Belize have the longest barrier reef in the Northern Hemisphere and offers a combination of gentle inshore scuba diving and some more adventurous oceanic dive sites for the experienced divers. Belize offers scuba divers with a heady concoction of reef, wall, cavern and cay diving experiences.
Belize had a history of swashbuckling buccaneering in days gone by. Back then, there were regular pirate attacks on Spanish treasure ships. Now, it is a peaceful little city on the Caribbean coast of Central America.
Belize is a popular diving destination because of its long barrier reef which offers an array of diving experiences for all levels of scuba diving proficiency, from the novice beginners to the experienced veteran divers.
The barrier reef is about 174 miles or 280 km long extending all the way along the coast of the Yucatan Peninsular in the north to Honduras in the south. In this way, the reef actually creates a true barrier between the ocean and the coast thus providing calm waters to scuba dive in.
There are also numerous islands dotting the reef which are called cays or cayes in this part of the world. In the south eastern part of the reef, there is a large depression in the ocean floor of the Caribbean Sea and this created 3 atolls called Glovers, Turneffe and Lighthouse. The atolls sit on two parallel ridges unlike the atolls of the Pacific, which grew out of volcanoes.
These atolls rise close enough to the surface to allow sunlight penetration causing massive coral and sponge growths. It is therefore not surprising the Belize barrier reef is declared as a world heritage and is the subject of intense conservation and protection.
Coral reefs in the Caribbean seas have a character of their own in that they do not have the very diverse system of the Indo Pacific reefs. However, they lay claim to beautiful individual corals and sponges. The sponges are some of the most colorful to be found anywhere in the world. Some of the sponges are more than a century old and can measure up to an awesome 6 ft or 2 m across.
Perhaps, the main attraction for scuba diving in Belize is the contrast of its marine habitats ranging from bustling coral communities on gentle sandy slopes to steep drop offs with huge pelagic fishes and sharks.
Scuba divers will find smaller coral communities in inshore reefs. These inshore reefs are home to about 500 species of fish including the 5 separate species of butterfly fish. It is here that encounters with larger marine animals such as the manatees, whale shark, jewfish, manta rays are common occurrences.
Do include Belize in your scuba diving itinerary.
24.12.10
24.11.10
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling – Lanai, Hawaii
Millions of vacation tourists visit Hawaii every year. Most of them came to explore the beautiful Hawaiian Islands and volcanoes while some came with the intention to scuba dive in the tropical seas and to explore Hawaii's magnificent underwater world. According to Rodale's scuba diver magazine, Hawaii is one of the world's top ten diving destination for scuba divers.
Hawaii's marine life is very diverse so much so that there are more than a hundred endemic species found no where else on earth. You can explore Hawaii's myriads of underwater caverns, reefs, drop off walls, canyons, gulleys and swim with turtles and seals in clear crystal waters. If you are not a scuba diver, you can take scuba diving lessons and then can plunge into Hawaii's beautiful seas almost immediately.
If you want to go scuba diving, it is best to go in the morning as strong winds often rough up the sea in the afternoons. This is especially so on the island of Maui and that is the reason why dive operators often take divers out to sea early in the morning and terminate the dives around noon or early afternoons.
One of the big attractions in Hawaii is snorkeling. Almost anyone can go snorkeling since all you need is a face mask, a snorkel tube and a pair of swimming fins. If you have never snorkeled before, most resorts and dive operators can give you snorkelling lessons and rent you snorkeling gear. However, if you can swim, you really do not need any formal training as snorkeling is quite easy.
The most popular spot for snorkeling in Hawaii, especially for the beginner is the Hanauma Bay, on the island of Oahu. Other popular snorkeling sites in Hawaii are the Kee Beach on Kauai island, Hulopoe Bay in Lanai, Kahaluu Beach on the Big island and Kapalua Bay on Maui.
Although great snorkeling can be gotten at all the islands in Hawaii, snorkeling and scuba diving on the Big Island is recommended because of its volcanic activities and lava formation resulting from that. There are magnificent and spectacular drop offs with awesome underwater scenery to watch and admire. Some of the great snorkeling locations there are Molokini Crater and the Kealakekua Bay.
Whether you are snorkelling or scuba diving in Hawaii or anywhere else, always snorkel or dive with a buddy for safety reason and companion sake. Do look up now and then to check that you are not getting carried away by drift current too far away from shore and also to check for boat traffic. Do not touch anything as some corals and sea creatures in Hawaii can pack very painful and venomous stings.
Hawaii's marine life is very diverse so much so that there are more than a hundred endemic species found no where else on earth. You can explore Hawaii's myriads of underwater caverns, reefs, drop off walls, canyons, gulleys and swim with turtles and seals in clear crystal waters. If you are not a scuba diver, you can take scuba diving lessons and then can plunge into Hawaii's beautiful seas almost immediately.
If you want to go scuba diving, it is best to go in the morning as strong winds often rough up the sea in the afternoons. This is especially so on the island of Maui and that is the reason why dive operators often take divers out to sea early in the morning and terminate the dives around noon or early afternoons.
One of the big attractions in Hawaii is snorkeling. Almost anyone can go snorkeling since all you need is a face mask, a snorkel tube and a pair of swimming fins. If you have never snorkeled before, most resorts and dive operators can give you snorkelling lessons and rent you snorkeling gear. However, if you can swim, you really do not need any formal training as snorkeling is quite easy.
The most popular spot for snorkeling in Hawaii, especially for the beginner is the Hanauma Bay, on the island of Oahu. Other popular snorkeling sites in Hawaii are the Kee Beach on Kauai island, Hulopoe Bay in Lanai, Kahaluu Beach on the Big island and Kapalua Bay on Maui.
Although great snorkeling can be gotten at all the islands in Hawaii, snorkeling and scuba diving on the Big Island is recommended because of its volcanic activities and lava formation resulting from that. There are magnificent and spectacular drop offs with awesome underwater scenery to watch and admire. Some of the great snorkeling locations there are Molokini Crater and the Kealakekua Bay.
Whether you are snorkelling or scuba diving in Hawaii or anywhere else, always snorkel or dive with a buddy for safety reason and companion sake. Do look up now and then to check that you are not getting carried away by drift current too far away from shore and also to check for boat traffic. Do not touch anything as some corals and sea creatures in Hawaii can pack very painful and venomous stings.
24.10.10
Maldives Scuba Diving
If you love the sea and scuba diving, then why not charter a live aboard scuba diving cruise with your diving buddies. Collectively, you can save much more money and time if you live a board a diving cruise ship and go island hopping, scuba diving and fishing for the next ten days of your vacation. That is because you can do away with your hotel accommodation, save traveling time and can go to a lot more dive spots. Where to go for a cruise diving vacation? Try going to the Island nation of Maldives.
Although there are many world class spas, hotels and resorts in Maldives such as the Banyan Tree Spa resort, you have no need to stay in them unless you wanted to. Well, if you want to stay in a luxurious resort, it can be an excuse for you to travel to the Maldives again to enjoy these spa resorts. This is because, once you have scuba dived in Maldives, you will want to go back there again. Maldives is a scuba diver's paradise.
The atolls of Maldives were formed when millions of years ago, a great range of volcanoes rose from the floor of the Indian Ocean. As time passes, the volcanoes sunk back into the Indian Ocean leaving behind the coral reefs on the Maldivian atolls and islands we see today. That is why Maldives is best known for its white sandy beaches and crystal blue lagoons teeming with marine life.
The country have no big land mass, but instead is made up of about 1200 coral islands with a total area of 104,00.00 sq kilo 99% of which is the sea. Of these islands, only slightly more than 200 of them are inhabited. Most of the islands are not higher than six feet(about 2 meters) above sea level and scientists have warned that they are very susceptible to global warming and may one day, disappear into the ocean. There are already signs that this is happening.
Needless to say, the mainstay of the Maldivian economy is powered by the fishing and tourism industries. About 500,000 tourists arrive on these islands annually. The capital of Maldives is Male (pronounced as Ma-leh). Upon touching down at the airport, you willbe whisked away by a fishing boat because the capital is no larger than a few football fields and have one of the most dense population in the world.
Maldives has been an independent sovereign country except for a brief occupation by the Portuguese. It then became a British Protectorate in the mid-fifties and gained full independence in 965. It has been an Islamic country for more than 800 years.
During the Ming Dynasty, Chinese sailors called Maldives the "submerged mountain chain" wrote commentaries about these islands.
If you enjoy vacations in tranquil tropical islands or simply love fishing and diving, then Maldives will be a great holiday destination for you. Oh, I forgot to mention, if you are a seafood lover, I think there are no other places on Earth where you can get such a wide smorgasbord delicious mouth watering seafood, except in Maldives.
Although there are many world class spas, hotels and resorts in Maldives such as the Banyan Tree Spa resort, you have no need to stay in them unless you wanted to. Well, if you want to stay in a luxurious resort, it can be an excuse for you to travel to the Maldives again to enjoy these spa resorts. This is because, once you have scuba dived in Maldives, you will want to go back there again. Maldives is a scuba diver's paradise.
The atolls of Maldives were formed when millions of years ago, a great range of volcanoes rose from the floor of the Indian Ocean. As time passes, the volcanoes sunk back into the Indian Ocean leaving behind the coral reefs on the Maldivian atolls and islands we see today. That is why Maldives is best known for its white sandy beaches and crystal blue lagoons teeming with marine life.
The country have no big land mass, but instead is made up of about 1200 coral islands with a total area of 104,00.00 sq kilo 99% of which is the sea. Of these islands, only slightly more than 200 of them are inhabited. Most of the islands are not higher than six feet(about 2 meters) above sea level and scientists have warned that they are very susceptible to global warming and may one day, disappear into the ocean. There are already signs that this is happening.
Needless to say, the mainstay of the Maldivian economy is powered by the fishing and tourism industries. About 500,000 tourists arrive on these islands annually. The capital of Maldives is Male (pronounced as Ma-leh). Upon touching down at the airport, you willbe whisked away by a fishing boat because the capital is no larger than a few football fields and have one of the most dense population in the world.
Maldives has been an independent sovereign country except for a brief occupation by the Portuguese. It then became a British Protectorate in the mid-fifties and gained full independence in 965. It has been an Islamic country for more than 800 years.
During the Ming Dynasty, Chinese sailors called Maldives the "submerged mountain chain" wrote commentaries about these islands.
If you enjoy vacations in tranquil tropical islands or simply love fishing and diving, then Maldives will be a great holiday destination for you. Oh, I forgot to mention, if you are a seafood lover, I think there are no other places on Earth where you can get such a wide smorgasbord delicious mouth watering seafood, except in Maldives.
24.9.10
How To Buy Scuba Diving Equipment Online
New divers often tell me that purchasing scuba diving equipment for the first time can be a confusing experience. There is such a vast price difference between entry-level and top-of-the-line products that beginners usually have no idea what they should buy. I'm going to try to shed a bit of light on the subject right now.
As all seasoned divers can tell you, having the right scuba diving equipment is essential for ensuring a safe and enjoyable outing. While the bargain hunter in you might automatically look for the cheapest products available, I would advise spending a bit more money for quality gear. After all, in some instances your life could depend on this scuba diving equipment, so this isn't the time to cut corners.
That's not to say that you have to resign yourself to paying thousands of dollars for your supplies. In fact, you can outfit yourself with all the gear you need for a very reasonable price -- especially if you choose to buy your scuba diving equipment online.
There are several terrific websites out there that sell name-brand scuba diving equipment for discount prices. These places are essentially superstores that likely have more inventory on hand than any local dive shop would. Because they purchase their products in such massive quantities, they get great prices from the manufacturers, and they're able to pass those discounts on to the consumer. As a result, you can buy the quality gear you really want instead of settling for the cut-rate stuff.
Of course, some scuba diving equipment, such as wetsuits, dive boots, gloves, fins, will require a specific size before ordering. Because it can sometimes be a hassle to return or exchange products that you've purchased from online stores, it's important that you know your measurements prior to placing your order. Other items, such as regulators, masks, snorkels, and lights obviously fall into the one-size-fits-all category and can be ordered without worry.
Some people might be apprehensive about buying such expensive scuba diving equipment online, which is completely understandable. For those of you who feel this way, I recommend making your first purchases at a regular store. Then, once you know your exact sizes for everything and once you find brands that you like, you can make all subsequent purchases online to enjoy the big discounts.
Whichever way you decide to go, just make sure you actually get out there and dive a few times a year. There's no sense in letting all your new gear collect dust in your basement!
As all seasoned divers can tell you, having the right scuba diving equipment is essential for ensuring a safe and enjoyable outing. While the bargain hunter in you might automatically look for the cheapest products available, I would advise spending a bit more money for quality gear. After all, in some instances your life could depend on this scuba diving equipment, so this isn't the time to cut corners.
That's not to say that you have to resign yourself to paying thousands of dollars for your supplies. In fact, you can outfit yourself with all the gear you need for a very reasonable price -- especially if you choose to buy your scuba diving equipment online.
There are several terrific websites out there that sell name-brand scuba diving equipment for discount prices. These places are essentially superstores that likely have more inventory on hand than any local dive shop would. Because they purchase their products in such massive quantities, they get great prices from the manufacturers, and they're able to pass those discounts on to the consumer. As a result, you can buy the quality gear you really want instead of settling for the cut-rate stuff.
Of course, some scuba diving equipment, such as wetsuits, dive boots, gloves, fins, will require a specific size before ordering. Because it can sometimes be a hassle to return or exchange products that you've purchased from online stores, it's important that you know your measurements prior to placing your order. Other items, such as regulators, masks, snorkels, and lights obviously fall into the one-size-fits-all category and can be ordered without worry.
Some people might be apprehensive about buying such expensive scuba diving equipment online, which is completely understandable. For those of you who feel this way, I recommend making your first purchases at a regular store. Then, once you know your exact sizes for everything and once you find brands that you like, you can make all subsequent purchases online to enjoy the big discounts.
Whichever way you decide to go, just make sure you actually get out there and dive a few times a year. There's no sense in letting all your new gear collect dust in your basement!
26.6.10
Scuba Diving In The Great Barrier Reef - Australia
One of world's most famous diving, scuba diving sites is the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. The Great Barrier Reef, off the east coast of Australia is the only living organic collective on earth visible from outer space. The other is a man made structure, The Great Wall of China.
This reef is considered one of the wonders of the world and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1981. It is the world's largest coral reef ecosystem. Being so huge, magnificent dive spots and beautiful marine life and landscapes abound.
The Great Barrier is more than 300,000 square kilometers in size and consists of more than 3000 reefs. Deciding where to dive in this huge diving destination can be a giant headache. Moreover, it is a happy problem because of the many wonderful options you have.
One of the greatest dangers to the reef, especially the corals is the Crown of Thorns starfish. This starfish eat corals and have a voracious appetite. Vast stretches of underwater life on many occasions had been destroyed by the Crown of Thorns starfish. Do not try to save the coral by cutting the starfish. It will not die that way, but multiply like viruses of the division to increase their numbers drop.
wreck diving is an activity scuba diving favorite. Among the many wrecks the ship of Captain James Cook "Endeavour." Another famous wreck is the HMS Pandora, which met its fate in 1791. There are about 30 shipwreck sites, most of them are open to wreck divers.
Over 2 million people visit the reef every year spending about a billion USD collectively tourism as the mainstay of the economy of the eastern region of Australia. Since tourism is very important to U.S. dollars, is vital to the Australian economy to protect the reef from destruction by what is protected in many ways. As a form of protection, fishing is restricted in some areas and animals such as dolphins, whales, dugong (a seal of the animals seem sometimes mistaken for mermaids) are protected.
For the more adventurous divers, there are dives to view shark feeding, especially the ferocious man-eater, the great white shark. The divers are placed in water in steel cages to view these man eating sharks closed. For divers not, there are cruises from island to island and whale watching cruises to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef.
This reef is considered one of the wonders of the world and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1981. It is the world's largest coral reef ecosystem. Being so huge, magnificent dive spots and beautiful marine life and landscapes abound.
The Great Barrier is more than 300,000 square kilometers in size and consists of more than 3000 reefs. Deciding where to dive in this huge diving destination can be a giant headache. Moreover, it is a happy problem because of the many wonderful options you have.
One of the greatest dangers to the reef, especially the corals is the Crown of Thorns starfish. This starfish eat corals and have a voracious appetite. Vast stretches of underwater life on many occasions had been destroyed by the Crown of Thorns starfish. Do not try to save the coral by cutting the starfish. It will not die that way, but multiply like viruses of the division to increase their numbers drop.
wreck diving is an activity scuba diving favorite. Among the many wrecks the ship of Captain James Cook "Endeavour." Another famous wreck is the HMS Pandora, which met its fate in 1791. There are about 30 shipwreck sites, most of them are open to wreck divers.
Over 2 million people visit the reef every year spending about a billion USD collectively tourism as the mainstay of the economy of the eastern region of Australia. Since tourism is very important to U.S. dollars, is vital to the Australian economy to protect the reef from destruction by what is protected in many ways. As a form of protection, fishing is restricted in some areas and animals such as dolphins, whales, dugong (a seal of the animals seem sometimes mistaken for mermaids) are protected.
For the more adventurous divers, there are dives to view shark feeding, especially the ferocious man-eater, the great white shark. The divers are placed in water in steel cages to view these man eating sharks closed. For divers not, there are cruises from island to island and whale watching cruises to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef.
26.5.10
Going For a Scuba Diving? Understand First the Real Safety Issue of The Underwater
Diving is one of the greatest adventures you can take to explore the wonders of the enormous underworld can not be seen on the surface of the water. This is an activity under the water when the diver using breathing apparatus or equipment in order to stay under water longer. For those who are less familiar with scuba, the name is actually derived from its acronym, ÄúSelf Contained Breathing Apparatus under water, the African Union. Diving can be both a recreational diving and professional.
Diving activities are present in open waters and reefs are found. It is especially clear ideal tropical oceans, where you can see from a long distance and see the marine life that inhabits it. Although there are many famous places scuba diving around the world, doesn, AOT necessarily mean you have to limit your adventure holiday to these destinations. There are still multitudes of oceans, lakes and seas that are perfect for diving. All you remember is the right diving equipment, diving right wetsuit, diving and other accessories, and how to survive underwater.
You can experience all the fun that promises to dive if they are able to understand what he has to do with safety underwater. Although the activity of diving can be more thrilling and exciting to think, once you face the underwater seascapes sea of experience could be very different. If you Aore not enough experience in the business, you may find yourself without the ability to embrace the true essence that diving must be assumed to offer. Even professional and experienced divers do not think they have enough knowledge. In fact, never contradict the idea of not cease to equipment with a new awareness or two.
The sea is the world not to humans, but rather to the sea creatures. Human beings are not like those creatures who have full knowledge about the underwater world which is on how to survive on their own. A sea masks fa ‡ πáade very misleading. It can be fascinating to look at the surface, but when you descend to the real world its true nature is barren where the sea creatures that inhabit may be traitors to human beings. It is this question that divers should be able to learn from the sea unreceptive world because safety is the real problem here.
If you think you are not yet able to continue with the underwater activities that would be better for you to take diving lessons. You can register for the diving schools and there you can buy everything you need to know about the adventure of sea water. Classes will be addressed from all that the proper use of diving gear, such as air tanks, gauges, and masks to dive with full equipment. If you Aore a neophyte in the activity, you may feel strange, strange swimming, with those suits and gear, but to overcome this feeling.
diving schools pool dives often use their facilities as the student divers that are trained first. This is the lesson of which you can find out if you have the potential to become a professional in the industry. The average diving boot diving course usually takes four to eight weeks of training. During this time, you should be able to learn enough to take your first activity of scuba diving. Otherwise, it would take another course of the lesson.
Diving activities are present in open waters and reefs are found. It is especially clear ideal tropical oceans, where you can see from a long distance and see the marine life that inhabits it. Although there are many famous places scuba diving around the world, doesn, AOT necessarily mean you have to limit your adventure holiday to these destinations. There are still multitudes of oceans, lakes and seas that are perfect for diving. All you remember is the right diving equipment, diving right wetsuit, diving and other accessories, and how to survive underwater.
You can experience all the fun that promises to dive if they are able to understand what he has to do with safety underwater. Although the activity of diving can be more thrilling and exciting to think, once you face the underwater seascapes sea of experience could be very different. If you Aore not enough experience in the business, you may find yourself without the ability to embrace the true essence that diving must be assumed to offer. Even professional and experienced divers do not think they have enough knowledge. In fact, never contradict the idea of not cease to equipment with a new awareness or two.
The sea is the world not to humans, but rather to the sea creatures. Human beings are not like those creatures who have full knowledge about the underwater world which is on how to survive on their own. A sea masks fa ‡ πáade very misleading. It can be fascinating to look at the surface, but when you descend to the real world its true nature is barren where the sea creatures that inhabit may be traitors to human beings. It is this question that divers should be able to learn from the sea unreceptive world because safety is the real problem here.
If you think you are not yet able to continue with the underwater activities that would be better for you to take diving lessons. You can register for the diving schools and there you can buy everything you need to know about the adventure of sea water. Classes will be addressed from all that the proper use of diving gear, such as air tanks, gauges, and masks to dive with full equipment. If you Aore a neophyte in the activity, you may feel strange, strange swimming, with those suits and gear, but to overcome this feeling.
diving schools pool dives often use their facilities as the student divers that are trained first. This is the lesson of which you can find out if you have the potential to become a professional in the industry. The average diving boot diving course usually takes four to eight weeks of training. During this time, you should be able to learn enough to take your first activity of scuba diving. Otherwise, it would take another course of the lesson.
26.4.10
Scuba Diving At Disneyworld's Epcot Center
There is an interesting dive option for certified divers who are vacationing in the Orlando area especially with family members who are not divers. The Living Seas at Epcot Center in Disney World is home to a marine tank that measures over 200 feet in diameter and 25 feet deep. This tank contains a sample of Caribbean marine life in an artificial salt water and reef environment. Through DiveQuest tour the center, certified divers can have a special three-hour program that includes a forty-minute dip the marine aquarium.
The current price is $ 140 with U.S. Advance reservations required. Divers meet at the Guest Relations office on the outskirts of the main gates of Epcot. Epcot park entrance is not required or included. However, I was released from the main area of The Living Seas after the tour so I ended up seeing other parts of Epcot for free anyway. Twice a day at 4:30 pm and 5:30 pm, a maximum of twelve divers per time slot are taken on a behind the scenes tour of the facilities of The Living Seas. All diving equipment is provided. In fact, divers can not bring your own equipment for fear of contaminating the marine tank. Even jewelry must be removed before immersion. Diving suits (panties), vests, regulators, fins, boots and the masks are provided. Divers are allowed to bring and use their own masks and bathing suits, but these are the only exceptions to the rule.
After visiting facilities, wetsuits and towels for each diver are already waiting in private stalls including private showers in the change rooms. The configuration is well organized, but a bit odd because after changing into wetsuits, the divers are paraded through the public areas where others Epcot guests before entering the tank's main sea level. Once in the marine tank, dive masters are waiting with tanks and vests and assembled for each diver. Weight vests are integrated with more weight than necessary and the only gauge attached is an indicator of air pressure. There is not even a depth gauge or octopus phase, since it is not considered necessary for this dive shallow. After exposure of diving, divers divemasters help their teams around the world and moves to a line of descent in the middle of the tank.
The dive itself is usually beyond the expectations of most divers. There are a lot of marine life in this tank including sharks, rays, turtles and lots of Caribbean fish of all sizes. In fact, the staff claims that the divers to see more variety of Caribbean marine life during this dive one of many combined dives in the open sea. One of the interesting things divers can do on this dive you can not do elsewhere is interact with the public Epcot guests. There are observation windows sixty in all marine tank including views from the main restaurant. The divers become part of the attractions at The Living Seas as the public behind the windows wave and take photos. Some divers made arrangements with family members to be on the other side of the windows, while a designated divemaster videotapes the entire scene. Although I was skeptical at first, I have to admit that I have enjoyed interacting with the public behind the glass. I had forgotten that the vast majority of people out there are not certified divers and are a funny thing for them.
For divers who dive mainly to see marine life, the DiveQuest at Epcot will not disappoint. It is an opportunity to swim through a few large schools of fish and see some creatures such as sharks and turtles up close which as most divers know, is a hit and miss in the open sea. It is also a unique opportunity for members of non-diving family and friends to see divers in the underwater environment. DiveQuest is certainly a special jump that is worth doing at least once.
The current price is $ 140 with U.S. Advance reservations required. Divers meet at the Guest Relations office on the outskirts of the main gates of Epcot. Epcot park entrance is not required or included. However, I was released from the main area of The Living Seas after the tour so I ended up seeing other parts of Epcot for free anyway. Twice a day at 4:30 pm and 5:30 pm, a maximum of twelve divers per time slot are taken on a behind the scenes tour of the facilities of The Living Seas. All diving equipment is provided. In fact, divers can not bring your own equipment for fear of contaminating the marine tank. Even jewelry must be removed before immersion. Diving suits (panties), vests, regulators, fins, boots and the masks are provided. Divers are allowed to bring and use their own masks and bathing suits, but these are the only exceptions to the rule.
After visiting facilities, wetsuits and towels for each diver are already waiting in private stalls including private showers in the change rooms. The configuration is well organized, but a bit odd because after changing into wetsuits, the divers are paraded through the public areas where others Epcot guests before entering the tank's main sea level. Once in the marine tank, dive masters are waiting with tanks and vests and assembled for each diver. Weight vests are integrated with more weight than necessary and the only gauge attached is an indicator of air pressure. There is not even a depth gauge or octopus phase, since it is not considered necessary for this dive shallow. After exposure of diving, divers divemasters help their teams around the world and moves to a line of descent in the middle of the tank.
The dive itself is usually beyond the expectations of most divers. There are a lot of marine life in this tank including sharks, rays, turtles and lots of Caribbean fish of all sizes. In fact, the staff claims that the divers to see more variety of Caribbean marine life during this dive one of many combined dives in the open sea. One of the interesting things divers can do on this dive you can not do elsewhere is interact with the public Epcot guests. There are observation windows sixty in all marine tank including views from the main restaurant. The divers become part of the attractions at The Living Seas as the public behind the windows wave and take photos. Some divers made arrangements with family members to be on the other side of the windows, while a designated divemaster videotapes the entire scene. Although I was skeptical at first, I have to admit that I have enjoyed interacting with the public behind the glass. I had forgotten that the vast majority of people out there are not certified divers and are a funny thing for them.
For divers who dive mainly to see marine life, the DiveQuest at Epcot will not disappoint. It is an opportunity to swim through a few large schools of fish and see some creatures such as sharks and turtles up close which as most divers know, is a hit and miss in the open sea. It is also a unique opportunity for members of non-diving family and friends to see divers in the underwater environment. DiveQuest is certainly a special jump that is worth doing at least once.
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