillaume on flickr

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Known as one of South Australia’s premiere dive sites is the  HMAS Hobart, a World War II guided missile destroyer of the Royal Australian Navy. Decommissioned in 2000, the 133 meter (436 ft) long ship was strategically placed and well scuttled by controlled flooding into 30m of water, forming an artificial reef off the coast of South Australia, an 80 minute drive South of Adelaide in the Yankalilla Bay just two years later. It’s a wreck diving destination you don’t want to miss if you’re in Australia.

In it’s prime during it’s tours on duty off South Vietnam, the ex HMAS Hobart was known as the “Green Ghost” due to her speed, which made her appear to be able to be in several places at once. Unfortunately hit by “friendly” fire, the ship had to be decommissioned shortly after, but remains in all it’s glory underwater today.

The pride of the scuba diving scene in South Australia, the HMAS Hobart is truly a divers wreck as it was intended to be. It lies at a max depth of 30 meters with it’s bow facing towards the land. A good place for a planned multilevel dive, the decks of the ship lie at between 15 and 22 meters, the guns and bridge in around 15 meters and the top of the stacks in 5 to 7 meters, allowing divers to maximize their non-decompression dive time underwater. A well planned and thought out dive site to begin with, many holes and hatches were cut out before the sinking to allow easy penetration into the wreck, for scuba divers to navigate throughout the wreck. A number of mooring lines too are attached to the ship for descent and ascent so you can do your safety stops while stick checking out the stacks (either forward or aft). But, what makes it even more special how intact the wreck is with much of it’s original equipment, instrumentation and fittings – including filing cabinets, sinks, toilets and tools which offer divers lots to see. You can literally sit in the captains chair, look into the inner workings of the engine room or missile magazine, check out the guns, the mess deck, or even take the controls on the conning bridge. You can even do a spot of ironing in the laundry, if that’s your fancy.

Marine life too has taken to this ship making it a wreck teaming with life. From schools of snapper, whiting and bearded cod that roam the outside, bullseyes, blennies and leatherjackets moving in, almost all the ship’s surfaces are covered in rich marine life thriving in their new environment. So you the next time you’re gearing up for a diving trip to Australia, try putting a spot in for the HMAS Hobart a great wreck dive in our books!

Now plan your next dive trip and diving vacations with great deals from LeisurePro Travel

Photo credits: photos by Crouchy69 and marv4mart on flickr

© Aquaviews - SCUBA Blog, 2010. | Wreck Diving: Dive The HMAS Hobart in South Australia is an original article from Aquaviews.net | One comment

The Republic of Seychelles comprises of 115 islands in the western Indian Ocean that extends from between 4 and 10 degrees south of the equator just off the east coast of Africa.  Of these 115 islands, 41 of these islands are known as the Inner Islands which are oceanic granite islands while a further 74 form the low-lying coral atolls and reef islands of the Outer Islands. This uniqueness of island terrain composition a mixture of Granite Islands and coral atolls is what makes the Seychelles a paradise dive destination for scuba divers.

The climate in the archipelago is always warm and without extremes. In this tropical haven south of the equator the temperature seldom drops below 24°C (75.2F) or rises above 32°C (89.6F). Diving is possible all year round but generally, the best conditions for both the Inner and Outer Islands are in the calm periods, April-May and October-November, when the water temperature can rise to 29ºC (82.4F) and offers excellent (up to 30 metres/98Ft) visibility.

Scuba Diving in Seychelles is diverse with several kinds of terrains and sites to visit. The Inner Islands, made from granite are resting atop of a shallow plateau with prolific marine life, but are known more for huge granite boulders, and swim-throughs. Most of the dive sites are located North of the main Island Mahe, where dive sites are plentiful and have huge Granite Boulders that are the home of many different tropical fishes, Eagle Rays, Giant Sting Rays, Sharks the occasional Dolphins. The sites are heavily decorated with soft and hard corals that really come alive on a night dive.

Diving at the coral reefs located at different islands around Mahe is carried out by most dive operators as a series of Day trips. Here the experience is totally different from the granite boulder dives, there is a rich variety of corals, an abundance of exotic fishes, such as the Bat Fish, colorful Butterfly Fishes, Parrot Fishes and Hawksbill and Green Sea Turtles

Seychelles also offers up a few but stunning wreck dives of which the famous wreck of the Ennerdale, an enormous  47,000 ton British Fleet Auxiliary tanker which carried drums of oil to the Seychelles that sunk in the seventies and  is now home to Giant Groupers, Giant Moray Eels, Scorpion Fish, Eagle Rays, Lion Fish and fusiliers. Other wrecks include The Dredger Wreck purposely sunk in October 1989, two Barges also deliberately sunk in February 1989and most recently Aldebaran was sunk off the coast of Willie’s Bay on July the 11th 2008 and is already teeming with marine life.

The Outer Islands of Seychelles to the south of the archipelago are all coralline or sand atolls mostly uninhabited, presenting the experienced diver with excellent opportunities to explore where few have gone before. These coral islands are teeming with sea life that appears to be much richer than those at the Inner Islands. Dive sites range from mini-walls and canyons to spots where one can dive with  migrating Manta Rays, or observe the giant barrel sponges and the finest Gorgonian fans in the Indian Ocean.

Overall, the Seychelles are a smorgasbord for divers offering a wide range of sites and terrains, from wrecks to granite boulders, coral reefs and canyons, making this a definite must visit place for anyone wishing to do some serious scuba diving.

Now plan your next dive trip and diving vacations with great deals from LeisurePro Travel

photos from flickr by whl.travel, Mister.Tee

© Aquaviews - SCUBA Blog, 2010. | Scuba Seychelles is an original article from Aquaviews.net | Be the first to comment!

Located on the Lighthouse Reef just off the coast of Belize, the Half moon Caye forms one of the three main atolls of lighthouse reef. The Half Moon Caye Wall dive site is located on the south side of Half Moon Caye and is easily one of the best dive destinations of the world.  Though often overshadowed by the nearby Belize Blue Hole, also located on Lighthouse reef, which tends to get more publicity and reviews than the Half moon Caye, most diver who have dived both sites tend to agree that the Wall is definitely one of the best dives sites on earth.

The reef crest is crowned with a thick forest of staghorn coral that almost acts as a barrier to the sharp wall drop-off that drops steeply to a shelf at a depth of about 15 feet (5 m). This shelf is a sandy expanse which is home to a large community of garden eels that pop out of sight as a diver approaches. The sandy shelf slopes downward to around 40-50 feet (14-15m) before one comes across another barrier of staghorn coral along the very edge of the reef wall. It is this barricade of living coral is what makes this wall so unique. Divers can find narrow gaps/tunnels between the coral outcrops to reach the seaward side of the wall, or opt to swim above the barrier to around 20ft from the surface. However the challenge lies in finding a gap through the barrier and carefully making your way to the other side of the sheer wall drop-off which seems to cut away to nothingness below. The top of the wall is teeming with sea life and corals, sea fans and brain coral all competing for space and light. Large grouper, angelfish and butterflyfish congregate at the top of the wall, while deeper down are the larger pelagic such as white tip sharks, jewfish, and bullsharks, that tend to dive well beyond the recreational scuba diving limits of the wall. Other attractions include the occasional sighting of manta rays, or stingrays at the sandy flats, and also sea turtles that drift idly by.

The depth range of this site ranges from 19-137ft ( 6-42m) and the wall drops-off to an undetermined depth. Currents are usually minimal to none, and visibility is 100ft (30m) or more. Half Moon Caye wall is rated for scuba diving difficulty as an intermediate dive site. To truly experience this dive site, one should plan to do at least a few dives here to appreciate the diversity of terrain.

While back on the surface, divers can off-gas on the Half Moon Caye itself which is  a small, tropical designated as a National Park and bird sanctuary.  There are bird-watching platforms from which visitors to the island can sight the boobie bird colony, frigates and other bird species and iguanas. There is also a solar powered lighthouse located on the atoll which is inhabited by the lighthouse keeper who acts as the custodian of the island as well.

photos from flickr by Dirk’s Photography, timc74, Minh and Melissa

© Aquaviews - SCUBA Blog, 2010. | Half Moon Caye Wall at Lighthouse Reef, Belize is an original article from Aquaviews.net | Be the first to comment!

There’s something a bit attractive, exciting and mysterious about diving at a deep dive site that extends to or beyond a depth of 40 meters/ 130 feet, the maximum edge of recreational diving. Intrigued with the challenge that deep diving or confined space diving (cave diving) presents, divers are often tempted to take that all so thrilling plunge into the depths, throwing caution to the winds. However, descending below 40 meters with a single cylinder and standard recreational scuba diving gear isn’t brave nor exciting…it’s being stupid.

That said, and although “dangerous” is a subjective term, there are a number of dive sites that have earned a reputation of being dangerous or let’s use challenging instead, mostly because of unfortunate diving accidents that have resulted in deaths there. Keeping in mind to always dive within your comfort zone & experience, with proper training, planning and the right diving equipment, and not to forget to leave the macho ego behind (as most dive accidents have occurred to those who are superficially fairly qualified, it’s important to remember the c-card doesn’t make you an invincible diver!), if you dive safe and responsibly there’s no reason not to dive these dive sites.

Here’s a look at our list of Top 5 Dives Sites in the World that are considered deep or challenging -

1. The Shaft Sinkhole, Mount Gambier, Australia
In a tiny hole in the middle of a huge flat field where you’d least expect to be diving, lies one of Australia’s most infamous but truly spectacular cave dive site- The Shaft. Aptly named because of it’s entrance which is an inconspicuous narrow shaft water drain, with only a swinging ladder to descend to the water 8 meters down the dingy shaft. Your scuba tanks and kits are lowered down to you to kit up in the water, in the darkness. But once you’ve conquered the task of all the prep, the small lake chamber has a huge underwater chasm with some of the clearest waters in the world. The immense cavern is impressive to say the least. An outstanding dive, the shaft is definitely one of the most unique sinkhole dives in the world.

Why it’s challenging: Well other than the fact that there is only one small entry and exit point which isn’t the easiest to access, the cavern leads off into two tunnels located at either end of the cavern. One leads of to a depth of around 85 meters (278 feet) while the other 120 meters (almost 400 feet). Divers have made the unfortunate mistake of getting carried away and not correctly estimating their supply of air to make it back to the exit, a crucial part of planning a deep cave dive. Today, the CDAA (Cave Divers Association of Australia) limits divers to a maximum depth of 40 meters at all it’s sites in Mount Gambier to avoid diving accidents like those.

2. Dahab Blue Hole, Egypt
Easily one of the most famous dive sites of not only the Red Sea, but the World over is the Blue Hole off the Sinai Peninsula coast a few miles north of Dahab in Egypt. Known among diving circles as one the ‘World’s Most Dangerous Dive Sites’ its inky blue depths have claimed a number of lives, but the Blue hole has several aspects that make it special as it continues to draw divers from around the World to it.

Why it’s challenging: Although there is an easier entrance, many prefer entry through ‘The Bells’ – a dive site formed where a deep groove cuts into the reef top just north of the Blue Hole at Dahab. Entry into the Bells is like that of a chimney and often done head first. It’s a 27-30m descend into a completely vertical drop off into a clear stunning blue waters. The blue hole walls itself goes down to a depth of around 100meters and is bottomless with unfathomable depths. The cliffs around the dive site bearing lost divers epitaphs serve as a somber reminder for all to respect the limits and realities of the sport.

3. Eagle’s Nest Sinkhole, Florida
Considered the ‘Mount Everest’  or the ‘Grand Canyon’ of cave diving, the Eagle’s Nest is one of the most intricate and challenging dive sites one can dive. Located on the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area property, near Weeki Wachee, the sinkhole first appears to be a very unimpressive, scummy-looking pond. Hidden below it astounding depths of around 300 feet (91metres), the Eagle’s Nest Sinkhole in Florida has chambers as large as gymnasiums and crystal-clear water. [*Above image- Times photo: Maurice Rivenbark]

Why it’s challenging:Only for highly experienced cave divers and the technically sound, the descent the Eagle’s nest is similar to that of a chimney and hundreds of feet below it opens up into a large cavern called “the Main Ballroom”, beyond which are longer tunnels and crannies that go even deeper. While cave diving isn’t for everyone, a number of divers have perished attempting to explore this site in particular. The Sinkhole’s challenging caves and and harsh conditions are not to be taken lightly when considering to dive here.

4. Cenote Esqueleto Temple of Doom, Mexico
Just outside of Tulum, Mexico is Cenote Esqueleto, known rather ominously as the ‘Temple of Doom’. This cenote is a mix of salt and fresh water and has a large canyon venturing off into passageways and caverns.

Why it’s challenging: Entering the cavern is said to be uncomfortable as there are no stairs leading down to the water. There is, however, a galvanized pipe ladder to help you ascend the ten feet from the water to the lip of the cenote. It’s a 25-foot-diameter hole with a large undercut ledge and features a multilevel maze of cave formations, boulders and stalactites dripping from the blanched white limestone. It’s all too easy to get lost in the dark cave system if you venture outside the area lit by daylight.

5. Devil’s Cave System, Ginnie Springs, Florida
The Little Devil, Devil’s Eye and Devil’s Ear in Ginnie Springs, Florida are three very different cave diving experiences offered all year round. There are 30,000 feet of mapped passageways and cave systems, all formed as a result of underground water working upon soluble limestone. This type of topography, called Karst, characterizes most of the principal cave systems in the world.

Why it’s challenging: There is a breakdown restriction about 200ft from the entrance to the Devil System called ‘the lips’. The currents are strong and at the Devil’s Ear, divers must take extra care because of the narrow vortex opening which can cause their gear to shift around.

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*images: photos by Saspotato, jrover, CasaDeQueso, PMC 1stPix on flickr

© Aquaviews - SCUBA Blog, 2010. | Top 5 Deep and Challenging Dive Sites is an original article from Aquaviews.net | One comment

There is something intriguing about being able to Scuba Dive at Aquariums. It’s such a completely different experience from regular Scuba Diving, as there is for starters such a great concentration of marine life and often a wide variety of fish and other sea creatures in a smaller space; something you perhaps would get to experience easily in the open water. Knowing that you are being watched by hundreds of the aquariums visitors as you dive the tank, is often a great experience in itself or an awkward one for some. Either way it’s something completely different from regular open water diving and should be experienced at least once.

Most recently in July 2010, for the first-time ever, general certified divers are now invited to dive into the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California.

The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach California, is truly a spectacular display that covers every corner of the mighty Pacific Ocean with galleries and exhibits from the waters of sunny Southern California and Baja, the frigid waters of the North Pacific, and the colorful reefs of the Tropical Pacific. One of the key highlights of the Aquarium is the Shark Lagoon where visitors can come face-to-face with, and even touch, the Pacific Ocean’s ultimate predators.

The recently introduced Dive Immersion program takes place in the Tropical Reef Habitat section of the Aquarium which allows divers to explore the warm 350,000-gallon Tropical Reef Tank and meet more than 1000 tropical fish up close and personal. This gallery is designed to simulate the warm, 80-degree waters of Micronesia considered by many to be among the most beautiful in the world. Palau’s waters contain an incredible diversity of coral, fish, and other colorful marine life. The 16 exhibits in the Aquarium’s Tropical Pacific Gallery represent the beautiful marine life you would find off the coast of Palau.

Divers can witness up-close, a thousand colorful fish and beautiful coral, including sea turtles, zebra and black tip reef sharks, porcupine puffers, and a large blue Napoleon or humphead wrasse. The whole dive immersion program consists of a two and a half hour experience with a full personal behind-the-scenes tour of the dive program, a dive in their largest exhibit, a certificate of completion, a souvenir towel, use of the Aquariums underwater camera, and a memory card of your photos to take home. All scuba diving equipment is provided by the Aquarium itself, and people wishing to avail of the program need to carry a C-Card with A minimum of an Open Water certification from a nationally recognized scuba certifying agency and a picture I.D.

The cost of this experience at the Aquarium of the Pacific is $299 per person or $279 for members, and reservations need to be made at least 24 hours in advance. Dives take place daily for a maximum of four participants between 3:00-5:30 p.m.

© Aquaviews - SCUBA Blog, 2010. | Scuba Dive At The Aquarium Of The Pacific In Long Beach is an original article from Aquaviews.net | One comment