All-inclusive SCUBA resort packages: Low prices to Jamaica, Turks & Caicos

Looking for a SCUBA vacation to the Caribbean? Beaches Resorts in the Caribbean have just announce new LOW pricing for all-inclusive SCUBA vacations to four resorts.

The specials, which start as low as $678 for 7 nights, are available for travel through October 31, 2009.

According to Maduro Dive Fanta-Seas, a leading SCUBA travel provider, the just-announced ALL-INCLUSIVE SCUBA specials are at four Beaches properties in the Caribbean. Discounts up to 65% off regular package prices and a 6th night free makes these specials an extraordinary opportunity. For those who wish to travel with children, a singular price of $630 for ages 2 to 16 applies for each resort...[Link]

Dive tourists up 62.8 percent in Philippines

As the Department of Tourism (DOT) aggressively pushes "Dive Tourism" in some areas in the Philippines, the number of dive tourists in the Philippines grew by 62.8 percent in the first quarter of 2009.

A record from the DOT planning and promotion office revealed that Cebu, Bohol, Palawan, Mindoro Oriental and Batangas are the identified favorite diving destinations especially for foreign tourists.

German dive enthusiasts visiting these diving destinations posted 131 percent increase while the Korean dive tourists went up by 104 percent, American 37 percent, Japanese 34 percent and Chinese 31 percent.

Over-all gross receipts from dive tourism in these destinations posted an upsurge of 52.8 percent to P31 million compared to P20.2 it generated in the first quarter of 2008...[Link]

Going Off the Beaten Reef

The Malaysian navy may not have had diving in mind when it poured in sand and concrete rubble to make this small island 300 kilometers off the coast of Sabah, but it succeeded in creating a mecca for divers just the same. From all over the world they come, drawn by the large schools of scalloped hammerhead sharks that swirl in its waters.

The Malaysian navy may not have had diving in mind when it poured in sand and concrete rubble to make this small island 300 kilometers off the coast of Sabah, but it succeeded in creating a mecca for divers just the same. From all over the world they come, drawn by the large schools of scalloped hammerhead sharks that swirl in its waters...[Link]

Next Article Seattle Camping Examiner Explore Canada: Check out Porteau Cove Provincial Park

Even though Washington State has plenty to offer to the outdoor enthusiast, there is even more to experience with our neighbors to the north. British Columbia may get overlooked when planning weekend camping trips, however it is only a couple hours from Seattle and unfolds new cultures and terrain. Porteau Cove Provincial Park is one of many Provincial Parks in Canada that has something for everyone.

Located only 38 km north of Vancouver, B.C. on Highway 99 this park features a scuba diving area that contains a series of man made reefs and sunken ships that are marked by buoys. Depths vary from 20 to 60 feet. Marine life can be spotted as various types have made the area it’s home. Diving from a boat is prohibited. Steps leading down to the waters edge are recommended to access the nearby scuba park...[Link]

Finding Beautiful, Unforgettable Dive Site in Yap with Divetime.com

Divetime.com is the best resource on the entire Internet if you are seeking beautiful, unforgettable dive sites in Yap! Yap dive sites await the neophyte and adept diver looking for a chance to enjoy underwater exploration, scuba diving Yap destinations, and a chance to explore what lies beneath the waters surrounding Yap. In fact, Divetime.com will help you explore as many as 46 Yap dive sites before you plan your scuba diving excursion so that you will know precisely what there is to offer at each and every one of the Yap dive sites available!

Plan your next diving adventure in a place situated just west of Micronesia and amid places like Palua and Guam. There are four different continental islands that make up Yap, all which offer you unique dive sites in Yap to explore too. Find scuba diving Yap destinations nearby Map, Tomil-Gagil, Yap Proper, and Rumung instantly. Free information is given to you from Divetime.com and all of the interactive divers that use Divetime.com on a regular basis too. Divetime.com offers insightful articles, diving tips, diving photos, diving videos, and scuba diving Yap destination ratings and information too. Finding perfect Yap dive sites for your next diving excursion has never been easier...[Link]

Scuba Diving in Turkey

Scuba diving introduces you to a whole new world filled with different shapes, textures, colours and creatures. This invigorating world of water and sea life awakens an undiscovered search for adventure and an incredible sense of freedom. Turkey’s clear seas offer some fantastic opportunities for scuba divers and for those who have longed to try the sport but never got round to it, there are plenty of scuba diving courses available to take you from curious novice to PADI professional!...[QuestTurkey]

Diving in Europe - The Top 10 Dive Sites

Europe boasts some world class dive sites, with great visibility and masses of underwater life. Readers of the SCUBA Travel diving guide have voted these the ten best dive sites in Europe.

1. The Zenobia, Cyprus

The pristine wreck of a huge ferry. Lying on its port side, the wreck starts at about 15 m and descends to 42 m. One of the best shipwreck dives in the world in recreational depths. 20 m plus visibility and some great swim-throughs. Needs several dives to see it all.

2. Blue Hole, Gozo

A beautiful sharp drop off into the blue hole with what seems like limitless visibility and literally feels like you are on the very edge of the world. A most extraordinary dive.

3. Cirkewwa, Malta

Features the wreck of the Rozi MV as well as stunning underwater topography. Visibility is very good and there is sea life in abundance: barracuda, morays, octopus, cuttlefish and even dolphins...[InternationalBusinessTimes]

Bonaire: Diver's paradise

All is still. Where the sky meets the land, it has turned to indigo. A few crimson clouds are scraped against the horizon.

We are standing at the edge of Lake Gotomeer on the north side of Bonaire, a Caribbean island 50 miles north of the Venezuelan coast. The silence suddenly is broken as a flock of yellow and green parakeets screech overhead. They are known locally as prikichi, probably meant to emulate their raucous squawking.

From the lake comes a gentle muttering sound, like an intimate conversation among friends. "Chogogo, chogogo," they seem to say. In the sky there is the soft whoosh of great pink wings being flared for landing as long red legs reach for the surface of the lake. A pair of Caribbean flamingos splashes down alongside a group of four others.

Bonaire plays host to about 15,000 flamingos, providing quiet nesting areas and salt pans full of their favorite foods: brine shrimp, insect larvae and small mollusks. It also is home to turkey-size Caracara, yellow-shouldered parrots and melodious Troupials. But it is not birds that attract most visitors here.

On the leeward side of the island that includes Klein Bonaire, an offshore island, 86 dive sites are legendary throughout the Caribbean...[TheOlympian]

The ocean’s your oyster

Web-based tour operator, Tropical Sky is launching a brand-new scuba diving brand, Tropical Sky Scuba Diving, which specialises in luxury diving holidays to tropical places.

The website holidays4scubadiving.co.uk, offers a tailor-made service and operators have a wealth of experience in diving holidays around the world.

Suitable for novices and experienced divers, ABTA and ATOL bonded Tropical Sky Scuba Diving includes a wide range of packages, ideas and helpful hints to ensure customers pick their perfect holiday. Destinations in their portfolio include the Maldives, Mauritius, Caribbean, Africa, South-East Asia, the Red Sea and Oman.

Stephen Cooper, commercial manager says, “My favourite diving experiences have been in the Maldives, Red Sea, Mauritius and Thailand and I am passionate about finding the right holiday for customers whether it’s their first time underwater or their next diving adventure.”

Packages include:...[Easier.com]

KK’s OK for diving

Mention scuba diving in Sabah, and people are likely to think of Mabul or Sipadan.

These islands are about nothing but beaches and diving. While this may be great for many, those of us who need something a little more may find them wanting.

This is where Kota Kinabalu, the capital, comes into the picture. Or Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, to be exact.

The park is probably one of the best-kept diving secrets in the country, and it is a mere 20 minutes by speedboat from the town’s marina. TAR Park consists of five islands, Gaya (the biggest), Sapi, Manukan, Sulug and Mamutik.

At least 10 reputable diving sites are said to be located here, so this, for me, became a trip to verify if the convenience of the park’s location is backed up by quality...[TheStarOnline]

On Fiji time

"Bula!"

A mountain of muscular Fijian manhood that would dwarf an NFL linebacker greets me with a grin that lights up Nadi Airport. Tucking my camera bag and suitcase under each arm like purses, he ambles off towards a taxi in that easy, what's-the-rush Fijian gait. Rugby-stoked calves bulge from beneath his skirt, but no one would be game to call this dude a sissy.

I'm relieved to see locals still wearing those sulu skirts, part of the traditional male dress code. They're worn by everyone from villagers to policemen, who sport white ones with zig-zag hemlines.

I'm always a bit nervous returning to Fiji. It's one of those places you never want to change, not just for its empty beaches and spectacular coral reefs, but even more for the easy pace of life here and the good-natured friendliness of the Fijian people who seem so unaffected by the rush and buzz of the rest of the world...[VancouverSun]

[Editor's note: The Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, and Fiji in general is one of the best trips/dive sites I've enjoyed...my video from that trip...absolutely recommend it.]

Find beauty underwater at the best diving spots

Kicking to swim toward the shipwreck, Dan Orr descends in still water nearly transparent as air. It’s a bright day above water at Fathom Five National Marine Park, a preserve on Lake Huron four hours north of Toronto. But beneath the surface — 106 feet down in the icy freshwater of the Georgian Bay — Orr is swimming into a haunted world.

A few feet down, the deck of the Arabia, a 19th-century wooden-hull schooner, fades into view. Bubbles trickle in front of Orr’s face; his breath quickens. Soon, shapes materialize on the bottom — chains, anchors, masts and an eight-spoke wheel stand upright, preserved in cold water where they sank during a storm more than a century ago.

After his dive, Orr is exhilarated. “That was one of those truly rare diving experiences that never clouds in your mind,” he says.
Story continues below ↓advertisement | your ad here

Like many veteran divers, Orr, the CEO of Divers Alert Network, a recreational diver association, has traveled the globe in search of the most epic underwater adventures. Along the way, though, he’s discovered that while the world is full of scuba fanatics, all of them have different ideas about what makes “the best” dive site...[MSNBC.com]

Belize Vacations—A Haven for Diving

Belize vacations offer explorations of one of the seven underwater wonders of the world, and trips there are not complete without a snorkeling or diving experience. Within Belize, the island of Ambergris Caye ranks as the nation’s premier diving destination. The Belize Barrier Reef, the largest living coral reef in the western hemisphere, protects the island’s coastline and provides a veritable underwater paradise.

Ambergris Caye has diving for all experience levels. One of the most popular spots is Hol Chan Marine Reserve, a Belize Audubon managed reserve. Here the ocean floor ranges from five to 35 feet, so both divers and snorkelers have the opportunity to swim in thriving underwater gardens and tunnels abundant with a wide range of beautiful tropical fish and exquisite coral formations.

World class diving venues abound in clear turquoise waters—all within a ten to twenty minute boat ride from the piers of Ambergris Caye, including Mexico Rocks, Tackle Box, Tres Cocos and Cypress Tunnel. Divers will usually see many interesting underwater landscapes with a mix of deep wall drops and caverns, coral and sponge formations as well as colorful marine life on each dive.

A special attraction for the experienced diver is the renowned Great Blue Hole. An immense circular limestone sinkhole more than 300 feet across and 400 feet deep, the Great Blue Hole’s array of bizarre stalactites and limestone formations seems to become more intricate and intense the deeper one dives. One of the world’s most astounding sites, the Great Blue Hole provides an unforgettable underwater experience...[TheOpenPress]

Mexico's drug war, battered economy mean low air fares to La Paz and Cabo San Lucas

Travelers interested in booking an inexpensive journey to La Paz, the beautiful capital of Baja California Sur, just missed out on a fantastic deal: $66 round trip.

In a promotion that ended Sunday night, thousands of seats were sold for travel throughout 2009 on Volaris Airlines.

Travel is via Tijuana's international airport but passengers using the airline, which is owned by billionaire Carlos Slim, can catch an airline shuttle from the train station in San Diego directly to the terminal.

"They sold 100,000 seats in 12 hours and their server crashed," Jonathan Roldan, owner of the outdoors outfitter Tailhunter International, said of the promotion. "It was a mad rush. I've been dealing with it all weekend."

Meanwhile, good deals remain throughout the busy spring season on Volaris and other airlines to La Paz and the Los Cabos region at Baja California's tip...[LATimesBlog]

The Caribbean's new "it" destination

Every now and then a new "it" destination comes around. For the past 10 years, I have been keeping my mouth shut, making several purely selfish trips before the word got out. Selfish? You bet. Worth it? Every last penny! So, what's the secret? The Dominican Republic.

What you notice first about the Dominican Republic is its size. This is not another tiny Caribbean island with a beach and a straw market. Instead, it's a big country with incredibly varied scenery that includes the tallest mountains in the region, stretches of white sand that run unbroken for miles, and one of the Caribbean's most cosmopolitan cities: Santo Domingo.

There are six main areas of the Dominican Republic, and each offers some wonderful hotels and resorts to explore...[Examiner]

Tired of the same old dive sites?

Scuba diving is an addictive sport, offering the chance to explore a realm that can be tranquil and electrifying in successive moments. Many divers head for popular destinations such as the Red Sea, but after a couple of trips, the popularity of these reefs takes the edge off the experience.

If you are planning a dive trip, or thinking about learning to dive, it might be time to consider somewhere more exotic. By looking further afield in search of better value for money, you might just find a far greater experience both in water and on dry land.

Here are a few destinations where you can immerse yourself in the marine world without breaking the bank (as well as a few that are worth spending that little bit extra on)...[TheIndependant]

Scuba diving in Texas

For the travel-hungry, scuba diving can be the perfect hobby. Scuba diving makes one of the best excuses for needing to get out of town.

Scuba classes in DFW are offered either in month long courses that meet once a week to intensive weekend classes offered by diving shops. There are many in Dallas. Or you can take a more formal course without being rushed at Eastfield College through the Continuing Education department in Mesquite. During this course you train in the pool with one instructor and many assistants. The final for the course is a trip to Lake Travis to do a few dives in a natural setting and test your diving skills.

Regardless of where you choose to get your PADI certification (yes, it is necessary, most places will not let you dive without it-however, it is valid for life and so worth it), a better Texas locale for diving would be San Marcosor take a scuba diving class (available at Eastfield College) before making a trip to San Marcos to dive in the San Marcos River (http://www.sanmarcosriver.org/RiverInfo.htm). The San Marcos River is exceptionally beautiful and clear most days of the year because the water comes from the natural underground springs that provides most of the Hill Country with its water, the Edwards Aquifer. Here you can see wildlife not seen anywhere else in the world, wildlife local to only this area of Texas such as the Texas Blind Salamander. Visit the Dive Shop in San Marcos for equipment, rentals, or even training...[Examiner.com]

Deep Recession Dive Bailout Package

The prices have been cut on the 4-dive package to what basically equates to MADNESS!! Normally, a 4-dive package costs $170 plus $20 for gear, if needed. Book now and you will pay only $150 plus $15 for gear. If you only have one day available to dive, no need to worry. You can still grab some of savings as well. Go to StMaartenDivers.com and book your seat for only $90 per person, including equipment, on either day. In continuing our crusade to offer a TARD (Totally Awesome & Relaxing Dive) program to all our fellow divers beached by the sinking global economy, we are throwing a 1 - 2 punch!

We have all seen the ongoing trend of diving stock markets and 401(k)’s so we are offering our own stimulus package called the WUTNICDAM4 (While Underwater There is Nothing I Can Do About my 401K) which is cheap diving AND a 15% discount on all the goodies sold at the Scuba Fun boutique. Don’t forget St. Maarten is a duty free port so there is also tax relief Now who can top that?...[1888PressRelease]

Explore A Modern-Day Shipwreck In Nevis

On August 1, 1970, the ferry boat Christena foundered and sank off the Caribbean island of St. Kitts, victim to two open hatches and a passenger roster which packed the ship to nearly twice its official capacity. Nothing can erase the memory of the 233 Nevisians killed in the accident, but SCUBA divers will soon get the opportunity to explore the site of the Christena...[Jaunted.com]

Skyscanner explores the top 10 best places in the world to get your scuba gear on.

Scuba diving is one of those sports which fill some with unbridled excitement, and others with inexorable fear. I am firmly in the first camp. If you watch divers on TV, it always looks like a very technical sport with loads of complicated looking kit. You hear phrases like “decompression time” and “oxygen toxicity” which makes it sound like a science experiment rather than something fun. The truth is, that for the recreational diver at least, it is really very easy and has to be one of the more accessible sports, since all you need are a relatively well-functioning set of lungs (note: the law says that all dive instructors have to smoke)...[SkyScanner]

The magical island of Moorea

Looking for a laid-back tropical locale far away from crowds, commercialism, and gray winter weather? You’ll find it across the equator about 10 airplane hours from PDX. Moorea (pronounced MOE-oh-ray-ah) is a Windward Island in the South Pacific, part of the Society Islands archipelago. Count on crystal-clear turquoise water, bright azure skies, and warm tradewinds on the magical island, but not fast food or a fast pace. What Moorea lacks in museums, movies, and malls, it more than makes up for in breath-taking views and plenty of downtime to relax and unwind.

Inbound flights to French Polynesia land in the bustling port city of Papeete on the larger island of Tahiti-Nui. Reaching Moorea from Papeete is a quick 12-mile voyage aboard a ferry-like catamaran. Crossing the “Sea of the Moon” into sun-drenched scenery is postcard pretty-- jagged volcanic peaks covered in green jungle jut up through wispy clouds into clear sky. The endless ocean alternates between patches of deep navy, bright turquoise, and all the hues in-between. You’re definitely not in Kansas (or Oregon) anymore!

Since French is more widely spoken than Tahitian, you might expect to hear “bonjour.” But more likely you’ll be warmly greeted with “ia ora na” (sounds like “your honor” when spoken quickly). Story has it that in the days of Captain Cook (the explorer who landed here in 1769), native Polynesians misunderstood the sailors saluting their captain during roll call. Back then, “Your Honor” was the formal title used to address the man in charge of the ship. Thinking instead it was a friendly greeting, Polynesians have used “ia ora na” as a welcoming salutation ever since. Hotel staff speaks English, but most residents speak French, so brush up on the basics before you go.

Moorea’s 37-mile circumference is best explored in a rental car. Rentals are spendy, but since Moorea is small, you likely won’t need the car for more than a day or two. Even in a teeny, tiny Fiat Panda with no air conditioning (no kidding), it beats bicycling in the humid sunshine unless you’re really ambitious. There’s no traffic to speak of and every mile is flanked by views of ocean and wild jungle. Exotic flowers, banana trees, pineapples, and vanilla grow abundantly. Organized, narrated tours of the island are also an option, especially if you’d like to learn more about Polynesian culture from a local guide...[Examiner.com]

Diving into Bonaire (Part Two)

While most Bonaire visitors will spend the bulk of their time playing in the water around the islands, there are plenty of activities to enjoy on dry land, as well, including hiking and biking. Dry land is not just a figure of speech on Bonaire. The island lies outside the hurricane belt and the climate is arid. As a result, cacti flourish here. Cactus plants are so plentiful, the inhabitants use them to create fences.

Washington Slagbaai National Park, on the northern end of Bonaire, is a good place to view cacti and the other flora and fauna of the island. Iguanas and a wide variety of tropical birds like to hang out here.


“You even have a chance of spotting the Lora here,” says George Thode, the park’s chief ranger for more than 26 years. “This bird is a little bigger than a parakeet and is an endangered species. That’s why the Lora is protected on Bonaire. Loras live off the fruits and seeds from the trees and cacti in the park.”


Speaking of tropical birds, Bonaire also is well known for its large population of flamingos. These can be seen in low-lying areas of the national park, especially at Goto Lake...[Examiner.com]

Diving into Bonaire (Part One)

Tranquil.

It’s a word that’s used often to describe Bonaire. Though a favorite among divers, the island remains less crowded with tourists than many of its Caribbean neighbors.

“It all has to do with the long-standing commitment to developing the island in a sustainable way,” explains Bonaire’s Director of Tourism Ronella Croes. “This has formed the basis for Bonaire’s tourism development… It is due to this commitment and vision that Bonaire has developed through the years and become a top diving destination.”

Divers are attracted to Bonaire by its beautiful coral reefs and dazzling array of tropical fish. Both the coral and fish are protected here, thanks to far-sighted island administrators who have taken a series of pro-environment steps over the past half century. In 1961, the island enacted legislation to safeguard the eggs and nests of sea turtles. Ten years later, spearfishing from the reefs – once a common practice – was banned. In 1975, breaking coral or even taking it from the water was outlawed.

The crowning achievement, Croes says, was the creation of the Bonaire Marine Park 30 years ago to maintain “such a beautiful nature under water.”

The Marine Park encircles the entire island from the water’s edge to a depth of 60 meters (about 200 feet). Tangs, parrot fish, and damselfish are among the many colorful fish found in these waters...[Examiner.com]

Take the plunge in Murcia

Chloe Griffiths visits the watersports haven of Spain

FEASTING on an eight-course banquet is hardly the best preparation for going beneath the ocean waves. It certainly doesn’t make it any easier to squeeze into a wetsuit, nor heave on an air tank.

But when the scuba-diving is as acclaimed as it is on Spain’s Costa Calida (Warm Coast) a little thing like a full stomach is no deterrent.

The warm seas off the rocky coastline of Cabo de Palos, on the most easterly tip of the region of Murcia, offer some of the best diving in Europe.

In fact, so impressive are its little-known charms that it’s one of only five ZEPIM zones or Special Protected Zones of Importance for the Mediterranean.

While British divers normally have to resort to cold, dingy quarries or breaking the bank on a long-haul flight to far-away seas in the winter months, those who make the short hop over to this balmy corner can be treated to year-round warm water, great visibility and abundant aquatic life.

Add to that 320 days of sunshine a year and an average temperature of 18c and this watersports paradise is the perfect antidote to a long British winter.

The sparkle of the winter sun off the water as I devoured a selection of seafood tapas from El Pez Rojo’s waterside veranda was all the encouragement I needed to take the plunge.

Ever since I first tried scuba at the tender age of 12, I have been addicted to the magical experience of entering the underwater world, as alien and intriguing as the moon...[LiverpoolEcho]

Well-known BBC newsreader gives thumbs up to Tenerife

BBC News at Ten mainstay Huw Edwards has said that he swears by Tenerife for his family holidays regardless of its mixed reputation.

After visiting various European resorts he has found his own bit of personal heaven in Costa Adeje off the beaten track. It is one of the many hidden corners of the island, and he and his family have returned time and time again. Even though the flight can take up to four and a half hours, he finds it a much better holiday option with young children. There are up to ten flights a day with trusted scheduled airlines.

Tenerife is in the process of being re-discovered and many celebrities are finding lesser-known areas far from the madding crowd where they can spend time away from the cameras; there is virtually guaranteed all-year-round sunshine with an average temperature of no less than 23ºC, making it a perfect a winter sunshine break, especially from this year's snowbound UK weather...[TenerifeNews.com]

The Adventure Traveler’s Guide to Costa Rica

Costa Rica is the adventure travelers dream come true with many opportunities to explore the country up close and personal. TravelWizard.com has put together a collection of outstanding adventures for you to partake in on your Costa Rica Adventure Vacation. Call 1-800-330-8820 to book your Costa Rica Adventure Vacation, today...

Scuba Diving: Divers will see soft and hard coral formations and an abundance of finned residents. Angelfish, parrot fish, and moray eels, as well as a random sighing of a sea turtle. Equipment rental is available and includes everything you will need...[TransWorldNews]

LA Times Travel and Adventure Show

When: February 15 : 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Price: $10

Event Phone Number:
800-448-7775
http://www.latimes.com/extras/tr...
jeff.cibull@latimes.com

L.A. Convention Center
Neighborhood: Downtown
1201 South Figueroa St.
Los Angeles, Ca 90015
800-448-7775

Take a holiday and literally stay underwater!

When guests visit Jules’ Undersea Lodge in Key Largo, Florida, they discover that the name is no marketing gimmick. Just to enter the Lodge, one must actually scuba dive 21 feet beneath the surface of the sea!

Jules’ really is underwater. Diving through the tropical mangrove habitat of the Emerald Lagoon and approaching the world’s only underwater hotel is quite an experience. Even from the outside, Jules’ big 42 inch round windows cast a warm invitation to come in and stay a while, relax and get to know the underwater world that so few of us have even visited.

Entering through an opening in the bottom of the habitat, the feeling is much like discovering a secret underwater clubhouse. The cottage sized building isn’t short on creature comforts: hot showers, a well stocked kitchen (complete with refrigerator and microwave), books, music, and video movies. And of course there are cozy beds, where guests snuggle up and watch the fish visit the windows of their favorite underwater “terrarium”. Jules’ Undersea Lodge manages to reach a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure...[BlueFlipperDiving]

New guide to Caribbean dive vacations

If you're planning a spring break or summer trip to go diving in the Caribbean, a new guide called "Scuba Caribbean" could help you explore new destinations.

The book, by Mary Peachin, has a section on Mexico's Caribbean coastline, including Quintana Roo, Cozumel, Cancun, Rivera Maya and Cenotes of the Yucatan, as well as chapters on more than two dozen islands, including Puerto Rico, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, the Cayman Islands, the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, Martinique, Montserrat, St. Lucia, Grenada, Barbados, Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, St. Martin, the Bahamas and Bermuda. The book also includes a section on Central and South American destinations with Caribbean coastlines—Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama and Venezuela's Los Roques Archipelago.

"Scuba Caribbean" notes that "the region's diving is as diverse as the islands themselves. Below the sea, an underwater photographer's wonderland of colorful reefs and marine diversity awaits." Terrain ranges from "steep, bottomless walls" to "cliff overhangs, caverns and swim-throughs." Some areas offer visibility greater than 100 feet, but Peachin writes that low-visibility areas, often rich in plankton, may offer their own attractions, attracting whale sharks and manta rays. Other underwater attractions: shipwrecks, diving with trained dolphins and watching migrations of whales and other sea creatures....[ContaCostaTimes]

The many colours of the Red Sea

The Red Sea has long been a favourite destination for British tourists. It has guaranteed year-round sunshine, accommodation to suit any budget and superb diving – all just a few hours' flying time from the UK. The scuba action – the nearest warm-water diving to Britain – puts it in any experienced diver's top 10 dive spots and its PADI courses are top-class.

Until recently, the majority of British visitors have gone to the area's best-known resorts, Sharm El Sheikh, on the tip of the Sinai peninsula, and Hurghada on the Egyptian mainland. But an Egyptian government initiative has seen the area rebranded as the Red Sea Riviera, and small, high-end resorts are springing up, complete with luxurious hotels, golf courses, tennis clubs and spas. Tour operators are responding by providing more direct flights and some competitively-priced packages.

Here is a guide to what the destinations have to offer...[Telegraph]

Hamilton Island -- jewel of the Great Barrier Reef

Amid all the dark economic forecasts of late, sun seekers looking to escape the misery of the cold of Japan and get the most out of the strengthened yen are rediscovering Australia and its spectacular Great Barrier Reef.

Budget airline Jetstar recently burst onto the scene in Japan with inaugural 8,000 yen roundtrip deals from Narita to Cairns -- less than one-fifth of the regular return fare of 46,000 yen. Even though those opening specials have evaporated like a mirage, getting warm this winter doesn't have to break the bank.

Hamilton Island, in the heart of the 74 isles that make up the Whitsundays off the Queensland coast, attracts many Japanese tourists who account for almost 10 percent of visitors to the island.

The island is blessed with breathtaking views -- from beaches with turquoise blue waters, to a peaceful marina dotted with small shops and restaurants.

"The weather is really hot, but it feels good," said 29-year-old Shinya Watanabe from Tokyo, who was visiting the island on his honeymoon with 30-year-old wife Yuki.

In late January, there is almost a 30-degree-Celsius difference in temperature between northern Australia and Tokyo. "We're enjoying the relaxed lifestyle here. We should have come earlier," said the newlyweds...[MainichiDailyTimes]

Underwater in Mauritius

It’s not every day that you find yourself piloting a scooter through the corals of the south western Indian Ocean. However, this is exactly how I made my first exploration of the azure blue waters of Mauritius — on what claims to be the world’s only underwater “sub-scooter” safari.

While scooter and rider are submerged three metres under the surface, a transparent dome over your head is pumped with air for so you can breathe normally and chat with your co-driver as you navigate through shoals of brightly-coloured fish. (www.blue-safari.com, based in the resort of Grand Baie, $183 per couple).

Of course, this is just one way of enjoying the bath water-warm ocean around this exquisite volcanic island. Mauritius is famous for long stretches of soft white sandy beaches, as well as the ring of coral reef around it that creates protected lagoons full of exotic fish.

Should you get bored of sunbathing, you can wade into the water with a snorkel. You can usually see plenty of underwater activity within a few metres of the shore, and most hotels offer snorkelling trips where they’ll take you to the most fish-crowded areas of the reef. If you’re keen to see more, diving is spectacular here...[MetroNews]

Diving komodo - Dive Komodo liveaboards

Komodo Dragon & Komodo Habitat Indonesia - Scuba Diving in Komodo Marine National Park, Mermaid 1 komodo adventure & Komodo cruises to the very beautiful tropical area of Komodo. Sailing expedition adventures offers on this Dive Komodo liveaboard website and Mermaid liveaboards look forward to welcoming you to Indonesia to dive Komodo area with Komodo liveaboard for Scuba diving & Raja Ampat liveaboards from Bali to Komodo onto Flores for Komodo dive trip Dracheninsel komodo.

Komodo National Park

Komodo National Park is located between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores in the Lesser Sunda Islands, at a distance of 200 nautical miles to the east of Bali. It has a total land area of 75,000 hectares and encompasses a number of islands, the largest of which are Komodo (34,000 hectares), Rinca (20,000 hectares), Padar, Nusa Kode, Motang, numerous smaller islands, and the Wae Wuul sanctuary on Flores. A total of 112,500 hectares of the surrounding waters are also under the jurisdiction of the Komodo National park rangers...[PRLog]

Dive into the Bahamas

The name for the Bahamas comes from “baja mar”, the Spanish for “shallow sea”, most appropriate as many of the islands are surrounded by seductive turquoise water made luminous by the sunlight reflecting up from the shallow sandy bottom.

However, its 700 islands and sandy cays offer plenty of adventurous playgrounds for divers, whether just starting out or more experienced, to explore.

The most popular destinations are New Providence, with its capital city Nassau, and Grand Bahama, both providing some of the best and most varied diving of all. The Tongue of the Ocean is a dark blue shape on the map that licks round the western side of New Providence so that it’s surrounded by deep blue water.

This gives it excellent diving because the fish of the ocean come up the steep reef walls to visit divers in the shallows. At the southern end of the island sits Stuart Cove’s Dive South Ocean dive centre. Stuart and Michelle Cove are the glamorous couple that supply underwater facilities to filmmakers...[TimesOnline]

Tubbataha Reef - New Natural Wonder

The Philippines, besting all other nominees, has secured the eminent spot in the New 7 Wonders of Nature race, with the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River proving strong in the first rank.

But there is only one day left to vote for the Philippine national nominee to represent the Philippines in the global race to choose the official New 7 Wonders of Nature.

The underground river in Palawan continues to lead, followed by Tubbataha Reef (No. 3) and Chocolate Hills (No. 5), in representing the Philippines. Other national wonders such as Mayon Volcano, Hundred Islands National Park, Mount Pinatubo and Taal Volcano are also supported candidates in the race.

“This sustained support from people the world over has been evident in the present rankings of our country’s nominees. We are calling all Filipinos to make their mark and be part of this historic undertaking as we campaign for New 7 Wonders of Nature,” Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano said.

“Puerto Princesa River is one of the leading adventure tourism sites in the country today; Tubbataha Reef continues to captivate divers from all over the world...[BusinessMirror.com]

Papuan Paradise

Situated in the centre of the Asia-Pacific region, surrounded by the Coral, Bismarck and Solomon Seas, whose constant movements feed and enrich the marine environment, PNG has twice as many marine species as the waters of the Red Sea and an estimated 10 times as many as the Caribbean. Its diving has been rated the Top Dive Destination in the World in Rodale’s Scuba Diving Readers Choice Awards.

With 16 dive operators offering land-based and live-aboard diving along 17,000 km of coastline and 45,000 kms² of reef systems, divers can enjoy minimal contact with other dive groups in reef systems that include barrier reefs, coral walls, coral gardens, patch reefs, fringing reefs, sea grass beds, coral atolls and wrecks.

Divers from around the world have long known of the bounties of PNG. The wreck sites provide a fascinating collection of ships, aircraft and submarine wrecks from World War II – a diverse range for skill levels from buffs to beginners. Best of all, the average water temperature varies from 25 degrees Celsius along the edge of the Coral Sea to 29 degrees Celsius in the Bismarck Sea.

When it comes to marine tourism and diving particularly, there is no ‘must-see’ list, according to Vilia Lawrence, manager of PNG Dive Association. 'It’s all superb,' she says, adding that’s the PNG advantage over more high-profile and highly marketed destinations – it’s pristine...[Powerboat-World.com]

Underwater wonder

As the sun sets on Puerto Princesa, the laid-back capital of Palawan, the engines of the Stella Maris start to growl.

The ship sets out just after dark, heading into the Sulu Sea in the southern Philippines, plying towards the Tubbataha Reefs. After 10 hours in the open ocean, the engines shudder to a stop just after dawn. It is suddenly quiet. Very, very quiet. We could see two tiny nubs of black rock jutting out of the sea.

The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park sits in the middle of nowhere in the Sulu Sea, halfway between Palawan, the long sliver of an island on the western edge of the Philippines, and Mindanao, the last main island before Indonesian waters.

There is no mobile phone service, no Internet connection and no decompression chamber. It is also home to the best diving in the country. The Tubbataha Reefs are 180km from Palawan, far enough from land to discourage most fishermen.

Halfway through our dive trip, we visit the marine park ranger station located here. The rangers, a mix of nine men from the Philippine navy, coast guard and local government, spend three months at a time on the base. But they do not rush to crack open the case of beer we have brought them.

'Have you voted for Tubbataha yet?' asks Mr Romnic Molina, a smiling 20-something naval guy in a bright blue bandana and a grey Tubbataha T-shirt. 'I have. You should!' He is referring to a global Web-based campaign (www.new7wonders.com) to list the new 'seven wonders of the natural world', which is run by a Swiss-based company called New7Wonders. Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who dived here in April, is pushing for Tubbataha to be included in the list...[AsiaOneTravel]

Tioman Island For The Top Ten

When we read that Tioman Island, off the east coast of Malaysia, was making top 10 lists of the world's best islands back in the 1970s, we wondered why we'd never heard of it before.

But it seems Tioman had already had its 15 minutes of fame even then: Way back in 1958 it was used as the "Bali Hai" location for the film "South Pacific." (Ask your parents. Or grandparents.) Yet we've seen the name pop up a couple of times recently, so we suspect they're trying to bring back the good times.

These days you can get a ferry there from the mainland Malaysian coast or get a flight from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore; there are a few different accommodation options though it's all still pretty low-key. There's great scuba-diving both on reefs and wrecks and a bunch of relaxing beaches, so it seems like there's reason enough to try it out. At best, it'll be a fantastic summer vacation spot and at worst, it'll be a time travel trip back to what was hip in the '70s...[Jaunted]

Trang Underwater Wedding Ceremony 2009

The Trang Chamber of Commerce in association with the Trang Province, Trang Municipality Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thai Airways International as well as other participating local authorities and private sector organisations – have cooperatively launched the 13th Anniversary of "Trang Underwater Wedding Ceremony 2009" event to promote tourism opportunities in the province. The event will be held during 13-15 February 2009 at Pak Meng Beach – one of the best known sand beaches with the peaceful atmosphere and the aligned Koh Meng as its background. The project is aimed to further promote the truly spectacular natural seaside and marine resources - with the warm atmosphere of love giving to each other under the concept of "Romantic Destination", as well as the beauty of a symbolic flower of the province named "Sri-Trang", whose pale violet blossoms in season are pleasantly ubiquitous everywhere...[UnderwaterWedding.com]

Hydropolis, Dubai's amazing underwater hotel resort

Currently under construction in Dubai, Hydropolis will be the world's first luxury underwater hotel. It will include three elements: the land station, where guests will be welcomed, the connecting tunnel, which will transport people by train to the main area of the hotel, and the 220 suites within the submarine leisure complex. It is one of the largest contemporary construction projects in the world, covering an area of 260 hectares, about the size of London's Hyde Park.

"Hydropolis is not a project; it's a passion," enthuses Joachim Hauser, the developer and designer of the hotel. His futuristic vision is about to take shape 20m below the surface of the Persian Gulf, just off the Jumeirah Beach coastline in Dubai.

The £300m, 220-suite hotel was due to open by the end of 2006 but has experienced delays and is now scheduled to open in 2009. It will incorporate a host of innovations that will take it far beyond the original blueprint for an underwater complex worthy of Jules Verne...[Designbuild-Network.com]