Snorkeling in the Caribbean

Caribbean, Hawaii, and Galapagos islands are all ideal places for snorkeling because of their calm waters and diverse sea life. Clear waters are another requirement for good snorkeling because some marine life can be viewed only at night. Night snorkeling is typically conducted with the aid of a chemical light that is tied around the waist of the diver to warn approaching boats of divers while an underwater torch is used to spot the marine life. Caribbean snorkeling is nothing new but the underwater seeing trend is catching fire all over the world and so there is a renewed interest in this activity.

Caribbean snorkeling needs gear that is quite similar to scuba diving gear and includes mask, finds, and a short tube known as snorkel (from which comes the name snorkeling). Caribbean snorkeling takes place in still water and just below the surface. These areas are typically lagoons so that moving water does not enter the snorkel to inconvenience the diver.

The renewed interest in Caribbean snorkeling is a result of the clear waters in the Caribbean that offer many good opportunities for underwater sightseeing. This is also helped by the varied marine life in the Caribbean that includes fish, mollusk, kelps, jellyfish, ray, seaweed and algae, all of which may be experienced at close range. The marine life in the Caribbean is far varied and denser than the land life, making it a good sightseeing location for nature lovers.

Unlike rafting or bungee jumping, Caribbean snorkeling is not exactly an adventure sport because there is hardly any risk involved in the activity. However, the lack of risk should not be taken to mean a lack of thrills. Since Caribbean snorkeling is done in relatively shallow and still waters, the equipment is minimal and very light, thereby making the whole experience very comfortable. Due to all these reasons, even young children can enjoy snorkeling as long as they know how to swim.

Though the amount of risk involved in Caribbean snorkeling is quite negligible, there are still some dangers that you ought to be mindful of. The most common problem faced is mask flooding, when water enters the mask that is worn underwater, diving too deep can cause high pressure build-up in the ears, and water visibility is not always reliable. Due to the varied water life in the Caribbean, corals are quite a common feature. Some of these underwater formations are quite sharp and people tend to cut themselves on their limbs, so avoid direct contact with corals. Some species of sea urchins are also poisonous and certain eels tend to bite. On the positive side, with a little prudence these dangers are easily avoided.

There are many shops that sell diving gear along with snorkeling equipment. They also provide guides for Caribbean snorkeling.

Maui Molokini Snorkel Cruise - You Can't Afford to Miss It

The cool and composed waters of Maui with the center of the crater being calm and protected can meet with the requirements of all the tourists. One should be aware of the dangerous currents on the outer edge of the crater as this island is actually a sunken volcano. Maui is crescent shaped island and it is uninhabited. Morning hours are the best suited hours for snorkeling in Maui. Beginners and learners can enjoy the warmth offered at the inner portion in snorkeling while the outer edge is for the expert scuba divers as it has a greater depth. There can be hundreds of persons snorkeling at the same time. A recent statistics reveal the fact that about 2000 people snorkel/dive per day in Maui. Umpteen numbers of fish varieties and sea life creatures can be seen in this beautiful island.

The temperature is usually affected by the climate change and also with the timings of each day. The water is warm in the months of July to October. The deeper parts and crater parts are always cooler than any other parts of the beaches in Maui. The temperature is optimal for any tourist traveler to have the wildest of sea adventure. People have different skills level in diving can find different places to dive. Beginners dive in to the place having 150 feet clear visibility with a depth of 35 feet. Intermediate divers can dive in to a place having 70 feet depth. Here one may see the lava rock formation and caves. Experienced SCUBA divers can have a great expedition by diving in to deeper places having 350 feet and the currents can be very powerful.

The tourists can get all sorts of comfort amenities like room service, toiletries, pools, laundry service, high speed internet connection, spas and much more. Snorkeling gear, underwater cameras, certified instructors are always within the reach of the tourist to experience one of the best tourist destinations. Snorkeling is an easy to do activity. With just wearing the mask and adjusting its strap, one can jump off the boat. The tour guides will keep giving the instructions for a safer expedition. Place the gear normally and breathe with it. Do not forget to blow the snorkel if breathing has to be done under the water surface. It may give suction but will not hurt. A first time snorkel at Molokni might be scary because of exotic creatures in the sea. But do not panic as they usually don`t harm any tourist. Capturing the underwater memories can be so good to enjoy.

There are certain precautionary methods have to be followed. It is good to buy a goggle cleaning fluid which helps the goggles from fogging up. Fins make it easier to propel if the diver can stick on to the instructions given by the guide. The reflection of the water may intensify the sun's rays and hence it is advisable to have sunscreen lotion.

The Best Adventure Activities on the Big Island of Hawaii! Hike, Dive, Snorkel and Explore!

The Big Island of Hawaii is vast and full of excitement. From quaint towns and villages to 5 star luxury resorts there is something here for all vacation goers. This article will go over some hidden treasures and not to miss excursions if you ever make it to this mystical place in the middle of the Pacific.

For the adventure lovers out there the Big Island will not disappoint. There are lava tubes, canyons, valleys, beaches, and hidden trails that offer beauty not found anywhere else in the world. Lava tubes are narrow underground tube caves that from as underground lava flows empty out into the ocean or some other exit point. After they cool large and small tube caves make for awesome hikes and pictures. Some of the best lava tubes are very hidden and a knowledgeable guide is needed to get you there in addition to safety.

If high-end luxury resorts is your thing there are a few on the Big Island you can't miss! The Kona Village Resort and Four Seasons are true 5 star accommodations with high end ammenities and first class service. These hotels are situated 20 minutes north of Kona airport in the Waikoloa region. This area gets the most sun all year round and the beaches are stunning. Two other quality resorts of interest are the Mauna Lani Resort and Hilton in the same area. The Hilton is like Disney World for adults with a monorail and boat service that transfers guests throughout the vast resort.

Scuba divers love the vast reefs and diversity of fish found on the Big Island. Aside from the traditional reef dives around the island, there are two very unique scuba experiences that attract divers from all over the world. Manta Rays are found all over the shallow waters of the Big Island and the famous night dives do not disappoint. These massive creatures glide through the water and give divers an awe-inspiring experience. Black sea diving can ONLY be done off the coast of Hawaii. This unique experience brings alien like creatures from the deep right in front of your eyes as you wade under water in the pitch black of the night. The dives take place over sea trenches thousands of feet deep.

Another must see activity is Waipio Valley. Famous for its role in movies like Jurassic Park and Water World, this huge valley has a 200 foot waterfall at one end and a river that flows into the vast pacific on the other. The black sand beach and huge valley cliffs make it a truly unbelievable site. During the rainy season more waterfalls form around the surrounding cliff walls of the beach. Often there are wild horses roaming the beach and forest of the valley. For a truly mystical experience don't miss this hidden treasure of the Big Island.

Singles by the Bay Travel Cub is a popular group that brings its members to these hidden treasures each year. These Hawaii hot spots are just a few out of hundreds on the Big Island alone. Few tour operators offer excursions to many of these "off the beaten path" explorations so travel clubs and small tour operators are the only options. It's well worth the research and planning!

Steve Juba is a professional group travel organizer and travels the world with his clubs. He prides himself in planning unforgettable trips around the world and works hard to learn the best kept secrets of a given destination. With years of experience and world travel his knowledge is a huge asset to Singles by the Bay Travel Cub.

Yacht Charter Bali - A Perfect Opportunity For Diving and Snorkeling

If you are an avid diver, or love to snorkel, few places in the world offer as many locations and beautiful scenes as Bali. That said, if you want to have the kind of vacation that provides you with all of the luxuries as well as plenty of aquatic adventures, a yacht charter in Bali may be just what you are looking for. No matter how long you are planning to stay in Bali, you are sure to find an itinerary that will enable you to enjoy the best diving spots, as well as many other wonders.

Many people that visit Bali begin with Moyo. This fascinating island features several pristine snorkeling sites along the shoreline. At the same time, if you are interested in going ashore, you will find plenty of exotic and wonderful things to see in the villages. Depending on your interests, you may also find that you will enjoy a good hike in the island forests, as well as spending some time on the beaches.

Today, Gil Banta is known worldwide for some of the best diving locations. While you are visiting the Komodo National Park, you are sure to enjoy spending as much time as possible viewing the corals, and other wonders that are accessible only to divers. That said, if other members of your party would rather spend some time on the beach, they are sure to be charmed by the private coves and stunning white sands.

When you choose a yacht charter in Bali, you should not miss out on an opportunity to visit the Sabalon Reef system. This area is perfect for both divers and snorkelers. The tranquil beauty of the nearby island is also perfect if you want to explore the beaches for treasure. No matter whether you are searching for sea shells, drift wood, or exotic flowers, you are sure to find dozens of items that will captivate your attention.

Over the years, many people that take advantage of Bali yacht charters also enjoy visiting Riung. This area features 17 tiny islands, dozens of beaches, and beautiful cliffs. If you are looking for a perfect combination of beach exploration and snorkeling, Riung will be one of your best opportunity. That said, if you decide to take a short hike along some of the cliffs, you will be stunned by the view of pristine water stretching for miles around you.

As an avid diver or snorkeler, it makes perfect sense to make use of a Bali yacht charter. In many cases, the itineraries for these cruises tend to include some of the best, as well as the most beautiful sites in the region. At the same time, you won't have to waste hours on end waiting for a boat to take you to a specific site, let alone try to figure out where to get your diving or snorkeling gear. Once you are done diving for the day, you are also sure to enjoy being able to visit various villages, and other land based destinations that will help round out your vacation and make it even more memorable.

Fraser Yachts specialize in luxury yacht charter in Bali and crewed motor & sailing boat charters around Bali

You Too Can Scuba Dive

You don't have to have a sick pack stomach to snorkel. Nor is it necessary to be able to run a mile. It is not a requirement to be a great swimmer or even a good swimmer. More importantly you absolutely do not have to look good in a swimsuit. Most of us scuba divers look just like you. As with any sports activity it is always good to consult a physician before beginning. Yes you can put it on your bucket list because you are not to old to start your underwater adventure. I personally started and obtained my scuba certificate at the age of 49. I was trained and certified in just three days by Scuba School International. AJ was my SSI certified trainer and he is 72 years young. AJ began his underwater adventures later in life as well.

SSI has training programs from eight years of age and up. So get the whole family involved including grandpa. SSI is not the only training available. PADI and NAUI are also very reputable scuba training schools with highly trained instructors.

Again i would recommend and encourage everyone to consult a physician before starting your underwater adventure. With that being said, I am not the picture of health. Plagued with asthma throughout my life as well as sinus problems. These problems have not prevented me from snorkeling or diving. In 2004, I broke my back and yes I am a little over weight too. Not to mention I take medication for panic attacks. Point being nothing can stop you but you.

Scuba diving equipment must be expensive right? Yes it can be expensive.The good news is that you do not have to rush out and purchase scuba gear. most training schools have equipment for rent. Scuba gear was supplied for my training as part of the package. It is a good idea to purchase your own mask and snorkel. This will ensure your mask fits correctly and that the snorkel has not been used by anyone else. I would recommend getting your first mask at a local dive shop so you have a proper fit for your first dive experience. Until you find out if diving is for you, it is a good idea just to rent dive equipment. This will also give you an idea of what you like and don't like. You might find you need something warmer or cooler. You can do it. You can scuba dive but do it for you and only you. A dive at 15 feet is as relaxing as a dive at 50 feet. You do not have to go to the ocean or some exotic beach to enjoy scuba diving. There are places coast to coast, Wyoming to Arkansas. Branson, Missouri is known for great theater, but it is a fun place to discover scuba diving. Table Rock Lake State Park Marina offers a one time out discovery dive for you and your family. It is a great way to find out if underwater fun is for you and yours. But let me warn you, you will fall in love with the underwater world.

Other divers will become like a second family. You will become familiar with the term dive buddy. You will take pride in being someones dive buddy and they will take pride in becoming your dive buddy. Don't wait another minute to change your life and fall in love with new adventures.

How Important Is a Snorkeling Mask?

There is no time to waste when one is underwater, every minute counts and must be experienced to the fullest. Next time you go scuba diving or skin diving with a snorkel, make sure your mask is well adjusted so to use your diving time efficiently, instead of wasting precious dive time trying to get your mask to fit properly.

Just imagine delaying your fellow divers from diving, or not making the dive altogether, because of inappropriately fit equipment. Don't underestimate the importance of a good diving mask; it is not an item that can be easily exchanged with others. Next time you are tempted to borrow a mask from a friend, keep in mind that your friend does not have the same head measurements as you do. This means that when the time comes to go scuba diving or snorkeling, you may experience some difficulty in keeping water out of your mask because it does not rest tightly on your face.

If you can't get your mask to be secure against leakage, this can become your worst diving experience. Fortunately there are some guidelines you can follow in order to see if you have the right mask for you. Follow these directions and you will be certain to find a perfect fit. First, you have to imagine you are scuba diving and place the mask on your face, but do not use its strap. Next, you breathe in and check if the mask falls off your face when you inhale. If you have difficulty in keeping the mask on your face, then chances are it is not the one for you and you should choose another mask. Repeat the same steps until you find a diving mask that will not fall when you inhale.

You must secure the diving mask against leakage at all times. Although a well sealed mask is crucial, another key factor to consider is comfort. You should not feel uncomfortable when wearing your mask, making sure its strap is well fitted so not to feel any pulling on the hair.

The best fit can be achieved by simply loosening or tightening the strap on each end until you feel comfortable and ready to enjoy your dive. Now that you have found a mask that is leakage proof and well adjusted to your head, you may want to take a closer look at the type of lenses it supports. There are two primary kinds of lenses, the side-view and the standard. For a wider view, you may want to consider the side-view lenses.

Of course, optical lenses are a must if you normally wear eye-glasses or contact lenses. These prescribed lenses are available for both side-view and standard flat models. It is always wise to foresee any dangers or complications in advance.

Make sure your equipment and gear is in order at all times. Whether you go scuba diving or snorkeling, always purchase certified products. Remember, it is your life that is at risk. Why take chances?

How to Choose a Scuba Diving Mask

Scuba diving requires quite a bit of gear, and the most important of all is your diving mask. This single piece of equipment can literally make the difference between a great dive or spending all your time exhaling water. The same thing goes for snorkeling masks. So how do you choose a good mask without testing it in the water? I have listed below the techniques I have used to literally help hundreds, maybe thousands of people find the right scuba mask.

Types of scuba masks

There are basically two types of scuba masks, a single lens mask and a two lens mask. Each has it's own benefit.

Two lens mask

A two lens mask allows the mask to sit closer to your face, allowing for a lower volume. This means less effort to equalize and also makes it easier to clear water from the mask. Since the lens sits closer to your face, you will also generally have better peripheral vision. Depending on your face shape, some people may notice the center piece.

Single Lens Mask

The advantage of a single lens mask is that you have one unobstructed vision. As they tend to be larger, they are generally the preferred choice for anyone who may feel a little claustrophobic. Since the overall volume is larger, single lens masks do take more effort to clear.

The materials

Any quality mask should be made of crystalline silicone. Almost all masks from any major manufacturer now use this type of silicone. It should feel very soft and flexible. Lower quality masks (such as those sold at sports stores, Walmart, target, etc) generally use a vinyl silicone that is not nearly as durable or as flexible. You can generally recognize vinyl silicone by its lack of clearness. These type of mask should not be used for scuba diving as the frames can crack under pressure.

How to fit the mask

1. Set the mask on your face (without using the strap).

2. Gently inhale into the mask until it sucks onto your face (you should not have to use any force to push the mask onto your face).

3. The mask should stay on your face with the initial suction you created. If you have to continuously inhale then there is not a good seal and the mask does not fit well.

4. Most masks have an inner and outer seal. Look into a mirror to make sure that both of these seals are sitting firmly against your face.

5. Make sure that there is nothing uncomfortable about the mask. If it bothers you now, it will be amplified when you dive.

6. Now that you have the mask on, look around and check your vision.

The Price

In general, a good scuba mask should cost around $40-$80. There are masks that go above this, but in most cases the difference in performance does not warrant the difference in price. If you find a mask below this price, then make sure you are getting a good deal, and not just a lower quality mask.

Take your time

Be sure to try on several masks. The more you try on the more you will start to figure out what you like and don't like. Be sure to take you time with each mask. Make sure that it feels very comfortable and fits your face well. Since the mask will be your most important piece of gear, don't purchase one unless you can first try it on.

Scuba Diving Mask Tips

A scuba diving mask is an essential part of your scuba gear. Without it, we wouldn't be diving. It's simple to take care of with some basic maintenance tips. And once you are underwater, there's not much more annoying than a mask that constantly fogs up. Follow these simple steps for mask care and defogging so your mask will last you for many more dives.

Scuba Dive Mask Maintenance

Many times, new dive masks have an oily film over the surface. What works best to remove this? Good 'ol toothpaste! Put a small drop on the lens and rub it over the areas that have this residue on them. This would also include the strap. Thoroughly rinse the mask in fresh water and reinspect to make sure it is clean. Repeat if necessary.

Just make sure it is not a gel toothpaste. I have always used plain Crest for this (and to clean my dive slate) with no ill effects. Removing this film will stop the mask from fogging.

Maintenance of your scuba dive mask is straightforward. No rocket science here. Here are some simple steps to follow:

Rinse your mask in freshwater after diving. You need to clean out any sand or grit that may have gotten into the mask and get rid of any salty residue.
Never dry your mask in direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can start to degrade the silicone so keep the mask out of the sun.
Thoroughly dry mask before storing. You don't want anything to start growing on your mask. Not to mention possible odors.
Periodically clean your scuba dive mask. You should clean your mask with a little bit of toothpaste every now and then. It will help clean the lens and will also help keep it from fogging (see below). Rinse well after using the toothpaste and you are good to go.
Place you mask face-up. Don't put your mask face down when you are not wearing it. The lens could get scratched - which could drive you nuts on every dive!

Mask Defogging Tips
There are basically 3 different ways to keep your scuba dive mask from fogging while you are diving. I have used all 3 while diving and all 3 are effective. I probably use the mask defogger solution the most.

Saliva - Yup, good ol' spit. It really does work. I usually dry and put in on my mask when it is dry. Rinse out after rubbing it around your mask. Some people get queasy, bacteria, etc. But we've done it and no harm has come to us! GOOD in a pinch.
Prepared Solution - You can buy a commercial mask defogger solution at any dive shop for a few dollars. They last a long time and do work. Just put a couple drops on your lenses and rub it around. Rinse it out thoroughly, you don't want to get solution in your eyes. Be prepared to share with lots of other divers on the boat. There is always someone that ran out, forgot, etc. You'll be the hero.
Toothpaste - If the above 2 don't work, it may need a more thorough cleaning with toothpaste as described above (non-gel). This should solve any problem with fogging that you have.
If you follow these simple scuba mask care and maintenance tips, you should have a nice clear dive. With proper care, your scuba diving mask should last for years and many, many dives.

Choosing A Good Snorkeling Mask

If the snorkeling mask leaks it is a piece of junk. Many snorkelers just go out a buy a cheap mask, the problem here is cheap mask are made from cheap materials and the mask will leak within the near future. PVC or plastic mask skirts get hard and crack when exposed to Chlorine and sunlight. A good silicone skirt will make a better seal and last longer. The elastic nature of silicone will give you years of good service. Silicone skirts come in two colors; black and clear. Clear silicone will let in more light. Black silicone will block the light, a favorite among underwater photographers.

Now its time to try the mask on your face. Lace the mask on your face without the strap. Look into a mirror and make sure the seal is against your skin and not against some facial hair, like eye brows or a mustache.
Now lightly inhale through your nose a hold your breath. The mask should seal around your face with no air leaks. Make sure your nose is comfortable in the nose pocket.
Now place the mask strap around your head. If you have long hair, you might want to think about adding a neoprene mask strap. Your hair will appreciate it.
Now for the last step before you buy the mask, put your snorkel in your mouth, while wearing the mask. Believe it or not, but occasionally when the snorkel is in your mouth, the mask will break its seal around your upper lip.

How to Deal With a Leaking Diving Mask

A leaky mask can spoil a dive. It's a real pain to have to spend most of your dive clearing a mask instead of taking in the underwater surroundings. This can be particularly annoying for new divers and if your mask clearing skills aren't up-to-par, a leak can even be a bit frightening.

Don't go out and buy a new mask just because the old one leaks
According to my friend Adrian, a long-time diveshop manager and instructor, a lot of people buy more than one mask in their earlier stage of diving because they believe the problem with leaks lies with the dive mask. But the real problem lies with HOW the mask is being worn. His record serial mask buyer bought four masks in six months until she got a haircut (the culprit was her long hair, caught under the skirt of the mask).

So once you've got a comfortable and well-fitting mask, there are things you can do to reduce the leaks problem.

Mask leak prevention tips

Strap adjustment
Make sure the strap is not too tight. The immediate reaction to a leak for many people is that the strap is not tight enough. An overly tight mask will make the problem worse - and leave that mark on your face that won't go away for three hours.

A neoprene Mask Strap Cover is really nice for preventing hair tangles and pulls when you put on and remove the mask - a must have for those with longer hair.

Cracks, rips and tears
Check for rips and tear in the mask skirt. This could be a source for leaks.

Take care of your mask. Wash your mask after diving, dry and store in a box or case to avoid damage.

DO NOT use a cheap snorkel mask for diving. They are not designed for diving cannot withstand the pressure at depth. Always buy your scuba diving equipment from reputable dealers and shops.

The problem with hair
Hair in the mask is a very common cause of leaks. If you're not wearing a hood, make sure you don't have stray bits of hair in the mask. Tie back long hair and clear hair away from your face when putting on your mask.

Long fringes/bangs can cause leaks. A French plait/braid is one way around this.

Facial hair is a big culprit. Many men are forced to choose between shaving their moustache to have a less leaky dive or keeping it and tolerating a watery vision. Trimming the hair that makes contact with the mask may work and is a less drastic solution.

For men who are determined to keep their facial hair, there are various remedies. Silicon gel/salve applied to the moustache before the dive is a common one. Avoid petroleum-based products like Vaseline as they can break down silicon.

Purge valve
There are two types of people when it comes to masks and purge valves - those who love it and those who hate it. The purge valve is a built-in feature that allows easier clearing/draining of the water from the mask. For fans, it makes clearing easier. For non-fans, the purge valve is just one more unnecessary addition that could malfunction.

Personally, I've never owned a mask with a purge valve and I don't think the old fashioned clearing method is so bad.

No such thing as a waterproof mask
I'm convinced you will never have a perfectly sealed mask (not in my lifetime anyways). There will always be small quantities of water entering the mask. With some experience, you get used to it.

Actions such as moving your face around - will create a bit of a leak.
Make sure you are comfortable with mask clearing and removal skills. They are important.

A bit of water shouldn't spoil the fun. Choose the right mask, practice good diving habits and you can have safe and enjoyable dives.

Best Scuba Diving Gear

People like scuba diving for many reasons. Most want to look for interesting marine plants and animals deep in the water. Some do scuba diving for commercial, scientific, and military purposes. Scuba diving gear permits the divers to stay underwater for long periods of time. The word "scuba" is a short form for "self contained underwater breathing apparatus."

The diving activity is secure as long as you have the best scuba diving gear, and you have the proper training to operate the equipment. Owning a quality gear needs a considerable investment. But high-quality gear need not be very pricey. Sometimes, the best scuba diving gear can be bought at considerable discounted rates. You can expect quality equipment to last for years. The best equipment can guarantee your safety as well.

Generally, all scuba divers wear and use the same type of diving gear. But some divers in colder areas append extra equipment as well. A typical scuba diving gear package contains pieces such as fins, a mask, gauges, a tank, and a watch and compass. Depending on the temperature of water a wet or dry suit, a hood and gloves are also worn. The tank kept on the diver's back provides the oxygen to the diver's mask for intake when he/she is in the water. Depth and pressure gauges help the divers get information about their locations and condition.

Before purchasing the best scuba diving gear, you will need to do some research on the different brands and quality. This helps you save hundreds of dollars on scuba equipment and determine the type that suits you best

Owning the best scuba gear is a simple and easy process. There are plenty of places to go to purchase quality gear. You can buy them from the dive shops, Internet, or classified advertisements. Dive shops are the best places where you can test the gear before purchasing. It is unwise to buy scuba diving equipment which you have not seen.

Traveling With Scuba Dive Gear and Equipment

With today's state of air travel and airport security, scuba divers often have to decide how to travel with all their dive gear. For those scuba divers who plan to rent all their equipment at their destination, this isn't an issue. However, the trend in diving has always been that as divers become more experienced with more dives logged after initial open water certifications, they tend to want to use their own equipment rather than rent. This is especially true with masks, regulators, wetsuits and dive computers. Avid scuba divers will often travel with their entire gear including fins and buoyancy compensators. Of course because of weight issues, scuba divers rarely travel with tanks or weights.

I have an air integrated Oceanic scuba dive computer that I wouldn't want lost or delayed in checked luggage during my dive trips so I always carry it on with me on airplanes. I have never had any problems going through airport security. Sure, they might check my stuff because scuba dive gear looks pretty foreign to most airport security staff but that's okay as my scuba dive computer always got through. The only thing I have to be careful of is how I pack it. On a few occasions, I had put the computer in a soft bag that also contained my regulator, another piece of my own scuba equipment that I would prefer to use rather than deal with a rental. During travel, one of the buttons on the dive computer must have gotten accidentally depressed which activated the device. Because of the altitude and/or pressure changes during a flight, the dive computer thought that it was going on an actual dive. It started beeping because it didn't like the statistics it was sensing which was a bit annoying on board.

After the flight, my dive computer actually locked out for 24 hours. It was a good thing that I didn't dive until the next day. So from now on, I always pack my scuba dive computer in a box which prevents accidental activation and then the box goes into my carry on baggage. I also carry on my mask as well as my log book and certification cards. I wouldn't want to be refused for diving by a dive operator in case my checked baggage was lost so it is highly recommended to carry your log book and certification card with you.

Everything else like my wetsuit, booties, fins, snorkel and buoyancy compensator goes into my checked baggage. If my checked baggage is lost, stolen or delayed, I can always rent the extra equipment I need without losing any dives. Some folks believe that one should not check in any large scuba dive bags with the dive flag displayed as it may advertise luggage containing expensive dive gear. In this case, one can always pack a flexible scuba dive bag inside a larger regular suitcase. So a good rule of thumb to use is to always carry on the scuba dive equipment that you can't afford to lose or be without for your diving and check the rest.

Basic Scuba Diving Gear and What to Expect

From being an activity that supports scientific research, scuba diving has increasingly become a staple activity in nature tripping and holiday destinations. It is an exhilarating activity that allows people to visit an entirely different world, to experience a different kind of thrill and to see awesome new vistas and life forms. Scuba diving affords people with a chance to see some of Mother Nature's most magnificent sights.

Diving can be an awesome adventure, although it requires quite a bit of physical training and skills acquisition before it can be fully enjoyed. This is not surprising since diving takes the body into extreme conditions in the deep, where it must continually battle and adjust to be able to properly perform its functions in deep water.

People who want to plunge into the deep can take lessons under licensed diving instructors in special instruction centers. This will prepare the guests to properly handle the differences between breathing and moving on firm ground and underwater. Both the instructors and the lessons are also available in holiday destinations that offer scuba diving activities to its guests. Those interested in such lessons can just approach instructors and sign up for classes.

Aside from proper instruction, those interested must have the proper scuba diving equipments that will allow them to move underwater. These can be rented at holiday destinations by recreational divers who seldom dive. Serious divers who regularly dive, though, might be better off buying their own scuba gear in order to get the equipment that best suit their specific requirements. These are the following:

The self contained underwater breathing apparatus, or scuba, unit is the most basic of all scuba diving gear. It allows the diver to breathe underwater even under intense pressure. It also lets divers float, hover, descend and rise with minimal effort. The unit includes a regulator, a tank, a buoyancy control device and accompanying instruments and harness. Carefully consider the specifications of unit, especially the tank, so that its size and make will let the diver stay as long and as deep underwater as he needs to be.

A snorkel is a must, too. This allows divers to breathe while still near the water's surface, conserving the regulator tank air which will be of much better use in deep dives. A snorkel helps keep water out of the body, as well as assists in pumping air in and out of the body.

It is also necessary to have a scuba mask, to let divers see clearly underwater. This must fit over the eyes well and have a wide vision span and comfortable pads, to ensure that no seawater can seep through to ruin a perfectly good view of sea life and sea scenery.

Another basic scuba diving gear is the exposure suit, or the dry/wet suit, which also includes the diving booties. It helps regulate the diver's body temperature by retaining the heat that the body normally produces. It also protects the body from getting cut or scraped, and serves as an additional barrier between various poisonous organisms that may be thriving in deep underwater environments.

Swim fins are also helpful tools in diving. With their large surface area, they help the diver swim and paddle freely underwater without expending too much energy.

Aside from these, other scuba gear are weights system, dive computers, dive watch, monitors and gauges, dive lights, dive knife, dive float or flag, and an underwater camera to help save the memories for posterity.

Scuba Gear: What Equipment Will I Need?

There are many items required for scuba diving. Some of the scuba gear you will need is scuba tanks, regulators, masks, fins, suits and gauges. These items will ensure that you will have a safe and fun scuba adventure.

A scuba tank is a necessary piece of scuba gear. These are also called scuba cylinders. A scuba tank holds air and allows you to breathe on your underwater adventure. Scuba tanks are made from steel and aluminum. Steel scuba tanks are more expensive, but are more durable and will last longer. They also require more care and cleaning to avoid rust. Aluminum tanks are less expensive, but are more easily worn and dented. If you choose to rent your scuba equipment, be aware that most dive shops only rent aluminum scuba tanks.

Another piece of necessary scuba gear is a scuba regulator. A scuba regulator makes the air in your scuba tank breathable by lowering the air pressure. Scuba regulators vary in how much the air pressure is affected, so it is a good idea to test many to find one that you like. Most divers prefer to use their own regulator, even when renting their other scuba equipment.

A scuba mask is another piece of scuba gear each diver needs. Scuba masks come in a variety of shapes and sizes. A good scuba mask will protect your eyes and fit your face comfortably. When shopping for a scuba mask, it is important to try on many to find the right fit.

Other necessary scuba gear is fins, suits and gauges. Scuba fins help you to move through the water with little effort. There are countless types of scuba fins, each with their own advantages, so it is important to find the right scuba fins for your needs. There are two types of scuba suits, wet and dry. Both help to keep your body warm in the water. Wet suits are inexpensive and easy to use. They come in a variety of thicknesses. Dry suits are better for cold water. They are more expensive, but the level of warmth is much higher.

A scuba gauge is another important piece of scuba gear. Scuba gauges tell you how much time you have been in the water, how much air you have used and how deep you are. They can also help you to know if your equipment is working properly. There are a wide variety of scuba gauges available from very basic to very advanced.

Shopping for Your First Scuba Gear

The nature of people has always been a curious one. From our very beginnings, we have journeyed to discover every nook and cranny of our planet. Unfortunately for the more adventurous types, we have successfully explored both poles, the moon and basically everything in between. We do however have one last wild frontier which seems to elude us... the world that exists underwater.

The popularity of scuba diving is ever increasing. Dive stores that specialize in scuba gear and scuba certification have appeared in virtually every midsize city, regardless of their proximity to big waters. Naturally, as scuba diving becomes more and more popular, the available gear becomes more and more advanced.

If you are already familiar with scuba diving, then you are aware of the fact that basic gear is not very basic at all. A basic equipment list includes at least one air tank, a demand regulator with mouthpiece, a buoyancy compensator, pressure gauges, swim fins, wetsuit and a quality mask. Just a basic set up will limit a diver to short recreational dives in shallow waters.

Professionals requiring dive gear may find that their equipment list exceeds well beyond the basics. Longer and/or deeper water dives may require twin air tanks, secondary air valves, stabilizer jackets, diving weight systems, pony cylinders and electronic monitoring equipment, to name a few pieces. The most demanding diving situations may even require rebreather equipment that runs into the many thousands of dollars price range. Beyond underwater situations, some land-dwelling professions like fire fighting, mining, and certain construction trades require their own specialty scuba, or above water SCUBA equipment pieces.

Scuba equipment is expensive. It is also quite durable and dependable. Before you commit to purchasing your own scuba gear, try to rent it for as many dives as possible to ensure that you get exactly what you want. The last thing you want is to spend thousands of dollars and end up envying the brand or set up that the person next to you is sporting.

The next best option to continuously renting is purchasing lower end or even used gear. While certain items like your wetsuit may be on the personal side, air tanks, regulators, swim fins or gauges can certainly be passed on from diver to diver. Items like these can be found for sale at budget prices online. Ask friends or gear stores if they have used gear for sale. Try to test any used gear acquired in a safe, shallow dive before venturing out into deeper waters. Again, the more dives under your belt, the better prepared you will be to purchase equipment that you love.

Colorado Scuba Diving Equipment is Available to Meet New and Experienced Scuba Divers Needs

Scuba diving has been a popular pastime since the 1940s. It was noted seaman and adventurer Jacques-Yves Cousteau and Emile Gagnan who first created the Aqua-Lung, which was the first type of commercially available scuba diving equipment. Denver divers will discover that today's modern scuba equipment, which can be found at Colorado scuba diving equipment suppliers, utilizes wet or dry suits, buoyancy control features and some type of breathing apparatus.

The type of suit you will wear depends on the water temperature in which you will use your divers equipment. Colorado diving enthusiasts that are visiting balmy Mexico or the Cayman Islands will find water temperatures near eighty degrees. They will wear a full-body or short wet suit as the basis of their Denver diving gear. These types of suits that can be found at Boulder dive equipment stores allow a thin layer of water to enter inside the rubber layer, and this aqueous layer helps to keep you warm. In very warm waters from the low eighties to ninety degrees, you could wear nothing but bare skin or a lighter weight nylon wet suit as part of your diving equipment. Denver divers who are swimming in colder waters, with temperatures below seventy degrees will need a dry suit as part of their divers equipment. Colorado scuba divers use this suit to warm the body with an air layer inside the suit. Your suit may also come with gloves or boots, or possibly a vest or hood. If you are starting out, you may not be sure about selecting diver's equipment. Colorado scuba stores can offer excellent advice and help you select appropriate gear.

A buoyancy compensator is also used as part of your scuba gear. Denver divers often wear a specialized vest that increases or decreases air pressure and may also include lead weights. These are necessary to keep you at the appropriate water depth when you are underwater in your Boulder dive equipment.

You will also need the appropriate breathing gear as part of your complete Denver diving gear package. Divers breathe compressed air or a nitrogen-oxygen mix that is carried in tanks on your back as the heart of their divers equipment. Colorado scuba divers understand that A regulator is attached to the tank, and it controls the air pressure coming out of the tank so that it is at a level safe for breathing. There are two parts to a regulator. The first stage is connected to the air tank, and the second stage connects by hose to the first stage, and includes the mouthpiece through which you inhale the air. There are also pony tanks and spare air units for emergency air supplies and a snorkel for breathing when you are near the water surface to conserve air in your tanks that you will want to include with your Boulder dive equipment.

It is complex to get outfitted correctly when you are starting out, so be sure to contact a qualified Colorado scuba diving equipment supplier, who can assist in helping you select the appropriate gear for your specific diving situations.

Wayne Hemrick writes about where to find scuba gear. Denver Colorado scuba diving equipment suppliers can assist in helping you select the appropriate gear for your specific diving situations.

Scuba Diving Gear and Safety

Beneath our oceans, lakes and other bodies of water, there are underwater wonders that few people get to see. Snorkeling is good for shallow diving, but it is no substitute for deep exploring. Scuba (self-contained underwater breathing apparatus) diving equipment allows divers to breathe underwater, as deep as the human body can withstand.

Although diving is a good source of exercise and adventure, divers must be aware of the inherent dangers associated with it. Although many people think of underwater creatures as dangerous, most deaths and injuries are self-inflicted. These situations can be avoided with proper training and appropriate scuba diving gear. Even though scuba-rental places require certification to rent equipment out, some people find loopholes and dive without the proper education. One of the most common (and very potentially-fatal) injuries is caused by decompression sickness, or the bends.

To understand the importance of scuba diving gear, it is good know a little bit about pressure. While underwater, the body of a diver experiences incredible pressure. For example, on dry land at sea level, the pressure on a body is 14.7 PSI (pounds per square inch), also known as 1 atmosphere - this is considered to be normal pressure. Since water is compressed, it exerts much more pressure. Diving to 33 feet will contract human lungs to half their size. Since there is twice as much pressure at that depth, the lungs will shrink to accommodate for the space. Once a diver surfaces again, the lungs go back to their normal size.

The air in scuba tanks has to have the same pressure as the water surrounding it, or it won't come out. When the gas is released, it is dissolved in the water. However, when it rises, it forms bubbles and expands - much like a carbonated beverage. When a diver is submerged underwater, breathing air from their scuba diving gear, some amount of nitrogen (a gas that makes up the breathing air) becomes dissolved in the bloodstream. If a diver ascends to the surface quickly, it's much like opening a bottle of soda in bloodstream - the nitrogen expands and causes extreme pain and even death.

This is the source of decompression sickness. As stated before, it is also known as "the bends."

To avoid the bends, a diver has to take intermittent stops while rising - this allows the gas to leave the bloodstream gradually. During certification, divers learn the correct intervals to ascend safely, but there is convenient scuba diving gear that makes this easier. Dive computers are becoming more common; before, waterproof dive-tables were needed to calculate the safe rising-time. Although dive computers are more expensive, the convenience they offer is invaluable. If a diver suffers decompression sickness, they must spend time in a decompression chamber that matches the underwater chamber - which is an awful way to end a good day of underwater exploration.

Decompression sickness is only one danger of diving. Malfunctioning scuba diving gear and running out of air can cause drowning. By renting equipment from reputable companies that require certification, there should be no problem with the quality of the gear.

The Maldives - Cruise, Dive, Swim, Snorkel

Visit the Maldives for an unforgettable holiday of a lifetime!

You don't need a visa to come to the Maldives although a 30 day entry permit will be given to you on arrival, i.e. any designated entry port. You will need a valid travel passport from your country of origin, along with a scheduled return ticket, and any necessary visa for the country you're leaving to.

There are several dozen cruise boats that sail around the islands as well. There's a lot to see with 1,200 islands, and certain cruises offer complementary diving expeditions; others are for relaxation - plain and simple. A good cruise will wind its way through the heavily populous atolls and also the virgin, pristine islands. Luxury cruises have modern amenities, and each cruise has its own twist on things.

This is a land of sun and water. A perfect paradise for those that need to unwind and relax. Scuba diving, snorkelling, submarine tours, whale and dolphin tours, and a variety of water sports including wakeboarding, jet skis, parasailing, and water skiing, are also available.

There are at least 17 hotels in the capital of Male, and you'll need booked reservations upon arrival or else $30/day for every day you'll be staying there. You have to provide proof of one or the other to officials upon entry. Ask your cruise if they commonly see any of Male's oceanic spectacles like the Blue Whale, Sperm Whale, Pilot Whale as well as the Spinner, Bottlenose, Risso's, Spotted, Striped, Fraser's and Rough-toothed dolphins. There are Maldivian specialities, which are frequently seen here but hardly ever anywhere else. You might even get a chance to see a Dwarf Sperm Whale, Melon-headed Whale or the elusive Tropical Bottlenose Whale. Even Orca killer whales abound.

Night fishing is another popular way to relax for tourists. The boats take off before sunset and settle down in a reef area. Even if the fishing is so-so, it's still a good chance to relax.

Snorkeling and Diving in Curacao

Home to over 80 miles of pristine coral reef, myriad tropical fish, sponges, sea turtles, seahorses, eels and dolphins, the waters surrounding Curacao beg to be enjoyed and photographed. Besides boasting the clearest water in the Caribbean, with average visibility between 80-140 feet, year-round water temperatures of 78-83°F allow the ocean to be enjoyed regardless of season. Whether you want to snorkel or scuba dive, there are plenty of experienced dive operators providing daily boat trips and tours to all the best locations. From quiet coves with shallow reefs perfect for snorkelers and beginning divers, to coral walls with strong currents for experienced drift divers, there are sites in Curacao for everyone. In addition to being recognized as the best snorkeling and scuba diving location in the Caribbean, Curacao was also named the "3rd Best Destination in the World" by Scuba Diving Magazine. With over 80 unique dive and snorkel sites to be explored, this article will merely scratch the surface of what Curacao has to offer. Porto Marie is a wonderful site for all levels of divers and snorkelers with a quiet, scenic beach to relax before and after your dive. Currents and swells here are light and the visibility averages 80 feet. Porto Marie offers a unique double reef dive, with a 100-foot wide, 50-foot deep sandy valley separating the inner and outer reefs.

Klein Curacao is a tiny, idyllic island southeast of Curacao. Day trips are available from a number of dive shops and charter companies. The island offers a serene day away from civilization with a long stretch of powdery sand, shallow snorkeling areas, an old scenic lighthouse and the wreck of the Maria Bianca Guidesman tanker resting against the rocks. Additionally, visibility is usually over 100 feet, allowing divers the opportunity to observe sea turtles and dolphins.

The Superior Producer is a fantastic wreck dive located near the Mega Pier where cruise ship passengers disembark for daytrips into Willemstad, the island's capital. The currents are strong here, so the site is limited to experienced divers. Roughly 200 feet long, you'll find this wreck sitting upright on a sand plateau between two reefs in about 100 feet of water. After 27 years beneath the surface, the ship is completely encrusted with tube sponges, cup coral and patches of black coral, producing a colorful garden complete with snails, rays, eels and darting fish. Also, the bridge has recently been opened up and is safe to swim through.

The incredibly popular Tugboat is a wreck that can be enjoyed by snorkelers and divers alike. Sitting upright in just 20 feet of water, the 30-foot vessel is accessible from shore or by boat. After three decades beneath the sea, it is fully encrusted with elaborate formations of brain coral, star coral, sponges and Christmas tree worms. The area is also teeming with such photogenic fish as sergeant majors and parrotfish.

Watamula lies off the coast of a national park at the northwestern corner of the island. The reef starts at 30 feet and runs down to a sandy shelf at 100 feet. Sea turtles favor this area, with a huge resident logger head, the barnacle-encrusted "Crush," regularly spotted resting between 30 and 60 feet.

The Mushroom Forest, regularly cited as one the Caribbean's premier dives, is also located on the sparsely populated northwest side of Curacao. The Forest starts close to shoreline cliffs in 40 feet of water and runs several hundred yards out into the sea, reaching a depth of 60 feet. The site earns its name from the giant mushroom-shaped coral formations sprouting from the seafloor. Formed over many decades as the bottoms of Great Star and Plate Corals were undermined by fish, sponges and clams, some have grown to over ten feet in diameter.

Oswaldo's Drop Off, another of Curacao's celebrated sites, is suitable for all levels of divers with great snorkeling on a shallow terrace. The drop off is only 100 yards from shore with the reef wall starting in 30 feet of water, gradually plunging to a depth of 130 feet. The remains of the Car Pile, an artificial reef created in the 1960s, also rests in this area.

Playa Kalki, also known as Alice in Wonderland, is a fantastic site located on the west side of the island. Sheltered from the wind with minimal surf, this is a great place to rent a diveyak, an inflatable kayak that can hold all your gear.

Playa Jeremi offers a quiet sandy beach with an easy dive entry. The sheltered bay is ideal for beginning divers and snorkelers, with plenty of coral at depths of 3-20 feet. For experienced divers, the outer reef offers a fantastic variety of unspoiled corals and abundant fish populations.

Scuba Diving and Snorkelling in Australia

If you love to scuba dive or snorkel, then Australia must be pretty high on your places to visit. The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world's great scuba diving meccas and with some lesser known but equally as stunning sites, like Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia, you will be spoilt for choice on your scuba diving and snorkelling trip in Australia. Wherever you are along the Australian coast, an awesome scuba diving or snorkelling site is not far away. Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) dive courses are offered across Australia and especially on the east coast you won't need to go far before you stumble across one. Dive facilities are of a high standard, and scuba courses are not too expensive. A cheaper and often just as rewarding alternative is to hire a mask, snorkel and fins and go snorkelling.

Australia's top 10 dive sites

1. Cod Hole- On the Great Barrier Reef near Lizard Island. Great place to get up close and personal with giant potato cod.

2. Yongala wreck - Voted as one of top dive sites in the world. Trips depart from Townsville to the remains of this 100m long passenger liner. Plenty of huge fish and coral. Great for a night dive.

3. Bougainville Reef -In the Coral Sea, this lesser know site is fantastic for spotting silvertip sharks, mantas and turtles.

4. Osprey Reef - Again in the Coral Sea. Great visibility, huge fish and lots of sharks.

5. Navy Pier - Another top 10 dive site. Trips depart from Exmouth, Western Australia. A shore dive, with awesome coral, sharks and big fish.

6. Fish Rock - In New South Wales, this is an awesome cave dive with excellent chances of seeing sharks.

7. Perpendicular Wall - Located near Christmas Island, this a fantastic wall dive. Enormous, colourful fan corals and plenty of fish.

8. Pixie Pinnacle - A large pyramid shaped reef in the Coral Sea, with a huge variety of corals. Spot Moray eels, lionfish and clownfish.

9. Rapid Bay Jetty - Near Adelaide, this site offers the chance to see beautiful leafy sea dragons, pier pilings covered in life, and large schools of fish

10. SS Coogee wreck - Located near to Geelong in Victoria. This wreck dive is abundant with marine life and still quite intact.

There are numerous places to stop off for some diving time on your Australia self drive holidays.

Spot kangaroos in the Blue Mountains and sleep in a bush swag near Ayers Rock. Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef and see dolphins in the Wild West. Build your own Australia adventure.

The Adventure of Snorkeling in the Waters of Sipadan Island

The waters around the beautiful Malaysian island named Sipadan are teeming with marine life of all shapes and sizes. Whether you're looking for sharks, turtles, barracudas, eels or reef fish of every size and shape, the island has them all.

Most people who want to explore this wonderful exotic underwater world usually choose to dive using a full diving gear with oxygen tanks and a wetsuit. This allows them to explore the deeper regions and perhaps even some of the underwater caves hidden at considerable depths. Some, on the other hand, simply choose snorkeling.

The practice of snorkeling is rather popular in Sipadan, especially for non-divers. The equipment that is used most of the time simply consists of a diving mask, swim fins and a 30 cm long tube (called "a snorkel") that is used for breathing. In case the water temperatures are too low, some may choose to wear a wetsuit as well.

Despite the small drawback of snorkeling - allows only the exploration of the shallow waters, it also has many advantages. First of all, due to the lack of all the heavy equipment needed for diving, the snorkeler has more mobility and is able to spot the fish and other sea creatures more easily than divers can. Secondly, no special training is needed in order to practice snorkeling so anyone can do it. Those who wish to practice diving will often need to hire a diving instructor and take a few courses especially if they're novices.

Sipadan has some perfect places for snorkeling. The reef is easily accessible from the beach and one can get to the further out locations by boat. Even though they cannot visit the deeper sites like the Drop Off or the Turtle Cavern, snorkelers still claim that they can often spot some of the most interesting underwater creatures that can be found near the island. In many cases, this is due to the fact that visibility is much better at the surface of the water than in the depths.

It is usually a good idea to remain close to the shore when snorkeling in Sipadan, because of the currents and the many boats coming and going in the areas where the water is deeper. Because the short length of the snorkel doesn't allow you to dive deeper than a few centimeters beneath the surface, in some places the currents can really pose a threat. The less experienced swimmers should be extra careful in such places and try to avoid the currents.

Snorkeling is considerably cheaper than diving. Not only the equipment is less expensive but there are quite a few dive tour operators who regularly take snorkelers to the island at all inclusive prices of under 500 RM (about 170 US dollars) per person.

Perhaps the most noteworthy benefit of snorkeling in the waters of Sipadan is that it is so easy to do. Virtually anyone can practice it as long as they can swim and it is a 100% fun and exciting experience, even though you can not reach the depths that a diver can.

How to Abalone Dive, Spearfish, or Learn to Snorkel for Fun

Diving for abalone is a sport enjoyed by many on the north coast of California. Using scuba tanks or any other underwater breathing apparatus is not allowed and you must get them by diving while holding your breath. Not to say that you can't go out at very low tides and "rock pick" them without entering the water, but this article is about diving for them, which is the primary method of taking them.

First of all, an abalone is a huge snail that lives on the rocks in the shallows of the ocean. Although there are several types, the one sought after here in northern California is a Red Abalone. This abalone must be 7 inches across the shell at any point in order to be "legal" under California law and rarely grows to over 11 inches in its life. The typical one taken by the sport diver is usually between 7 and 9 inches. By law, every diver must carry their own measuring device while diving which are wide "U shaped" tools with an inside width of 7 inches. The abalone are firmly attached to the rocks by their "foot" and are pried off with a flat bar, which also must meet certain criteria legally to avoid damage to undersized abalone and those that are unable to be pried off. It must not be sharp or not wide enough so the abalone are not cut with it. Every diver should read and familiarize themselves with the regulations each year for taking abalone, as regulations change from time to time and violations of them usually result in fines of at least $1500 and can result in jail time and the confiscation of your diving equipment due to the protected status of these creatures. For instance, every abalone taken must be logged properly both on a tag and on the report card immediately upon exiting the ocean, without exception. At this time, you may possess only three abalone at one time, no matter if they are in your freezer at home or in your dive bag at the ocean, and you may take only 24 in any one year. You may not obtain another diver's abalone and hand them to him or her when in the ocean or "trade up" for larger ones after you have removed a legal one from the rocks. Again, other regulations apply so it is important that you read the regulations prior to diving.

The water on the north coast of California is cold. You will need a full wet suit, including a hood, gloves, and booties. The other gear that you will need will be a mask, snorkel, fins, weight belt, abalone bar, abalone gage, and something to keep your abalone in as they must be kept separate from other divers'. I highly recommend that each diver have and use a "dive tube" to keep their abalone in as this also doubles as an indispensable safety device, if needed. Sea sickness, cramps, exhaustion, and injuries do occur and such a floatation device can save your life. It also can offer a place to float and rest or just to float and shoot the breeze with your friends and enjoy the views. The dive tube also has the added feature of having shoulder straps so it can be used as a backpack for your gear when hiking to and from the ocean. The bag is basically a canvas covering with a zipper that encloses the inner tube of a car. It has rings attached to it so you can tie things to it such as your measuring device, fish bags if you are a spear fisher as well, and clips to hold your spear gun when not in use. I highly recommend using a separate bag for your fish or sea urchins as the sharp fins and quills will puncture your tube and they are not cheap.

The wet suit is neoprene which is a foam type material and the wet suits come in various thicknesses. This material is very buoyant and the weight belt's purpose is to offset this buoyancy so that you can submerge. Without this weight, diving is virtually impossible. Each weight belt has a quick release buckle on it so that the diver can, if needed and as a last resort, shed this belt and float with ease. Once you lose or shed your belt, either someone else dives down to get it or your dive is over! Shedding your weight belt also causes you to lose some of your maneuverability as your lower body and legs want to float instead of stay underwater to give you "traction" in the water. The amount of weight that each diver uses is critical to that diver's ease of diving. Too much weight and you tend to sink and the ascent is more difficult, and too little causes you to have to struggle to reach the bottom. A happy medium is needed and this medium varies with each diver depending on their wetsuit's thickness and their body mass and height. A more portly person may need a little more weight and a thin person a little less given the same height, but a taller person may need more as they have more suit to counterweight.

There is a simple method that should be used by the diver to ascertain the proper amount of weight to be used. The diver should dawn all gear to be dove with and enter the water somewhere calm and close to shore where he can freely float. A dock in a harbor or a launching ramp are good spots for this and make sure it is in the salt water that you plan to dive in, not fresh water as the buoyancy is much different. Start with about 20 pounds of weight on your belt and use a couple pounds more if you are taller or more robust than the next guy or girl. Float still while you are straight up and down with your hands to your side and your feet still. The water level should such that your dive mask is half under the water and half above so you can look either under or over the water. Adjust the weight to your belt until you reach this equilibrium we call "neutral Buoyancy". Once you do this, remember this weight as it may very well stick with you your entire dive career and you will want to know this if you lose your belt or rent equipment.

It is important that you recognize your snorkel as your best friend. This breathing apparatus allows you to keep your head in the water and float easily and let you view under the water with your mask while still breathing normally. Your head is very heavy - 15 to 20 pounds- and if you insist on not using your snorkel and holding it up out of the water so you can breathe through your mouth and nose normally, you will be kicking your rear end off in order to do so. Practice with a mask and snorkel in a pool or river or even in the hot tub so you get used to it. Every dive it fills with water to your mouth where it is stopped by you shoving your tongue into the hole, preventing it from entering your mouth. Then when you come up to the surface, you remove your tongue and blow quick and hard to "clear" it of water so you can again use it. Much of the time this one hard blow gets 90% of the water out of it and a huge mistake that new divers make is to assume that all of it is out and they take a huge gasp for that needed air and intake that last 10 percent and choke on it. It is important that you breathe softly and get a nice refreshing breath of air so that you suck the air over the water that remains in the snorkel's bottom and then clear it once again to rid of that last 10% of water. This seems like quite a task, but it begins to become habit with experience as does much of proper free diving technique, which then allows the diver a degree of comfort that transcends him or her from the novice to the experienced diver. I can't stress enough how much practicing with your snorkel will improve your abalone diving, spear fishing, or snorkeling experience.

Diving on the north coast of California isn't like the clear ocean waters of Florida, Texas, Mexico, or Hawaii. The water here is not only cold, but usually quite rough and almost always murky where the visibility underwater is only 5 to 15 feet. Although the abalone is found from the mean low tide level of the ocean to depths of 50 feet or more, diving in waters that are shallow can be both dangerous and exhausting. The ocean's waves come in and out with great force and sweep the diver where ever it decides to, which can include putting his or her head up against a rock! Even if you do find an abalone, trying to stay in one place long enough to get it off the rock can be nearly impossible and requires that you kick like a maniac and hold on for dear life. Diving in over 15 feet of water eliminates most of these issues as the waves are just swells that gently take you up and down on the surface and have nearly no effect once you are submerged. When you go down and find an abalone, you are in still water where you can relax and concentrate. The novice diver tends to see the shallow water as easier and safer, but once they relax enough to give the deeper seas a try, they soon learn that their oxygen and strength lasts much longer and that the deeper ocean is a much easier diving experience.

Part of diving deeper involves the essential function of what is known as "clearing your ears". Learning how to clear your ears when diving is an absolute must in order for you to prevent breaking or damaging your ear drum. Perhaps you or someone you know that has tried diving to the bottom of a deep pool or tried to scuba dive has experienced severe pain in their ears. This is because water weighs a lot. Pick up a five gallon bucket of it if you don't believe me! The weight of all the air in earth's atmosphere at sea level is 14.7 pounds per square inch. There is less of it in the high mountains and it weighs less there so your ears "pop" to let your ear drums adjust for that difference when you head up or come down from them. Water, as you know, is much heavier than air. Matter of fact, when you go down 33 feet, that water weighs 14.7 pounds that is pushing in on your ear drums along with the other 14.7 pounds that the air already was pushing on them. Your ear drums stretch under this weight and this is the cause of the pain. Luckily, your body has little channels that go from your throat to behind your ear drum that are there to either let air out if the pressure on the outside is less like in the mountains, or push air in if there is more pressure on the outside such as when the weight of the water is pushing in as you dive. Part of diving, without exception, involves you controlling the pressure on your ear drum. By holding your nose, or pushing up on your mask, you can force air into your inner ear to equalize the pressure from the water's weight as you dive down. Typically, the air will escape on its own as you ascend but at times you may want to move your jaw some if you do feel pressure as you come up. Every time you feel pain on your ear drum, you are doing damage that can cause scar tissue which will affect your hearing. Furthermore, inside your ear are your organ of balance and your organ of hearing which are sensitive to cold water and breaking an ear drum, along with the possible infection, can really cause problems when you are diving. There are stories of scuba divers that have drown due to the disorientation caused by the trauma to the organ of balance and shock of the cold water caused by the ear drum breaking. Allergies, colds, and some medical issues can all cause an inability to clear your ears and you should not dive at all if this is the case. When you do dive, clear your ears several times on the dive, perhaps every 5 or 6 feet, and stop descending if you feel pressure that you cannot relieve by clearing. Here again, a little practice in the pool is not a bad idea.

The ocean water here, as I said, is murky. Many times you are diving to the bottom that you cannot see until you are well on your way from the surface. This is not the way for novice divers to learn to dive. It is important that the novice diver begin on calmer days with good visibility so that the ocean's floor, and even the abalone in some cases, are visible from the surface. This allows the novice to become familiar with the ocean's bottom and how the abalone and fish live upon so there is no huge surprise when diving in poorer visibility. After all, the beginner free diver already has the "getting used to the gear" issue going on and adding another challenge to them is not desirable. Bad experiences due to the beginning diver being taken along to learn how to snorkel or abalone dive when the ocean conditions are poor is probably the main reason that the beginners give up diving before they can become proficient and relaxed enough to enjoy themselves and take up the sport as a hobby they love. And usually this is the fault of the friend that takes them along who should know better.

When you make a dive for abalone, or any dive whether you are spearing fish or just snorkeling for fun, rest a minute on the surface while floating still so your body can build up oxygen in its cells and you are relaxed. After all, what's the hurry! Then, turn your body downward smoothly and lift your entire leg straight into the air so that it's substantial weight will propel you downward until your fin enters the water and you can further propel yourself with it as you kick. With this motion you will be surprised to see that you have already descended about 10 feet with one kick. Many people that are just learning how to dive will try to swim down by kicking sideways to the surface or thrashing their fins in the air, which don't accomplish much besides using your oxygen. This smooth entry will truly help with your diving abilities and success. Once under water, relax. You are only a few bath tub's depths deep when you think about it! Kick smooth and think about the abalone on the bottom and how you plan to look on the undersides of the rocks where the big ones hang out or maybe about that huge ling cod or other bottom fish that you plan to show off at the dive shop or camp ground. Look at the colors of the corals and the other sea life that you pass and make it a point to enjoy the experience instead of rushing. Pay attention to your surrounding as you are going down and coming up for safety, but also for the opportunity to view the ocean creatures in their habitat. Keep your eye out for lost dive gear that some unfortunate diver lost that you can salvage. Catch a nice rock crab, sea urchins, or scallops to enhance that seafood meal for you and the gang later. Mostly, what I am saying is relax, as this is the key to learning to dive for abalone.

When you do spot and abalone, you will have your pry bar in your hand and attached to your wrist with a rubber noose that frees easily if it were to become entangled. You will "sneak" up on the abalone by not swirling the water around it or touching it as they will clamp their shell tightly to the rocks and you may not even be able to slip your bar under the shell at that point. Slide your bar quickly between the abalone and the rock as far as you can and pry it off. Grab it and you are done, but many times I will pull a couple or even my whole limit of three off of one rock or in the same area as they are big and I am biting at the bit to break out my spear gun and start fishing for that record fish or octopus! Swim up and measure the ab with your gage that hangs off of your dive tube while floating and breathing through your snorkel and looking through your mask. Then throw that lunker in your tube! Make sure that you always try to only pry legal abalone off as this process can damage their bodies and they are almost then certain to die. Try not to get too excited and to remember that everything looks bigger than it is when seen through the mask. If you do take one that is too small to be legal, take care and replace it firmly on the rock that you got it from if you can as this is the law, but at least put it somewhere safe as the fish and other creatures will swarm the poor thing immediately and you won't be able to get it later when it grows up. These are a fragile creature and we all should have the respect for them to make every effort to protect and preserve them for our children.

Most of the time I grab my abalone and start spear fishing. I will often bring abalone guts or squid and put them within sight of the surface in several places in a couple hundred yard area and swim back and forth between them waiting for a fish to appear as they are mostly hidden in the kelp beds, sea weed, or rocks. I typically will shoot ling cod, kelp greenling, Cabazon, china cod, black or blue rock fish, and perch. Once in a while I will get an octopus, which out here are Giant Pacific Octopus that can grow over 25 feet and can drown you if you are not careful. We also have a large eel called a Wolf eel, which is our version of the moray eel, and there are a lot of rock crab and Dungeness if the bottom is sandy. I love to dive warm clear water and I also love to dive with tanks but they are bulky and your dive time is limited due to breathing compressed air. Free diving (holding one' breath) is my favorite way to spear fish and enjoy the ocean. Now, with these lessons and instruction by the old man of the sea (me) perhaps you can join me in enjoying the great seas of our planet. Before I let you go though, I want to include the top 10 safety rules below so you can be safe at all times when you are diving and snorkeling.

10 Best Safety Tips For Free Divers and Spear Fishers

1. Go with a Buddy. Matter of fact, the more buddies, the safer you are, and stay close

2. Bring a Dive Tube or other floatation device- Dropping your weight belt is a last resort.

3. Check your gear before diving - fin straps, mask straps, hook up and test your regulator

4. Do not dive if you are tired, ill, or hung over, or impaired from medication or drugs

5. Do not underestimate the ocean's conditions - It can always get rougher quick

6. Do not enter the water where it is too rough and can slam you against the rocks

7. Pay attention when you are descending and ascending, watch for snags and traps

8. Return to the shore if you become tired, cramped, or seasick

9. Swim sideways to rip tides - they will let you loose soon and you can get in elsewhere

10. Pay attention to the ocean's incoming waves when you're are exiting or entering the ocean

Top Playa del Carmen Diving and Snorkeling Locations

Diving and snorkeling in Playa del Carmen, Mexico is an absolute wonderful activity for the whole family to do together on a family vacation. There are some great places to dive and snorkel in and around Playa. Safety first though, make sure that every family member wears a life jacket when snorkeling. It is an activity for both beginner and expert swimmers as long as you are provided with life jackets and snorkel equipment.

Should you want to venture off yourself and not take a tour with a guide OR should you like to go with a tour guide, either way, there are 3 great places to snorkel around Playa del Carmen.

Xel-Ha - A beautiful outdoor water theme park (ecological park) located 33.5 miles south of Playa del Carmen. At Xel-Ha, you will be amazed by the exotic flora and fauna that the park treasures. For your convenience, there are several stands to rent snorkel equipment where you can get full equipment rentals, mask rentals, flippers and wet suits.

Akumal (Yal Ku Lagoon) - Akumal is a small town located 23 miles south of Playa del Carmen not far from Xel-Ha. You may want to go on a tour provided by one of the two dive shops in town. It is about $40 USD per person. Or, rent or buy your own equipment and swim out alone. The coral reefs are not too far from the shore and can be easily accessed by swimming, especially with the help of a life preserver. Much of the bay is not more than five feet deep. Be very careful to stay away from the "fire reef" marked with buoys and a distinctive red colored coral. It stings and excessive contact can be fatal. Since coral dies on human contact, you should avoid touching coral at all costs. It is also illegal to touch the wildlife, such as the sea turtles.

Marina Maroma - Maroma is the site of the world's second largest barrier reef and just offshore, you will find world-class Playa diving-snorkeling with your own guides. The marine life there is absolutely delightful, and the colors are vibrant and exciting. Maroma Beach is located between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, only 20 minutes by car fron Cancun International Airport.

Dive - Snorkel - Swim On A Barrier Reef

here are many facts that you should know as you plan a trip to one of our world's majestic Barrier Reefs. All of these amazing wonders are formed underwater and are made of a secretion from coral called calcium carbonate. Reefs flourish best in water that is warm, in the sun, shallow, and agitated. Coral reefs are home to tiny animals in the sea. In fact they are home to 25% of the creatures that live in the sea.

All reef ecosystems are very fragile which is why some are environmentally protected. Some countries have enacted laws against taking or destroying even the smallest segment of it's reef, such as forbidding swimmers, snorkelers and/or divers from taking even the smallest piece of coral away, for, as an example, a keep sake. Coral itself is not a plant or a rock but is actually made up of tiny animals, some so small they are microscopic. There are over 4,000 different species of fish that live in and/or on the these magnificent coral formations of our world. The ideal temperature for coral is 79-81 °F. They cover 0.1% of the ocean floor and are continually, slowly expanding in their growth.

There are three main types of reefs: a Fringing Reef, a Barrier Reef, and an Atoll Reef. A Fringing Reef is attached to or borders a shoreline. A Barrier Reef is not attached to any land what so ever. An Atoll Reef is one that is around an entire lagoon that does not have an island. Reef locations are mostly in Indo-Pacific region. Smaller reef locations are in the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean. Some species of seabirds actually live and nest in coral reefs as well.

Australia boasts of having the largest Barrier Reef in the world. This the magnificent formation is so big you can see it from space and over 1 million people visit there every year.

The second largest one of these ecosystems in the world is the Belize Barrier Reef, off the coast of Belize, Central America and measures 370 square miles. This breathtakingly beautiful formations is one of the country's top destinations to visit, being a popular tourist destination for snorkeling and diving. The fishing industry in Belize thrives from the benefits of the Belize Barrier Reef.

Other big ecosystems include the New Caledonia Reef located in the South Pacific, and is the second longest "double barrier" coral reef in the world, after Australia's Great Barrier. The coral reefs in Honduras, located south of Belize, Mexico and Guatemala and north of Nicaragua are part of the Mesoamerican Reef System. Indeed, a snorkeling or reef diving trip to anyone of these beautiful and intricate destinations is one that will give you memories of a lifetime!