Great Florida Diving Sites Along the Atlantic Coast

By Stephen Harold Brown

Many open water divers attend Florida diving basically because there are plenty of diving sites found around the coast of Florida. A little known fact is that apart from being located in a nice and warm region, Florida has the longest coastline of all the states in the U.S.

When we first look at the Atlantic coastline you will find a series of reef lines creating an outer reef, inner reef and middle reef. These reefs run along the coastline providing different diving experiences from north of West Palm Beach all the way down the coastline to The Keys. A fantastic event up and down this coast is the perpetual current of warm water which is The Gulf Stream. The Gulf Stream runs near to the shores heading north before veering out into the Atlantic. The Gulf Stream provides a cleansing action for the marine bio system and brings with it nutrients which provides essential food for the growing marine system.

Florida diving centers are able to find a variety of dive sites along the coast.

Florida Diving Sites: West Palm Beach - Miami

West Palm Beach has a fantastic variety of dive sites with loads of wrecks to explore such as the Thozina which is just one of three ships making up one dive site known as Governor's River Walk Reef.

In West Palm Beach Florida diving beginners can still enjoy a pulsating experience scuba diving well known reef systems such as Breakers Reef.

Travel south down the coast and you find Ft. Lauderdale. Known as "The Venice of America" this is a wonderful place to visit on any Florida diving trip.

Apart from the canals and waterways Ft. Laud offers extraordinary diving opportunities such as Tenneco Towers or Oil Platforms. Venture further south and you arrive at Miami.

Miami. Culture, fashion, sport and 'er' Army tanks waiting to be explored on the sea floor!

Apart from all the cultural things you can do around Miami on your Florida diving trip there is also a great variety of scuba dive sites that provide novice and experienced divers plenty of chance to have fun.

Florida Diving Sites: Key Largo - Key West

Beyond Miami and travelling further south, no Florida diving schedule would exclude a visit to Key Largo or Key West.

When you catch sight of the vast choice of diving sites available it's easy to see why Key Largo is one of the most popular diving destinations in the world.

The locale around Key Largo is amazing in its diversity with shipwrecks, reefs and caves to be explored. The biggest wreck ever sunk off the coast of Florida is the Spiegel Grove and this challenging dive is rewarded with the astonishing sight of one huge shipwreck now occupied by some very great fish. The are many other ships including the U.S.S. Duane and U.S.S. Bibb which can be dived by less experienced divers.

When it comes to underwater photography or macro photography Molasses Reef provides an interesting opportunity to perform your underwater skills with the shallow waters and amazing marine life providing the fantastic colors and lighting.

Key Largo is the finest known by the Florida diving community for its wide choice of diving sites but Key West is the location to go for the nightlife and culture if you do travel to The Keys.

Key West provides some of the best entertainment in The Keys with the streets full of jugglers, singers and other entertainers going through their routines in the street. With some great dive sites Key West is many peoples favorite destination.

So many places and so little time and what's more we haven't even looked at The Gulf of Mexico on Florida's west coast. That we will do in an additional article.

Written by Stephen H Brown you can find more on Florida diving sites at this Florida scuba diving website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephen_Harold_Brown
http://EzineArticles.com/?Great-Florida-Diving-Sites-Along-the-Atlantic-Coast&id=3526544

Scuba Diving on Kauai

By Steve J. Grant

If you are looking for a great scuba diving experience, we recommend that you to go to Kauai and enjoy the warms waters of this island. Diving on Kauai is where you can discover amazing sea life and be able to swim between schools of fishes that will take your breath away. It is an experience you must not miss and you don't need to be a certified scuba diver, but you can become one if you take lessons while you are here.

If you want to try scuba diving you can get a tour where you will be guided by some qualified instructors. They will let you know how to properly use the equipment and take you to an area where you will have a wonderful diving experience. Most of the time the groups are small so that the instructors can spend more time with each of the guests and provide a more personalized service.

Kauai is also known as "The Garden Island" and this island is surrounded by warm tropical waters that make it perfect to enjoy scuba diving while looking at marine life and wonderful coral reefs. There are a lot of companies which provide scuba diving services including Adventure Travel Kauai, Dive Kauai Scuba Center, Snorkel Cat Adventure tours, Sunrise Scuba Adventures and Kauai Nitrox Divers.

If you want to experience a totally different way of diving you can do it in Kauai. On this island you can enjoy the best night diving experiences. You will be able to do it in the Pacific Ocean and you will be able to see some of the rarest creatures in the world. Dive master guides can show you how amazing the Kauai night life is under the water.

Scuba diving is just one of the many activities you can enjoy when visiting Kauai Island, so take you time and enjoy all that this place has to offer.

For more information on Kauai please visit: Kauai also if you are interested in Scuba Diving in Hawaii be sure to check out our new guide.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_J._Grant
http://EzineArticles.com/?Scuba-Diving-on-Kauai&id=3531890

Long Caye at Lighthouse Reef, Belize – A Diver's Delight!

By Dustin Hart

The Cayes of Lighthouse Reef!

Belize boasts of three of the most unspoiled and pristine atoll reefs in the world - and the one which is farthest offshore is the teardrop shaped, Lighthouse Reef Atoll. A diving expedition to Lighthouse Reef starts from its northern shores, where the Sandbore Caye and Northern Two Cayes greet you at this gateway. Most of these Cayes have an internal lagoon, which also acts as a giant natural cooler.

For divers, the real action is in and around the "diving jewel" known as Long Caye, which is at southernmost tip of the Lighthouse Reef Atoll. Most divers travel by boat 2.5 hours in each direction, to and from Ambergis Caye to Long Caye - which is surrounded by eight of the finest diving sites in Belize....and perhaps even the Hemisphere. Long Caye is slowly becoming the most sought after diving destination in the Caribbean - leading to an unprecedented rush to get a piece of this Belize Real Estate.

It makes sense to have a modest beach house on Long Caye - particularly for seasoned divers who make frequent trips to and from Long Caye.

And, if you love the red footed booby bird, then you have Half Moon Caye, a natural monument of the Government of Belize awaiting you just less than three mile due east of Long Caye.

From Cayes to Diving Holes...

Black Corals, Orange Sponges, Frigates, White Pelican - It cannot get better than these, and particularly if you are a diver. One could not have asked for a better deal from Mother Nature - Almost 40 of the most untouched diving spots in the world...adorned and naturally manicured with 20 foot stalactites, coral reefs, mangroves and sublime internal lagoons. It's no wonder that the Real Estate in Belize is lapped up by the nature lovers from around the world. So, let's meander around some of the most famous diving spots in Belize and Lighthouse Reef Atoll...

The Great Blue Hole...

The Great Blue is 1,000 feet across 400 feet deep and the coral is visible right from the top. It is not only visited by diving aficionados but also by fish of every variety. And if you did not know, the Great Blue Hole is the largest ocean sinkhole in the world - large enough to be visible from outer space. This marine treasure boasts of red algae, hydroids and gorgonians cover most of the corals. You may also find sharing brush, mermaid's fan algae, elkhorm, club finger, shallow-water starlet corals, giant green anemones and various urchins.

Half Moon Caye and Wall...

At the southeast corner of the atoll, nature opens its full panorama for mankind - A densely populated bird sanctuary to the west and coconut palms to the east. If you are an ornithologist, this might tickle your curiosity - 98 recorded species of birds including frigate, red footed booby birds, pelicans, ospreys, egrets, gulls, storks, terns - just to name a few. And to top it all, you have a treetop bird watching platform...Can it get better than this?

The Wall is located south of Half Moon Caye. Divers can experience a depth of 30 feet and a visibility of 100 feet. The nature's aquarium at Half Moon contains garden eels, conch, rays, flounder, star-eye hermit crab, tilefish, manta rays, groupers, yellowtail snappers, razorfish, toadfish, spotted eagle rays, turtles and black groupers.

Hat Caye Drop

Visibility - 50 feet, Currents - minimal...This is for the beginners who come to Hat Caye Drop, very close to Long Caye. Marine life is exceptional and unique - basket sponge, coral shrimp with white antennas, giant yellow tube sponges and deep-water lace coral. The lack of current at Hat Caye makes it an absolute favorite for the beginners.

Tres Cocos

To the east on Long Caye stood a trio of tall palm trees - and that's the origin of Tres Cocos. It is almost one mile from Hat Caye Drop and boasts of a diving visibility of 80 feet and 30 foot depth - minimal to medium currents.

What comes along with Tres Cocos is a feast for the eyes - coral shrimp, large spotted moray eels, lion's paw sea cucumbers, urchins, arrow crabs and sea feathers, parrotfish, damselfish, blue tang, jacks, large black groupers and turtles.

Long Caye Ridge...

To the west of Long Caye is hidden the perfect diving spot for beginners - depths of 40 feet, 80 feet of visibility and minimal currents. For those of you who are itching for marine photography, you have - soft coral, vase and tube sponges, yellow pencil corals and you will also see coral niches for spotted crabs, lobsters, filefish and arrow blennies. West Point I & II is also a great diving spot for beginners.

Que Brada...

Que Brada means "broken reef" - and its ½ mile north of Long Caye - 40 plus feet, 80 feet of visibility. The marine vista continues with schools of yellow tail snappers tailing divers on the reefs, large black groupers, ocean triggerfish, spotted eagle rays and turtles.

Cathedral Reef...

With mild undercurrent and 50 feet of visibility, Cathedral Reef is a great diving destination for intermediate divers.

Silver Caves, Nurse Shark Lodge, Eagle Ray Wall, Southwest Cut are other favorite destinations for beginner divers who travel to Long Caye.

The Aquarium...

To the northwest of Long Caye is the Aquarium - aptly named because of the multitude of marine flora and fauna that adorns the ridges and reef. The variety of invertebrates and exotic fauna at Aquarium is mesmerizing to say the least. The sheer brilliance of colored fish is dazzling for the divers.

Dive Away...

The unforgettable mosaic of marine life and clusters of natural diving platforms entices the novice as well as professional divers time and again to Long Caye at Lighthouse Reef.

Because of the spurt of activity in the Belize Real Estate segment, the environmental conservation has become one of the top most priorities for the government and Belize Property developers.

Dustin Hart is not a quintessential writer - rather he is a back-packer who lives off his ultra-light folding bike. He lives (or tries to live) in the state of Washington - with his dog Toobs. He recently caught up with Larry Schneider of Eco Holdings Limited in relation to the ecofriendly tourism & real estate in Belize.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dustin_Hart
http://EzineArticles.com/?Long-Caye-at-Lighthouse-Reef,-Belize---A-Divers-Delight!&id=2926325

Maui Scuba Diving – Some Essential Tips

By Jing Dolenec

Maui is popularly called the tourist Mecca loaded with fun filled adventurous tourist activities. The best scuba diving center is located at the Molokni crater which is about 20 minutes from the coast of Maui. This location has about 100 different species of fish and it is a great place for snorkeling too. This is often considered to be one of the best places for scuba diving in the world. The visibility range is almost 40 to 50m of distance and hence all the features can be truly enjoyed. There are many other locations specialized for windsurfers, helicopter tours, horseback riding but scuba diving locations alone give much importance for the true pleasurable experience for the tourists. Nature can be enjoyed at its best here.

The Scuba dive in Maui is mostly a drift drive on most days. Due to the clear visibility range, divers can see many species of fish, turtles which come to the surface for fresh air. The places are filled with sharks and occasionally whales can also be found. They can be seen at a depth of 70 to 80m of distance. Manta rays are excellent to be watched and most scuba divers will get their chance to watch them. They are harmless if the divers restrict their activities. Feeding directly is not allowed with these gigantic creatures as they may start following the tourists after feeding. This may create a problem for them. Hence direct feeding to the fishes is prohibited.

Almost all the beaches are open to scuba diving. The sands are warm and gold and the water is so clear in the beaches. Molokni is the famous scuba diving center, and it has strong current flowing. Expert divers can enjoy a lot here. Ka'anapali Beach has also got strong current flow and the shallow dives are most popular here. Honolua Bay will take only few minutes of drive in a boat from Ka'anapali Beach. This beach allows a dive of up to 40 feet maximum where lots of coral deposits can be found. Various forms of fish life can be seen. Ulua Beach is another site, which is most suitable for beginners. It has got an underwater cave with a resident reef shark. Divers can have a top notch experience of entering the cave, come up and sit on the rocks with the breathing apparatus out of their mouth. This can be an exquisite experience for all the divers.

Most people would prefer to have diving classes. There are many travel advisors who will teach lessons in a short span of time before diving. They will teach about the tips and safety guidelines that are to be followed. There are even advanced open water diver courses for the experts. Agencies which arrange for the scuba diving should supply with equipments those are 100% working and safe. Get set to enjoy the perfect tourist destination in the world and collect information about the various activities to have a fun filled tour.

If You are looking for more information Regarding Maui Scuba Diving then feel free to Visit http://mauiactivitylady.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jing_Dolenec
http://EzineArticles.com/?Maui-Scuba-Diving---Some-Essential-Tips&id=2843225

Where to Find Spectacular Scuba Diving Spots in Hawaii

Where to Find Spectacular Scuba Diving Spots in HawaiiBy Gary Allalouf

As you'd probably guess, Hawaii has some spectacular spots for scuba diving enthusiasts to spend a day exploring the depths of life under the surface of the ocean. On the other hand, it could be a little overwhelming to find the best spots considering every direction you go there is ocean lapping up on the shorelines. If you love to scuba dive or have ever wanted to try it, here are some fantastic places to do just that. It doesn't matter if you're a beginner who has never ventured beneath the sea or a scuba diver well versed in the art, there are scuba diving opportunities for everyone in Hawaii.

Scuba Diving in Oahu

One of the most popular islands found amidst the scattered islands of Hawaii is Oahu. This is a wonderful island to visit for beginners and experts alike, because of the diverse scuba diving locations found here. If you're going to dive in Oahu you absolutely should head to the Pearl Harbor wall. There are over 40 diving sites in this one area that you can pick from. Here, you'll be diving in to part of history; exploring the depths that hold plane and ship wreckage. At the same time, it's an amazing biological playground that is rarely seen. You'll likely see hammerhead sharks and green sea turtles just to name a couple. It's pretty easy to hop from one island to the next, though, if you find you'd like to try another area. Most of the islands are very easy to travel back and forth between.

Scuba Diving in Molokai

Although not one of most popular diving areas, Molokai holds some fascinating diving spots. This isn't really an area for beginners though. If you have some experience diving or an advanced diver then may be just what you're looking for.

For advanced divers, you may want to head to Fish Rain or The Cove. In Fish Rain you'll typically drift dive because there are very strong currents here. You'll likely see an array of life forms including hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, and maybe even an endangered monk seal, as well as a multitude of fish varieties. At The Cover you'll encounter beautiful butterfly fish, long nose hawkfish, and sometimes sharks and manta rays. Don't wander out of the protected cove, though, if you don't want to enter the strong currents.

If you're not quite an expert but have some diving experience, then a Molokai scuba diving location to visit is the Fish Bowl. Divers see reef sharks and fish, eagle fish and octopus here. If you're lucky you may run into a hammerhead shark.

Scuba Diving in Maui

If you're a total newbie to scuba diving, there's no worry. You can find groups and companies that you can train and dive with to explore the amazing underwater world of Maui's shores. Tropical Divers Maui has free pool lessons each day and you don't have to be licensed to enjoy the thrill of a scuba diving trip. With over ten years of experience, you're in good hands and have nothing to worry about. Once you get your feet wet you can try out Molokini Crater. The inside of Reef's End is a beginner-friendly diving place with beautiful scenery that you're sure to remember for the rest of your life.

If you're an advanced scuba diver you can check out Hidden Pinnacle which is found on the Southwest side of Maui. There are strong currents and can only be accessed when there are good conditions. However, if you make it out here you can see pyramid butterfly fish, octo coral and amazing lava formations.

Gary writes for Hawaii Homes where you can find Hawaii real estate for sale in the all the major islands. Review real estate in Oahu along with other great listings.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_Allalouf
http://EzineArticles.com/?Where-to-Find-Spectacular-Scuba-Diving-Spots-in-Hawaii&id=2049035