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Scuba Diving in North Sulawesi – The Natural Wonders of Bunaken and Lembeh Strait

July 13, 2008 By

By Mark J Burns

Full of natural wonders, and offering an almost unparalleled levels of marine biodiversity, North Sulawesi has become one of the worlds premier destinations for ecotourism and adventure travel in recent years. Today, large numbers of scuba divers travel to this distant part of Indonesia, to sample some of the finest dive sites to be found anywhere throughout South East Asia.

The diving in North Sulwesi is focused in two main areas, the Bunaken National Marine Park and the famous muck diving capital of Lembeh Strait. There are other destinations where good diving is on offer in North Sulwesi, including the dive sites in Sangihe Island and Pulau Bangka, however it is the dive sites in Bunaken and Lembeh which draw large numbers of scuba divers here year after year.

The Bunaken National Marine Park was established in 1991, and the deep waters of the park offer one of the greatest levels of marine biodiversity to be found anywhere in the world. A home to over 70% of all fish species found throughout the Indo-western pacific region, the waters of Bunaken are home to an incredible array of coral and marine life.

The scuba diving in Bunaken is predominantly characterised by the awesome vertical walls which almost surround the island. Along these walls, an array of cracks, caves and crevices are home to a wide range of fish life during the day as well as the night. Dive sites including Fukui Point and Black Rock provide divers with access to stunning corals as well as stunning array of smaller marine life.

Lembeh Strait is widely acknowledged as being the 'muck diving' capital of the world, and offers what can only be described as a truly unique experience in diving. The diving itself is shaped by the black sandy bottom of the ocean in the region, which is home to a wide selection of critters and smaller marine life. It is for this reason that underwater photographers often choose to make the longer journey out to Lembeh Strait, to sample some of the finest opportunities for underwater macro photography to be found anywhere in South East Asia. Octopus, flying gunnards, frogfish and dwarf lionfish can all be found throughout the numerous dive sites in the Lembeh Strait.

Diving is possible in North Sulwesi throughout the year, although the best conditions are to be found from late March through to November. From January through to March, heavy rains and strong winds can be found throughout the region, leaving the conditions unfavourable for scuba diving.

Without doubt, the diving in North Sulawesi is of the highest standard, and the region fully justifies its claim to be one of South East Asia's leading scuba diving destinations. The superb dive sites of Bunaken and Lembeh undoubtedly ensure the longer journey time to reach here is worthwhile, and leave you only thinking of when you can return!

Mark Burns is Director of Scubaworld.tv, a large scuba diving holidays web site, and a comprehensive source of information on scuba diving in Sulwesi

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Scuba Diving in the Perhentian Islands – A Rare Piece of Paradise in Malaysia

July 13, 2008 By

By Mark J Burns

The crystal clear waters and brilliant white sandy beaches of the Perhentian Islands in Malaysia have for many years captured the hearts and imaginations of the backpackers and travelers who passed through. Recent years however have seen a different type of traveler coming to the Perhentian Islands, as their reputation as a premier diving destination has slowly increased amongst the scuba diving community.

In fact it would be fair to say that a large amount of the success of the Perhentian Islands as a scuba diving location should be attributed to the neighboring Thailand, and the dive resorts of Koh Tao, Phuket and Koh Samui. Large numbers of travelers who have learned to scuba dive in the larger Thai resorts often find themselves gravitating to the natural beauty of the Perhentian Islands. Looking for one last dive before the hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur and Singapore!

The Perhentian Islands comprise of Pulau Perhentian Kecil and Pulau Perhentian Besar, and are located approximately 20 kilometers off the coast of Malaysia. Offering what can only be described as a slice of paradise, the palm fringed beaches encircle these tropical islands, whilst the clear blue waters hide a wealth of marine and coral life below.

The scuba diving in the Perhentian Islands is of a high standard, and a wide range of dive sites has meant that the islands have become a popular destination for people looking to take a scuba diving course. There are approximately ten major dive sites which are regularly visited by the dive centers in the Perhentian Islands. Of these, Tokong Laut (Temple of the Sea) is widely acknowledged as being the best dive site on the islands. A large rocky outcrop of boulders just off the northwest coast of Perhentian Kecil offers some of the best examples of soft coral formations in the region. This carpet of stunning soft corals provides a home to a wide variety of marine life including kingfish, barracuda, nurse sharks and black tip sharks.

For fans of wreck diving, there are two excellent dive sites in the Perhentian Islands. The Sugar Wreck, a 90 meter cargo ship which sank in 2000, and the Vietnamese Wreck were it is still possible to dive inside the wreck itself.

If you are planning to go scuba diving in the Perhentian Islands, the best time to visit is between April to October, when both the visibility and weather are at their most favorable. November to March sees the monsoon season, when the weather becomes poor and access to and from the islands becomes limited due to the rough seas.

The Perhentian Islands offer superb scuba diving, and the shallow nature of the dive sites here make it a good choice for the novice or more inexperienced scuba diver. However what makes the islands so very special is their stunning natural beauty and undeveloped landscapes. You truly feel as though you are diving in your very own piece of paradise!

Mark Burns is Director of Scubaworld, a large scuba diving holidays and scuba diving courses web site.

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Scuba Diving Gear – Your Life Depends on It

July 13, 2008 By

By Sonny Castro

Scuba diving gear is life-support equipment, and like most adventure sports, to fully outfit presently costs a couple of thousand dollars. This gear is what makes scuba diving possible.The gear is necessary for a diver to breath underwater. It's fairly simple, but it is also very essential. This gear is as personal as the clothes one wears. Usually it's an assortment of equipment that includes a supply of compressed gas from a tank with regulated pressure. It is, however, essential for a fun and safe diving experience.

Scuba diving is clearly one of the most exciting hobbies to take. Enthusiasts find Bermuda particularly interesting, because there are many wreckage and coral reefs to explore.The diving gear permits the divers to stay underwater for long periods of time.This is a sport that is definitely not cheap, however choosing the best gear suitable for you and your dives can save you a whole lot of money from not repurchasing the same gear because it wore out. Scuba tanks are the most important piece of scuba diving gear as it provides oxygen that allows you stay in the water for an extended period time.These tanks are usually available for rent at any scuba diving resort.Another crucial piece of gear is a regulator that allows you to breathe underwater. A Mask or goggles allows you to experience the true wonders of the undersea world, so make sure you get the right scuba mask. The snorkel is used alternately with the regulator and is a secondary breathing system. Scuba fins help your feet move freely underwater and they give you more speed when you paddle.

Diving is a great sport though once you start buying your own gear it does get expensive, but it is well worth it as when you dive in a great location it's just like being in another world. Diving closer to home often takes less preparation as you already know the rules of the area as well as what is available. This can be dangerous and it may, for example, be necessary for one diver to surface for help while another stays with the third. This sport is all about comfort and safety.You may want to have your own BC, the fit of your own wetsuit, the readout on your computer and so forth; the more comfortable you are, the better the dive you are likely to have. Although diving knives are made from stainless steel, they will still rust.

Diving equipment is extremely costly, so don't make the investment unless you are serious about pursuing the sport.

Scuba diving gear is expensive and its use requires training and certification. The most famous of all parts of the gear is the scuba tank. Remember that this gear is great, as long as it is being used, but not so great when it is collecting dust. Used gear is that gear which has been used previously by another scuba diver or scuba divers. Be careful, acquiring good quality scuba diving gear is crucial as the sport does have inherent risks. Good diving gear is essential to safely swimming underwater.

Sonny Castro is an online marketer and entrepreneur who specializes in online niche products. His newest website, the insanely popular Scuba Diving Facts, Sites, Trips, Equipment and Games Website, is now available. For more information, please go to: http://www.scubajoesclub.com/

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http://EzineArticles.com/?Scuba-Diving-Gear---Your-Life-Depends-on-It&id=1302129

 

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Tips for Night Scuba Diving

July 3, 2008 By

By Dianne Rein

Are you thinking of trying a night dive? It can be a little scary at first but once you try it, you'll be hooked. It's a whole new world down there. Here are some tips to make that first night dive go smoothly:

Keep it Shallow

A night dive is typically a shallow dive. I would say 60 feet is probably max with 30-40 feet more the norm. On our night dives we typically had a maximum depth of 35-40 feet.

Dive a Familiar Site

If this is your first time scuba diving at night, try and go to a site you are familiar with. In the Caribbean, many dive operators will do a night dive at a dive site that they went to during the day.

If you are thinking of doing the night dive, sign up to do a dive at the night dive site during the day. This way you will have some idea of what the area is like and may feel less apprehensive.

Get Some Light

You obviously need some dive lights when you are doing a night dive. It's best to have a primary light and a backup light in case the first light fails. The secondary light can be small and could fit into your pocket.

You don't need the biggest and brightest light you can find. In fact, it is fun, once you get accustomed to diving at night, to turn your light off and let your eyes adjust to the dark. You'll be amazed at what you can see. Of course, it is up to you and get the light you would feel comfortable with while diving at night.

If you don't want to turn your light off underwater (I've never had a problem turning it back on but you never know) you can always face it into your BC so you get the same effect.

Many dive operators will also attach a glo-stick or something similar to your tank. This makes it easier to spot someone underwater. One dive group may have one color, another group a different color or the divemaster will have a different color so it is easier to tell who is who underwater.

Please note that some areas do not allow the use of glo-sticks due to their chemicals. In this case, another device, such as a light, can be put on the tank.

Get Familiar With the Hand Signals

When you are night scuba diving, you need to discuss the hand signals before you begin your dive. Since it is dark down there, your buddy won't be able to see your hands.

If you are on a dive boat, the divemaster will probably tell you what signals to use. If they don't, just ask. There is nothing wrong with that.

A typical way to use hand signals is to shine your light on your hand so your buddy can see them. Another common night diving signal is to move your dive light in a circle to signify "OK." Moving it up and down or back and forth can signify yes or no. Whatever you choose to use, just make sure you clarify before you begin the dive.

Take it Slow

There is alot to see at night. You will see a whole different world underneath at night than during a day. Take your time and look in those nooks and crannies.

The reef also looks brilliant and colorful in the beam of your light. Much different than during the day when you are diving deeper and the colors are absorbed.

Watch Where You Aim That Light

Be aware of where you aim your dive light. If you put the full force of that light beam into somebody's eyes, you can momentarily blind them. It will take a little while for that diver to adjust his night vision again. So be careful.

I hope these tips will help make your first night dive a comfortable experience.

Have a great dive, Dianne Rein from www.scuba-diving-smiles.com.

Dianne Rein runs an online scuba diving guide. You can read her complete list of night scuba diving tips on her website. You will also be able to find boat scuba diving tips and air consumption scuba diving tips to help improve your scuba diving experience.

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Dive Tips to Clear Your Ears

July 3, 2008 By

By Dianne Rein

We all know being able to clear your ears while scuba diving is very important. After all, if your ears don't clear you'll have to abort the dive. So how do you clear your ears?

The most common method is called the Valsalva maneuver. In this technique, you pinch your nostrils closed and gently blow through your nose.

If you are having problems, try these steps to help you descend safely:

  • Start Before You Go Below the Water

    • If you are using the Valsalva maneuver, gently blow through your nose while you are waiting to start your descent. This "pre-pressurizes" the ear and makes equalization easier upon descent. Start this before you even go under the water.

  • Equalize Early and Often

    • You've heard this in your scuba diving class. Begin equalizing as soon as your head goes underwater and continue equalizing every few feet. This is probably the most important step to descending without ear problems. If you are having problems clearing one ear, tilt your head - with the blocked ear toward the surface.

  • Descend Feet First

    • Your Eustchian tube is affected if you descend with your head first and it makes it harder to equalize your ears.

  • Ascend if You Have Problems

    • If your ears are not clearing properly, ascend a few feet to reduce the pressure. Try clearing them again. If it still doesn't work, ascend a few more feet and try again. Rinse and repeat until you have cleared your ears successfully.

  • Do Not Force It

    • If you have tried ascending and it is not working, abort the dive. If you force yourself down, you can cause permanent ear injury. In this same vein, if you are using the Valsalva method, do not blow forcefully. It should be a gentle blow. A forceful blow can also cause ear injury. It's better to forego a dive than have ear problems for the rest of your life.

  • Do Not Dive With a Cold

    • Another mantra you probably heard in your scuba class. Congestion can make equalization difficult. And even if you are able to ascend, you run the risk of having problems during ascent, a condition called "reverse squeeze." This can also be caused by medications wearing off during the dive. If you do take medicine, just be aware of the risks.

Follow these steps and you should be well on your way to having nice clear ears. Take it easy, take it slow and have a safe, comfortable dive.

Have a great dive! Dianne from www.scuba-diving-smiles.com

Dianne Rein runs an scuba diving website at scuba-diving-smiles.com You can read her full report on ear clearing tips as well as several pages of more scuba diving tips on her website.

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