Scuba Rules!
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
February 18, 2004
Adrenaline junkies, get your gear on. I know the readers of this column love to travel near and far, but let’s not forget deep. When traveling in search of adventure and discovery, sometimes you just have to set your sights low--as in bottom of the sea, low.
Scuba diving is thrilling, but it’s not for the faint of heart. It takes skill, stamina, and a good dose of guts--not to mention, sea legs. Diving can be as complex as it is invigorating. Whether you choose to take a kayak, wreck, night, ice, cave, solo, or family dive, it's an unbeatable adventure that takes place at depths to which most people will never descend. It's a rush with astounding views to match.
The following is a list of places to consider for your diving adventure:
WHERE: Walindi Plantation Resort - Papua New Guinea, North Coast of New Britain
WHY: The Kimbe Bay has over 200 reefs and dive sites in excellent condition. The area contains 70 percent of the coral species found in the Indo-Pacific region.
WHERE: The Indonesian Archepelago - Junction of the Indian and Pacific Oceans
WHY: The 17,000 islands located where the Indian and Pacific Oceans meet is also the site that claims to have the greatest variety of marine life.
WHERE: Shark's Cove - North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii
WHY: Sharks Cove reef contains an abundance of marine life and is known for turtles. The name has more to do with the fact that the cove's shape actually looks like a shark took a bite out of it. (March through October only)
WHERE: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park - Florida Keys
WHY: The Florida Keys are known for terrific shipwreck visuals, as well as for amazing coral. For wreckage sites, visit Carysfort Reef and the Elbow.
WHERE: Great Barrier Reef - Australia
WHY: For many, the Far Northern regions of the Great Barrier Reef is considered the penultimate extreme adventure. (The best time to go is during Australia's spring.)
WHERE: St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John, US Virgin Islands - Caribbean
WHY: The Caribbean's numerous reefs and caves are good for the novice and pro alike, any time, day or night. Divers will enjoy sunken gardens and abundant sea flora and fauna with excellent visibility (up to 120' in many places).
WHERE: Carrie Bow Caye Spur and Groove - Belize
WHY: The spur and groove zone is formed by intense wave action that promotes growth mounds and causes deep grooves of sand, which are rich with sea life.
WHERE: Cayman Diving Lodge - Grand Cayman Islands
WHY: Much like the Western Frontier, there are still places to be discovered in the East End of Grand Cayman. Thus far, 55 dives sites are on the map, but more are being named. In this area, they say that no two sites look the same.
WHERE: Great Mayan Reef Barrier - Cozumel, Mexico
WHY: All year long, Cozumel offers clear waters, which are good for viewing the famous Great Mayan Reef Barrier--renowned not just for variety, but for beauty as well. Divers will enjoy coral reefs, walls, and hundreds of plants and animals.
If exploring the deep sounds like your idea of a perfect vacation, here's what you need to know:
- Before signing up for a scuba vacation find out if you need to get certified ahead of time, or if you can do so while on your trip.
- As long as you're over 15 years old, you can become certified as an Open Water Diver, subject to medical clearance. (It's highly recommended that you consult your physician first.)
- For local certification, try a local dive shop, YMCA, or a regional scuba school--all of which usually offer courses.
Consider yourself a world traveler? Well, don't forget that two thirds of the earth is covered in water. Maybe it’s time you snuck a peek at what’s down there. If you share my passion for seeing new places and love to scuba (or just want to try it) why not trek the world in search of what lies beneath the surface? Jump in and make a splash.
If you have a question or topic you would like me to cover in a future column, please e-mail Amy Ziff at askamy@travelocity.com And remember to look here for your topic each week!
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